Trails to Testimony: Bringing Young Men to Christ Through Scouting

by Bradley D. Harris

“There is no more significant work in this world than the preparation of boys to become men of capacity, of strength, of integrity, who are qualified to live productive and meaningful lives.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Fireside Marks Boy Scouts of America 75th Birthday,” Ensign, April 1985, 76.)

Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and [I raised my voice] all these things shall be added unto you.”

From its beginning, Scouting has emphasized spirituality and religious values. Scouting founder Lord Robert Baden-Powell said, “There is no religious ‘side’ of the movement. The whole of it is based on religion, that is, on the realization and service of God. Let us, therefore, in training our Scouts, keep the higher aims in the forefront, not let ourselves get too absorbed in the steps. Don’t let the technical outweigh the moral. . . . Our objective in the Scout movement is to give such help as we can in bringing about God’s kingdom on earth.”

many Scouting programs have drifted from their original spiritual core over the years and have evolved into a group of boys and young men who are simply seeking awards. I hope that this book will aid parents and leaders in rediscovering the spiritual dimension of Scouting, and help them utilize Scouting to bring young men to Christ.

Young men need dedicated adult advisers who truly care about them. You will have the opportunity of helping young men at a critical time in their lives—a time when they are making crucial decisions that have eternal consequences. You have the opportunity to help create memories and establish a spiritual base that will be with them forever and that can put them on the trail to testimony. Speaking to young men, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland described the effects that a good leader can have on a boy: “I was your age once and you have never been mine. I remember what it was like and I did not fully appreciate what a legion of

leaders, a host of leaders, a nation of leaders did for me as a Scout. . . . “Here today, and tomorrow and last week and next month and forever, we pray there will be leaders who will invest themselves in the next generation and pass the torch of liberty and love and loyalty and service and devotion and reverence to you. “I am the beneficiary of those kinds of leaders and so are you. The principles and virtues, the laws, the oaths, the mottos, the emblems, the symbols, the statement of scouting . . . is 45 years more important to me now than the day I received my eagle.” You may not receive feedback from the young men during your tenure as their leader, but at some point either in this life or the next, your name will be called blessed for the work you did and for the way it impacted those you served. A BYU student and Eagle Scout named Casey described to me the influence of his teacher’s quorum adviser: My teacher’s quorum adviser was fun and respectful. In fact, I always remember him teaching us to be respectful. I remember on my mission always thinking what he taught us about respecting people even when they were not the most respectful back to us. I learned some lifelong lessons, and he probably has no clue how much he affected me. Having this kind of impact on young men doesn’t happen by accident. We need to prepare ourselves. The scriptures admonish us to learn our duty (see D&C 107:99). Duty requires that we learn and then apply what we have learned. However, is du...

Success should not be measured completely by the number of Eagle Scouts or merit badges earned by the young men. True success in leading young men can be determined by asking: What were indications that the young men trusted him? Did they look up to him as a spiritual leader? What are some examples that show that the young men were willing to confide in him? Describe how activity nights went—were they well-attended? Did he apply priesthood lessons in weekday activities? Did the leader train young men how to lead and then allow them to lead, or did he do most of the work himself?

“Seven Steps to Success with Aaronic Priesthood Youth,” Ensign, Feb. 1985, 22).

As President Monson describes it, a “boy’s man” loves the boys; he thinks like the boys; he is fun to be around. He maintains his place on the pedestal in the minds of the young men, and communicates to the boys by his actions and his words: “I like being with you.” “You have great potential.” “We can talk about anything, and I will not judge you.” A “boy’s man” also has a finely tuned spiritual antenna, ready at any time to find a spiritual application for a temporal activity.

