In the 1991 edition of the Aaronic Priesthood Handbook (see page 6) it states: "The mission of the Aaronic Priesthood is to help each young man--

• Become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and live by its teachings.
• Magnify priesthood callings.
• Give meaningful service.
• Prepare to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood.
• Commit to, worthily prepare for, and serve an honorable full time mission.
• Live worthy to receive temple covenants and prepare to become a worthy husband and father."

The above six statements summarize the objectives of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for each Priest age young man. In the Taylorsville Utah Central Stake it is hoped that each young man will adopt the six objectives, listed in the Mission Statement of the Aaronic Priesthood, as his own personal goals which he will work toward achieving.  To this end our Stake has adopted a Young Men's Theme.  It is hoped that this Theme, which incorporates the Mission statement of the Aaronic Priesthood with the 13th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants, will be memorized and repeated each time the young men meet together.  By so doing, it is hoped that each young man will internalize these goals as his own.

The Varsity Scout Team program supported by the Boy Scouts of America encourages a well rounded activity program for our Teacher age young men (14-15) incorporating activities in the following Five Program Fields of Emphasis:

• Advancement - The achievement aspect of Varsity Scouting, including advancing to Eagle Scout and earning the Varsity Letter and Varsity Letter Bars.
• High Adventure - Doing anything that the boys have not done before.  This is generally the outdoor/camping part of the Varsity Scout program.
• Personal Development - Program activites which stress any of the following:  Spirituality; Leadership; Citizenship; Social and cultural development; Physical Fitness.
• Service - Activities which involve Team members in individaul or group service and help to develop a service-oriented life.
• Special Programs and Events (SP&E) - Involvement in BSA District and Council activities.  May also include the involvement of the Varsity Team in other activities such as competitive athletics.

When "Aaronic Priesthood Varsity Scouting" is employed, the Five Program Fields of Emphasis work in harmony with the six mission statement objectives of the Aaronic Priesthood to help the young men grow in faith and ability.

The Boy Scouts of America has stated to following objectives for the Varsity Scout program:

• Development of desirable traits of personal character
• Training and participation in good citizenship
• Building of physical fitness
• Promotion of service to others
• Development of self reliance
• Growth in leadership abilities

 (See page 2 of Introduction of Leadership...Varsity;  BSA No. 42567)

The above goals which BSA has set for the Varsity Scout program are worthy goals.  They are also goals which the Gospel of Jesus Christ is designed to instill within Teacher age young men holding the Aaronic Priesthood withing the Church. While the end goal of the Boy Scouts of America is to produce strong citizens, the goal of the Church goes beyond that goal with the goal of preparing young men to follow Jesus Christ and thus prepare themselves for Eternal Life in the Celestial Kingdom.

The Varsity Scouting Five Program Fields of Emphasis are consistent with the Church's objectives for the young men of  the Teachers Quorum.  Wisely used, the Varsity Scout program can effectively function as the activity arm of the Teachers Quorum in building a strong Christlike character to prepare our young men for their present and future responsibilities.  We encourage all Priesthood leaders to think of the Teachers Quorum and the Varsity Scout Team as one single entity serving the everyday growth needs of Teacher age young men.

Weekly Teachers Quorum/Varsity Team Activities

Within the Taylorsville Utah Central Stake we encourge all adult leaders to help the young men of the Aaronic Priesthood Teachers/Varsity Scout Team to think upon the mission statements of the Aaronic Priesthood as they help the youth develop a well rounded Varsity Scout Team program utilizing the Five Program Fields of Emphasis.  Activites chosen should compliment their Aaronic Priesthood mission and help the young men to be better prepared for their future responsibilities as Melchizedek Priesthood holders, missionaries, husbands, and fathers; that they may bless their families and receive all of the blessing that the Lord is waiting to give to those who are obedient to his commandmanents.