LDS Scouting Positions Orientation tool

1. Welcome to the
Wonderful World of
LDS SCOUTING
1

2. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW CALLING TO A
SCOUTING POSITION IN THE CHURCH!
If you are reading/viewing this presentation you
either have a new calling and you are getting
oriented or you are getting some training.
Either way, this is a good start to getting the
training you need to be the most effective Scout
leader you can be.
2

3. Contents, by Slides
4 How to Use This Presentation
5 An Orientation Tool
6 A Few Things You Need to Know…
7 A Brief History of the BSA
8 A Brief History of Scouting and the LDS Church
9-10 Scouting Ideals, Methods and Aims
11-13 Some Differences Between LDS Scouting and “Traditional” Scouting
14 Brother Deal’s Top 6 Tips
15 The Role of the Chartered Organization and it’s leader, the Bishop
16 In an Ideal World…umm…Ward
17 List of Pack Positions
18 List of Troop Positions
19 List of Venturing Crew Positions
20 Primary Leaders Roles
21 Young Men’s Organization Leaders Roles
22-24 The Chartered Organization Rep
25-28 The Committee Chair and Committee Member
29-35 The Cubmaster and Den Leaders
36 The Den Chief
37-39 The Scoutmaster
40-42 The 11-yr Old Patrol Leader (Assistant Scoutmaster of the 11-yr Olds)
43-45 The Assistant Scoutmasters and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM)
46-48 The Venture Crew Advisor and Assistant Advisors
49 Online Links and other Resources
3

4. How to use this presentation
While this presentation can be used as a training tool,
it is primarily intended to be a New Leader Orientation
tool for adult Scouting leaders (Scouters). See the
contents slide for the location of position-specific slides
which contain a job description, materials list, list of
meetings to attend, who the position reports to, who
supports it, handbooks and other literature needed, a
training trail and a few notes on the differences
between LDS scouting and “traditional scouting.”
As a training tool the presentation is a precursor (not a
replacement for) to the BSA training offered by your
local BSA Council.
A disc containing the presentation is included in the
notebook.
4

5. Orientation Tool
To the Leader
Before extending the call:
Review the slides pertaining to the position to which you are calling
the individual.
Familiarize yourself with the boys that the new leader will have
stewardship over.
Understand what will be expected of the individual.
Understand who will have stewardship over the individual in this
calling.
Understand the meetings that the individual will be expected to
attend.
Gather the required literature…BSA literature and LDS handbooks.
At the time the call is extended:
Explain the expectations of the calling, including meetings to attend
and goals and objectives for the youth.
Review the position-specific slides with the individual.
Present the literature.
Present a list of boys that the calling has stewardship over.
Explain which organization and which organizional leader has
responsibility over the position. 5

6. A Few Things You Need to Know
Most importantly, you need to know that you now
have a wonderful opportunity to influence a boy or
young man in a way that truly may change his life for
the better.
His experiences in Scouting will give him memories
and positive reinforcements that he will always
remember. Those memories and experiences will
forever be linked to his feelings about the Gospel of
Jesus Christ and the Church.
Lastly, you need to know that Scouting in the Church
is a little bit different than “traditional Scouting.”
This presentation will outline some of the
differences.
6

7. Brief History of Scouting in America
• One Day in 1909 in London, England, an American visitor, William D.
Boyce, lost his way in a dense fog. He Stopped under a street lamp to try
to figure out where he was. A boy approached him and asked if he could
be of help.
• "You certainly can," said Boyce. He told the boy that he wanted to find a
certain business office in the center of the city.
• "I'll take you there," said the boy.
• When they got to the destination, Mr. Boyce reached into his pocket for a
tip. But the boy stopped him.
• "No thank you, sir. I am a Scout. I won't take anything for helping."
• "A Scout? And what might that be?" asked Boyce.
• The boy told the American about himself and his brother Scouts. Boyce
became very interested. After finishing his errand, he had the boy take
him to the British Scouting office.
• At the office, Boyce met Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the famous British
general who had founded the Scouting movement in Great Britain. Boyce
was so impressed with what he learned that he decided to bring Scouting
home with him.
• On February 8, 1910, Boyce and a group of outstanding leaders founded
the Boy Scouts of America. From that day forth, Scouts have celebrated
February 8 as the birthday of Scouting in the United States.
7

