Venturing / Priest BreakoutApril 2007

Venturing / Priest BreakoutApril 2007

Building a fun, Priesthood centered activity program for Priesthood quorums

Building a fun, Priesthood centered activity program for Priesthood quorums

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Challenges of Priest-Age Boys 16-17

Challenges of Priest-Age Boys 16-17

The Priest age is a “turning point” of life for young men.

The Priest age is a “turning point” of life for young men.

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Characteristics of a Priest-age boy 16–17 Characteristics of a

Priest-age boy 16–17

Physical Pronounced bodily developments

Increase in strength and reaction

Wants more formal team activities and participates in group sports; looking for group acceptance

Desires more Challenge & Risk (High Adventure)

Physical Pronounced bodily developments

Increase in strength and reaction

Wants more formal team activities and participates in group sports; looking for group acceptance

Desires more Challenge & Risk (High Adventure)

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Characteristics of a Priest-age boy 16–17 Characteristics of a

Priest-age boy 16–17

Mental Ability to think abstractly, to set goals, and plans

for his future

Begins to question the world around him

Desires to develop character and personality

Mental Ability to think abstractly, to set goals, and plans

for his future

Begins to question the world around him

Desires to develop character and personality

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Characteristics of a Priest-age boy 16–17 Characteristics of a

Priest-age boy 16–17 SpiritualBegins to define one’s self in terms of opinions, beliefs

and valuesChallenge of authority, and even doctrinePulls away from family and looks for other mentors or

adultsA church study several years ago found that parents

have the greatest impact on 12 and 13 year old boy in how he behaves and exercises his agency. However, as young men approach 15 and 16 and grow toward manhood, major influence in his life becomes his leaders and his peers – particularly his YM leaders.

SpiritualBegins to define one’s self in terms of opinions, beliefs

and valuesChallenge of authority, and even doctrinePulls away from family and looks for other mentors or

adultsA church study several years ago found that parents

have the greatest impact on 12 and 13 year old boy in how he behaves and exercises his agency. However, as young men approach 15 and 16 and grow toward manhood, major influence in his life becomes his leaders and his peers – particularly his YM leaders.

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Inactivity Rate Among Priests

Inactivity Rate Among Priests

We are losing more youth to inactivity:

1-11 yrs old (-28%) = 72%

11-13 yrs old (-4%) = 68%

13-15 yrs old (-18%) = 50%

15-17 yrs old (-8%) = 42%

We are losing more youth to inactivity:

1-11 yrs old (-28%) = 72%

11-13 yrs old (-4%) = 68%

13-15 yrs old (-18%) = 50%

15-17 yrs old (-8%) = 42%

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Priest’s Quorum Activity Challenges Many Priest Quorum’s struggle with quality

mutual night activities.

Their view of “Scouting” is, merit badges, wearing the uniform, pressure from parents to earn Eagle, etc.

They feel that mutual is less important because they no longer want to pursue Scouting ranks.

Many Priest Quorum’s struggle with quality mutual night activities.

Their view of “Scouting” is, merit badges, wearing the uniform, pressure from parents to earn Eagle, etc.

They feel that mutual is less important because they no longer want to pursue Scouting ranks.

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Vitalizing the Priest’s Quorum?

Given the characteristics and challenges facing Priest-age young men, what can we do as leaders to make sure that our voices remain louder than Satan’s?

What do we really want to have happen in the lives of our young men of age 16 and 17 ?

Given the characteristics and challenges facing Priest-age young men, what can we do as leaders to make sure that our voices remain louder than Satan’s?

What do we really want to have happen in the lives of our young men of age 16 and 17 ?

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Goal of the Priest’s Quorum?

Retain the ActiveReclaim the Less ActiveGrow the Quorum

What can we do as Leaders to help the quorum accomplish these goals?

Answer: Help YM Have Spiritual Experiences Through a STRONG ACTIVITY PROGRAM!

Retain the ActiveReclaim the Less ActiveGrow the Quorum

What can we do as Leaders to help the quorum accomplish these goals?

Answer: Help YM Have Spiritual Experiences Through a STRONG ACTIVITY PROGRAM!

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Aaronic Priesthood Activity Program for Priests

Aaronic Priesthood Activity Program for Priests

If you build it—they will come!

I f you don’t—they will go elsewhere.

If you build it—they will come!

I f you don’t—they will go elsewhere.

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President David O. McKayPresident David O. McKay“The spirituality of a ward will be

commensurate with the activity of the youth of that ward.”

