Simplified Steps for New Scout Leaders in Primary

 Welcome New Scout Leader in Primary is a 2 page PDF document that we hope will help simplify the sometimes overwhelming task of learning what you need to know as a new scout leader. It contains links to online scout training, the Scouting Handbook for Church Units in the United States and as well as some helpful organization resources. The Link is also listed to the right under BSA online training. It is presented as a series of steps, so that things are done in the proper order. All who have responsibilities for or in Scouting ( Bishopric members, Primary presidents and presidency members, Scout committee members as well as the leaders working directly with the boys should be familiar with these steps and accomplish any missing steps so you can be fully trained and effective in your callings. Our Primary age boys deserve a well functioning Scouting program that will contribute to the efforts of families and Primary on Sunday to build testimonies in the lives of these future Priesthood holders. Please utilize this new tool in your Primary program.
by Tiare Fullmer

Plan Now for Success

by Tiare Fullmer

2012 is fast approaching and if you do some preliminary planning now, you will find things going much more smoothly and successfully in the coming year.

Here are some ideas you might want to consider:

• Outline / calendar – Look ahead and plan for stake and general conference, CSMP, etc.. Assignments can be made for conducting sharing time, giving gospel instruction, visit classes, greeting, etc...

Here is an example:

	Monthly theme and scripture			Monthly song		Activity/ Lesson
Jan	Agency Is the Gift to Choose for Ourselves “Wherefore, men are free... to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men” (2 Nephi 2:27)			As a Child of God (outline)		14th - Stake Aux. Training
	Weekly theme	Open Ex	Conduct	G Instruct	Visit	Lesson #
1	Introduce 2012 Theme	Talk - Bish	2nd C	1st C		1
8	Agency is the gift to choose for ourselves.	A of F, myGS	Presi	2nd C	1st C	2
15	Agency is the gift to choose for ourselves.	Talk - child	2nd C	1st C	Pres	3
22	In the premortal life, I chose to follow God's plan.	Pres message	Presi	Sec	2nd C	4
29	Jesus Christ created the earth as a place where I can learn to choose the right.	Talk - child	1st C	Pres		5

• Talks / scriptures / prayers for sharing time -– Figure out the way you will assign and remind the children [and their parents] Keep track so all can have a chance participate and of children and their talks that you might want to include in the CSMP.

• Sharing Time Agenda - Plan a basic agenda that you can use each week to conduct Sharing Time that has places to fill in the talks, prayers, songs, etc.
• Goals - Set long term goals to improve your effectiveness at accomplishing the purposes of Primary. This is the step-back, big-picture kind of planning. Periodically evaluate and track your progress. The Primary secretary can be great help here as well.
• Presidency duties – A list to define who is responsible for what – ex: 1^st Counselor - over AD for G and CTR classes and general teacher improvement...
• Presidency meetings – When and where will you have them? This council is very important to a properly functioning Primary – if you are having lots of difficulty – check and see if this meeting is happening effectively.
• Lesson schedule – make yearly schedule so all know which lesson they should be on – especially great for when you need last minute substitutes, etc. A list of approved substitutes is another thing you can include for teachers
• Class lists , teacher instructions and next year manuals [CTR and Valiant classes all change manuals]– Plan how you will get this information to the teachers. Remember, personal contact is always best so you can encourage, answer any ?? and determine what there needs are.
• Parent letter – Introduce parents to the yearly theme and give them any instructions such as picking up children promptly, making sure children go to the bathroom before coming to Primary, not allow children to bring toys, policy about food, etc...
• Nursery schedule– The basic Sunday schedule, possibly who does what each week, snacks...
• Nursery parent letter – Again, involve the parents and make sure they know the policies, etc.

• Music plan – The outline has basic songs to teach listed under several months, but gives plenty of room for you to chose songs. If you have a plan of specific songs you want to teach and make sure the children know well this year, it will focus your singing time. You can also have a plan for opening exercises songs. If this is planned and given ahead of time to the presidency, they have time to make sure it's correct on the agenda and opening exercises will flow smoothly.
• Music practice CD – audio files of all the Primary songs are available on the church website. Making a Cd for each child of the songs you will learn and emphasize this year can really be helpful, especially to children who don't attend consistently.
• AD for girls & cub scouts and 11 yr scouts – Expect the leaders of these groups to plan ahead and have a basic calendar for the Presidency to approve. The scouts should each have a rotating calendar to make sure all requirements can be met during the year. [Get LDS scout training if you don't understand this!]

