Posted on 08/23/2010 11:40:10 AM PDT by greyfoxx39
There they find gospel learning, new friendships, outdoor adventure and, in the words of countless LDS Philmonters, "a Zion experience."
Again this year, hundreds of stake presidents, counselors from stake presidencies and stake Young Men leaders gathered for the annual Priesthood Leadership Conference at Philmont Scout Ranch. Most were accompanied by their wives and children, leaving their homes for a week to populate sprawling tent cities and enjoy a week of spiritual and Scouting instruction. This year's leadership conference was held in two sessions from June 26-July 2, and July 39.
"It's been a wonderful experience being with these many priesthood leaders and their families," said David L. Beck, Young Men general president, who presided at the leadership conference. Brother Beck was joined at one or both sessions by his counselors in the Young Men general presidency, Brother Larry M. Gibson and Brother Adrian Ochoa. Rosemary M. Wixom, Primary general president, and her counselors, Sister Jean A. Stevens and Sister Cheryl A. Esplin, also participated, along with members from the Young Men and Primary general boards.
Philmont's Priesthood Leadership Conference is undoubtedly a Scout camp. Each day, the priesthood leaders pull on their Scout uniforms and gather together for training sessions on myriad aspects of Scouting. The sessions are taught by Brother Beck, Sister Wixom and their counselors and general board members, along with Scouting's LDS Relations director David Pack.
But the LDS gathering at Philmont is much more than talk of merit badges, rank advancements and troop activities. Participants in each session function as a ward for the week they are together. The leadership training is anchored in the Sabbath Day where families dressed in Sunday best gather for priesthood, Relief Society, Sunday School, Primary and sacrament services. LDS Philmonters even accept callings. A stake president from say, Kansas, may teach the CTR class out on the Philmont picnic grounds. A Relief Society sister from Arizona may be asked to lead the outdoor gospel doctrine class. Young Mia Maids and Beehives gather with other girls from around the country for Young Women instruction.
Sabbath worship extended far beyond the Philmont training facilities. Hundreds of Mutual-aged boys and girls participated in weeklong treks through the Philmont backcountry. During the trek, they gathered at various outdoor settings on Sunday to sing hymns and listen to instruction from Brother Beck, Sister Wixom and other youth leaders. The trekkers participate in the outdoor meetings offering impromptu talks. At one service, Brother Beck recognized the singing talents of one young woman from Texas so he asked the girl and her sister to stand and sing a duet of "Joseph Smith's First Prayer."
It's also a week of bearing and sharing testimonies and spending time with families in a peaceful, natural setting.
This year's Philmont training was staged just as Church units throughout the world are implementing the new Duty to God program. Brother Beck said the local priesthood leaders arrived at camp enthused and eager to learn more about Duty to God.
"We've asked them to learn about the program and to develop a plan to implement Duty to God and then to share their experience with others," he added.
Other annual Philmont traditions include a priesthood meeting in the Philmont woods and plenty of patriotic fun and family activities, including a colorful children's parade.
Priesthood leaders were also encouraged to return home and stage "Little Philmonts" in their wards and stakes so thousands of others can enjoy the spirit and instruction found at Philmont.
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That’s awesome! Thanks for the Post!
Philmont is God’s country! An absolute treat for all your senses - and a wonderful experience to do with your son. Every scout parent ought to do it!
I remember our family picnick up Cimmaron Canyon back in 1951! It is no wonder Phillips built a Philbrook mansion in Tulsa and Philmont west of Springer, where I was born. Beautiful country!
I wish I was there RIGHT NOW!
That whole area is beautiful. New Mexico has some wonderful scenery.
My dad was a Scout; guess my kids won’t be. Dad’ll be disappointed.
There are still non-mormon controlled troops around. My son was cub leader for his son in the bay area. No religious interference in his area.
I loved our trip to Philmont when I was a scout. Now that my son is there, it seems that competition to get into Philmont is much more serious than when I was a scout, and a troop is lucky if they can finagle 8-10 spaces once every few years.
It’s just that good an experience.
I made Eagle, and I dont remember any Mormons even being in the troops in my area, let alone controlling them. I also hiked Philmont the summer of 99 and I dont remember anything mentioning Mormons.
The event in the article seems to be only a special one for Mormon scouts.
I made Eagle, and I dont remember any Mormons even being in the troops in my area, let alone controlling them. I also hiked Philmont the summer of 99 and I dont remember anything mentioning Mormons.
The event in the article seems to be only a special one for Mormon scouts.
ssshhhh you’ll mess up the paranoid ramblings!
Not from me!
It sounds like the MORMON scouts were merely together in a big group of like believers. I saw nothing in the article that they were going tent-to-tent two-by-two explaining the Restored Gospel® to anyone.
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