|
The Lord revealed that "the bishopric is the presidency of the Aaronic priesthood and holds the keys or authority of the same." (D&C 107:15) As the file leader over the Teachers Quorum (Melchizedek
Priesthood Leadership Handbook, Section 4, pp. 18-20 and LDS Scouting Handbook p. 23), the Bishopric Counselor's involvement in quorum activities is a significant factor in whether Varsity Scouting becomes a force
in the quorum and also whether the quorum makes an actual difference in the lives of its members.
The importance that the Bishopric places on implementing a good, well- rounded Varsity Scouting program will largely determine the importance the young men of Teachers Quorum age place on their own commitment and involvement. Bishopric Counselors assigned stewardship over the Teachers Quorum should regularly attend weekly Sunday Teachers Quorum meetings, and also attend and be as involved as they possibly can in all quorum/team activities. The Bishopric Counselor should:
• Make sure that each Teacher knows the importance the Bishopric places on his activity, not only in Sunday quorum meetings, but also in his quorum Varsity Scouting program. Make sure that each
Teacher is encouraged to give high priority to attending Varsity Scouting activities with his quorum.
Also make sure that parents of quorum members have this same understanding and know that Varsity Scouting is an essential part of the Church's program to help young men ages 14 and 15 grow and stay faithful in the gospel and progress toward their priesthood potential.
• See that adult quorum/Varsity Scouting leadership is fully staffed with exemplary Priesthood holders, who also have the energy and physical stamina to engage in and lead a Varsity Scout
program. The minimum staffing of key adult leaders for Varsity Scouting is: Team Coach, Assistant Coach, and Team Committee Chairman (see footnote 2).
See that these men are fully trained in Aaronic Priesthood and Varsity Scout leadership. The ideal Teachers Quorum/Varsity Scout adult leadership exists when the Bishopric Counselor fully assumes his stewardship over the young men of the Teachers Quorum and appoints himself to serve as the Varsity Committee Chairman. He can then call others to assist him as he deems necessary.
• See that youth leaders in the quorum/team are fully trained in their Aaronic Priesthood and Varsity Scouting duties (see footnote 3).
• Have direct personal contact regularly with
each member of the Teachers Quorum and conduct regular personal interviews with each member of the quorum presidency. The Bishopric Counselor's close personal contact will strengthen the priesthood
purposes behind activities and encourage the youths to emulate his leadership.
Footnote 2) Long experience in scouting programs has shown the wisdom and necessity of each program unit having a "Key Three" with direct responsibility for the
program, to avoid leader burn-out and maintain quality and continuity. These positions listed are the Varsity Scouting Key Three.
Ideally, persons filling these scouting roles should also hold key Aaronic Priesthood leadership callings in relation to the Teachers Quorum, as discussed in later sections of this guide.
Footnote 3) Leadership training options for Varsity Scouts include:
• Introduction to Leadership, an informal one-on-one training session conducted by the Varsity Coach each time a Varsity Scout has a new leadership role (see Varsity Scout
Leader Guidebook, pp. 37-59). Coaches may also conduct a Leader Seminar for the Team, usually done in connection with the yearly Planning Clinic (see Guidebook, pp. 61-63);
• Varsity Scout Junior Leader Training, offered periodically by our scouting district;
• Powderhorn, a week-long advanced leadership training program provided by the Great Salt Lake Council.
(Information about both of the latter programs may be obtained from the Stake Young Mens Presidency.)
|
