Wednesday, May 9, 2018

I Love Scouting - An Invitation to Respectfully Remember a Century of Honor


On May 8, 2018, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the decision to discontinue LDS Scouting programs in 2020. Like every other Scouting news release during the past decade, this change was immediately met by both glee and sorrow. Naysayers jumped on the social media bandwagoncheering that the BSA elephant is "finally off our backs," while those invested in Scouting shed tears at the end of an eraa life-changing century for millions of youth and leaders.


My husband has served as the LDS-BSA Relationships Director for the past five years, and this change directly affects our family in both a professional and a personal way. We have been deeply touched by the many friends who immediately reached out to us, anticipating the emotional trauma we were experiencing at the announcement.


Ironically, I listened to a conference talk on "ministering" earlier in the day. The evening announcement provided a unique opportunity to experience and observe friends who took the time to show us love during a heart-breaking situation, as well as those who simply touted comments on social media, oblivious to the pain many of us were feeling. Ministering is an invitation to live a higher law, and this was a perfect opportunity to serve. A heartfelt "thank you" to those angels who came to our aid.

But on an even more personal note, the announcement came on the eve of my Dad's birthday, May 9th. He is the reason I love Scouting. Let me explain.


My Dad, Tom Hunsaker, was raised in southern California. As a young boy living in downtown Los Angeles, he didn't excel at sports but found that he thoroughly enjoyed Scouting: backpacking, hiking, learning outdoor skills, and leading other youth. Many of the memorable childhood lessons he later taught me were through Scouting. (See my blog: The Hiking Hint.)


In 1963 he was called to serve a full-time mission in Germany. He bid farewell to his parents for 2 ½ years (subsequently, his mother died while he was gone and he never saw her again), and climbed on a plane bound for a foreign country. He spent the first portion of his mission proselyting and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a nation recovering from World War II and already dealing with the Cold War. I'm sure those days were long and sometimes lonely, but he cheerfully persisted.

Then, in 1964 he received a unique assignment change. Elder Ezra Taft BensonEuropean Area Mission President, apostle, and future prophet of the Churchcalled my dad and his companion, Elder David Allen, to leave their proselyting duties and actively work to reestablish Scouting in the Church. During the war years, the Hitler Youth organization had abolished German Scouting, but fledgling programs were back on their feet and Elder Benson knew the benefits of Scouting were just what the European young men needed. And so, Elders Hunsaker and Allen exchanged their white shirts and ties for Scout shirts and neckerchiefs and started their quest.


They met with Jochen Senft, leader of the Bund Deutscher Pfadfinder, and started an attempt to align Church and Scouting efforts. Initially, the going was slow. The German Scout group had several policies in place that didn't work well for the Church. For example, campouts were conducted on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and didn't allow LDS youth to keep the Sabbath Day holy. Additionally, patrol leaders were elected by the boys, while Church units wanted boy leaders called by the bishop. These issues and others needed to be resolved before a favorable partnership could be established.

For several months they persisted. After fasting, prayer, and many meetings and conversations, changes were miraculously made in the Scout group bylaws to align with the Church needs, and a partnership was formed. Then the fun began!



The two elderspreceded by a letter sent to every German stake from Elder Benson himselftraveled through Germany, visiting stakes and wards, training leaders and organizing Scout troops for the youth. They met with local Church leaders, provided guidance, sang songs, conducted campfires, organized patrol meetings, and built goodwill between the two organizations. What an inspiring time! Some of my favorite images of my Dad's mission are of him in uniform at Church Scouting activities.


The experiences he had were so spiritual, invigorating, and life-changing that after his mission he changed his university major from Physics to Youth Leadership. He graduated and fulfilled a successful career as a professional for the Boy Scouts of America. My childhood memories include many, many, many uplifting and inspiring experiences around campfires, under the stars, at Scout Expos, in the great outdoors, and on long hikes. (See my blog: Boy Scouting from a Girl.)  I will be eternally grateful for my Dad's Scouting passion. It shaped my life and the lives of my 10 siblings. I love Scouting.

Twenty years after my dad returned from his mission, our family had the unique opportunity to visit the now prophet President Benson in his office in the Church Administration Building. It was thrilling to hear him share Scouting-missionary memories and learn of his continued devotion to the program. That visit remains a highlight of my life.