8. History of Scouting and the LDS Church
• The Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association (YMMIA) was
organized in June of 1875 by Junius F. Wells, under the direction of
Brigham Young, to provide spiritual and cultural activities during
leisure time for the young men of the Church.
• Scouting, with its spiritual background and cultural ideals, appealed
to Church leaders as an excellent program for boys. The YMMIA
thoroughly investigated Scouting in 1911, and, on motion of
President Anthony W. Ivins of the YMMIA general superintendency,
the MIA Scouts were officially organized.
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints formally affiliated
with the Scouting movement in the United States in May of 1913 as
its first institutional sponsor, and today sponsors more Scouts and
Scouting units in the United States than any other organization.
Hundreds of thousands of young men are enrolled as Scouts in
groups or units sponsored by the Church.
• The Church adopted Scouting as part of the activity program for
Aaronic Priesthood quorums and later for Primary boys ages 8 and
older. By providing opportunities for boys and young men to put
into practice the gospel lessons they learn in the home and at
Church, Scouting programs have supported the priesthood. 8

9. Scouting
The Aims of Scouting
Growth in moral strength and character.
Participating citizenship.
Development in physical, mental, and emotional fitness.
The Ideals of Scouting
The Ideals of Scouting are found in the Oath, the Law, the Motto and the
Slogan. A Scout measures himself against these Ideals.
The Methods of Scouting The Methods of Cub Scouting
Living the Ideals Using the Patrol Method
Belonging to a Den Living the Ideals of Scouting
Using Advancement Outdoor Programs
Involving Family and Home Using Advancement
Participating in Activities Association with Adults
Serving Neighborhood and Community Personal Growth
Wearing the Uniform Leadership Development
Making Character Connections Wearing the Uniform
9

10. The Scout Oath, Law, Motto & Slogan
Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my
best to do duty to God
and my country and to
obey the Scout Law; to
help other people at all
times; to keep myself
physically strong, mentally
awake and morally
straight.
Scout Law
A Scout is trustworthy,
loyal, helpful friendly,
courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave,
clean and reverent.
Scout Motto
Be prepared.
Scout Slogan
Do a good turn daily.
10

11. Some Differences between LDS
Scouting and “Traditional” Scouting
• No LDS Scouting activities are participated in on Sunday.
• LDS Cub Scout Packs do not include the Tiger Cub program.
• LDS Cubs do not participate in fundraising and they do not
collect dues. The Pack activities are supported by the ward
Primary budget.
• LDS Cub Scouts do not camp.
• 11-yr Old Scouts are Boy Scouts, but in the Church they are
part of the Primary Organization. The Primary Presidency is
responsible for the program and a member of the
presidency serves on the Troop committee.
• 11-yr Old Scouts are only authorized to have 3 overnight
campouts in a year. That is what they need to advance to
First Class rank, which is their goal.
11

12. Some More Differences between LDS
Scouting and “Traditional” Scouting
• Traditional committees report to the Charter Holder and
strongly frown upon one committee serving multiple units.
• All positions in traditional scouting units are volunteers,
although many are recruited. In the Church, while adult
leaders are volunteers, they are Called by the Bishopric to
serve in Scouting positions.
• Women and girls do not participate in Scout Campouts. If
the leader is a Sister, male leaders and/or fathers will camp
with the boys.
• Non-church members are welcome and they are not to pay
dues or fees to participate.
• The bishop may invite a non-member adult to be a Scout
leader as long as the individual agrees to adhere to Church
standards of conduct.
12

13. Just a Few More Differences between
LDS and “Traditional” Scouting
• In the Church all youth are registered in the unit that
pertains to their age group. Youth advance (in Cub Scouts
and from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts) by age rather than
school grade.
• LDS Venturing Crews are never co-ed while traditional crew
gender restrictions are up to the Chartered Organization.
• LDS Crew youth leaders are recommended to the bishopric
by the Crew Advisor, are called by the bishopric and
sustained by the crew, which constitutes election.
13

