Is The Mormon Church DITCHING The Boy Scouts Program!?

by Sierra Marlee | May 11, 2017 3:52 pm

There has been some confusion surrounding the reported break up of the Mormon Church and the Boy Scouts program. Many are alleging that the church is “pulling older teens from the Boy Scouts’ program,[1]” but that’s not necessarily accurate.

In an effort to get the most accurate information possible, we took a deeper look at what is really going on within the Mormon church and how they came to the conclusion to eliminate certain programs.

“There has been some misreporting about the Boy Scouts of America and the Mormon church. This is important to clarify that the Mormon church is NOT leaving the Boy Scouts of America, they are also NOT doing away with the program entirely for the boys 14 and up. The Mormon church is dumping unsuccessful programs separate from the Boy Scout programs called Varsity Scouts and Venturing Scouts. Those are NOT the same as the Boy Scout program. According to a news release from the LDS church news website this morning, Young Men 14 and older who are pursuing the highest rank in the Boy Scout program will be supported by their local church leaders.” Tiffiny Ruegner, Eagle Scout Mom and Owner of Right Wing News.

So, what exactly does this mean for the older Scouts who are seemingly left out, following the elimination of these programs?

Mormon News Room[2] answers questions based on the LDS First Presidency letter sent out this morning:

Why is this change occurring?
•In most congregations in the United States and Canada, young men ages 14–18 are not being served well by the Varsity or Venturing programs, which have historically been difficult to implement within the Church. This change will allow youth and leaders to implement a simplified program that meets local needs while providing activities that balance spiritual, social, physical and intellectual development goals for young men.

Can young men in these age groups continue to earn the Eagle Scout award?
•Yes. Young men who desire to continue toward the rank of Eagle will be registered, supported and encouraged. It is important to remember that only those young men who are properly registered are eligible to be awarded merit badges and rank advancements.

All the news is based on this letter released from the Mormon church just this morning:

[3]

There you have it; regardless of what you might hear from the media, the LDS Church is not eliminating the Boy Scouts, or opportunities for older teens to advance within the ranks. They’re merely streamlining the process! Pictured below are Right Wing News owners attending the Eagle Court of Honor of a young Boy Scout last year for Eagle Scout, Gabriel.

[4]

Endnotes:
  1. pulling older teens from the Boy Scouts’ program,: http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/11/health/lds-teens-boy-scouts-trnd/index.html
  2. Mormon News Room: http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/questions-answers-changes-young-men-program
  3. [Image]: https://rightwingnews1.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/LDS-Scout-letter.jpg
  4. [Image]: https://rightwingnews1.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Gabe-Eagle-Scout-John.jpg

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