Trails to Testimony: Bringing Young Men to Christ Through Scouting

by Bradley D. Harris

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...