To begin with, it may be helpful to explain that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints became the first charter partner with the Boy Scouts of America back in 1913. Scouting is an integral part of the activities we provide our Young Men at church. We term scouting the "activity arm" of the Aaronic Priesthood, which is the program and priesthood responsibility that our young men ages 12-18 participate in within the church. The values taught by scouting are integral to the character building that we believe God himself expects of all of us.
The Church has always supported and had a presence at the National Jamborees, and usually has had a special award or commemorative patch for scouts (members and non-members alike) who attended the Jamboree. This year however, they wanted to present a more valuable spiritual experience for the Scouts and introduce the George Albert Smith award for participants to earn for those willing to go above and beyond - rather than just give them a token award (a free patch was given to all who stopped by the LDS Relationships booth). The requirements of the award were intended to focus Scouts' attention on not just their Duty to God, but also additional opportunities available to them at the Jamboree to strengthen their families and character.
Here is a scan of the requirements brochure. Sorry I didn't have a cleaner image:
The requirements brochure also includes a great principled story entitled "Lesson From A Scouter" which I'll share here:
Story Part I
Story Part II
You can read the other story referenced in the requirements, "Run, Boy, Run!" by clicking here.
I think it's a beautiful award, and is one of the highlights of my Jamboree experience. Not just because of the award, but because of the lessons learned while earning the award including the people I met, and the discussions it prompted with the two scouts in my troop as they fulfilled the requirements to earn it.
You can read some more about my Church's activities at the National Scout Jamboree here.
4 comments:
Thanks for posting this information. I like the fact that even if a person is not a Latter-Day Saint, that they are welcomed to earn the award as well. That is shows that a "Scout is Reverent" and is in step with what BP wanted.
I visted their tent at the 22nd world scout jamboree. there was areally nice atmopshere. I also completed the Georde albert smith award it was amazing to complete. and i wear it with pride!
Thanks for posting this. The 12 year old boy in this story is my father Doug Scalley and it touches my heart to see this story that my sister wrote for the Ensign. We have been trying to get some of these Medals for Doug's two sons and his 10 grandsons - 5 of whom are Eagle Scouts and the remaining 5 are working on achieving...
It is a beautiful award.
Margie Scalley Vaught
Margie - Thank you so much for taking the time to post. It was my pleasure to share, and am grateful for the story that led to the creation of the award. What a great scouting heritage in your family!
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