|
Varsity Scouting was developed and designed in the late 1970s by LDS leaders, specifically to meet the needs of Teachers Quorum-age young men, and then tested and adopted by the Boy Scouts of America to be used
nationally as a regular BSA program (see footnote 1). Things that make Varsity Scouting exciting and useful for working with 14 and 15 year include:
• A high adventure emphasis, that involves lots of new experiences and physical
activities. Activities are minimized that involve sitting or class-room learning
approaches.
• A
program culture that is rich in tradition, symbols, etc., but different than regular scouting. Some of these might be: different uniform that features a more casual dress, use of mountain man themes,
varsity sports symbols and vocabulary, different organization roles and names.
• Less regimentation than regular scouts.
• More boy control over the program and new and different
opportunities for exercising leadership.
• A chance for young men to complete their Eagle requirements by following a more individualized plan. Advancement is still important, but constitutes
about 20% of program instead of perhaps 50% as in regular scouts.
• Incorporation of competitive athletics into the program as a significant element.
• Some chances for group co-ed activities.
Footnote 1) Current BSA materials present several options including using Varsity Scouting as a supplemental enrichment program for older members of a scout troop or as an
autonomous unit.
LDS Teachers Quorum Varsity Teams are based on the latter, but you will find BSA materials for the former helpful in establishing effective programs. BSA materials for the former define Varsity Teams with an emphasis on athletics and Venture Crews concentrating on outdoors high adventure. The autonomous LDS Varsity Teams keep the Varsity name but may use both BSA Varsity and Venture program materials and strategies.
|
