The Deacon-Scout Program
Characteristics of a
Deacon-age boys 12–13
Physical
• Physically Active
• Developing coordination but Still Awkward
• A bit intimidated by team activities and group
sports with Teachers and Priests
Characteristics of a
Deacon-age boys 12–13
Mental
• Emerging Mental & Intellectual Talents
• Developing Self-Esteem but Still Unsure of
Themselves
• Obtaining Mature Social & Emotional Needs
and Skills
Characteristics of a
Deacon-age boys 12–13
Spiritual
• Spiritually Awakening to Questions about the
Gospel
• Beginning to Recognize the Inspiration of the
Holy Spirit
• Relate More to Stories that explain Gospel
Principles rather than Raw Doctrine
Characteristics of a
Deacon-age boys 12–13
Concerned With, Enjoy, and Stressed By:
• Educational and School Challenges & Fears
• Developing Awareness of Relationships with Friends
and Young Women
• Family Relationships (Parents are still the main
influence)
• Church Participation, Priesthood, and Service
• An awakening to dress and appearance
Characteristics of a
Deacon-age boys 12–13
Their Desires Include –
•
•
•
•
Achieving and Accomplishment
Enjoying Outdoor Experiences
Being Accepted as Part of Group
Experiencing New Opportunities in Quorum,
Priesthood, and Scouting
Challenges:
YM Activity Rates Declining
We are losing more youth to
• 1-11 yrs old
(-28%)
• 11-13 yrs old
(-4%)
• 13-15 yrs old
(-18%)
• 15-17 yrs old
(-8%)
inactivity:
=
72%
=
68%
=
50%
=
42%
Vitalizing the Deacon’s Quorum
Given the characteristics and challenges facing
Deacon-age young men, what can we do as
leaders to make sure that our voices remain
louder than Satan’s?
What do we really want to have happen in the
lives of our young men of age 12 and 13 ?
Goal of Deacon’s Quorum
•Retain the Active
•Reclaim the Less Active
•Grow the Quorum
What can we do as Leaders to help the quorum
presidency accomplish these goals?
Answer: Help YM Have Spiritual Experiences Through
a STRONG ACTIVITY PROGRAM!
Aaronic Activity Program
for Deacons
• If you build it—they will come!
• If you don’t—they will go elsewhere.
President David O McKay
“The spirituality of a ward will be
commensurate with the activity of
the youth of that ward.”
Why?
Aaronic Priesthood
Activity Program
“Aaronic Priesthood activities should strengthen
testimonies and foster personal growth. They
should be based on the purposes of the Aaronic
Priesthood. They also should provide
opportunities to apply the principles taught in
Sunday quorum meetings and feel support in
living them.”
General Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, p. 186.
Section 2:
Scouting – A Laboratory for
Applying Gospel Principles
Purpose
President Hinckley
“I love the Scouting movement. The
promise of the Scout Oath and the
twelve points of the Scout Law point
young men along the path of being
prepared for the 21st century. They
provide a solid and powerful magnetic
force toward development of a wellrounded and noteworthy character that
counts . . . I am glad to be able to pay my respects to
you who move the great Scouting program along.”
President Gordon B. Hinckley
“Scouting teaches boys how to live,
not merely how to make a living.
How pleased I am that The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
in 1913 became the first partner to
sponsor Scouting in the United
States. We’ve remained strong and
firm in our support of this great
movement for boys and of the Oath
and the Law which are at its center.”
-- Elder Thomas S. Monson
October 1982
President Thomas S. Monson
1st Counselor, The First Presidency
Longest tenured member
National Executive Board, BSA
Since 1969
Why Scouting in Church?
33% of LDS YM serve full-time missions.
94% of LDS Eagle Scouts serve missions.
=
Why Scouting in Church?
When properly applied, Scouting acts as a
laboratory for boys with dedicated leaders
serving as trained laboratory instructors,
monitoring and encouraging the application
of the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood by
providing action experiences that appeal to
quorum members.
“On My Honor” pg.10
Why Scouting in Church?
Scouting requires special understanding to
integrate it as an activity arm in the Aaronic
Priesthood program. Scouting alone cannot
strengthen testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. But, in the hands of INSPIRED,
DEDICATED, & TRAINED leaders, Scouting
is an effective tool to help young men
accomplish the purposes on the Aaronic
Priesthood.