Two weeks ago I traveled to downtown Salt Lake City to do some Scouting research. Sitting in a small cubicle deep in the bowels of the Church History Library, I personally examined and read Scouting papers and letters from Elder Ezra Taft Bensoncorrespondence he sent and received as a member of the BSA National Executive Board. The letters were enlightening and thrilling! I read about his experience visiting the World Scout Jamboree in Greece with his wife, Flora; attending BSA National Meetings; speaking with Elder Harold B. Lee at National Scouting functions; visiting Philmont Scout Ranch; and giving active input and ideas to the organization. I was amazed to read first-hand of the significant role he played on the BSA National Executive Board. His devotion and love for Scouting were obvious due to the time and energy he spent during his already busy life as both an apostle and a national political leader.

My recent days in the Library reminded me of another sacred experience I had in 2013 when I worked as a writer on the book Century of Honor: 100 years of Scouting in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Those months of research and effort are holy to me, and filled with sacred experiences that taught me of the inspired nature of Scouting. I am grateful for Baden-Powell and other world and Church leaders whose vision ultimately blessed my own sons and millions of youth worldwide. (See my blogs: Behind the Book and How Scouting Prepared My Son to be a Missionary.) I fervently believe that the Scouting movement throughout the world and in our nation was inspired by God.


Since President Benson's time, Primary and Young Men General Presidents as well as apostles have continued his legacy, serving on the BSA National Board and advisory councils. Their input has continued to shape and strengthen Scouting for America's youth.

But those days are over, and in 2020 the Church and the BSA will no longer be partners.

So, what next? With all due respect I invite Church members not to jump on the "social reaction" bandwagon. If there's anything I've learned during the past five years of my husband's job it is the inevitable "twist" that comes through media reporting. We are a society who reacts to thrills, including breaking news and the opportunity to point at the person left on the side of the road instead of lovingly considering another viewpoint.

Many will say the Church is leaving Scouting because the BSA changed their name, welcomed girls into their programs, or allowed people with alternative lifestyles to join their ranks. Yet in the same breath we as Church members correct those who call us "Mormon" instead of using the full name of our Church (the Boy Scouts of America has not changed their name); we wish out loud for "equal" high adventure opportunities for our young women (the BSA has included girls in their programs since the 1970s); and we quickly remind each other to invite everyone to our meetings--including those of alternative lifestyles. These issues are no different in the Church.

In fact, the recent changes made in BSA programs and membership actually reflect similar changes made by the Church to welcome and include all who wish to come unto Christ. There is nothing dramatic or drastic about these events. Isn't it ironic that we sometimes speak of ministering from one side of our mouth, yet in the same breath openly criticize a partner organization that mirrors our standards and has maintained their Scout Oath and Law for more than a century? (See my blog: Thoughts on BSA Membership Policy Changes.) We can live a higher law as we bid farewell to our faithful Scouting counterparts.

The only real tragedy I feel at this "break" is that Church members have not been better, more respectful partners with an organization that has provided a natural bridge to other good, God-fearing people throughout the world. And I am saddened at the lost opportunities to serve, to love, to strengthen and to support youth in a desperately evil society.

However as a Scouting volunteer, wife, and mother I will be forever grateful for the relationships, the good will, the growth, and the never-to-be-forgotten Scouting experiences that have been a blessing to us as a people, a blessing to me and my family, and a blessing to our nation. Scouting has shaped our young men and changed millions of lives. What a legacy!


Of course we will follow the prophet. Of course we will move forward with these inspired changes, but the manner in which we initiate this new era is up to us as a people. I invite all of us who call ourselves saints and proclaim Christ as our head to proceed respectfully, kindly, and even reverently, paying tribute to a partnership that has directly and indirectly positively affected each one of us during the past centurythe Century of Honor that I will always hold dear. Happy Birthday, Dad!

30 comments:

  1. Great insight!! I love the scouting program.

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  2. Thank you so much for sharing! What a wonderful testament and perspective!

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  3. Nettie, Thank you for your post. You and Mark are such great examples as you serve and live Scouting's values. Our associations though scouting with the two of you have been a blessing in our lives. Scott Stringham

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  4. I have always admired the LDS's embracement of Scouting as their youth ministry. I pray that other religions can do the same.