Get your lists and schedules set up ahead, and make sure all who need it have a copy. Then you just simply execute the plan each week. Remember, you can tweak if needed, but the basics are in place. Many of these lists and schedules are great to post on the inside of your closet door, etc. Remember to plan with prayer and purpose. You will have greater success when you plan ahead and are prepared at the beginning of the year. Then, you will have much more time for the real work of Primary – people!

If you want it to happen – plan for it!

President Thomas S. Monson Speaks About Scouting

In a video, "The Strengths of Scouting", on lds.org, President Monson discusses the value of Scouting in the Church.  He tells of the experience of his 11-year-old nephew who used the skills he learned in Scouting to save the life of his younger brother.  The swimming and first aid skills required to attain the rank of First Class during Primary prepared this Scout to do something extraordinary.  I am sure his parents were grateful for the time the Scout leaders had sacrificed to make this 11-year-old’s Scouting experience successful. 

President Monson includes this statement, “I believe in Scouting.  I believe in the goals of the organization.  I believe in the power of Scouting to bless and enrich lives for good”. 

In addition to the video, there are links to other articles on Scouting.  One quotes President Monson, “If ever there were a time when the principles of Scouting were vitally needed—that time is now. If ever there were a generation who would benefit by keeping physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight—that generation is the present generation.”  President Thomas S. Monson, “Called to Serve,” Ensign, Nov. 1991, 47.

Now is the time to take the time to help every 11-yer-old boy “Be Prepared” and “Do a Good Turn Daily”.  You may help save a life and you will definitely save a boy.

Help from the Friend - January 2011

Check out the “What’s online this month?” on the back cover.  Depending on your electronic interests, there are several options that might want to try such as mobile applications, Facebook and Twitter.

Primary 7: New Testament
     Lesson 5: The Childhood of Jesus Christ – “Jesus as a Child”, p 6-7

Sharing Time – Gospel Instruction

     January – “Bringing Primary Home:  The Scriptures Are the Word of God”, p 40-4
          “Coloring Page:  The scriptures are the word of God” p 46 
     September – “Where Is Isabelle?” p 8-9

Sharing Time – Music Time
     “If I listen With My Heart”, p 24-25

Sharing Time – Opening
     “Sammy’s Scriptures”, p 36

Activity Days for Girls
     “Bulletin Board:  Time Capsule”, p 12
     “Bulletin Board:  Understanding the Scriptures”, p 13
     “Bulletin Board:  Run, Jump, Play!” p 13
     "Little Women from Massachusetts”, p 18-19

Activity Days for all Children (just a note – these activities are not mentioned in the new handbook, but the guidelines are contained the Faith in God guidebooks, p 18)
     “Friends in the News:  Barrigada Branch”, p 47

Faith in God
     Serving Others - “Going the Extra Mile”, 20-21
     Articles of Faith – “Article of Faith 1”, p 22 
          (also note online – “Play Articles of Faith Memory Quest at friend.lds.org!” 
     My Gospel Standards “Listen for His Voice”, p 2-3 “The Cookie Solution”, p 4-5
     Learning and Living the Gospel – “Guide to the Friend:  Possible Ideas for Family Home Evening, #1”, p 48

Pre-opening activity for Cub Scouts, Patrol of 11-year-old Scouts, Activity Days for Girls
     “Funstuf: Say What?” p 43

Cub Scouts – “Friends by Mail:  How the Friend Helped Me”, inside front cover

Help from the Friend - October 2010

Use the "Topical Index to this Issue of the Friend" on p 48 to find ways you can use this month's Friend in Primary.  Below are a few ideas:

 

Faith in God - Activity Days, Cub Scouts, 11-year-old Boy Scouts

"A Gift for Billy", 2-3

"Meeting the Challenge", 4-5

"Bulletin Board", 12-13

"Temple Facts Challenge", 16-17 (Gathering activity)

"No Matter Our Differences", 22-23

"Important Trait", 26 (Gathering activity)

"Invite All to Come unto Christ", 40-41

"No Matter Our Differences", Friend, Oct. 2010, 22-23

My Gospel Standards, Cub Scout Core Value-Compassion, Boy Scout Slogan

"Grandpa's Garbage", Friend, Oct. 2010, 8-9

My Gospel Standards

"Run Away!", 44-45

Primary 6: Old Testament, Lesson 43, Jonah and the People of Nineveh

"Jehovah Sends Jonah on a Mission", 14-15

Help from the Friend – September

Friend - September 2010

Activity Days for Girls, Cub Scouts, 11-year-old Scouts
     “Family History Library”, p 6-7; “ Family History 1-2-3”, p 24-25; “Guide to the Friend: FHE, # 2”, p 48
     “A Golden Friend”, My Gospel Standards, p 9
     “Friendship Challenge”, p 10
     “Bulletin Board: Simple Service”, p 12
     ”Bulletin Board: Making a Difference”, p 13
     “Kitchen Crafts: After-School Mini Pizzas”, p 16
     “A New Commandment”, p 17 (Gathering Activity)
     “Word Scramble”, p 43 (Gathering Activity)
     "Guide to the Friend: FHE, # 3”, p 48

