Trails to Testimony: Bringing Young Men to Christ Through Scouting

By Bradley D. Harris

Book Overview

Trails to Testimony: Bringing Young Men to Christ Through ScoutingBradley D. Harris, associate professor of recreational management and youth leadership at Brigham Young University.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1439228434
• ISBN13: 9781439228432
• Release Date: April 2009
• Publisher: BookSurge Publishing
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.4" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

The definitive resource for LDS Scouters

Some may be surprised by the title of Brad Harris' book, but no one should mistake it's premise. Scouting can have a powerful impact on the lives of young men when carried out by knowledgeable, caring, and trained leaders. But no one should be surprised that scouting in the LDS Church can and must go further; not just to meet the Aims of Scouting, not solely as an end in itself, but to reinforce and establish the Purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood in lives of the young men as well. Brad's book will help parents, YM leaders, bishoprics, and stake leaders to understand how scouting can meet the deeper religious needs of young men in the LDS Church IF we don't become distracted by silly ideas, myths, and the 'traditions of the fathers' that move us away from the purpose of Scouting in the LDS Church today. Brad does this in a gentle but convincing manner that will win-over several audience types: 1. The priesthood administrator who just may have never been able to fully see the potential of scouting while serving in his areas of church responsibility and may never have been TRAINED; 2. The father or mother of scouts who think it is their primary purpose to drive their sons to the rank of Eagle Scout all the while missing on the deeper objectives of the program. 3. The YM leader who frets about how he will 'entertain' his scouts or venturers this week. Stakes can feel completely comfortable using the principles taught in Brad's book as a text for Little Philmonts, as a training outline for bishopric training or of YM leaders. I'm seeing whole stakes buying forty, sixty, and seventy books at a time and distributing them at stake training meetings and council commissioner colleges to LDS scouters as well as non-members who work with LDS units. It is the definitive resource on LDS Scouting and a wonderful tool for parents. Readers will experience 'A-ha moments' throughout and will develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of how LDS scouting can be the vehicle of bringing young men to Christ.

A Must-Read: The Best LDS Scout Book

Earlier this morning I finished one of the finest Scouting books I have ever read! (and I have read many of them) Brother Harris, in just over a 100 pages, shares so many great insights and strong stories to really bring home the crucial points to doing Scouting right in an LDS setting. As a Wood Badge trained Scoutmaster, I struggled to reconcile the BSA way of training to what specific challenges we face in the LDS Church and the way we do scouting. Brother Harris does a wonderful job at identifying these issues and offers illustrated examples of how to overcome them and build a vibrant scouting tradition in your ward and stake. I strongly believe that all the YM leaders in the stake and bishoprics and all scouting parents should read this book. Brother Harris shares such a clear message of what it is really all about and I cannot recommend this book more highly. The charts, comparisons, stories, quotes, and scripture references in this book are invaluable! I was truly inspired as I read what Brother Harris had to share and the spirit and words he chose to use. The book covers many pitfalls and "false traditions of their fathers" and how to overcome them. I love how the book aligns scouting with the AP and how they work hand in hand. For once, I have found great clarity and specific answers how to do Scouting in an LDS way. It really focuses on the spiritual nature of scouting and how we can draw our YM in our stewardships to Christ. I feel so strongly that everyone I work closely with in Scouting must read this book--especially my Asst Scoutmasters. All YM leaders will love the great insights into how to help the boys and make the program run easier. More than anything it is the mindset and the real goals that Brother Harris shares that need to be instilled in every leader, parent, and committee person in our ward. I look forward to getting the Audio CD as well! Though this was a quick read, I knew quickly that I'd be reading it many times through to get inspired again and again to help our YM. Time now to get to work, learn, and apply. Thank you, Brother Harris! --K Hansen

Like a pebble hitting a pond

I purchased this book and loved it. I too am Wood Badge trained (Buffalo), I am also an Eagle scout and a past scoutmaster. I gave a copy to one of my friends who is a Crew Advisor - he loved it and gave the copy to his dad. The Crew Advisor is using what he learned to change how the crew is operating. His dad is struggling to get scouting going again in his stake. My friends dad wished he had this book months ago as it addressed many of the issues he is currently facing. Like a pebble hitting a pond, the ripples of help and counsel in this book are going out into the LDS scouting world.

Very helpful book for all Adult YM leaders

I have been a scout, done Woodbadge (OWL, Give a HOOT!), and have served in several capacities with both LDS and nonLDS troops. This book is one of the best I've seen that helps LDS Scouters and bishoprics understand why a fully functional scouting program is so essential, and how to do it. No scoutmaster should have to suffer along as the committee chair, advancement chair, secretary/treasurer, etc as well as being scoutmaster. Scoutmasters need time to focus on the needs of the YM in their charge. If the principles outlined in this book are applied, it will bless the families, scouts, and ward/branch leaders who serve them. I cannot recommend this more highly.

Trails to Testimony: Bringing Young Men to Christ Through Scouting

If you question why Scouting was ever established as the "activity arm of the Aaronic Priesthood" or are just plain frustrated with a seemingly incomprehensible program called "Scouting", this book will help. Too often, a counterfeit (what we _think_ Scouting is) rather than an authentic (what Scouting really should be) version of Scouting is unwittingly presented to the young men. Brad Harris offers his experience and knowledge of Scouting in the LDS Church to enable the reader to clearly distinguish between the two. His insights and gentle suggestions promote a healthier, more vibrant program that will truly bless the lives of every participant. He outlines how Scouting should function and identifies a path to achieving it. He speaks with clarity and in a straightforward tone that motivates and inspires. Rather than propagating weak tradition, this book provides parents and leaders who are sincerely interested in achieving the aims of Scouting and fulfilling the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood with a means to do so. Every LDS Scout leader and Scout parent will benefit from reading this book.