The tools in an Aaronic Priesthood leader’s toolbox include the following: Fulfilling My Duty to God: For Aaronic Priesthood Holders For the Strength of Youth pamphlet Preach My Gospel manual The Scouting program

Question 1—How is it that young men come unto Christ? Exercise faith Alma 32:27 Give place that a seed may be planted in his heart Alma 32:28 Reflect and ponder about the good seed Alma 32:33–34 Nourish the word with diligence and patience Alma 32: 41–42 Fast and pray Alma 5:46, Alma 17:3, Hel. 3:35 Search the scriptures Alma 17:2, Hel. 3:29–30 Treasure up in his mind continually the words of life D&C 84:85 Lay aside every sin— Alma 7:15 Experience a lively sense of his own guilt Mosiah 2:38 Confess and forsake his sins D&C 58:43 Faithfully magnify his calling D&C 84:33–34 Here’s a sample application of how these principles can be implemented in an Aaronic Priesthood quorum; of course, you would create your own themes tailored to your young men. Lindon 18th Ward—Aaronic Priesthood Monthly Focus January Alma 32:27 Exercise Faith February Alma 32:28 “Give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart” March Alma 17:3 Fasting and Prayer

Hel. 3:29–30 Search the Scriptures - Have young men memorize the scripture for that month - Emphasize the subject in bishop and bishopric interviews that month - Insert the subject into quorum instruction - Discuss the subject around the campfire on the monthly campout - Have young men give sacrament meeting talks on the subject Question 2—What is our role as leaders in helping young men come unto Christ? Awaken them to a sense of their duty to God Alma 7:22 Teach by the Spirit of truth D&C 50:17, D&C 43:15 Walk in the Spirit Gal. 5:16 Be led by the Spirit 1 Ne. 4:6 Strengthen your brethren D&C 108:7 Learn your duty and act D&C 107:99 Let them see your good works Matt. 5:16 Search my sheep and seek them out Ezek. 34:11–12 Lead them into living fountains Rev. 7:17 Love the young man as your own soul 1 Sam.18:1 Esteem your brother as yourself D&C 38:24 Teach the doctrine of the kingdom D&C 88:77 Teach with power and authority Alma 17:3 Teach the principles of the gospel D&C 42:12 Lead them in paths they have not known Isa. 42:16 Possible applications of these principles are varied. A few would include: - Use the principles as a list of goals to help adult advisers assist young men. - Use the principles as leadership training subjects for quorum presidencies. - Prayerfully tailor a specific principle to a certain young man; each young man has different needs. Question 3—How do we know a young man is coming unto Christ? He will... Press forward feasting upon the word of Christ...

Entertainment is quickly forgotten, but meaningful activities leave imprints on minds and hearts that can last forever and influence future decisions.

As a small boy in grammar school, I had a teacher who made King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table come alive. She caused me to become so obsessed with stories of knights that I dreamed that I was one. One evening I dreamed that I was a knight on a white horse riding over the greens of England. Suddenly, without warning, a knight dressed in black armor and mounted on a black horse appeared at the edge of the forest. We measured each other carefully, lowered our lanced, and charged at full gallop. The lances struck target and both of us were knocked off our steeds. I scrambled to my feet knowing that swords would be drawn and that hand-to-hand combat was imminent. (at this point I threw the Styrofoam sword to the boy representing the knight dressed in black). Fear gripped my heart as I saw my opponent rushing toward me flashing a long, gleaming sword (then I threw the small Styrofoam knife to the boy representing Elder Asay). Instinctively, I reached to my side and drew forth from the scabbard my weapon. That is when the dream turned into a nightmare! For in my hand was a small, dinky dagger – not a long, gleaming sword. I woke up in a cold sweat screaming for help. Many times since that nightmarish experience, I have wondered about the serviceability of the Saints, particularly the young Latter-day Saints. When God calls you to serve, are you positioned in the scabbard and ready to be drawn? When the Lord draws you forth as his instrument in combating evil forces, w...

“Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and many of them are our brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee” (Alma 31:35).

Stephen E. Robinson adds the following: A testimony isn’t like a hypothesis in science, which may be supported by the evidence one day and destroyed by it the next. It is a conviction beyond the available intellectual proof that some things are eternally true. The “provisionally converted” are those who have not received such a conviction (or who will not accept it) but who haven’t found a good reason to leave—yet”

In our Aaronic Priesthood quorums, we need to move from “puppet leadership” to “shadow leadership.” Shadow leadership is more difficult for the adult adviser than puppet leadership, but it is the best way to teach a young man to learn and magnify his duty. In shadow leadership, the adult adviser should advise, remind, encourage, and train in private. The actors in the “public” performances (quorum meetings and presidency meetings) should be the young men. Bishop H. David Burton emphasized, “The adviser needs to develop the ability to be the “shadow leader” and somehow prompt the young men to perform their duties without the adviser becoming the effectual president of the quorum. Too often the quorum is a direct reflection of the current adviser.” (“The Deacons Quorum,” Liahona, Jan. 2005, 42).

