Blazer Scouts
Rex Goode (rexg@IMS.COM)
Mon, 14 Feb 1994 10:59:47 PST
There seems to be a lot of misconceptions about what Blazer Scouts are
in the LDS Church, so I thought I'd try to clarify.
One of the main reasons that we (LDS) use the Scouting program, is as
a training program for the Mormon priesthood, which is implemented
for all worthy males from the age of 12 and onward. We have come to
feel that the values taught in Scouting are what our young priesthood
members need. To coincide with this important event (ordination to
the priesthood) in a boy's life, we also begin his main Boy Scout
experience at the age of 12. When trying to decipher why Mormons do
what they do (scout-wise), this important belief must be remembered.
The programs of the church for our children begin at the age of about
18 months in a nursery. This nursery is part of a program called The
Primary. At 3 years, children begin a regular weekly class time in
this organization, much like Sunday School in other churches. This
Primary organization is also the church auxilliary that operates
Cub Scout Packs for boys at the age of 8. When boys reach the age
of 10, they are put in a Primary class called "Blazers". The Blazer
class consists of Blazer A's (ten-year-olds) and Blazer B's (eleven-
year-olds). The Blazer A's are Webelos in Scouting. The Blazer B's,
who have not reached that all important age of 12 are Boy Scouts,
commonly referred to as Blazer Scouts or just Blazers. Troops are
run by the Aaronic Priesthood organization of the Church, which is
separate from the Primary Organization which oversees the Blazers.
While Blazers are members of the troop, they have separate activities
and are governed by a separate church auxilliary. The Blazer teacher,
who teaches them on Sunday, is also their Scout leader, whom we
register as an Assistant Scoutmaster. He is an Assistant Scoutmaster
in every sense of the term, except that he usually does all of the
duties of the Scoutmaster for his group. For example, Scoutmaster
conferences for Blazers are conducted by their ASM, not by the SM
of the troop.
The president of the Primary organization is a member of the troop
committee and makes certain that all decisions made by this body
serves the interests of the Blazers as well as the main troop.
When it comes to Roundtable and other training opportunities, Blazer
leaders should be trained just like any other Assistant Scoutmaster.
They need instruction in basic Scout skills, in advancement paperwork
(ugh!), in the patrol method, in youth protection, etc., etc., etc.
Treat the Blazer concept of LDS units as synonymous with the New
Scout Patrol idea. In all actuality, this is what they are. The
church has set as a standard the goal of each Blazer reaching First
Class by the time he reaches the main troop. With this in mind, the
Blazer leader may take the Blazer patrol on 3 overnight campouts of
their own. Generally, they are not supposed to camp with the main
troop until they turn 12.
For this reason, at events like Camporees, you'll see the 11 year
olds leave before nightfall. I know it is different, but it should
be relatively painless to accept and accomodate, at least I hope
it is.
I sincerely hope this explanation is clear. I'd be happy to field
any questions.
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| | Rex Goode 3127 N.E. 59th Portland,OR 97213 |
| I'm not fat. I just have | Integrated Measurement Systems (503) 626-7117 |
| a really thick skin. | Beaverton, Oregon |
| | rexg@ims.com |
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