September 20-21, 2013

Little PhilmontImproving the Scouting Program through LDS Leadership Training

Scout Committees An Effective Use of Councils

“A slow erosion of spirituality is occurring. We must build faith and testimony in the Lord Jesus Christ. The purpose of our councils is to receive revelation.” - Elder David A. Bednar

• Focus on Fundamentals

• Focus on People

• Promote Free and Open Expression

• Participation is a Privilege

• Lead with Love

Elder M. Russell Ballard

The bishopric organizes ward Scouting Committees to ensure that Scouting functions properly as a supporting activity for Aaronic Priesthood quorums.

The bishopric calls several capable adults (including fathers and mothers of boys and young men) to serve as committee members.

One of the committee members is called to serve as the chair.

Qualified adults, whether members of the Church or not, may serve on these committees.

Each committee should include a member of the bishopric.

The organization of Scout committees can and should be flexible.

Scout committees may include multiple wards.

Scout Committee Structure

COR (Bishopric Member)

Scouting committee chairman

Advancement and

membership

Activities and

equipmentTraining Finance

Possible Committee Organization

Hold Regular meetingsAnnounce meetingsFollow an AgendaStart and End on Time (Limit to 1 hour)Publish MinutesFocus on the Young MenAsk Parents to Serve on CommitteeMake Assignments Follow up

Effective Scout Committees

Aaronic Priesthood and Youth websites have many resources that can help young men and their leaders.

Become familiar with them—and use them!Stake leaders can provide support to ward

leaders by helping them become aware of the most current resources .

See “Training Resources” pgs 50–52 of Philmont PDF

See https://www.lds.org/callings/aaronic-priesthood/leader-resources/scouting/philmont?lang=eng

Power of Internet Resources

How can these Internet Resources be used effectively?We need to know they exist We should review them to see what they

entail—and check back occasionally to become aware of updated resources

We should prayerfully select those that will touch hearts and teach key principles Training opportunities (Scout committee

meetings, troop meetings, presidency meetings, quorum meeting)

Tapping Into their Power . . . .

Most activities should be simple and have little or no cost.

Expenditures must be approved by the stake presidency or bishopric before they are incurred.

Stake and ward budget funds should be used to pay for all activities, programs, and supplies.

Members should not pay fees to participate. Nor should they provide materials, supplies,

or long-distance transportation at their own expense.

Fundraising Guidelines

If the ward budget is insufficient pay for one annual extended Scout camp or similar activity, leaders may ask participants to pay for part or all of it.

If funds from participants are not sufficient, a stake president or bishop may authorize one group fund-raising activity each year for the following purposes only: a. To help pay the cost of one annual camp or

similar activity. b. To help purchase equipment that the unit

needs for annual camps.

Fundraising Guidelines

If a fund-raising activity is held:provide a meaningful value or serviceno soliciting beyond stake or ward boundaries no selling commercially produced or packaged

goods or services door to door should be a positive experience that builds

unityExpenses or travel for an annual camp or

similar activity must not be excessive. Lack of personal funds should never prohibit

a member from participating.

Fundraising Guidelines

Great Ideas for Scout

Fundraisers?

What is one thing that you felt impressed to do to strengthen the Scout Committee in your ward or branch?

Or if you’re a stake leader, to help strengthen the Scout Committees in your stake?

Share Your Impressions