1. Transitioning LDS Scouts to Community Packs, Troops and Crews SDIC University of Scouting 2018
For LDS Families to understand Community based scouting
For Community Scout Leaders to understand LDS Families
For all other interested parties

2. Part 1 – Introduction to LDS Scouts

3. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
AKA: LDS Church or Mormon Church
Founded in 1830 New York by Joseph Smith.
Church moved to Utah in 1847 under Brigham Young.
Many LDS Scouts serve two-year proselyting or service missions around the globe immediately after completing high school.
Key beliefs include:
Worship of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
Modern day prophets, apostles and revelation
Accepts both Holy Bible and Book of Mormon as word of God.
Know and Perform your Duty to God (do good works)
Temple and Sabbath day worship
16.1 million members worldwide 12/31/17)
In 1913 became 1st Charter Partner of BSA
For more info: Mormon.org

4. New LDS Church Youth Program
On 01-Jan-2020, the LDS Church is rolling out a new youth program. Details have not been released, but this program will cover all youth ages 8-18, boys and girls. It will probably emphasize Sunday worship and a weekly activity night.
Core principles of the new program will closely resemble those found in the Scout Oath and Law.
Over half of the youth membership of the LDS Church is outside of the USA and does not have access to BSA programs. But it is desired to provide all youth with a consistent experience worldwide.

5. From 8-May-2018 LDS/BSA Joint Announcement
“To allow for an orderly transition, the intention of the Church is to remain a fully engaged partner in Scouting for boys and young men ages 8–13 and encourages all youth, families, and leaders to continue their active participation and financial support. “
“The Church …continues to support the goals and values reflected in the Scout Oath and Scout Law and expresses its profound desire for Scouting’s continuing and growing success in the years ahead. “

6. SDIC LDS Membership
40% of current council scout units are chartered through the LDS Church.
28% of total council youth membership is LDS.
All LDS units, adult and youth memberships will automatically re-charter for 2019.
LDS Unit Commissioners are to ensure that all LDS boys are properly enrolled for 2019.

7. LDS Church 13th Article of Faith
“We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”

8. The LDS church has affirmed on many occasions that the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law are both virtuous and praiseworthy.
In the spirit of the 13th Article of Faith, LDS youth and adults are encouraged to continue participation in BSA units, districts and councils after 2019.

9. The Gemmell Boys : Six Eagle Scouts in One Family http://www

10. Part 2 – LDS Youth Transition

11. 19 Month Transition Period Allows time for the following prior to 01-Jan-2020:
Allow Families to either organize a new unit or to find and join an existing unit.
Allow 1st Class Scouts can complete Trail to Eagle with their current unit.
Webelos can complete Arrow of Light with existing pack.
Two more summer camps with an LDS unit.

12. Cub Advancement shadows school year.
Lion – Kindergarten (age 6)
Tiger – 1st Grade (age 7)
Wolf – 2nd Grade (age 8)
Bear – 3rd Grade (age 9)
Webelos – 4th & 5th Grade (age 10+)
Scouts BSA – Entry Requirements:
At least Age 10 and Arrow of Light
Or Ages 11-17
Venturing – Ages 14-20
Cub Advancement shadows school year.

13. When is the Best Time to switch scouts from LDS units to Community units?
Summer 2019?
Community Cub Packs, Troops and Crews begin their annual program in August (parallel to the school year). This is when they typically organize new cub dens and scout patrols are organized.
Many LDS families will want to stay with their units for as long as possible, at least thru summer camp 2019.
LDS Units in Fall of 2019 may want to emphasize non-advancement activities such as NOVA, service projects, and Messenger of Peace.

14. 2019 Dual Registered Scouts
BSA membership fees paid only once.
LDS Unit to be listed as Primary Unit since that is where the BSA membership fee has already been prepaid thru 2019.
Community Unit membership fees.
Advancement tracking to switch to new unit.
Velcro Unit # Patch.

15. Restricted Sunday Activities Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy (4th Commandment of the Holy Bible) is a priority for many Latter-day Saint families. What strategies can Community Troops adopt to be more inclusive of LDS scouts?
No Sunday Camping or Recreational Activities.
Run campouts from Thursday or Friday to Saturday.
Separate patrol camping.
Early Monday AM arrival to Summer Camp.

16. LDS Family Home Evening
Many LDS families hold a family home evening, typically on Monday night. It usually  includes a game or fun activity, treats, and a short lesson about a gospel principle.
Many community scout units typically meet on Monday nights.

17. 2019 District Recruitment Fair
Invite LDS scouting families to a special Roundtable night.
Features exhibits and representatives from local community packs, troops, crews, ships, posts and OA Lodge.

18. Can LDS Girls Participate in Scouting?
Yes. Many LDS girls grow up in families that have a rich history of camping and hiking.

19. Part 3 – LDS Adults

20. Unit Leaders
In Community Units, adult leaders are volunteers (not called).
Community Units greatly value parent volunteer participation, especially those with scouting or youth program experience and the willingness to serve others is greatly valued.
Every scout deserves a Trained Leader.

21. Wood Badge 2019 Last SDIC Course with no Sunday camping.
Prep adults with valuable youth mentoring skills, useful for implementing new LDS Youth program.

22. How Can LDS Families Contribute to Council Fundraising after 2019?
Register for recurring FOS donations that autopay monthly or annually:
Popcorn sales: After 2019, LDS Scouts are no longer restricted from selling popcorn.

23. Part 4 – LDS Facilities
Will LDS Facilities be available for BSA use after 2019 for Roundtables, BOR, Training, Camping, Activities, etc.?
Church Camps – most likely yes
Church Buildings – most likely no

24. Camp Wildwood Ranch 14488 Mussey Grade Rd, Ramona, CA 92065
This gently sloped 63-acre camp has a large variety of gorgeous trees. Some olive trees are over 100 years old. Massive oak trees shade activity and camping areas. Guests may swim, play sports, hike, zip line, and work together in team-building challenges.  District Camporees.

25. Part 5 – New Unit Formation

26. Guidelines Find Charter Organization
Find Adult Leaders (Minimum #) to organize Key 3, Unit Committee, etc.
Draft Unit Constitution
Find Meeting Space
Annual Plan for Activities
Annual Plan for Fundraising
Youth Recruitment Plan

27. New Unit Resources BSA Unit Performance Guide.
BSA Unit Committee Challenge Guide.
Contract Great Salt Lake Council for a copy of their New Unit Organizer Guide.
BSA New Unit Organizer Training (2014).

29. Part 6 – LDS Transition Resources:
Unit Commissioners & District Executives
LDS-BSA Relationship Committee