Scouting reaches its centennial anniversary

As the Boy Scouts of America celebrates its 100th anniversary, the storied organization's first institutional sponsor — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — can certainly claim a prominent place at the birthday table. It was a century ago this month that the BSA was organized on a national basis. Three years later, the Church formally became an official citizen of the Scouting community. A century has passed, and Scouting's guiding challenge that boys remain "physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight" have become a part of the fabric of Aaronic Priesthood holders across the United States.

Since the beginning of the Church's friendship with Scouting, general priesthood leaders have championed the teachings of Scouting. They've long understood that Scouting can help a young man prepare for future priesthood duties, missions, temple marriages and lifelong service in the Church.

"I am pleased to stand firm for an organization that teaches duty to God and country, that embraces the Scout Law," said President Thomas S. Monson in an October 1993 general conference address. "Yes, an organization whose motto is, 'Be Prepared,' and whose slogan is, 'Do a good turn daily.' The Aaronic Priesthood prepares boys for manhood and the weightier duties of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Scouting helps our boys to walk uprightly the priesthood path to exaltation ... The priesthood program of the Church, with its accompanying activities, including Scouting, will help and not hinder you as you journey through life."