=
Purposes of Aaronic Priesthood
The Mission of Scouting
The mission of the Boy Scouts of
America is to prepare young
people to make ethical choices
over their lifetimes by instilling in
them the values of the Scout Oath
and Law.
The Values of Scouting:
The Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best
to do my 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.
A Scout is
The Values of Scouting:
The Scout Law
•
•
•
•
•
•
Trustworthy
Loyal
Helpful
Friendly
Courteous
Kind
•
•
•
•
•
•
Obedient
Cheerful
Thrifty
Brave
Clean
Reverent
Boy Scouts
(Ages 11-13)
Uses the “methods” of scouting
to accomplish the “aims” of scouting.
The Aims of Scouting
• To build character
• To foster citizenship
• To develop fitness
The Methods of Scouting
• Ideals
• Patrols
• Outdoors
• The Uniform
• Advancement
• Personal Growth
• Adult Association
• Leadership Development
Importance of Outings
The Teaching the Gospel using methods that are
largely sedentary, such as Sunday Meetings and
Seminary, has limitations.
“When properly applied, Scouting becomes a
laboratory for boys with dedicated leaders serving as
laboratory instructors, monitoring and encouraging
the application of the purposes of the Aaronic
Priesthood by providing action experiences that
appeal to young men.”
(“On My Honor”, Thayne Packer p.2)
Learning Process
•Exposure
•Repetition
•Understanding
•Conviction
•APPLICATION
Learning Process
There are action limitations in whatever we
try to teach on Sunday. We do better when our
Sunday lessons are fortified, through the
experience of doing at another place and time.
This is where Scouting becomes the
laboratory for Aaronic Priesthood holders.
Learning Process
When does a boy learn to be trustworthy?
After I have explained it to him? After he has
repeated it? After he learns how to spell it?
After he can recite the definition? Or is there a
further test?
Learning Process
“True the restored gospel exposes us to truth. True
the Church provides us with repeated exposure.
True the Church provides us with an array of tools
and methods to help us understand. True the Lord
grants us the blessing of the Holy Ghost to convince
us that certain things are true. But the bottom line in
the teaching and learning of the gospel are found in
the opportunities to apply the gospel.”
(Thayne Packer)
Inspired Leaders
For the inspired and trained leader, 2 games
are being played: capturing the boy’s interest
at the same time finding opportunities to help
strengthen the boys’ testimonies.
In the hands of an inspired, dedicated, and
trained leader; Scouting is an effective tool to
help young men accomplish the purposes of
the Aaronic Priesthood.
Give Me This Mountain
Read “Give Me This Mountain”
Section 3:
The Troop & The Quorum
Scout / Deacon’s
Quorum Integration
• First, make sure that Deacon’s Quorum President is
TRAINED in their Duties, PRESIDES in all meetings of
the Quorum, and actively carries out duties.
• Second, make sure that the Senior Patrol Leader is
Trained in his responsibilities and is leading the Troop
(under the direction of the quorum president)
Scout / Deacon’s
Quorum Integration
• The Boy Scout Unit must not operate independent of
the quorum.
• Planning for Troop is done during Deacon’s Quorum
Presidency Meeting
“Scouting is part of the Quorum Presidency’s responsibilities. Each scout
unit should have a … Senior Patrol Leader who is nominated by the
bishopric and sustained by quorum members. This leader is usually the
quorum president.” (LDS Scouting Handbook, pg. 3)
“At least once each month, after the foregoing matters have been
considered, the quorum presidency meeting is used to make plans for
the quorum’s scout unit. If youth and adult leaders are not already
present, they are invited to the meeting at this time.” (Church Handbook of
Instructions, Book 2 –Section 2, pg 184-185)
Boy Scout Advancement:
Trail to Eagle
District Organization
With Church Correlation
District Key Three
District Executive
District Chairman
Program
Chairman
Cabinet:
• Advancement
• Outdoor
• Training
• Activity
• Health & Safety
Zone Chairmen
Stake Pres. Counselors YM
Assist. Dist. Commissioners
Stake High Councilors YM
District Commissioner
Assist. Dist. Comms
Stk. High Coun’s Prim.