14. Brother Deal’s Top 6 Tips
1. Read the current Church Scouting Handbook as soon
as you receive your calling.
2. Next read the Scouting sections of the Aaronic
Priesthood & Primary Handbooks.
3. Get “trained to position” through official BSA training
as soon as possible.
4. Seek the companionship of the spirit.
5. Keep it about the boys & their needs as you
implement the program as outlined in the Scouting
Handbook.
6. BSA and the Church allow some latitude to adjust the
program to meet the needs of the boys and the
situation of the chartered organization, BUT…be
dedicated and disciplined and, as you are able, bring
the program to the outline in BSA and LDS guides.
14

15. Top Leadership & Their Duties
The LDS Charter Owner (the Bishop or Branch President)
• Ensures that the charter renewal is applied for
annually, usually at least a Pack and a Troop.
• Provides a safe place for the units to meet.
• Budgets financially for the units to operate.
• Identifies and calls individuals to fill the scouting
positions in the Units that are chartered.
• Sees that the leaders are trained.
• Directs the program and provides direction to the
leaders so that the program is administered to meet
Church guidelines.
15

16. In an Ideal World (Ward)
Scouting Units
1. Cub Pack*
2. Scout Troop*
3. Venture Crew
Church Correlation
1. Primary, boys 8-10.
2. Primary for 11-yr boys; and
Young Men's Org for boys 12-13
(if no Venture Crew,12-18).
3. Young Men’s Org, boys 14-18.
*Found in most regular, family wards and branches in the US.
16

17. The Pack Positions
• Pack Committee Chair
• Pack Committee Members
• Cubmaster
• Wolf & Bear Den Leaders
• Webelos Den Leader
• Den Chief (Boy Scout, Youth)*
• There are other optional positions
*Optional positions.
17

18. The Troop
• Troop Committee Chair
• Troop Committee Members
• Scoutmaster
• Assistant Scoutmasters
• Junior Assistant Scoutmaster* (Youth)
• 11-yr Olds Scout Leader
• There are other optional positions
*Optional positions.
18

19. The Venturing Crew
• Crew Committee Chair
• Crew Committee Members
• Crew Advisor
• Crew Assistant Advisors
• Youth Leaders
19

20. Primary Leaders Roles
• Primary President
– Responsible for the Cub Scout program
• Reports to the bishopric.
• Assigns a counselor to oversee the 8-10 year olds.
• Makes recommendations to the bishopric to consider for leader
positions.
– Responsible for the 11-yr Old Scout Program
• Makes recommendations to the bishopric to consider for leader
positions.
• Is a member of the Troop Committee.
• Encourages leaders to become trained to position.
• Primary Presidency Counselor Over 8-10 year olds
– Assigned by the Primary President to be over the Cub
Scout program
• Is a member of the Pack Committee.
• Encourages leaders to become trained to position.
20

21. Young Men’s Organization
• Bishopric
– Each member of the bishopric is assigned to a quorum with the bishop over
the Priests, 1st counselor over Teachers and 2nd counselor over the Deacons.
– One counselor, typically 2nd, is usually the COR (chartered organization rep).
– Decides how Scouting in the ward will be organized and executed while taking
into consideration Church and BSA guidelines and the needs of the youth.
• YM Presidency
– Reports to the bishopric and may fill the Scout leader positions.
– Responsible for administering the Troop and Venture Scouting programs, for
administering the Young Mens Organization, and seeing that the two are
appropriately intertwined.
– Assigns his two counselors to the quorums, usually the 1st and 2nd counselors
are assigned to the Teachers and Deacons Quorums, respectively. And in turn
to the Troop and Venturing units, respectively.
• YM Quorum Advisors
– Register as Assistant Scoutmasters or Venture Leaders.
– May be called to fill the Scout Leader positions.
– Report to the YM Presidency.
• Quorum Presidency Members (youth)
– Ideally fill the youth Scouting and Venturing positions as well as the Quorum
Presidency postions.
21

22. Chartered Organization Rep, the COR
• General Information: In the Church, the Charter Owner is the Bishop
(or Branch President). The Bishop usually selects one of his
counselors to be the COR.
• Objectives: The COR is key to the Scouting program on the ward
level. He ensures that the Scouting program in the ward…all the
chartered units…are administered according to the Church guidelines
(first) as well as the BSA guidelines. Ensure that the committee
meetings and Scouting meetings are held regularly. Encourage all
leaders to become fully trained, including Youth Protection and
position-specific training. Make recommendations for adult and
youth leaders to the bishopric. Ensure leaders provide well planned
activities that accomplish the purposes of the Church and BSA and
help the boys be active in church and grow closer to the Savior. The
COR represents the Chartered Organization to the District and
Council. He may become a member of the District Committee and
become a voting member of the Council.
(continued next slide) 22