“The spirituality of a ward will be commensurate with the activity of the youth of that ward.”

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ActivitiesActivities“Aaronic Priesthood activities should strengthen testimonies and foster personal growth. They should be based on the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood. They also should provide opportunities to apply the principles taught in Sunday quorum meetings and feel support in living them.” General Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, p. 186.

“Aaronic Priesthood activities should strengthen testimonies and foster personal growth. They should be based on the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood. They also should provide opportunities to apply the principles taught in Sunday quorum meetings and feel support in living them.” General Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, p. 186.

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How do we vitalize the Priests Quorum?How do we vitalize

the Priests Quorum?

Through a Fun, Priesthood-Centered Activity Program in the Priests Quorum which Includes Venturing.

Through a Fun, Priesthood-Centered Activity Program in the Priests Quorum which Includes Venturing.

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Section 2:

Venturing – A Laboratory for Applying Gospel Principles

Section 2:

Venturing – A Laboratory for Applying Gospel Principles

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Venturing for Priest’s Quorum?

When properly applied, [Venturing] acts as a laboratory for boys with dedicated leaders serving as trained laboratory instructors, monitoring and encouraging the application of the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood by providing action experiences that appeal to quorum members.

“On My Honor”, Thane Packer pg.10

When properly applied, [Venturing] acts as a laboratory for boys with dedicated leaders serving as trained laboratory instructors, monitoring and encouraging the application of the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood by providing action experiences that appeal to quorum members.

“On My Honor”, Thane Packer pg.10

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Why Venturing?

Remember the 5 Steps of Learning Process Exposure

Repetition

Understanding

Conviction

APPLICATION

Remember the 5 Steps of Learning Process Exposure

Repetition

Understanding

Conviction

APPLICATION

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Venturing for Priest’s Quorum? Application

There are action limitations in whatever we try to teach on Sunday. We do better when our Sunday lessons are fortified, through the experience of doing at another place and time. This is where Venturing becomes the laboratory for Aaronic Priesthood holders.

Application

There are action limitations in whatever we try to teach on Sunday. We do better when our Sunday lessons are fortified, through the experience of doing at another place and time. This is where Venturing becomes the laboratory for Aaronic Priesthood holders.

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Venturing for Priest’s Quorum? What is Venturing?

How does it differ from Boy Scouts?

How does it meet the challenges of the Priest-age boys?

What is Venturing?

How does it differ from Boy Scouts?

How does it meet the challenges of the Priest-age boys?

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Venturing for PriestsVenturing for Priests Venturing is a activity program, tailored exactly

to the needs and interests of 16 – 18 year olds.

It was designed to meet the needs of Priest-age young men while achieving the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood.

Venturing resources blended with Duty To God requirements can provide the structure and focus to help 16-18 year-old young men prepare for missions and adult life.

Venturing is a activity program, tailored exactly to the needs and interests of 16 – 18 year olds.

It was designed to meet the needs of Priest-age young men while achieving the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood.

Venturing resources blended with Duty To God requirements can provide the structure and focus to help 16-18 year-old young men prepare for missions and adult life.

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Have we forgotten anything?Have we forgotten anything?

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FUN!FUN!

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Venturing MethodsVenturing Methods1. Adult Association

2. Leadership

3. Recognition

4. Ideals

5. Group Activities (FUN)

6. High Adventure (More FUN)

7. Teaching Others

1. Adult Association

2. Leadership

3. Recognition

4. Ideals

5. Group Activities (FUN)

6. High Adventure (More FUN)

7. Teaching Others

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Venturing is FlexibleVenturing is Flexible Every Priest Quorum is unique. Venturing is

flexible; it can be tailored to each quorum’s needs.

Venturing does not have a required uniform.

Young men can decide if they want to work on Venturing awards, or decide not to work on the awards at all.

Every Priest Quorum is unique. Venturing is flexible; it can be tailored to each quorum’s needs.

Venturing does not have a required uniform.

Young men can decide if they want to work on Venturing awards, or decide not to work on the awards at all.

