OUTDOORS + RECREATION
New Church youth programs to replace Scouting on track for 2020
Apr 30, 2019, 7:08 AM | Updated: 8:30 am
SALT LAKE CITY — We are learning more about changes to youth programs for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints set to take effect in 2020 and replace the Scouting program.
The changes were announced by the church’s First Presidency in May to replace the existing youth programs like Scouts, Duty to God, Faith in God, Activity Days, and Personal Progress. The church says that the new global initiative is for boys and girls ages 8 and up, and it is supposed to build upon the church’s focus home-centered, church-supported focus on worship. It will also provide families and leaders, “personalized opportunities to grow spiritually, socially, physically and intellectually through meaningful activities, service, gospel learning and inspired goal-setting.”
The programs are currently being tested around the world as the church has been preparing the changes for years. The goal is to allow local leaders and families to customize their weekly activities and service opportunities along with outdoor activities and campouts.
“This is going to be an exciting, wonderful enhancement to everything we have done before,” said Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “This new initiative is not only going to point them all to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, it’s going to give opportunities for large gatherings and personal development through goals and achievement of goals.”
“We are thrilled with what we are learning and so excited in the future of this new initiative,” said Elder Rasband. “It focuses on what really matters, helping our children and youth discover their eternal identity and develop skills and talents unique to them. As the Church continues to grow and the world continues to change, the time is right for a simplified, personalized approach to helping children and youth.”
Details about the global initiative for children and youth will be shared at ChildrenAndYouth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org as the implementation date approaches.