23. Chartered Organization Rep. (cont.)
• Reports to: The Bishop, who is the Charter
Owner.
• Supported by: The Bishop, the Unit
Commissioner and other District Leaders.
• Manuals, handbooks and other literature
needed: The Church Primary Handbook, the
Aaronic Priesthood Handbook, the Scouting
Handbook, and the BSA basic literature for the
units that are chartered to that ward.
• Meetings: The monthly committee(s) meetings,
monthly District roundtable meeting, monthly
Pack Meeting, the units’ annual planning
meetings, and District Committee meetings.
(continued next slide)
23

24. Chartered Organization Rep. (cont.)
• Training (*mandatory, ^necessary, °suggested): Take
*Youth Protection Training (online, every 2 years). Then
*Register with the BSA as an adult leader, then take the
following courses:
1. *This Is Scouting (online)
2. ^Fast Start for your units (online)
3. ^COR Training (taught by the District Executive in a group
setting or individually…usually with the Chartered Organization
Head)
4. °Committee Challenge.
Take 1-3 to be trained-to-position, authorized to wear the
“Trained” patch, and to qualify for °Wood Badge. °Outdoor
Leadership Skills (for Troops) and °Baloo (for Packs) are great for
learning the boys’ programs, as are the other °leader-specific
training courses.
• Differs from traditional scouting units: Usually assigned to the
position by virtue of his position in the Bishopric.
24

25. Committee Chair
• General Information: While a Scout committee in a ward can serve
more than one unit in the ward, the ideal setup is to have a
committee for each unit (i.e. Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venture
Scouts). Each committee in the ward will have a chairperson.
• Objectives: The goal of the Committee Chair is to see that the
committee helps the young men or boys who are assigned to that
unit achieve the unit’s LDS Scouting purposes and help them earn
their religious award. Ensure the charter is renewed correctly and
timely each year.
• Reports to: The presidency of the Church organization to which the
boys and/or young men in the unit are assigned and to the
Chartered Organization Rep (the COR), who is a member of the
bishopric.
• Supported by: The Primary Presidency, the COR and the Unit
Commissioner. Unit Commissioners are usually appointed by the
District and not a member of the ward.
(continued next slide)
25

26. Committee Chair (cont.)
• Manuals, handbooks and other literature needed: the Church’s
Primary Handbook , the Aaronic Priesthood Handbook, the Scouting
Handbook, the BSA Committee Guide, the handbook(s) that the
boys in the committee’s unit use.
• Meetings: Monthly committee meeting, Monthly District Round
Table.
• Training (*mandatory, ^necessary, °suggested): Take *Youth
Protection Training (online, every 2 years). Then *Register with the
BSA as an adult leader, then take the following courses:
1. *This Is Scouting (online)
2. ^Fast Start for your unit (online)
3. ^Committee Challenge.
Take 1-3 to be trained-to-position, authorized to wear the “Trained”
patch, and to qualify for °Wood Badge. °Outdoor Leadership Skills (for
Troops) and °Baloo (for Packs) are great for learning the boys’ programs.
• Differs from traditional scouting units: Traditional committees
report to the Charter Holder. Traditional scouting allows for, but
strongly frowns upon one committee serving multiple units…and it
is not a desirable situation in LDS Scouting either.
26

27. Committee Member
• General Information: While a Scouting committee in a
ward can serve more than one unit in the ward, the
ideal setup is to have a committee for each unit (i.e.
Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venture Scouts).
• Objectives: The goal of the Committee Member is to
serve in a specific role on the committee. The
Committee Members work together to ensure that the
committee assists the young men or boys who are
assigned to the unit to achieve that unit’s LDS Scouting
purposes and help them earn their religious award.
• Reports to: The committee chair.
• The Committee Is Supported by: The Primary
Presidency, the COR and the Unit Commissioner
(usually appointed by the District and not a member of
the ward).
(continued next slide) 27