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Recognition & AwardsRecognition & Awards1. 5 Different Bronze Award Programs (LDS

Religious Life, Outdoor, Sports, Sea Scouting, and Arts)

2. LDS Religious Life Bronze Award is based on Duty to God

3. Gold & Silver Awards

4. Ranger Award (High Adventure Program)

1. 5 Different Bronze Award Programs (LDS Religious Life, Outdoor, Sports, Sea Scouting, and Arts)

2. LDS Religious Life Bronze Award is based on Duty to God

3. Gold & Silver Awards

4. Ranger Award (High Adventure Program)

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Leadership TrainingLeadership TrainingVenturing Leadership Skills Course

Created to help teach young men leadership skills

Modeled after BYU Leadership Course

Teaches young men vision, communication, listening, organization, planning, delegation, teamwork, trust, group problem solving and leadership styles.

Venturing Leadership Skills Course

Created to help teach young men leadership skills

Modeled after BYU Leadership Course

Teaches young men vision, communication, listening, organization, planning, delegation, teamwork, trust, group problem solving and leadership styles.

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How to Get StartedHow to Get Started Don’t announce in Priesthood Meeting or Mutual that there is

a new program called Venturing and we’re going to do it. Do meet with one of the young men that is a leader. Without

a sales pitch let him borrow a Ranger Guidebook. Ask him to look at it and report back in a week what he thinks.

Don’t assume the young men want to earn Venturing awards.

Do assume that the young men want to have fun with their friends.

Don’t say, do you want to work on the Outdoor Bronze Award?

Do ask them to choose from a list of over twenty outdoor activities the 4-6 they would like to do.

Don’t announce in Priesthood Meeting or Mutual that there is a new program called Venturing and we’re going to do it.

Do meet with one of the young men that is a leader. Without a sales pitch let him borrow a Ranger Guidebook. Ask him to look at it and report back in a week what he thinks.

Don’t assume the young men want to earn Venturing awards.

Do assume that the young men want to have fun with their friends.

Don’t say, do you want to work on the Outdoor Bronze Award?

Do ask them to choose from a list of over twenty outdoor activities the 4-6 they would like to do.

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How to Get StartedHow to Get StartedPurchase the following: Venturing Leader Manual, No. 34655C

Venturing Leadership Skills Course, No. 34340A

Venturing Handbook, No 33493

Ranger Guidebook, No. 3128A

Total cost approximately $27

Purchase the following: Venturing Leader Manual, No. 34655C

Venturing Leadership Skills Course, No. 34340A

Venturing Handbook, No 33493

Ranger Guidebook, No. 3128A

Total cost approximately $27

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How to Get StartedHow to Get Started

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Get TrainedGet Trained Fast-Start (grandcanyonbsa.org)

Youth Protection (grandcanyonbsa.org)

Monthly Roundtable

Specific Leader Training (Sept. 10, 2005)

Woodbadge

Fast-Start (grandcanyonbsa.org)

Youth Protection (grandcanyonbsa.org)

Monthly Roundtable

Specific Leader Training (Sept. 10, 2005)

Woodbadge

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Organize CrewOrganize Crew

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Program Capability InventoryProgram Capability Inventory

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Venturing Interest SurveyVenturing Interest Survey

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www.scouting.orgwww.scouting.org

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Planning WorksheetPlanning Worksheet

Our Monthly Activity plan

Week #1

Activity___________________

Priesthood purposes

(1.)______________________

(2.)______________________

Duty to God

(1.)______________________

(2.)______________________

Youth activity chair:________________

Adult advisor:_____________________

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Crew Officer’s Seminar AgendaCrew Officer’s

Seminar Agenda

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Cooperative GamesCooperative Games

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Problem-Solving Initiative GamesProblem-Solving Initiative Games

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How to buy a carHow to buy a car

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Job InterviewJob Interview

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Job InterviewJob Interview

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Crew / Priests Quorum IntegrationCrew / Priests Quorum Integration

First, make sure that Priests Quorum 1st & 2nd Assistant are TRAINED in their Duties and are actively having Quorum Presidency Meetings

Second, make sure that the Crew President is Trained in his responsibilities and is leading the Crew (under the direction of the Bishop)

First, make sure that Priests Quorum 1st & 2nd Assistant are TRAINED in their Duties and are actively having Quorum Presidency Meetings

Second, make sure that the Crew President is Trained in his responsibilities and is leading the Crew (under the direction of the Bishop)

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Crew / Priests Quorum IntegrationCrew / Priests Quorum Integration

The Venturing Unit must not operate independent of the quorum.

Planning for Crew is done during Priests Quorum Presidency Meeting

The Venturing Unit must not operate independent of the quorum.

