The Venturing Program for Priest Quorums Presentation 8 The Venturing Program for Priest Quorums 1

Prepare for a 3-2-1 Summary What are 3 things that are essential to effective Venturing? What are 2 things that I will do relative to the Venturing program when I arrive home? What is 1 question that I still have?

Ponder What are the challenges for young men ages 16-18? Learn 2010 What are the challenges for young men ages 16-18? Why do young men become less active? How can we increase the number of prepared young men serving missions? Elder Perry comments: 1997 vs. 2007 3

Inspired Tools For the Strength of Youth Preach My Gospel Duty to God Learn 2010 For the Strength of Youth Preach My Gospel Duty to God Venturing 4

Quorums and Crews can provide— Learn Friends Responsibility Nurturing in the Gospel 2010 5

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What is Venturing? Created in 1998 Learn 2010 Created in 1998 Similar to Exploring, but more resources, and focused Designed for 16-18 year-old young men in the Church The activity program for the priests quorum 7

Is the relationship harmonious? Learn 2010 What is the relationship between the Duty to God and Venturing? Is the relationship harmonious?

Let’s take a brief look at the new Duty to God program.

The Duty to God program for young men in the Aaronic Priesthood has been strengthened and focused. It is a powerful tool. . . It will strengthen the testimonies of young men and their relationship with God. It will help them learn and want to fulfill their priesthood duties. It will strengthen their relationships with their parents, among quorum members, and with their leaders (“Help Them on Their Way,” Ensign, May, 2010, 24). Learn

Learn 2010 [The pattern of the new Duty to God program] is to learn what the Lord expects of you, make a plan to do it, act on your plan with diligence, and then share with others how your experience changed you and blessed others.”

As a deacon, teacher, and priest, you will participate in activities that will help you build spiritual strength and learn and fulfill your priesthood duties. Each activity follows this simple pattern: First you learn about a gospel principle or a priesthood duty. You discover what Heavenly Father wants you to do, and you strive to gain a spiritual witness about why it is important. Learn 2010

Next you make plans to act on what you have learned Next you make plans to act on what you have learned. You are encouraged to base your plans on your own needs, circumstances, and opportunities to serve others. This is a wonderful chance to take responsibility for your own growth and develop spiritual self-reliance. Learn 2010

Learn Then you share what you learn and experience with others. As you do so, you will strengthen your testimony and build faith in those around you. You will increase your ability to talk about the gospel with others. 2010

Learn Act Share

Learn 2010 Quorum advisors are encouraged to use the Duty to God book, along with existing curriculum, in their Sunday Quorum meetings. Quorum presidencies are encouraged to plan Mutual activities that will help young men fulfill their plans in the new Duty to God program. The new program complements and contributes to high-quality, scouting activities.

Learn 2010 How do Venturing activities support the Duty to God program and vice versa?

The Venturing Oath and the Duty to God Program Learn The Venturing Oath and the Duty to God Program “As a Venturer, I promise to do my Duty to God and help strengthen America, to help others, and to seek truth, fairness, and adventure in our world.” Venturing is designed to help young men fulfill their duty to God.

Duty to God Program Venturing Program Learn 2010 Duty to God Program Spiritual Strength (prayer, scripture study, & live worthily) Priesthood Duties (serve others, invite all to come unto Christ, etc.) Family and Friends (show proper respect—mothers, siblings, peers, young women, children) Prepare of Melchizedek Priesthood (work habits, physical health, etc.) Venturing Program “to do my duty to God” (character, citizenship, etc.) Service Projects (quorum, crew and joint activities) Develop Skills (interpersonal skills, work-related skills, social skills, communication skills, etc. Fitness (physical, spiritual, work ethic, leadership skills, etc.)

Cubs, Scouts/Varsity, Venturing Learn 2010 Aims and Methods Cubs, Scouts/Varsity, Venturing 20

Aims Learn 2010 Character Citizenship Fitness 21

Methods Cubs Scouts/Varsity Venturing Learn 2010 Ideals Den Patrols/Squads Group Activities Home and Neighborhood Outdoor Programs High Adventure Advancement Recognition Family Involvement Adult Association Activities Personal Growth Teaching Others Uniform Leadership 22

Venturing Resources Venturing Leader Manual Learn Venturing Leader Manual Venturer Handbook/Ranger Handbook Venturing Leadership Skills Course LDS Venturing Guide 23

Unique Features of Venturing Learn 2010 Teaching Others Flexibility--can substitute activities, projects Planning/Calendar Tools Program Capability Inventory Activity Interest Survey Uniform: “if any, it’s the choice of the crew” Formal: Spruce-green shirt, charcoal gray pants 24

Planning/Calendaring Tools Learn 2010 Program Capability Inventory Survey Adults Identify local resources Save money Activity Interest Survey Crew Officers Seminar (Annual Planning) Parent’s Night 25

Planning/Calendaring Tools Program Capability Inventory Adult Interest Survey Crew Officer’s Seminar (Annual Planning)

Where do the adult capabilities and youth interests cross over? Learn 2010 Capabilities of Adult Members Interests of Young Men Win Win Area

Our Monthly Calendar Week— 1 2 3 4 5 Learn 2010 Week— 1 2 3 4 5 Duty Combined Venturing Venturing Court to Activity of God Honor (Order of activities was occasionally adjusted to meet needs.) 28

Church should understand that Personal Progress Adult members of the Church should understand that Personal Progress and Duty to God requirements are not just lengthy lists of items to check off. They are personal goals set by each young man and young woman to help them become worthy to receive temple ordinances, serve missions, enter into eternal marriage, and enjoy exaltation. But let it be understood: for young men and young women to try to accomplish these goals alone would be a great loss and tragedy! Learn 2010

Local Resources 30

Applying The Principles Encourage Venturing Fast Start Training -create user name and password: scouting.org/myscouting/training/e-learning/venturing/venturingfaststart Encourage Youth Protection Training – online (same as above) Encourage Venturing Specific Training – provided by local council Utilize the LDS Venturing Guide Encourage Wood Badge Training Encourage Regular Roundtable Attendance Use the Guide to Safe Scouting Act 31

“Don’t let the technical outweigh the moral.” --Baden-Powell 32

Including Venturing resources in the priest quorum’s activity program will… Learn 2010 Increase quorum activity They run the program Activities are tailored to meet their needs Improve quorum unity They work together to plan and implement activities High Adventure can build quorum unity Better prepare young men for missions Real life leadership opportunities “Can do hard/challenging things!” Practical living skills Provide a laboratory for feeling and recognizing the Spirit 33

It is now time for the 3-2-1 Summary Share What are 3 things that are essential to effective Venturing? Or even four! What are 2 things that I will do relative to the Venturing program when I arrive home? What is 1 question that I still have?

Thanks for your active participation! Brothers Harris and Egan Brad_Harris @byu.edu Winn_Egan@byu.edu