28. Committee Member (cont.)
• Manuals, handbooks and other literature needed: The Church’s
Primary Handbook, the Aaronic Priesthood Handbook, the Scouting
Handbook, the BSA Committee Guide, and the BSA guide for the
committee role in which you serve (training, advancement and finance
are a few examples).
• Meetings: Monthly committee meeting, Monthly District Round Table.
• Training (*mandatory, ^necessary, °suggested): Take *Youth
Protection Training (online, every 2 years). Then *Register with the
BSA as an adult leader, then take the following courses:
1. *This Is Scouting (online)
2. ^Fast Start for your unit (online)
3. ^Committee Challenge.
Take 1-3 to be trained-to-position, authorized to wear the “Trained”
patch, and to qualify for °Wood Badge. °Outdoor Leadership Skills (for
Troops) and °Baloo (for Packs) are great for learning the boys’
program.
28

29. Cubmaster
• Objectives: The Cubmaster sees that the Pack program is
implemented to Church standards (first) and BSA standards. As the
pack leader, the Cubmaster is the primary focus of the Cub Scout boys.
Set the example by wearing the uniform and getting to know the Cubs.
Conduct a monthly, fun, activity-filled Pack Meeting. Oversee rank
advancement , including the Arrow of Light Award and the religious
award. Direct and motivate the other leaders.
• Reports to: The Pack Committee Chair and the Primary President.
• Supported by: The Pack Committee and the Primary Presidency.
• Meetings: Monthly committee meeting, monthly district Roundtable,
monthly Pack Meeting, annual Pack Planning Meeting.
• Manuals, handbooks and other literature needed: The Church
Primary Handbook, the Scouting Handbook, the Faith in God for Boys
guidebook, the Cub Scout Leader Book, the Pack and Den Meeting
Resource Guide (replaces the Annual Cub Scouting Program Helps), the
Cub Scout Leader How-to Book, Ceremonies for Dens and Packs, and
Group Meeting Sparklers is a nice resource.
(continued next slide)
29

30. Cubmaster (cont.)
• Training (*mandatory, ^necessary, °suggested): Take *Youth
Protection (online, every 2 years). Then *Register with the
BSA as an adult leader and take the following courses:
1. *This Is Scouting (online)
2. ^Fast Start for your unit (online)
3. ^Scout Master Leader Specific Training course
Take 1-3 to be trained-to-position and to be authorized to
wear the “Trained” patch. Take °Baloo training to qualify to
take °Wood Badge.
• Differs from traditional scouting units: In traditional Cub
Scouting the Primary organization does not direct Cub Scouts.
LDS Cub Scouts do not participate in overnight camping, raise
money, or pay dues and they advance by age rather than
grade.
30

31. Wolf & Bear Den Leaders
(Tiger Cub dens are not supported)
• Objectives: Plan and conduct the weekly den meetings
using the BSA program helps. As the direct leader of
the boys in the den, the Den Leader sets the example
by wearing the uniform and getting to know the boys.
Follow Church guidelines (first) and BSA guidelines.
Plan the den meetings well, making them fun and
activity-filled. Ensure that the boys behave
appropriately. Help them advance and earn the
religious award. Read and use the manuals fully.
• Reports to: The Pack Committee and Primary
presidency counselor over Cub Scouts.
• Supported by: The Cubmaster, the Pack Committee
and the Primary presidency.
(continued next slide)
31

32. Wolf & Bear Den Leaders (cont.)
• Manuals, handbooks and other literature needed: The Church
Primary Handbook, the Scouting Handbook, the Faith in God for
Boys guidebook, the Wolf or Bear Handbook, the BSA Pack and Den
Meeting Resource Guide (replaces the Annual Cub Scouting
Program Helps), the Cub Scout Leader Book, and the Cub Scout
Leader How-to Book.
• Training (*mandatory, ^necessary, °suggested): Take *Youth
Protection (online, every 2 years). Then *Register with the BSA as
an adult leader, then take the following courses:
1. *This Is Scouting (online)
2. ^Fast Start for your unit (online)
3. ^Den Leader Specific Training course
Take 1-3 to be trained-to-position and to be authorized to wear the
“Trained” patch. Take °Baloo to qualify to take °Wood Badge.
(continued next slide)
32