11- year-old Boy Scouts
     “What Is a Priesthood Quorum?”, p 11; “Guide to the Friend: FHE, # 1”, p 48

Activity Days for Girls
     “A Faithful Girl Named Emma”, p 28-29

Primary 2 and 3
     “Choose the Right Way”, p 34-35

Primary 6: Old Testament, Lesson 40
     “Jehovah Saves Faithful Daniel”, p 14-15; “Coloring Pages: Daniel Chooses the Right”, p 46

Activity Days for All Children
     “Friends in the News: Albany Ward and Crescent Park Fifth Ward”, p 47

Music
    “For Teachers and Leaders: Songs in ASL”, back cover

Tell Me the Stories of Jesus

In the April 2010 General Conference, Elder Neil L. Andersen spoke of the importance of children hearing the stories of Jesus to build their personal testimonies. (Tell Me the Stories of Jesus)  He said:

“The stories of Jesus can be like a rushing wind across the embers of faith in the hearts of our children. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”  The stories of Jesus shared over and over bring faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strength to the foundation of testimony. Can you think of a more valuable gift for our children?

Are the life and teachings of Jesus Christ embedded in the minds and souls of our children? Do they think about the Savior’s life when they wonder what to do in their own lives? This will be more and more important in the years ahead”.

He included this promise:

“As you reverently speak about the Savior . . . the Spirit of the Lord will accompany your words.

As you do your best, the testimony of Jesus will gently distill upon your children’s hearts. They will go to their Heavenly Father in humble prayer and feel His influence through the power of the Holy Ghost. A stronger personal faith in Jesus Christ will prepare them for the challenges they will most surely face”.

We have the opportunity to share the stories of Jesus in every aspect of Primary; nursery, Sunday classes, sharing time, music, closing exercises, Activity Days for Girls, Cub Scouts, patrol of 11-year-old Boy Scouts, and Activity Days for All Children.  As we faithfully endeavor to bear witness of the Savior by telling the children stories about Him, they will be strengthened for a lifetime.

Help from the Friend - August 2010

The following are just a few ways that The Friend can be used in Primary:

Faith in God - My Gospel Standards
     "Birthday Standards", p 4-5
     "Trying to Be Like Jesus: Skipping for Good", p 31 

Faith in God - Learning and Living the Gospel
     "Faith in God Challenge - A "Learning and Living the Gospel" Activity", p 23 Teaching, Activity Days for all Children, Activity Days for Girls
     "Investigating the Scriptures", p 13 

Primary 6, lesson 38
     "Queen Esther Saves Jehovah's People", p 14-15, "Coloring Page", p 46 

Primary 1, Lesson 7; Primary 2, Lesson 13
     "A Special Feeling of Peace", p 17 

Activity Days for Girls
     "Cooking Up Activity Day Fun", p 22-23 

Activity Days for all Children
     "Who Wants to "Play"?", p 24-27

11-year-old Scouts "A Scout is kind"
     "Trying to Be Like Jesus: A Good Goalie" p 31

Cub Scouts, 11-year-old Scouts, Activity Days for Girls (Gathering Activity)
     "Funstuff: Partial Pictures", p 43

Change to BSA Youth Protection Training Policy

The following is a portion of a letter dated June 1, 2010 from James Terry, Assistant Chief Scout Executive.  Be aware that this policy is now in effect.  All adults serving in positions in the Cub Scout Pack and the patrol of Eleven Year-old Boy Scouts, including the members of the Primary presidency serving on the Pack and Troop Committee need to complete or update this training.  A link to Youth Protection training is on the sidebar of this blog under the heading of Online Training. 

"Youth Safety is the No. 1 concern of the BSA.

To increase awareness of this societal problem and to create even greater barriers to abuse than already exist today in Scouting, the Boy Scouts of America is implementing several important changes to further enhance it Youth Protection Policies.

Effective June 1, 2010:

• Youth Protection training is required for all registered volunteers.
• New leaders are required to take Youth Protection training before they submit an application for registration.  The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins.
• Youth Protection training must be taken every two years.  If a volunteer's Youth Protection training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be re-registered." 

