Trails to Testimony: Bringing Young Men to Christ Through Scouting

by Bradley D. Harris

Trails to Bringing Young Men to Christ Through Scouting - President Gordon B. Hinckley said, "There is no more significant work in this world than the preparation of boys to become men . . . who are qualified to live productive and meaningful lives." And President Thomas S. Monson underscores this thought when he says that "It's easier to build boys than to mend them." Bradley D. Harris, professor of recreational management and youth leadership at Brigham Young University, and past member of the LDS Young Mens General Board, challenges parents and youth leaders alike to rediscover the spiritual dimensions of Scouting-to focus on the close relationship that should exist between Scouting and the Aaronic Priesthood. The author's 22-year professional career with the Boy Scouts of America, combined with extensive experience within the Church in various priesthood leadership capacities, gives him invaluable insights into the responsibilities that parents and leaders have in bringing young men to Christ. "The family is the first institution charged with bringing young men to Christ. . . . Working in harmony, the family and the Aaronic Priesthood should create an atmosphere where young men's individual testimonies can . . . flourish." Trails to Testimony is a powerful guide for families and leaders entrusted with the sacred responsibility of teaching and guiding the young men of the Church.

Genres: Religion, Church, Lds, Nonfiction, How To

144 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 2009

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not really what i had expected or hoped for from the title.
We inherited this when Traci and another cub scout leader were tasked with clearing out the ward scout closet. Having been in young men's callings for several years now, i was interested in seeing a more spiritual approach to scouting, or ways to help the young men develop spiritually through outdoor programs. I didn't really get that, just a lot of cheerleading for the bsa programs and lots of the same things I've heard at trainings and leadership meetings over the years. It's good information, though much of the book is rendered less helpful now that the church has officially discontinued affiliation with the bsa. I guess i was hoping for more broadly applicable takeaways, and while there were some, i had a hard time getting past the scouting stuff that i have never really cared that much about.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe this is a MUST READ for anyone who is involved with a scout...parents, scout leaders, and especially Young Men leaders, and Bishopric members. This book outlines how the scouting program and young men organization of the LDS Church correlate and if done appropriately isn't any extra work but will reap amazing results. But it takes EVERYONE to catch the vision...especially those outside of the direct contact of the scouts (like the Young Men presidency and Bishopric members who decide which men serve as scout leaders and what the scouting emphasis and goals will be). The scouting program is, without a doubt, an inspired program that helps prepare young men for their missions and life.

[Vern Wolfley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe this is a MUST READ for anyone who is involved in the scouting program, Parents, scout leaders, and especially Young Men leaders, and Bishopric members. I've been a Scouting leader for years and had a great experience as a boy in Scouting and I still learned a lot from Harris that can help me in my current Scouting position. This book is a simple explanation of what the Scouting program was designed for and why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is willing to make it the activity arm of the Aaronic Priesthood. It is not about scouts but building young men with testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

My little boy just turned 8. He was walking home from Pack Meeting and his Dad said, "I have to go to an appt. do you think you can walk home yourself?"
He came right home and told me, "Mom, I get to be a responsible scout from now on."
Even from his first pack meeting, it has begun to make an impression on him. I believe in the power of scouting. I look at my other son, just turned 18, confident, outgoing and able to talk to adults and I know that scouting had a lot to do with it. I am a huge supporter and believer in the power of scouting.

[Mike Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Great detailed explanations and examples of how LDS Scouting is designed to help boys become converted to the Gospel, strong Priesthood holders, Missionaries, fathers, and leaders.

Every LDS Scout leader should really read this book! Everyone from Cub Scout Leaders up to Venture (16-17 year old) leaders. Parents of boys should also read this book. It explains the true purpose of Scouting and how it can have an incredible impact on a boys life and his family.

If you have boys, or if you're a Scout leader, seriously ... read this book! :)

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had read this book sooner to have a bigger impact on the youth I have served over the years. Great advice/tips and how to run an effective troop. I recommend all leaders of any scout troop read this book.

My copy

[Kevin Oyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're involved in scouting in any way, you should read this book.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book that should be required reading for about leaders.

[Kellen Madsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodbye Scouts, finished this a while back and it was good but no longer relevant.

[Don Gubler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but too little, too late.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book to remind parents and leaders of youth that the purpose of Scouting is not to earn as many merit badges or advance to Eagle as quickly as possible. I think some may find it more useful than others based on experience. As a father of two Scouts and an LDS bishop working with our young men's organization, who's been on several backpacking trips including Philmont, I found it helpful and validating, but not world-shaking.

[Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really changed the way I view scouting and how scouting should be done in an LDS unit. I have previously been a Scoutmaster for ~3 years, a Venturing leader for ~2 years, and currently I'm the Varsity Team Coach. I've already began implementing some changes to the way I do things based on what I've read in this book, and it's given me a wealth of ideas. I plan on rereading it in the future to reinforce what I've learned. Some of the things I've learned include:
- The difference between "puppet leadership" and "shadow leadership," and how to correctly be a shadow leader
- The importance of having a spiritual aim in scouting activities - each activity should have a purpose
- Ways in which scouting can reinforce spiritual learning and bring young men closer to God
- What a "Reflection" is and how it can be useful
- Never do for a young man what he can do for himself
- Advancement should include: the boy learns, is tested, is reviewed, is recognized
- Scouting is much more powerful "when properly carried out"

I would highly recommend this book to anyone involved in scouting -- including leaders and parents. I believe it has really changed my life with regard to how I view scouting and what I do as a scout leader.