33. Wolf & Bear Den Leaders (cont.)
• Meetings: Weekly den meetings, monthly committee
meeting, monthly district Roundtable, monthly Pack Meeting,
annual Pack Planning Meeting.
• Differs from traditional scouting units: LDS Cub Scouts do not
participate in overnight camping.
33

34. Webelos Den Leader
• Objectives: Plan and conduct the weekly den meetings
using the BSA program helps. As the direct leader of
the boys in the den, the Webelos Den Leader sets the
example by wearing the uniform and getting to know
the boys. Follow Church guidelines (first) and BSA
guidelines. Plan the den meetings well, making them
fun and activity-filled. Ensure that the boys behave
appropriately. Help them advance and earn the Arrow
of Light and the religious award. Read and use the
manuals fully.
• Reports to: The Pack Committee and Primary
presidency counselor over Cub Scouts.
• Supported by: The Cubmaster, the Pack Committee
and the Primary presidency.
(continued next slide)
34

35. Webelos Den Leader
• Manuals, handbooks and other literature needed: The Church
Primary Handbook, the Scouting Handbook, the Faith in God for
Boys guidebook, the Webelos Handbook, the BSA Pack and Den
Meeting Resource Guide (replaces the Annual Cub Scouting
Program Helps), the Cub Scout Leader Book, and the Cub Scout
Leader How-to Book.
• Training (*mandatory, ^necessary, °suggested): Take *Youth
Protection (online, every 2 years). Then *Register with the BSA as
an adult leader, then take the following courses:
1. *This Is Scouting (online)
2. ^Fast Start for your unit (online)
3. ^Webelos Den Leader Specific Training course
Take 1-3 to be trained-to-position and to be authorized to wear the
“Trained” patch. Take °Baloo to qualify to take °Wood Badge.
• Differs from traditional scouting units: LDS Cub Scouts do not
participate in overnight camping.
35

36. Den Chief
• General Information: The Den Chief is a Boy Scout who assists in the
den. It is an optional position in LDS units and traditional units. Many
LDS Packs do not support utilizing Den Chiefs because the Scouts meet
at the same time the Dens meet.
• Objectives: The Den Chief serves as the activities assistant at den
meetings. He sets a good example through his attitude and wearing his
uniform. He is a friend to the boys in the den. He helps lead the weekly
den meetings and helps the den in its part of the monthly pack meeting.
• Reports to: The Den Leader
• Supported by: The Den Leader, Cubmaster and Scout Master.
• Manuals, handbooks and other literature needed: Den chief
guidebook.
• Meetings: Weekly den meetings, his other Scout meetings.
• Training: Den Chief training course.
• Differs from traditional scouting units: In traditional units the Den Chief
is selected by the SPL (Senior Patrol Leader) and Scout Master at the
request of the Cubmaster.
36

37. Scoutmaster
• Objectives: The Scoutmaster sees that the Troop program is
implemented to Church standards (first) and BSA standards. He
works hand-in-hand with the YM Presidency and helps to merge
the two programs. He trains and helps the youth leaders to run
the program. He oversees and encourages rank advancement,
including the religious award. The Scoutmaster ensures that the
youth leadership meetings are held regularly. He ensures Courts
of Honor are timely and appropriate. He makes
recommendations to the Bishopric for youth leadership
positions.
• Reports to: The Young Men’s Presidency and the Troop
Committee.
• Supported by: The Troop Committee, the Young Men’s
Presidency, the Bishopric, the Unit Commissioner.
(continued next slide)
37

38. Scoutmaster (cont.)
• Manuals, handbooks and other literature needed: The
Church Aaronic Priesthood Handbook, the Scouting
Handbook, the BSA Scoutmaster Handbook, Troop Leadership
Features, many other BSA publications are available.
• Training (*mandatory, ^necessary, °suggested): Take *Youth
Protection Training (online, every 2 years). Then *Register with the
BSA as an adult leader, then take the following courses:
1. *This Is Scouting (online)
2. ^Fast Start (online)
3. ^Position-specific Scoutmaster Training
4. °Outdoor Leadership Skills
Take 1-3 to be trained-to-position and to be authorized to wear the
“Trained” patch. 4 is needed to qualify for °Wood Badge.
(continued next slide)
38