If additional information is needed on how to take this training or attaching the certificate to the registration form of newly called leaders, read the entire letter "Important Changes to the Boy Scouts of America's Youth Protection Training Policies"

Help from the Friend - May 2010

Closing Exercises
     "Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice: My First Talk", p 2-3

Activity Days for All Children
     "Bringing the Book of Mormon to Life", p 18-20.  The video "How-To" is located at:  http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=7050cf9b00a48210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=21bc9fbee98db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD 
     "Friends in the News: Five Oaks Ward", p 47
     "Guide to the Friend: Possible Ideas for Family Home Evening", p 48, #4


Activity Days for Girls, Scouting, My Gospel Standards, Articles of Faith
     "Modesty at Any Age", p 8-10
     "Bringing the Book of Mormon to Life", p 18-20.  The video "How-To" is located at:  http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=7050cf9b00a48210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=21bc9fbee98db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
     "Sharing Time: Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel Lead Me to Jesus Christ", p 40-41


Primary 6:  Old Testament
     Lessons 18-21 - "Jehovah Gives Commandments", p 14-15
     Lesson 18 - "Coloring Page:  Moses Becomes a Prophet", p 46


Behold Your Little Ones
     Lesson 15 - "Count Your Blessings", p 34-35

Help from the Friend – April 2010

The following are a few ways this month's Friend can help in your Primary. Make sure you check out the back cover for reminders of online resources at lds.org.

   

The New Albany Indiana Stake theme for 2010
     “Helping Feed the Savior’s Lambs”, p 2-3
     “Making a Difference”, p 8-9
     “Come to the Rescue, p 10
     “Feed My Sheep”, p 32-33
     “Find the Sheep”, p 34

Activity Days for all children, Activity Days for Girls, Cub Scouts, 11-y/o Boy Scouts
     "Friends in the News: Homestead Ward”, p 47

Activity Days for Girls, Cub Scouts, 11-y/o Boy Scouts
     “The Memory Box”, p 4-5
     “Making a Difference”, p 8-9
     “Primary Pianist”, p 22-23
     “The Strength to Choose”, p. 28-29 (My Gospel Standards)
     “Children’s Art Exhibit”, p 39 (would be an excellent goal for Faith in God)

Closing Exercises, Presidency message – October, Week 2
     “Special Witness: How can I be a missionary now?”, p 11

Primary 6, Lessons 15, 16, 17
     “Jehovah Blesses Joseph’s Family”, p. 14-15
     “Coloring Page, p 46

Nursery and Younger Classes - Teaching appropriate behavior and reverence 
     “Be Still”, p 35

Improving Opening/Closing Exercises

With Sacrament meeting first, the last 20 minutes of Primary should follow the agenda in the Primary Handbook, p 234, using the suggested order for closing exercises:

• Prelude music
  
• Quiet song
  
• Message by a member of the bishopric/branch presidency (as often as possible)
  
• Song
  
• Talks by children
  
• Song or two (as time allows)
  
• Summary message by a member of the primary presidency
  
• Scripture by one of the children (child's choice)
  
• Prayer song
  
• Closing prayer
  
• Postlude music 

This time should be structured with the messages and music contributing to a quiet listening time.

Closing exercises also provide an opportunity for the children to learn how to prepare and give talks. The following articles from the Ensign and Friend can give you ideas for helping children and their parents prepare and give more meaningful talks. The information in these articles could be used to plan:

    Activity for all children

    Activity Day for Girls and Scouting activities

    5^th Sunday lesson for parents and adults

    Relief Society mid-week class

    Simple instructions to be included in assignment reminders

    or another forum coordinated by the Primary presidency and/or ward council

Shirley M. Call, "Helping Children Learn to Give Talks," Ensign, Mar 1999, 44

Clarissa Whitney, "I Have a Question," Ensign, Mar. 1978, 20–22

Judy C. Olsen, "Speaking from the Heart," Ensign, Dec. 1984, 65

Vicki F. Matsumori, "Sharing Time: 'The Field Is White Already to Harvest'," Friend, Sep 2002, 28, Station C

"Family Home Evenings That Work: Learning to Give Talks," Ensign, Feb 2002, 21–25

Pat Graham, "Sharing Time: How to Prepare a Talk," Friend, Jul 1986, 36

 

These are the basic steps for children (and adults) to prepare talks, just remember I EAT:

    Introduce the gospel principle you will talk about.

    Explain the principle by using a scripture or scripture story.

    Apply the principle by giving an example of how it has been used in your life.

    Testify about the importance of this principle by telling how you feel about it.

 

Closing exercises can become an important part of preparing children for participating in sacrament meeting, giving talks, and being a missionary. 