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  5. Wow! Incredible, much needed insight. Thank you so much for sharing. More importantly, thank you for your thoughtful leadership and example.

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  6. What a great post. I am so envious of your experiences with scouting! Thank you so much for sharing!

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  7. Thanks Nettie. I loved working with your dad. He was always a positive influence in our Council. I appreciate your words of wisdom on your blog. I wish everyone would read it. It speaks volumes and there are those that should practice the use of compassionate words at this time. It has been a beautiful partnership and it has blessed my life. I am proud to say that my chosen profession has helped me minister to members and non members alike. May God bless you and your family.
    Philip Eborn

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    1. Philip, so good to hear from you! We sure can look back on many great memories working together in the Council. The Lord bless you in your chosen work.
      Tom

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  8. My experience as a Scout is one I always will treasure...just ask my kids! My father never had a chance to be a scout but each of his sons were told that their earning their Eagle rank was one of three standards he hoped we would achieve...and all three of us did.

    Great article, Nettie@

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  9. Glad I found this piece and would commend this daughter of my friend for such a great summary of her Dad's life and commitment to Scouting. He and I were missionary companions before he got the Scouting assignment from Presdent Benson. We then hooked up later when I was doing Wood Badge courses for the Lake Bonneville Council while living in Preston, Idah. I doubt you would remember me. I also served on the Executive Board and, as a Stake President, was on the committee that formulated the merger of the Cache Valley and Lake Bonneville Councils. I always used Tom as my "reference point" . . . Great man. I will miss Scouting as we have known it for my grandchildre.

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    1. Lowell, so super to hear from you!! Are you back from Hong Kong and Frankfurt? Marvelous experiences. Thanks for your response to Nettie's blog. Do you recognize any of the boys in the patrol meeting photo? I am wondering if that was the Sippe in Eppendorf.
      Tom

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  10. Great post. Thank you for your leadership and example.

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  11. Your final paragraphs reflect my feelings exactly. Thank you.

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  12. Nettie, your family is legendary!! What joy to read about your dad. Thank you!!!

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  13. Nettie, we love you and Mark and your example is a beacon to all of us. Thank you for this historic post, remembering all that is good in Scouting and how that which is good about it will continue on, albeit in a new form. The Scout Oath and Law have not been abandoned, although organizational changes are being made. The outdoors, the patrol method, adult association, and many of the methods of Scouting will continue on. Certainly the Aims of Scouting (character development, citizenship training, mental and physical fitness) will not be left behind. Thank you again for your leadership, example and taking the high road.

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  14. Thank you for sharing your experiences and feelings. I grew to love Scouting more and more each year I have served in a calling or volunteered. There has always been so much good and opportunity with Scouting through the church that I wish everyone could feel. I have loved reading the “Century of Honor” book. Thank you for your work in publishing it so we can enjoy reading it for years to come. I hope the light of those who shared Scouting throughout the church will stand above those who have chosen negativity.

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  15. AMEN! Well-said. Thank you for your wise council and heart-felt message. You always have been and continue to be a shinning example of Christ-like behavior.

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  16. Thank you for your perspective. It's a tough time, and I'm so grateful for the countless blessings this partnership had brought to my whole family. Scouting was a big presence in my home growing up, and some of my favorite memories were because of that. Scouting has helped me raise my children - scouting in our unit, working at scout camp, and attending family camp. And it has definitely made me much more than I would have been through trainings, opportunities, and especially the great men and women I've rubbed shoulders with in the work. The boys I've served are in my heart, as are the leaders who provided this program for my boys.

    My prayers are with those putting together the new program. I hope it will be as beneficial and building to the young men and women involved, and that the leaders that eventually implement it will have the vision to make it all it is intended to be.

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  17. Thank you for your post. I feel the "church" has let scouting down over many years now. We have been on this course for a long time now and now we are here. I will travel to England this month and pay homage to Baden Powell and scouting while I am there. I love scouting and its ideals all it taught me. Character matters.