39. Scoutmaster (cont.)
• Meetings: Monthly Troop committee meeting, monthly
District roundtable, weekly troop meeting, monthly PLC
(Patrol Leader Council) meeting, monthly PL (Patrol
Leader) meeting, ward YM Presidency meeting as invited,
ward Aaronic Priesthood Committee as invited.
• Differs from traditional scouting units: The SM is called
by the Chartered Organization Head…the Bishopric. The
troop receives a budget from the Chartered Organization
and are only authorized to hold one fundraising activity
per year. LDS Scouts do not camp over Saturday night,
even for summer camp and do not travel on Sunday. Key
youth leaders are chosen and called by the bishopric and
sustained by the Troop members, which constitutes
election. 39

40. 11-yr Olds Scout Leader
(Asst. SM over 11-yr Olds)
• General Information: The 11-yr Olds Scout Leader is registered as an
assistant Scoutmaster over the 11-yr Old Patrol. While the patrol has a
relationship with the Troop, and occasionally meets with the Troop
(including Courts of Honor), the program is separate. The patrol, as a
rule does not camp with the Troop. On the rare occasion that they do,
the patrol should camp together, as a patrol, separate from the older
boys.
• Objectives: The 11-yr Olds Scout Leader sees that the 11-yr Olds Scout
program is implemented to Church standards (first) and BSA standards.
He works under the direction of the Primary President. He trains and
helps the youth leaders in the patrol to run the program. He oversees
and encourages rank advancement, including the religious award. The
11-yr Olds Scout Leader ensures that the youth leadership meetings
are held regularly. He makes recommendations to the Bishopric for
youth leadership positions in the patrol.
(continued next slide) 40

41. 11-yr Olds Leader (cont.)
• Reports to: The Primary President and the Troop
Committee.
• Supported by: The Primary Presidency, the Troop
Committee and the Bishopric.
• Manuals, handbooks and other literature
needed: The same as the Scoutmaster plus the
Church’s Primary Handbook.
• Meetings: Monthly Troop committee meeting,
monthly District roundtable, weekly 11-yr Olds
Patrol meeting, monthly PL (Patrol Leader)
meeting, and Primary Leadership meetings.
(continued next slide)
41

42. 11-yr Olds Leader (cont.)
• Training (*mandatory, ^necessary, °suggested): Take *Youth
Protection Training (online, every 2 years). Then *Register with
the BSA as an adult leader, then take the following courses:
1. *This Is Scouting (online)
2. ^Fast Start (online)
3. ^Position-specific Scoutmaster/Asst Scoutmaster Training
4. °Outdoor Leadership Skills
Take 1-3 to be trained-to-position and to be authorized to wear
the “Trained” patch. 4 is needed to qualify for °Wood Badge.
• Differs from traditional scouting units: The 11-yr Olds Scout
Program is particular to LDS Scouting. While traditional Scout
Troops usually have a new scout patrol they are organized as a
patrol in the troop, coming under the direction of the SPL and
Scoutmaster, meeting and camping with the troop.
42

43. Assistant Scout Masters
• Information: In Scouting there is no limit of how many Assistant
Scoutmasters can serve in a Troop. They fulfill 2-deep leadership
requirements, overseeing patrols and other supporting roles as
needed within the organization.
• Objectives: Fulfill 2-deep leadership requirements and other
assignments as needed.
• Reports to: The Scoutmaster.
• Supported by: The Scoutmaster, the Troop Committee, the Bishopric.
• Manuals, handbooks and other literature needed: Same as the
Scoutmaster.
• Meetings: Monthly Troop committee meeting, monthly District
roundtable, weekly troop meeting, monthly PLC (Patrol Leader
Council) meeting, monthly PL (Patrol Leader) meeting, ward YM
Presidency meeting as invited, ward Aaronic Priesthood Committee
as invited.
(cont. next slide)
43

44. Assistant Scout Masters (cont.)
• Training (*mandatory, ^necessary, °suggested): Take *Youth
Protection Training (online, every 2 years). Then *Register with the
BSA as an adult leader, then take the following courses:
1. *This Is Scouting (online)
2. ^Fast Start (online)
3. ^Position-specific Scoutmaster Training
4. °Outdoor Leadership Skills
Take 1-3 to be trained-to-position and to be authorized to wear the
“Trained” patch. 4 is needed to qualify for °Wood Badge.
• Differs from traditional scouting units: In LDS wards the members
of the Young Men’s presidency and Quorum Advisors should be
registered as Assistant Scoutmasters unless serving in another
Scouting position to which they are registered.
44

