1. Scouting & The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Bishop Nathan Niederhausern
Redmond 3rd Ward, Redmond WA Stake

2. LDS Church and Scouting
Scouting was adopted by the Church in 1913 to help young men and boys enhance close relationships with their families and the Church while developing strong and desirable traits of character, citizenship, and physical and mental fitness. Scouting under Church sponsorship should become an extension of the home, Primary classes, and Aaronic Priesthood quorums. Scouting functions as part of the Church’s activity program for boys and young men.*
*2012 Scouting Handbook for Church Units in the United States - Section 1.1

3. LDS Church and Scouting
Scouting is an integral part of Church young men program
Part of the activity program of the Aaronic Priesthood
Young men receive Aaronic (preparatory) Priesthood at age 12
Deacon: year old
Teacher: year old
Priest: year old
Religious scouting award for LDS Scouts
Faith in God
On My Honor

5. LDS Church and Scouting
Local Congregation is called a Ward (comparable to a parish) led by a Bishop (comparable to a pastor)
Each Ward has approx members in a geographic area
Each Ward has four registered Scouting Units
Cubs: 8-10 year olds (no Tigers)
Boy Scout Troop: 11 year old patrol and year old patrol
Varsity Team: year old young men
Venturing Crew: year old young men
Each LDS boy is registered in Scouting
Non-LDS boys are welcomed to participate

7. LDS Church and Scouting
8-10 Wards make up a Stake (comparable to a diocese) in a city geographic area (i.e. Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Seattle)
Stake leadership has a Stake Scouting Committee and Young Men’s President that oversees Scouting for Stake
Regional Stakes have BSA-LDS Relations Committee to work with Chief Seattle Council
Training of Unit leaders is critical and a high priority
Wood Badge strongly encouraged

9. LDS Scouting Units
As stated in Charter and by-laws, LDS units DO NOT require Sunday attendance for Scouts
Scouting meetings are opened and closed with prayer
LDS Scouts try not to travel or camp on Sunday
Otherwise, LDS units are just like every other Scout unit
For more information on the LDS relationship with the Boy Scouts of America go to

10. Questions?