Dist. Venturing
Commissioner
Dist. Varsity
Commissioner
Dist. Boy Scout
Commissioner
Dist. 11-Yr. Old
Commissioner
Dist. Cub Scout
Commissioner
Zone Vent. Comms
Stake YM Pres
Zone Varsity Comms
Stake YM 1st
Zone BS Comms
Stk. YM 2nd
Zone 11-Yr. Comms
Stk. Primary Pres
Zone Cub Comms
Stk. Primary Coun.
Unit Vent. Comms
Stake YM
Unit Varsity Comms
Stake YM
Unit BS Comms
Stk. YM
Unit 11-Yr. Comms
Stk. Primary
Unit Cub Comms
Stk. Primary
Roundtable
Commissioner
Roundtable
Commissioners:
• Cub Scout
• 11-Yr-Old
• Boy Scout
• Varsity
• Venture
Unit Organization (Adult)
Church Correlation
Chartered Organization Head
Bishop
Chartered Organization Representative
Bishopric 2nd Counselor
Pack / Primary
Pack Committee:
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Advancement
• Public Relations
• Outings
• Membership/
reregistration
• Primary Counselor
Cubmaster
& Assistants
Den Leaders
& Assistants
Asst. Scoutmaster
11-Year-Old Scout Leader
Troop/Deacon Quorum
Bishopric 2nd Counselor
Team/Teacher’s Quorum
Bishopric 1st Counselor
Crew/Priest’s Quorum
Bishop
Troop Committee:
• Chairman
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Outdoor Activities
• Advancement
• Chaplain
• Training
• Equipment Coordinator
• Primary President
• Duty to God*
Team Committee:
• Chairman
• Advancement
• High Adventure/Sports
• Service
• Personal Development
• Special Programs & Events
• Duty to God*
Crew Committee (not specified,
but experience areas are):
• Chairman
• Social Interaction
• Leadership development
• Personal Fitness
• Service to Community
• Outdoor Activities
• Citizenship
• Duty to God*
Varsity Coach
YM 1st or Asst. Teacher Adv.
Venture Advisor
YM Pres. or Asst. Priest Adv.
Asst. Varsity Coach
Teacher Adv. or YM 1st
Assoc. Venture Advisor
Priest Adv. or YM Pres.
YM
2nd
Scoutmaster
or Asst. Deacon Adv.
Asst. Scoutmaster
Deacon Adv. or YM 2nd
Unit Organization (Youth)
Church Correlation
Sr. Patrol Leader
Deacons Quorum President*
Team Captain
Teachers Quorum President*
Crew President
Priest Quorum 1st Assist.*
Asst. Sr. Patrol Leader
Asst. Team Captain
Asst. Crew President
Other crew leaders:
Secretary, Treasurer, etc.
Other Troop Leaders
Other Team Leaders
(correspond to troop committee)
(correspond to team committee)
Patrol Leader
Patrol Leader
Squad Leaders
Asst. Patrol Leader
Asst. Patrol Leader
Asst. Squad Leaders
Other Patrol Leaders
Other Patrol Leaders
Other Squad Leaders
(correspond to troop committee)
(correspond to troop committee)
(correspond to team committee)
Patrol Members
Primary 11-Year-Old Boys
Patrol Members
Deacons Quorum Members
Squad Members
Teachers Quorum Members
Crew Members
Priests Quorum Members
Section 4:
Duty to God
Fulfilling Our Duty to God
AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
Elder Hales
“I promise you that your achievement of the
Duty to God Award will provide you with a
living testimony that will sustain you throughout
your life.”
AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
Duty to God
“The Duty to God program helps
young men accomplish the
purposes of the Aaronic
Priesthood. It helps them develop
skills and attributes that are needed
to succeed in life.”
Purposes of Aaronic Priesthood
Duty to God – Requirements
AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
Duty to God and Scouting
Many Scouting requirements can
fulfill goals and requirements of
the Aaronic Priesthood Duty to
God Program.
So run a consolidated program!
AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
Make it One Program
• Scouter is assistant advisor.
• Advisor is assistant scouter.
• Plan activities that fulfill both
scouting and Duty to God
goals and requirements.