Shadow leadership is modeled in the scriptures. When the brother of Jared told the Lord that there was no light in the vessels, the Lord could have said, “Here are some rocks that I’ve touched to create light. Go put them in your boats.” Instead, the Lord said, “What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?” (Ether 2:23). The brother of Jared came up with the solution. He “went forth unto the mount . . . and did molten out of a rock sixteen small stones . . . and he did carry them . . . unto the Lord . . .” (Ether 3:1). Then he asked the Lord, “touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness . . .” (Ether 3:4). The brother of Jared was then blessed with a personal vision from the Lord.

A young man that learns to lead and take upon him the burdens of those he serves will strengthen his testimony as he sees the Lord’s hand manifest in the lives of those people. He will see the Church in action, under the direction of the priesthood keys. In our quorums and in our homes, are we practicing shadow leadership or puppet leadership? Are we empowering our sons or paving the way on an easy path? Never do for a young man what he can do for himself. We as adults should train youth how to lead, and then we should stand back. Young men should then preside and conduct quorum meetings and presidency meetings.

The Aaronic Priesthood purposes are essentially crucial outcomes that will prepare young men to navigate successfully through life. If we taught a course entitled, “Preparing Young Men to be Spiritually Strong and Mighty Men” (see Alma 48:11), the program outcomes would be: Be converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and live its

teachings. Be able to serve faithfully in priesthood callings and fulfill the responsibilities of priesthood offices. Be willing to give meaningful service. Be prepared to live worthily to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and temple ordinances. Be prepared to serve an honorable full-time mission. Be committed to obtain as much education as possible. Be prepared to become a worthy husband and father. Be committed to give proper respect to women, girls, and children. (Administering the Church, book 2, pg. 51) Scouting, when properly applied, can be the laboratory to help meet these program outcomes. Meaningful Scouting activities plant the Aaronic Priesthood purposes deeply in the hearts of young men. Here are some ways that Scouting, the activity arm of the Aaronic Priesthood, helps fulfill each Aaronic Priesthood purpose: Become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and live its teachings. When Scouting is implemented properly, it provides rich and varied experiences where conversion can take place. It provides a laboratory for young men to test and experiment with gospel teachings. Serve faithfully in priesthood callings and fulfill the responsibilities of priesthood offices. In Scouting, young men are given specific assignments and responsibilities related to leadership, activities, and camping; by learning how to fulfill their Scouting responsibilities, young men are better able to fulfill the responsibilities of priesthood offices. In that way, Scouting can be a tr...

Law, he will be a worthy husband and father. Give proper respect to women, girls, and children. One point of the Scout Law is to be courteous, and in the Scout Oath, youn...

Game [New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1981). A young man’s character is manifest in his everyday habits and activities as well as in his relationships and dealings with others. The scriptures are filled with examples of character. One example is Nephi, who was traveling in the wilderness with his family toward the promised land. When he went hunting, broke his bow, and returned without food, his family suffered for the want of food, and they murmured. At one point even Nephi’s father “began to murmur against the Lord his God” (1 Ne. 16:20). But in the face of extreme adversity, Nephi could be counted on. He did not abandon his faith in God, even when his closest family members did. Nephi did not murmur; he “did make out of wood a bow, and out of a straight stick, an arrow. . . . And I said unto my father: Whither shall I go to obtain food?” (1 Ne. 16:23). Nephi demonstrated great character. Nephi would have made a great Scout. Thanks to Dave Carlson from Seattle and Todd Moody from Las Vegas I share with you “Nephi Was An Eagle Scout”.

