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Posts Tagged ‘aaronic priesthood’

I saw this video on Facebook the other day and it was a perfect example of what Scouting should be.

As this video shows, very dull and even boring things can be fun if you make it fun.  I have always loved the saying “Scouting is a Game with a Purpose”.  I was told that it was a saying by Lord Baden-Powell, but I found out that it was probably written by William “Green Bar Bill” Hillcourt.  He also said, “A realization that to the boys Scouting is a game—to you, a game with a purpose: Character building and Citizenship training.”

If scout leaders could take this concept and integrate it into their scouting programs, we would have boys joining left and right.  Please remember, scout leaders, to make it fun.

I have been asked to do a scout training on Saturday. The training is the Venture Leader Specific Training. Last time I did this training I had 3 leaders show up. Previously, I taught this class at a local community College and only one leader showed up out of the Whole Council. This time, I had 5 leaders come to the class so I was pleased. However, we should have had many many more attend.

Here are some of the highlight of this training.

Here are the Methods of Venturing
Al Right= A – L – R – I – G – H – T
Adult Association
Leadership
Recognition
Ideals
Group Activity
High Adventure
Teaching Others

Notice, there are no uniforms listed in these methods. Uniforms aren’t that important in the lives of these young men at this point. Recognition is somewhat important but not needed as much as in the younger years of the scouting programs.

Venturing should be a program that leaders can use to prepare Aaronic Priesthood youth, specifically Priests, to go on missions.

Use the PCI (Program Capability Inventory) and the AIS, (Activity Interest Survey) to create your program and fill in your Wednesday activities.

The VLSC (Venturing Leadership Skills Course) is a great way to train your Venture Scouts (Priests) how to be good leaders.

Venture Youth should learn as follows. Read, Listen, Recite, Teach others.

Sunday morning, I went over the “Duty to God” program with my two sons.

Duty to God

They have two years to complete each section of the program as they grow in the Aaronic Priesthood. Although the requirements in the DTG do not take the place of the Scouting Program, they do match up in many ways and add a level of depth spiritually that we like to teach to these young men. Some of the requirements include hiking a certain distance, giving a talk or teaching a lesson in church and teaching younger people a new game.

After reviewing all of the requirements with each of them, I am very pleased to see that they are over half way done. I was very worried about my oldest son because he had just turned 15 which means he only has a year left until he becomes a Priest. Once he is a Priest, he has a whole set of new requirements he needs to meet. After completing all three programs (6 years), he would earn a Duty to God Award.

Great job Coby and Andy for your continued work on the DTG (Duty to God) program.