Quotes on Scouting from the General Authorities of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

"As you know, we are vitally concerned about our youth and feel that with the proper
attention we can save many more than we are doing at the present time. I am convinced that Scouting is a mighty activity arm to hold these boys close while they learn to appreciate the honor of holding the priesthood of God."

"The thing that concerns me, brethren, is that we must have a goal, and that goal must be eternal salvation for every boy.  Scouting can help us move along that pathway to eternal life in a glorious way, in making a boy a whole boy, a whole man.  But, unless we keep our eye on the goal, we are not achieving what is expected of us."

"If we do all else and lose the young man, we have failed in our sacred stewardship. We must not allow a separation of priesthood, Scouting, or athletics."

Addressing the tenure of youth leaders...  "I hope our bishops will call mature men to these positions and let them serve for a few years.  I see no reason why a man in his forties, fifties or even sixties could not serve as an Advisor/Scoutmaster, Adviser/Coach or Advisor/Venturer leader.  If I were a Bishop, I would no more consider not having a team or crew than I would think of not having a teachers quorum or a priests quorum."

"Every phase of the Scouting program should help young men and their leaders understand that Scouting activities are carried out to accomplish priesthood purposes."

Elder Robert L. Backman 
1st Quorum of the Seventy 
As General Church YM President

"I love the Scouting movement. If every boy in America knew and observed the Scout Oath, we would do away with most of the jails and prisons in this country. This program builds boys, builds their futures, leads them on the right path so they can make something of their lives.  Every man or woman who helps a boy along the road of life not only does a great thing for him but does a great thing for society as a whole."

President Gordon B. Hinkley

"This is not an optional program....Scouting is no longer on trial.  It is an economically,
socially, and spiritually sound program. It builds men of character and spirituality and trains them for citizen and leadership responsibility. Scouting teaches a boy to take care of himself and stand on his own two feet. It is an inspired program for a demanding time.  This is that time!  I would to God that every boy of scouting age could have the benefits and blessings of this great program. It is truly a noble program. It is a builder of character not only in the boys but also in the men who provide the leadership."

President Ezra Taft Benson

"I hope you will realize, brethren, that in doing Scout work you are doing Church work.  It is just as important Church work as if you were in some other division of the Church program."

Elder Mark E. Peterson

"Under priesthood leadership, Scouting can be a testimony-building experience that
complements the purposes of the quorum and assists in leading a boy to a meaningful
relationship with the Savior"

Bishop Victor L. Brown

"If a ward does not have a good, active Scouting program that attracts and helps to hold boys close to the Church, it does not have the total Church program."

President N. Eldon Tanner

'Where I have seen weak Scouting it was the result of weak leadership, not a weak program."

Robert L. Simpson

"Much as been said in the media of late regarding Scouting.  Let me affirm that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has not diminished in any way its support of the Scouting movement. President Spencer W. Kimball declared that "the Church endorses Scouting and will seek to provide leadership which will help boys keep close to their families and close to the Church as they develop the qualities of citizenship and character and fitness which Scouting represents...We've remained strong and firm in our support of this great movement for boys and the Oath and Law which are at its center."

President Ezra Taft Benson described Scouting as "a noble program," saying, "It is a builder of character, not only in the boys, but also in the men who provide the leadership."

Brethren, if every there were a time when the principles of Scouting were vitally needed-- that time is now. If ever there were a generation who would benefit by keeping physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight--that generation is the present generation."

President Thomas S. Monson
General Conference Priesthood Session 
October 5, 1991