Jon from Georgia,”Some people think we should coddle and micromanage the youth until they are 18, and then shove them out to West Bukavania and expect them to be effective missionaries. And they should do this without ever having experienced the joy of defeat and the blessing of failure when they were young and issues weren’t life changing.

Compare and contrast Captain Moroni with Amalickiah, his opponent

Captain Moroni Amalickiah - Strong and mighty man (see Alma 48:11) - Large and strong man (see Alma 46:3) - Prayed for liberty and freedom (see Alma 46:13,16) - Sought to destroy liberty (see Alma 46:10) - Stirred Nephites to patriotism (see Alma 46:19–22) - Stirred Lamanites to anger (see Alma 47:1) - Appointed by the voice of the people (see Alma 46:34) - Gained power by fraud and deceit (see Alma 48:7) - People ran to support the cause (see Alma 46:21) - People were doubtful concerning the cause (see Alma 46:29) The Book of Mormon states that “if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men” (Alma 48:17). Those are the kind of citizens we want our young men to be!

Patrol Method Empowering boys to be leaders is the core of Scouting, and the patrol method is a form of shadow leadership (discussed in Chapter 5). The patrol method is the foundation to a successful troop, as these quotes illustrate: The patrol method is not ONE method in which Scouting can be carried on. It is the ONLY method (Roland Phillips, as quoted in Handbook for Scoutmasters: A Manual for Leadership, Vol. 1, 3rd edition [Boy Scouts of America, 1938], 161). Within the larger community of the troop, the patrol is a Scout’s “family circle.” . . . Each patrol helps its members develop a sense of pride and identity. The boys . . . divide up the jobs to be done, and share in the satisfaction of accepting and fulfilling group responsibilities (The Scoutmaster Handbook [Boy Scouts of America, 2007], 8). Train ‘em, trust ‘em, and let ‘em lead! (Handbook for Scoutmasters: A Manual for Leadership, Vol. 1, 3rd edition Boy Scouts of America, 1938), 224). Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, stated that the main object of the patrol system is: . . . to give real responsibility to as many boys as possible with a view to developing their characters. If the Scoutmaster gives his Patrol Leader real power, expects a great deal from him and leaves him a free hand in carrying out his work, he will have done more for that boy’s character expansion than any amount of school training could ever do (Robert Baden-Powell, Baden-Powell’s Scouting For Boys [London: C. Arthur Pea...

According to The Scoutmaster Handbook (p. 123), four basic steps lead to Boy Scout advancement: A Scout learns A Scout is tested A Scout is reviewed A Scout is recognized

Several years ago a young man came to my home to ask advice about an Eagle Project. I asked him why he wanted to be an Eagle Scout. He replied without hesitation, “So I can drive.” Sometimes in our zeal to produce Eagle Scouts we provide incentives that become more important than the award. One leader commented that the goal of Scouting is not to make sure that every boy becomes an Eagle or that the troop become the top one in the Church. The only goal, he said, was to develop boys that would return to Heavenly Father with the strongest character and the best spirit (see Ruel A. Allred, New Era, Feb. 1978).

We want our young men to “become” Eagle Scouts, not just get their Eagle awards. We want them to “receive” their endowment, not just take out their endowment. We want them to “become” a missionary, not just go on a mission.

The Scout Law in the Scriptures In the fall of 2003, an instructor in the Missionary Training Center gave his missionaries an unusual assignment: find scriptures that correlate with the twelve points of the Scout Law. Here’s what the missionaries reported back: Trustworthy Helaman 10:1–4, 11–12—“unwearingness.” Loyal Job 1:21—“the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Helpful Luke 10:30, 33–34—Samaritans were helpful even though they were hated and despised by the Jews. Friendly John 4:5–30—The women at the well was a Samaritan, and Jesus was friendly to her. Courteous Luke 17:11–19—Ten lepers were healed physically, and one was “made whole.” The leper that returned was a Samaritan. Swift gratitude is the sweetest. Kind I Kings 17:10–12—Widow helps Elijah. Obedient Alma 56:47–48, 57:21—“exactness.” Cheerful John 16:33—“Be of good cheer.” Thrifty Ruth 2:15–17—Ruth gleaned in the field. Brave Alma 46:10–13—Captain Moroni raised the title of liberty. Clean Mosiah 4:30—Genesis 39:7–15 Reverent Ether 3:1–5—The brother of Jared approaches the Lord. There are twelve points to the Scout Law and twelve months in a year.