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  18. Thank you for your wonderful insights. Although I have known your dad, I did not know about his Scouting experience in Germany. I too spent part of my mission in Norway working to develop Scouting in LDS units, but our effort was at the behest of my mission president rather than an apostle.

    My very first thought when I received the email from the Church about the end of Church sponsorship of Scouting was about Mark and your family. I have been praying for you and I feel that God has a plan for you.

    Like you, I will always cherish my time as a Latter-day Saint Scouter. I became a Cub Scout half a century ago and have been Scouting ever since. Without this I probably would never have had the pleasure of meeting Mark and other members of the Francis family, and so many other fantastic people who have lifted and ennobled my life. Godspeed.

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  19. good histroy!!! i was scout in Argentina on a group of my branch...I think the changes have to do with the pressure of the gays and with the changes of habits of the young people who have less sense of adventure due to modernity and the electronic age, they no longer have fun with the scout symbology in particular. over 14. It is very difficult to hook them with the scout system but some things of the method should continue to be used if we wish to be successful in the young activities programs..

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  20. Love this! Wonderful post...what sweet insights, sentiment and teaching. I too have great gratitude for all Scouting has blessed us with and look forward to follow our Prophet as new adventures and growth await.

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  21. Excelentes palabras saludos desde Argentina, de parte de un hermano Scout miembro de La iglesia de Jesucristo de los santos de los últimos días. Aquí estamos sufriendo esta noticia pero confiamos en nuestro profeta.

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  22. Well said! Our family has likewise been blessed in many ways through the scouting program. I personally loved that the BSA was willing to take input from the Church and improve upon programs (e.g., Varsity Scouting).

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    1. Thank you, President Ferrin, for your comment. Your incredible service as Varsity Coach was such a blessing to Sam. Thanks for mentoring him during a pivotal time.

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  23. I thoroughly enjoyed time I spent with you and the others present at the most recent LDS/BSA Conference. As I prepare for my last day as a Scouting professional with the MT Council I am feeling rather bittersweet. I am looking forward to adventures in the Las Vegas area though and will be embracing new volunteer roles as family priorities allow.

    This was a great perspective and may we see both the BSA and the new LDS youth program flourish in their changes. -

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  24. Scouting profoundly influenced my dad (and I'm sure he would have loved to do Scouting as a missionary in the Franco-Belgian Mission during his 2-1/2 year mission!) and my grandfather, although inactive for most of my dad's life, willingly served as an assistant Scoutmaster in their ward.

    I remember learning that 14 year old girls could join Exploring when I read a Boy's Life article about it and excitedly telling my dad about it. He simply told me, "No, I won't sign you up for Exploring because the Church doesn't sponsor girls in Scouting." I had experienced serious Scout envy watching my two older brothers go off to Jamboree and attend Scout camp, which seemed much more fun than Girls Camp. I always wanted to join Scouts.

    Two weeks after my husband and I moved our records from our BYU married student ward into our first family ward after my husband graduated from BYU, I was excited to get called as Cubmaster in our ward! I gained such an incredible testimony of the Scouting program and also believe that Baden-Powell was inspired to start it. I have managed to stay in a Cub Scout calling since that initial call 8-1/2 years ago, minus the 1 year I was in the Relief Society presidency (but still served in Cub Scouts since it took 6 months for the bishopric to find someone willing to accept the position I had had). My baby boy was 18 months old at the time and is currently a Webelos - he will turn 12 right before the charter ends on 31 December 2019, and at that point I will have served LDS boys in a Cub Scouting position for 10-1/2 years.

    It is the end of am era and it's bittersweet for me. I'm so thankful my friend shared your blog with me because it is so validating to read someone else's words about how this announcement has affected me - even though I knew 4 years ago that this change was coming.

    Thank you for blogging such heartfelt expressions of tribute to this wonderful program.

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  25. Thanks for taking the time to share these wonderful stories and thoughts. Thanks for your service which is amazingly so great. You have done a great service to all, the 100th Century book is absolutely amazing, your families history and all the lives you both have touched. I'm beginning to think that many members of the church will continue on with Scouting in their lives as the new programs do not preclude being a Scout. I hope some day my 1-year-old grandsons can experience Scouting, like so many youth in the church have these past 105 years! Best Wishes.

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  26. Wow! Well Said! Well done! Thank You!

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