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Because continuity in leadership is a key to success, a Quorum Advisor/Team Coach and Assistant Coach should be called to serve, whenever possible, for several years without being released. When calling a
Teachers Quorum Advisor/Team Coach, the Bishopric should discuss expectations for performance and then allow him to serve long enough to become well-trained and to develop close relationships with young men in the
quorum.
Also, because it takes some time for leaders to fully learn to effectively help their young men lead in these programs, it is most desirable for the adult Coach to receive basic and advanced training in adult Varsity Scouting leadership (see footnote 4). It is best if this training can occur when a man is an Assistant Coach, if possible. Then, when he is called as Coach, he is fully prepared for the calling.
Ideally, the Teachers Quorum Advisor should also fill the role of Varsity Scout Coach (LDS Scouting Handbook, p. 16). If it is felt that a different man needs to be called to serve as Team Coach, that
person should also serve as an Assistant Teachers Quorum Advisor.
Additionally, Assistant Varsity Coaches should also be called as Assistant Quorum Advisors. These men should work as a close knit team and attend all meetings of the quorum and team, receive basic and advanced Varsity Scouting leader training, and attend monthly Varsity Huddle (Varsity Scout Round Table). Quorum advisors present an adult priesthood role model to the young men of the quorum/team. The role that the advisor plays is primarily determined by the Bishopric. Studies conducted among young men of the Church have found that a young man's relationship with his quorum advisor becomes more influential as he advances in the Aaronic Priesthood. It is important that the Quorum Advisor be a spiritual role model. (See Vitalizing the Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Training Guide)
Quorum Advisors/Team Coaches should be careful not to usurp the opportunity for growth that quorum/team programs are intended to offer to young men through their being able to function in leadership
roles. The more the youth leaders take responsibility for their own program, without program failure, the better the adults are fulfilling their role. The first responsibility for meaningful
quorum/team activities lies with the quorum presidency/team leaders, assisted by wise and sensitive adult leaders.
Quorum/Varsity Scouting activities provide opportunities for the adult leaders to grow close to the young men. These men should develop a spiritual relationship with each young man and advise the quorum presidency/team leadership in their calling. Leaders should spend a great deal of time developing good relationships with the young men and turning them to the Lord. (Vitalizing the Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Training Guide)
Footnote 4) Varsity Scout adult leader training levels are:
1) Fast start, provided by Bishopric and/or stake Young Mens Presidency as needed
2) Basic, offered twice a year by our scouting district and also available from other
districts in Salt Lake Valley
3) Advanced (Varsity Wood Badge), offered twice yearly by the Great Salt lake BSA Council, and also available from other near-by BSA Councils.
Information about Varsity basic and Wood Badge training courses may be obtained from a member of the stake Young Mens Presidency or by calling the Great Salt Lake BSA Council office.
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