He lay there shivering in his tent, wondering why the Lord wanted him to go camping. That was the beginning of his search as to why outdoor experiences are so important to the Lord. He started to search the scriptures to find cases where the Lord had sent his prophets and his people out into the wilderness. He found that Moses and his people went on a forty-year camping trip that prepared them to enter the promised land. Adam was sent out of the garden into the wilderness to gain experience, and Abraham left his home and became the father of all nations. Zion’s Camp and the Mormon Battalion prepared future Church leaders. After searching the scriptures, this Scoutmaster changed his attitude. He realized that just being out in the campsites, cooking together, serving each other, and learning together can create opportunities to positively influence young men. In both the classroom and at the campsite, Scouts learn to serve and love their quorum members. Inspired by this Scoutmaster’s revelation, I searched the scriptures and had a similar experience. Here are my findings: Abraham was commanded to “Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac . . . into the land of Moriah . . . upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of” (Gen. 22:2). “So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness . . . ”(Ex. 15:22) as the Lord commanded. “ . . . and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount . . .” (Ex. 19:20) to receive the tablets containing the T...

either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. . . . I retired to the woods to make the attempt” (JS–History 1:13–14). When the Saints in this dispensation needed to separate themselves from persecution, they went to the wilderness— the American West. “. . . the word of God came unto John . . . in the wilderness. And he came unto all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Luke 3:2–3). When Christ needed to prepare for his ministry, he was “led up of the Spirit into the wilderness . . .” (Matt. 4:1). During His ministry when Christ was pressed by great multitudes, “he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed” (Luke 5:15–16). “. . . Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John . . . and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them . . .” (Matt.17:1–2). When Christ was fulfilling his ministry and the ultimate Atonement, “he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives . . .” (Luke 22:39). Throughout recorded scripture when the Lord needed to communicate with His children, He commanded them to be removed from the world and go into the wilderness. When prophets needed life-changing experiences or special instruction from the Lord, they went to the woods. So should we. Where should we take our young men regularly to help bring them to Christ? Young men should spend at least forty days (as Christ did) in the wilderness during their A...

In both of these examples, the adult advisers chose to go into the outdoors, then squandered the time away in worldly pursuits. Too often we go to the outdoors with nothing more than a casual, “let’s have fun” attitude. The young men are better off at home than going on a casual, “let’s have fun” campout. For the young men, “having fun” is usually what they anticipate in a camping experience, and the anticipation of fun and high adventure helps secure better attendance. But the adult leaders need

to be thinking on a higher level. Sometimes as leaders we try too hard to impress the young men. We mistakenly think of high adventure as something so challenging and so fun that it will tear young men away from the “high adventure” the world offers. We try to compete with the world. High adventure is an essential component of the Scouting experience. But the reason we go camping and do challenging things is to put the young men into a different world, a world more conducive to feeling the Spirit and strengthening their testimonies. Elder Harold G. Hillam tells a story that demonstrates the attitude we should have toward outdoor activities when they are done for the right reasons.

I recall a conversation I had some years ago with my stake president in Idaho. We were discussing the forthcoming Aaronic Priesthood/ Scout campout. I explained to him that it would be necessary for each person to bring his own sleeping bag, to which the president replied, “I have never slept in a sleeping bag.” I quickly responded, “President, you can’t be serious. You have lived in beautiful Idaho all these years and you have never slept in a sleeping bag?” “Nope!” he said, “I never have. But I have sure lain in a lot of ‘em.” And then he wen...

S. Dilworth Young, a member of the First Quorum of Seventy, said: Have you ever used a campfire to inspire a boy to go on a mission? . . . One of your great obligations is to teach in the environment of the outdoors that every grove can be a sacred grove, every mountaintop a Sinai. . . . You must plant in the minds of the boys as they hike and camp, the importance of becoming a missionary” (“Scouters: Lead Them to a Mission,” Ensign, May 1975, 98).