[ConnieC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think scouting is a great experience for boys and young men. I have loved being a cub scout leader. This book adds the spiritual and moral meaning for pursuing scouting. It includes personal experiences and insight from the author and it gives valuable direction for why scouting is good in a boy's life. It reminded me of my young women camp days and why I loved to go to camp and why I enjoyed learning life skills. Learning expanded my vision and my young women experiences gave me a chance for reflection and connection with God. I loved interaction with my peers and leaders. I love to be taught and I love first hand experience. This book writes about a lot of these experiences I'm referring to and they perfectly explain what I as a youth gained through intentional guidance.

[Freyja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I would highly recommend this book to parents, young men leaders, scouting leaders and anyone else who might work with our young men. It provides a great insight not only into the scouting program and how it works within the church but a great reminder that the spiritual and temporal can and should work together. It does NOT need to be either scouting or Duty to God. I loved the quote by President Benson that talks about a young man earning his Duty to God AND his Eagle. I love that even the prophet is saying both are important to our boys. That both can and do have a tremendous amount of influence on our boys and young men for good

[Brad Boyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone who is called to work with young men and if you are a parent of young men. The author knows why scouting doesn't work in the LDS setting and provides great insights how it can be a powerful tool to provide a laboratory where young men can feel the spirit and learn to conquer the natural man. My question is how can you get someone to actually read and study about the calling that they have been given? I took extensive notes and I will re-read and use this book as long as I am working in a capacity with the Young men.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a suggested read from a local Church leader. I think it would probably be a great read for someone involved in YM leadership, but for me I just didn't find a tremendous amount of helpful information. At times the author felt a bit self-righteous, but I'm sure it was just his intense love for Scouting coming through. It did help me realize what my boys have in store for them as they get older and more involved with Scouts, as well as all the good that can come from a properly functioning Scout program.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that all LDS YM leaders should read if they want to have a successful implementation of Scouting. The LDS version of Scouting is skewed somewhat with the constraints the Church adds on. It has been very difficult for me as the Scoutmaster to try to merge multiple programs and still feel successful.

This book helped me think differently about Scouting and the aspect of increasing the spirituality as part of the program.

Definitely a must read for LDS Scouters.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite quotes

"Building boys is a noble and sacred effort. It requires the best efforts of dedicated men and women who have been called to serve. Building boys requires we sanctify our lives in accordance with the gospel, consecrate our time and talents to saving souls, and magnifying our callings. Building boys requires we use every tool available."

"What are we doing to foster faith in Jesus Christ?"
" What are we doing to strengthen the family?"

[Zinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the other reviewers have said, this is a must read for those working in Scouting.
The book was not mind blowing for me in that much of what was discussed I already agree with and try to implement, but it did give me new motivation to do somethings better and somethings differently. What I liked most of all, is that I now have documentation to give to others to help out and to get on the same page. Luckily most of the adult leaders I work with have read this book too.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started reading this when I was called to be the Scout Committee Chair in our ward. I wish I would have read it when my boys started scouting. I like how Brother Harris explains how Scouting and The Church work together to increase the boys testimonies of the Gospel. I still need to finish the book.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! A simple explanation of what the Scouting program was designed for and why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is willing to make it the activity arm of the Aaronic Priesthood. Makes me want to be better in fulfilling my Scouting responsibilities and this book provides the information and understanding I need to do so. I repeat, Wow!

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Required reading for all LDS leaders of Young Men. An exceptional resource that lays out a concise and principled explanation of how a LDS Scouting program should and can be provided. The need for LDS leadership to be well versed with this publication has never been more critical. I will be widely recommending it within my personal circles.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone involved in scouting in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should read this book. The paradigm shift that Bradley Harris presents needs to be understood and implemented so that our young men can grow up to be great men and leaders. I loved this book and look forward to implementing what it has taught.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read whether your new to Scouting or very experienced

This book helps to put scouting in perspective and how it should tie into the Aaronic priesthood quorums. Even if you're not LDS, this book will help you turn scouting into faith building activities without being "preachy". If you're a leader of young men, you should read this book.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would strongly suggest this book to any Young Men/Scout Leader. I really enjoyed this book. It discusses current challenges youth leaders face and key ideas on how to overcome these challenges and how to become an effective leader.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone working with LDS young men. It provides a lot of perspective for how to combine efforts in Scouting with Duty to God. I took lots of notes as I read and look forward to using the new ideas.

[Derek · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is a good introductory read for anyone who is entering scouting from an LDS perspective. However, while the information was good-- at times even inspiring-- but the whole book could have used one more going-over by a professional editor.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many reviews have discussed the usefulness of this book for Scout Leaders. I would also add that it is eminently practical. There is a great chapter or two on shadow leadership and he presents some useful tools young men need to help then lead.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's taken me a while to read, but I found this to be an excellent resource for the LDS scouter. I think this would have been a great book to have when I was just starting out as so many of the question I had then would have been quickly answered. Well done!

[Russell Schow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book give meaning and purpose to the scouting and young men's program that is not to be just entertaining but fun objective orientated. I was pleased to see my own thought and attitudes outlined. I was uplifted and challenged to do more.