One other LDS Scouting practice that I’ve heard of (but have not confirmed) that would be at variance with standard Scouting practices is that they appoint their junior leaders (the Senior Patrol Leader especially) instead of having the Scouts elect him.
The appointment versus election falls right in line with control and authority lines within the Mormon church structure itself. No wonder their leader thought scouting was in alignment with their religion. For better or worse, boy-elections are important—they teach leadership, civic responsibility, and remind everyone that no term (good or bad) lasts forever.
Typically that’s correct, the problems I faced are small units, 12 or less total boys. The Church program has the boys in the different aspects of Scouting based on age and quorom. 12-14 yr olds are Scouts, 14-16 yr olds are Varsity and 16-18 are Crew.
These age groups are consistent with the different quoroms they attend. The Leaders of each Scouting group is usually the leader of the quorom.
I have broken this mold with the unit I’m working with because there are only about 3-4 boys in each group. Not much chance for developing leadership there. I combined all three age groups into a Troop and have they held elections twice.
I have rec’d some incredulous responses from dyed in the wool LDS Scouters about my approach, but I tell them that both programs are intended to develop leadership. If they don’t have anyone to lead, then how can they develop leadership skills? Sometimes one just needs to take a semi-unorthodox approach to get things right.
Eventually they may move back to the church’s position on leadership roles, but for now, I have “free”(?) reign to right the ship.
Cheers,
SZ