• Consider calling a Duty to God
Coordinator to the scouting
committee.
AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
Complementary Requirements
Scouting requirements can satisfy nearly all Duty to God Requirements…
Deacon
Teacher
Spiritual
25%
83%
Educational,
Personal, Personal
Goals
And
Career
Physical
100%
Citizenship
And Social
75%
Family Activities 71%
Quorum Activities 57%
Spiritual
83%
100%
Educational, Personal
Physical
Personal,
Goals
100%
And
Career
Citizenship
And Social
100%
Family Activities 100%
Quorum Activities 100%
Priest
Spiritual
100%
100%
Educational,
Personal
Personal,
Goals
And
Career
Physical
100%
Citizenship
And Social
100%
Family Activities 100%
Quorum Activities 100%
…if you plan carefully.
AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
Tracking Duty to God Progress
• Variety of tools and
approaches
• Individual vs. group
• Vertical vs. horizontal
• Formats
–
–
–
–
Printed (PDF)
Document file
Excel spreadsheet
Stored on Web (DutyToGod.org)
• Handouts show examples
AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
Example Consolidated Program
Deacon Quorum Activity Plan
Month
Lesson/Activity
JAN
Purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood/First Aid
Quorum Lesson #22
Mutual: Basic first aid skills
Quorum Lesson #1
Mutual: First aid
Quorum Lesson #2
Mutual/Combined YM/YW: Frisbee Golf
Quorum Lesson #15
Mutual: First aid
Campout: Snow camp, survival skills, snow shelters.
Testimony of Christ/Physical Fitness
Quorum Lesson #38
Mutual: Physical Fitness
Quorum Lesson #5
Mutual:Physical Fitness
Quorum Lesson #6
Mutual/Combined YM/YW: Youth Olympics
Campout: Physical activities, run 1¼ miles, relay race
FEB
Achievement
PDS-2
ED-5
QA-1, 4
SD-4
CSD-4
CSD-1
First aid merit badge
PD-7
PDS-10
PD-2
SD-1,2
Physical Fit. MB
CSD-2, 9, 11
PD-1, 7, 8
STRENGTHENING YOUTH
Role of Parents
• Parents have the primary responsibility to help
your sons succeed.
• Become familiar with the guidebooks and review
them with your sons.
• Help them set and accomplish goals.
• Talk with them about their progress, compliment
their efforts and sign completed goals.
• Talk with their leaders. Learn what they are
doing in Mutual and quorum activities to help
strengthen your sons. Encourage your sons to
attend Mutual each week.
• Participate in Church youth events in which your
sons are being recognized.
• Encourage your sons to participate in seminary.
STRENGTHENING YOUTH
Achievement Program Resources
• Guidebook for Parents and
Leaders of Youth
• For the Strength of Youth
• Deacons, teachers, priests
guidebooks
• www.lds.org
• www.DutyToGod.com
• www.gslc-bsa.org
• www.unpcbsa.org
AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
Duty to God
Conduct Role Play – New Quorum Member
Visit
AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
Other Duty to God Ideas
•Conduct Semi-annual Duty to God Firesides
with Parents.
•Use FHE as a tool to fulfill Duty to God
•Read Letter to Elder Dellenbach on Duty to
God
A Scouting Testimony
—Four T’s —
Testimony
Time
Training
Tenure
Adult Training
• Fast Start & Youth Protection
• Basic Training
– New Leader Fundamentals
– Leader Specific Training
– Outdoor Training
• Monthly Roundtable
• Woodbadge
Health and Safety
• Guide to Safe Scouting
–
–
–
–
Adult Leadership
Aquatics Safety
Camping
Drugs, Alcohol,
Tobacco Use & Abuse
– Emergency
Preparedness
– First Aid
– Fuels & Fire
Prevention
– Guns & Firearms
– Sports & Activities
– Inspections
– Medical Info
– Transportation
– Winter Activities
Additional
Emphasis Items
• Insurance
• Junior Leader Training
– Fast Start, Junior Leader Training, Timberline
• Meetings
– Patrol, Patrol Leader Council, Troop, Committee
•
•
•
•
•
Outdoor Activities
Program Planning
Registration & Rechartering
Troop Finances
Uniforming