The LDS Church has maintained a long relationship with youth development programs, shaping how many families view character building and service. This connection is most visible through the historical partnership between the church and the Boy Scouts of America, which created structured opportunities for young people to grow in faith and leadership.
Below is a detailed overview of the major themes, changes, and resources related to the LDS Church and scouting, designed to help readers understand the history, current options, and practical implications.
| Era | Key Partnership Event | Program Impact | Resources for Families |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 | First official partnership | Scouting becomes a widespread activity for Latter-day Saint youth | Church manuals and local ward support |
| 2018 | Church ends BSA membership for boys | Transition to home-centered, church-managed programs | Church websites and ward leadership guides |
| 2019 | Introduction of "Children and Youth Program" | Unified approach for all ages at ward level ward> | Leader training, parent resources, curricula |
| 2020s | Expansion of worldwide youth initiatives | Focus on discipleship, service, and lifelong conversion | Church distribution of materials like "For the Strength of Youth" |
Historical Partnership between LDS Church and Boy Scouts
For more than a century, the LDS Church integrated Boy Scout troops into its youth framework, emphasizing duty to God, leadership, and outdoor skills. Local wards sponsored troops, and young men earned ranks and service hours under the guidance of adult leaders who aligned the program with gospel principles.
This partnership provided structure for camps, uniformed ceremonies, and merit badge classes rooted in community values. Families often coordinated scouting events with sacrament meeting schedules, creating a rhythm of service, learning, and spiritual reflection each week.
Transition to Church-Led Children and Youth Programs
Beginning in 2018, the LDS Church gradually separated from the Boy Scouts, culminating in the end of official membership for boys in 2019. The shift was part of a broader move toward home- and ward-centered programs managed directly by local leadership rather than external organizations.
The new Children and Youth Program invites families to serve together in discipleship, using church-approved curricula and scheduled service projects. This change allows leaders and parents to tailor activities to cultural contexts while maintaining doctrinal consistency across congregations worldwide.
Current Youth Programs Offered by the Church
Today, the church offers a unified framework for children and youth, focusing on conversion, leadership, and service without reliance on external youth organizations. Stake and ward leaders coordinate activities that strengthen testimony, family unity, and personal revelation.
- Weekly sacrament meeting participation with assigned roles for youth
- Young Men and Young Women class structures adapted to local needs
- Annual For the Strength of Youth conferences and camps
- Service opportunities in local communities and through Area Welfare programs
Looking Forward for LDS Church and Scouting Engagement
As the church continues to refine its youth approach, families are encouraged to focus on consistent discipleship and home-centered learning. Local leaders provide guidance that helps parents adapt service, mentorship, and outdoor experiences to their unique circumstances.
FAQ
Reader questions
Did the LDS Church completely stop working with any scouting organizations?
No, the church ended official membership with the Boy Scouts of America for its youth, but families may still choose to participate in BSA or other scouting programs independently. The church emphasizes that families can engage in community service and outdoor activities through personal initiative or local groups.
How does the Children and Youth Program replace Boy Scouts for Latter-day Saint families?
The program provides a coordinated schedule of spiritual lessons, service projects, and activities designed to be led by parents and local leaders in wards. It preserves the mentorship and outdoor elements of scouting while centering them on gospel principles and direct church guidance.
Are young women still able to develop leadership skills in the current LDS youth structure?
Yes, young women participate in Young Women classes, where they serve in leadership roles, plan activities, and strengthen their testimonies alongside their peers. The program encourages public speaking, teaching, and organizing service initiatives that build confidence and discipleship.
What resources does the church provide for parents who previously relied on Boy Scout materials?
Parents have access to lesson manuals, training webinars, and curated activities through the church website and local leadership channels. These resources help families plan meaningful experiences that nurture faith, learning, and service without requiring external organizational support.