Be Prepared

"When leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints embraced the newly founded Boy Scout movement 100  years ago, it was a decision that would end up blessing the Church, the Boy Scouts of America, and millions of young men and their leaders during the ensuing century/"

Last week I had the chance to watch the 100 years of Scouting celebration broadcast. I was so impressed by the whole thing. I really saw for the first time how scouting could be a missionary tool. With a motto of "Be Prepared", and a slogan of "Do a good turn daily". Its easy to see how this program can help prepare young people to serve our Heavenly Father through out the world.

"Further, we must teach that in doing his duty to God he prepares himself to go on a mission when he is old enough. Every Scouter can lead a boy into receiving this rich gift. This should be a first objective in your Scouting." -S. Dilworth Young

President Monson was rightfully honored for his years of scouting. He recounted a time when his scout leader dropped his troop off in the mountains, charged young President Monson with catching enough fish to feed the boys and then left. He never questioned the charge. He just did his part and caught the fish to feed the troop. It wasn't until he was older that he realized how irresponsible that was of the Scoutmaster, but it was a learning experience.

I fully believe that the Scouting program and the Personal Progress programs are divinely inspired and if used properly can be one of our strongest tools in helping young people prepare to serve there mission.

I know that our Heavenly Father wants us to succeed. He loves us and gives us so many blessing and opportunities to grow and to serve. He truly is a loving Father and if we rely on Him, He can bless us far beyond what we expect.