Why Do We Have Both Scouting & Duty to God?

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MR says: Between Boy Scouts, Duty to God, and Priesthood Quorums, young men have a lot on their plate. But, all of these programs work together to build stronger faith and moral values.

I have been asked this question numerous times: “Why does the LDS church support Scouting when they have the Duty to God program?”

It wasn’t by accident or coincidence that six years after the scouting movement was formed and three years after the Boy Scouts of America was founded, the Prophet Joseph Fielding Smith received revelation to adopt Scouting as the activity arm of the Aaronic Priesthood. President Thomas S. Monson as repeatedly said, “If there has ever been a time where the principles of scouting are needed, that time is now.”

How does it all tie in together?

Before we make connections of all three programs, we must know each one's purpose. 

The BSA Mission statement states:

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

The purpose of Duty to God is as follows:

The Duty to God program is a tool to help Aaronic Priesthood holders:

Strengthen their testimony and their relationship with Heavenly Father
Learn about and fulfill their Priesthood duties
Apply the standards from For the Strength of Youth

Lead image from Boy Scout 411.
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