A Scoutmaster in Cedar Hills, Utah, told me that before each campout he called some of the young men’s parents and asked them what he could do on the outing to help them with their son. The parents, he said, appreciated a “united front” approach to their young men.

I was fortunate to attend an LDS Scouting encampment at Camp Wisdom in Dallas, Texas. LDS Scout units from several stakes were invited for a three-day encampment led by the McKinney Texas Stake. The strategic planning for this event was evident. One of the program features on the agenda was the Book of Mormon trail. I began walking on the trail with a dozen young men from my ward. Around the first corner we saw a campsite: Lehi and Sariah were sitting in front of a tent, and Laman and Lemuel were off to one side with hands folded, looking like they were ready to murmur. Nephi and Sam were listening intently to their parents. All the actors were in period costumes. After a short presentation, we were escorted down a hill to a meadow of blue bonnets in full bloom. We crossed the meadow to a tower where we sat and listened to King Benjamin recite powerful scripture from Mosiah 3 and 4. I was transported back in time to 124 B.C. in the land of Zarahemla. Further down the hill we listened to Alma preaching to followers by a small waterfall and lake (representing the waters of Mormon). Next we walked up a hill and through a thick forest. There stood Helaman in full armor with some of the stripling warriors. His message was powerful and convincing. Further up the hill we encountered Captain Moroni—clad in helmet, breastplate, shield, and armor, holding aloft the title of liberty as he urged us to “come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they will ma...

blanket and lowered them into the stone box he had prepared. Although no words were spoken, I felt the sacredness of what he held in his hands. I have read the Book of Mormon several times, taught its truths, and felt the Spirit on many occasions while pondering its teachings, but I have never felt more connected to the book and the prophets in the book t...

The second “A” in PAUL SOAP is adult association.

This conference should be a private discussion between the Scoutmaster and the Scout, but should be held in full view of other people. In addition to checking that all requirements were met, the following topics might also be appropriate for the conference: What he likes and dislikes about school Sports and hobbies he enjoys What he liked best about the last troop outing Changes he would like to see in troop meetings Activities he enjoys with his family How he defines concepts such as Scout spirit, being morally straight, and duty to God

In October 2006 an LDS Venturing Usage Survey was conducted by the Boy Scouts of America National Office Research Service. The Venturing Division of the Boy Scouts of America was interested in learning more about how wards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the United States use the Venturing program and program tools in their ministry. Questionnaires were mailed to 2,941 LDS Bishops randomly selected from the database in the BSA National office. To verify wards that had registered Venturing crews and those that did not, the mailing list was cross-referenced with the BSA registration database. Surveys were color-coded; 1,474 wards with registered Venturing crews received a survey printed on buff-colored paper, and 1,467 wards that did not have a registered crew (yes, that many wards without a crew!) received a survey printed on white paper. Both surveys contained identical questions. A total of 522 completed surveys were collected. The survey revealed that nine years after Venturing was created, many wards were still unaware of the program and many had not implemented the program. 19 percent of bishops surveyed didn’t know if their ward had a Venturing crew. Only 47.6 percent of wards with Venturing crews know about the Venturing Leadership Skills Course. Only 9.4 percent of youth leaders in Venturing crews had completed the Venturing Leadership Skills Course. Fewer than 1 percent of Venturers had earned Venturing awards. The survey also revealed the ben...

DEFINING SUCCESS IN A PRIESTS QUORUM/VENTURING CREW Young men have completed the activity interest survey. Adults in the ward have completed the Program Capability Inventory. (The surveys listed above can be obtained by going to google.com/ LDS Venturing Guide) The quorum/crew has a “draft” annual calendar and a working three-month calendar that includes activities chosen by the young men and that utilizes consultants from the ward. Mutual is led by youth activity chairs. Young men have opportunities to teach others. The Venturing Leadership Skills Course has been conducted by the youth. The quorum/crew presidency has defined duties and meets as needed to plan and administer the program. Boys lead with adult shadow leaders.