45. Junior Assistant Scout Master
• Objectives: As a youth of 16 or 17, the JASM sets the example to the
younger scouts. He advises and assists the Scoutmaster in administering the
program, helping with supervision, and supporting the younger boys in the
troop. He adheres to all Youth Protection and 2-deep leadership principles,
including overnight camping, driving, etc. The position is optional for troops.
• Reports to: The Scoutmaster and SPL (Senior Patrol Leader).
• Supported by: The scoutmaster.
• Meetings: Monthly PLC (Patrol Leaders’ Council), monthly PL (Patrol Leader
meeting) as invited.
• Manuals, handbooks and other literature needed: There is no handbook for
the JASM, but the SPL Guidebook is helpful.
• Training: TLT course (Troop Leadership Training).
• Differs from traditional scouting units: In LDS troops, the JASM is
recommended by the Scoutmaster, approved by the bishopric. In traditional
troops he is chosen by the SPL with Scoutmaster approval. The position is
optional for LDS and traditional troops.
45

46. Venturing Crew Advisor
& Asst. Advisors
• Information: While Troops are intended to be youth-led (just as the
AP Quorums), Venturing Crews are much more youth-leader
oriented than Troops. Youth leaders conduct all meetings, receive
position-specific training, and make the decisions of the crew. The
adult leaders, Advisors, counsel with the youth leaders.
• Objectives: Crew Advisors and Asst. Crew Advisors ensure the
youth leaders are fully trained and teach the youth leaders how to
conduct meetings and all other aspects of leadership, decision
making and activity planning. With the help of the Crew
Committee, the Crew Advisors ensure that the youth leaders have
access to the resources needed to be able to carry out their
approved activities and plans, including finances, training, etc.
• Reports to: The Young Men’ Presidency, the Crew Committee and
the Bishopric.
• Supported by: The Crew Committee, the Young Men’s Presidency,
the Bishopric and the Unit Commissioner.
(cont. next slide)
46

47. Venturing Crew Advisor
& Asst. Advisors (cont)
• Manuals, handbooks and other literature needed: The Church
Aaronic Priesthood Handbook, the Scouting Handbook, the BSA
Venturing Leader Manual, Venturing Leader Training with CD, other
pertinent BSA publications.
• Training (*mandatory, ^necessary, °suggested): Take *Youth
Protection Training (online, every 2 years). Then *Register with the
BSA as an adult leader, then take the following courses:
1. *This Is Scouting (online)
2. ^Venturing Fast Start (online)
3. ^Position-specific Training
4. °Outdoor Leadership Skills
Take 1-3 to be trained-to-position and to be authorized to wear the
“Trained” patch. 4 is needed to qualify for °Wood Badge.
(cont next slide)
47

48. Venturing Crew Advisor
& Asst. Advisors (cont)
• Meetings: Monthly Crew committee meeting,
monthly District roundtable, regular Crew Leadership
meeting, ward YM Presidency meeting as invited,
ward Aaronic Priesthood Committee as invited.
• Differs from traditional scouting units: LDS
Venturing Crews are never co-ed while traditional
crew gender restrictions are up to the Chartered
Organization. LDS Crew youth leaders are
recommended to the bishopric by the Crew Advisor,
are called by the bishopric and sustained by the crew,
which constitutes election.
48

49. Resources, LinksMost of the information in this presentation was found in the resources listed
• LDS Aaronic Priesthood Handbook
• LDS Primary Handbook
• LDS Scouting Handbook
• BSA Scouting Guidebooks
• http://www.scouting.org
• http://www.ldsscoutertools.org
• http://www.ldsbsa.org
• http://scoutmaster.org
• http://lds.org
• http://www.scoutstuff.org
• http://meritbadge.org
• https://myscouting.scouting.org
• http://www.mcctraining.org
• http://mccscouting.org (Mecklenburg County Council, find local contacts and other useful
links)
• http://www.centralnccouncilbsa.com (Central NC Council, find local contacts and other
useful links)
• http://palmettocouncil.org (Palmetto Council, find local contacts and other useful links)
Developed by Mike Deal, Stake Scouting Coordinator, 10-2010 49