Review of Stake Auxiliary Training  class – "Improving Closing Exercises"

Help from the Ensign - March 2010

"First Presidency Message: Moral Courage - Children: Gifts That Give Us Courage" p 5-7

• This activity correlates well with the Faith in God requirements for "Learning and Living the Gospel". It could be completed and listed as "your own activity".
  
  

"What We Believe: The Holy Ghost Testifies of Truth" p 10-11

• This article correlates well with the Faith in God requirements for "Learning and Living the Gospel" bullet #3 (p 6 in the Faith in God guidebooks).
  
• Teachers, activity day leaders, and Scout leader can use this article to prepare themselves to help children understand Articles of Faith #s 1, 4, 7, and 9.
  
• Music Leaders can use this article to prepare to teach the song Children's Songbook #105 - The Holy Ghost that will be part of the 2010 Sacrament Meeting Presentation.
  

"Small and Simple Things" p 70–72

• This article is short. All adults who serve in primary can benefit by reviewing these principles frequently. Here it is:
  
  "By small and simple things are great things brought to pass" (Alma 37:6).
  
  "Suggestions for Teaching Children:
  
  
  • Greet each child by name as he or she comes into class.
    
  • Let children participate in lessons by inviting them to hold visual aids, choose a song, answer questions, or role-play a story.
    
  • Use simple and clear language.
    
  • Become familiar enough with the lesson that you can "tell" it to the children rather than read it from the manual.
    
  • Remember that children will follow your example. Try to set a righteous example in the way you treat them and others".
    

Help from the Friend – March 2010

The following are a few of the ways you could use this month's Friend in your primary:

 
Op/Cl Exercises, Message from the Presidency
     "A Lesson in Reverence", p 2-3

Music – Idea for teaching the song, Follow the Prophet, CS, 110-11
     "Follow the Prophet", p 24-25

Activity Days for Girls, Teaching, Activity Days for all Children
    "Scripture Marking", p 12
     "Scripture Cookies", p 13
     "Decorating Scripture Pencils", p 13 

Activity Days for Girls, Scouting 
     "Sharing Time: God Speaks through Prophets", p 40 (remember that the learning activity for Sunday Sharing Time comes from the 2010 Outline for Sharing Time and this page is a supplement for the children). 

Activity Days for Girls, Scouting – Gathering Activity
     "An Eternal Truth", p 17

Preparing 11-year-olds * Visits

During the year you may have girls and boys who will have their twelfth birthday.  The primary president helps coordinate the preparation and transition of these children into Young Women and the Aaronic Priesthood.  Twelve year-olds will continue to attend the classes in primary, but will not attend sharing time or op/closing exercise.  One of the preparation activities is a visit from the presidency of the Beehive presidency (or member of the Young Women presidency) or the Deacon’s Quorum presidency.  Below are resources for these visits:

Faith in God for Girls guidebook:   “Preparing for Young Women,”  p12

•Talk with the Beehive class presidency or a member of the Young Women presidency about the purpose and importance of the Young Women program.

Faith in God for Boys guidebook:  “Preparing for the Priesthood,”  p12

• Talk with the deacons quorum presidency about the role of the deacons quorum.

Aaronic Priesthood Manual 2, from “To the Adviser” section (the same information is in each of the Aaronic Priesthood manuals): 

Deacons Presidency Visits to Primary Class

The deacons quorum presidency has a responsibility to prepare other young men to receive the priesthood. Encourage the presidency to make a few short presentations to the Primary class these younger boys attend. These presentations should have a threefold purpose:

1.       To give the deacons quorum presidency the experience of instructing younger boys.

2.       To help younger boys who are preparing to receive the priesthood realize the duties and blessings of the Aaronic Priesthood. The quorum presidency should also emphasize the joy and satisfaction that come through service and the importance of being a good example.

3.       To help the younger boys realize that they will be welcome in the quorum.

The presidency might give presentations similar to the two suggested below:

A Deacon Serves Others

The deacons quorum presidency might prepare a twenty-minute presentation that explains how deacons serve others by performing their priesthood duties and share the joy and satisfaction that come through this service. The quorum presidency could explain how passing the sacrament and gathering fast offerings blesses the lives of ward members; they could also report on specific service projects.

Be an Example

The deacons quorum presidency might prepare a twenty-minute presentation about the importance of being a good example as a priesthood bearer who represents Jesus Christ. The quorum presidency could explain the importance of setting a good example in dress and conduct, particularly when passing the sacrament and gathering fast offerings.

You and the deacons quorum presidency should meet with the Primary teacher to plan the presentations before the presidency gives them. Visits to Primary classes should be coordinated with the Primary president.

The visit from the Beehive presidency or member of the Young Women presidency could follow a similar format.