Planning for Crew is done during Priests Quorum Presidency Meeting

“Venturing is part of the Quorum Presidency’s responsibilities. Each scout unit should have a … Crew President who is nominated by the bishopric and sustained by quorum members. This leader is usually the quorum president [1st Assistant].” (LDS Scouting Handbook, pg. 3)

“At least once each month, after the foregoing matters have been considered, the quorum presidency meeting is used to make plans for the quorum’s scout unit. If youth and adult

leaders are not already present, they are invited to the meeting at this time.” (Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2 –Section 2, pg 184-185)

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Section 3:

Duty to God

Section 3:

Duty to God

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Elder HalesElder Hales“I promise you that your achievement of the Duty to God Award will provide you with a living testimony that will sustain you throughout your life.”

“I promise you that your achievement of the Duty to God Award will provide you with a living testimony that will sustain you throughout your life.”

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Duty to GodDuty to God

“The Duty to God program helps young men accomplish the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood. It helps them develop skills and attributes that are needed to succeed in life.”

“The Duty to God program helps young men accomplish the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood. It helps them develop skills and attributes that are needed to succeed in life.”

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Importance of Monthly OutingsImportance of Monthly OutingsApplication

There are action limitations in whatever we try to teach on Sunday. We do better when our Sunday lessons are fortified, through the experience of doing at another place and time. This is where Scouting becomes the laboratory for Aaronic Priesthood holders.

Application

There are action limitations in whatever we try to teach on Sunday. We do better when our Sunday lessons are fortified, through the experience of doing at another place and time. This is where Scouting becomes the laboratory for Aaronic Priesthood holders.

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Duty to God and VenturingDuty to God and Venturing

Many Venturing requirements can fulfill goals and requirements of the Aaronic Priesthood Duty to God Program.

So run a consolidated program!

“On my honor, I will do my best to do my Duty to God…”

Many Venturing requirements can fulfill goals and requirements of the Aaronic Priesthood Duty to God Program.

So run a consolidated program!

“On my honor, I will do my best to do my Duty to God…”

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Duty To God & ScoutingDuty To God & ScoutingIf you plan carefully…

You can accomplish many Duty to God Requirements through Venturing.

Venturing/Duty to God Mapping Docs at:

LDS Venturing Guidewww.DutytoGod.com

If you plan carefully…

You can accomplish many Duty to God Requirements through Venturing.

Venturing/Duty to God Mapping Docs at:

LDS Venturing Guidewww.DutytoGod.com

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Example Consolidated ProgramExample Consolidated ProgramQuorum Activity Plan

Deacon Quorum Activity PlanMonth Lesson/Activity AchievementJAN Purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood/First Aid

Quorum Lesson #22Mutual: Basic first aid skills

PDS-2ED-5

Quorum Lesson #1Mutual: First aid

QA-1, 4

Quorum Lesson #2Mutual/Combined YM/YW: Frisbee Golf

SD-4CSD-4

Quorum Lesson #15Mutual: First aid

CSD-1First aid merit badge

Campout: Snow camp, survival skills, snow shelters. PD-7FEB Testimony of Christ/Physical Fitness

Quorum Lesson #38Mutual: Physical Fitness

PDS-10PD-2

Quorum Lesson #5Mutual:Physical Fitness

SD-1,2Physical Fit. MB

Quorum Lesson #6Mutual/Combined YM/YW: Youth Olympics

CSD-2, 9, 11

Campout: Physical activities, run 1¼ miles, relay race PD-1, 7, 8

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Tracking Duty to GodTracking Duty to God Variety of tools and approaches Individual vs. group Vertical vs. horizontal Formats

– Printed (PDF)– Document file– Excel spreadsheet– Stored on Web

(DutyToGod.org)

Handouts show examples

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Role of ParentsRole of Parents

Parents have the primary responsibility to help your sons succeed.Become familiar with the guidebooks and review them with your sons.Help them set and accomplish goals.Talk with them about their progress, compliment their efforts and sign completed goals.

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Role of Parents, Leaders, Quorum Pres.Role of Parents, Leaders, Quorum Pres.

Conduct Role Play – New Quorum Member VisitConduct Role Play – New Quorum Member Visit

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Other Duty to God IdeasOther Duty to God Ideas Conduct Semi-annual Duty to God

Firesides with Parents.

Use FHE as a tool to fulfill Duty to God

Read Letter to Elder Dellenbach on Duty to God

Conduct Semi-annual Duty to God Firesides with Parents.

Use FHE as a tool to fulfill Duty to God

Read Letter to Elder Dellenbach on Duty to God

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