The LDS Church announced on Thursday that it will drop Scouting programs for teens ages 14–18 and implement a new program for young men in 2018. In light of this announcement, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland praised Scout leaders for support of the LDS Church.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles serves as the Church’s representative as a National Executive Board Member of the Boy Scouts of America.
“I wish to commend the BSA leaders who have been so supportive of the Church’s decision to cease participating in the Varsity and Venturing programs,” he said. “They have been understanding, kind and very professional. We are grateful for their interest in us, in our youth, and in our worldwide need.”
The Church “continues to work toward developing a program for young men and young women globally,” according to the statement. The Church will remain with the Cub Scout and Boy Scout program because they “meet the development program needs of boys from ages 8 through 13.”
“We are grateful for [the BSA’s] continued support with this new change and look forward to continuing our strong relationship in the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs,” the statement noted.