Trails to Testimony: Bringing Young Men to Christ Through Scouting

by Bradley D. Harris

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...