GREAT NEWS!  NEW BOOK AVAILABLE ON LULU.  “Writing the Journal of Your Life – The How and Why of Journaling” by Kevin V. Hunt.  Available for just two weeks at the pre-publication discounted price of $28.50.  Available at this site: 

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The Official Book Description: The How and Why of Journaling …  Kevin took the challenge of a Sunday School teacher almost 50 years ago.  He went home that day and began writing in a small record book. That was May 20, 1973 … And now, he is still writing.  He has written a daily entry for EACH and EVERY DAY since that historical day.  His journals now number over 140 volumes, filling an estimated 40,000 pages!  In these journal pages, he has documented his life, the lives of his wife, his children, and now his forty grandchildren, his hopes and dreams, his comings and goings, and the people and the many activities going on around him.  With a plethora of personal journal entries, Kevin teaches in this book how to create memories of a lifetime, record gratitude for the blessings and good things of life, recognizing divine guidance, writing of and reminiscing the good times – now and forever after.  Most importantly, in the book, Kevin teaches how to develop and maintain the journaling habit and how to write for now and for posterity.  The book shows that your journaling can be your ongoing legacy, a living family treasure.

The back story:

Acting on Inspiration

Sometimes and often in unusual circumstances, I receive flashes of pure inspiration – not of my own self – relative to things that I should do and accomplish.  Often these flashes come in the morning as my mind is fresh and open.  And it is surprising how often these come in the silent moments of my morning shower … when I have nothing on my mind and thus I can hear and feel what comes for me … Often these flashes come with no warning and not even because I have been seeking inspiration on a given subject …  (Kevin Hunt – February 8, 2020)

 October of 2020, I was working on a major journal project.  I had typed journal entries for ten years but had never printed them out.  So, I worked hard to package my weekly entries together into volumes of about 500 pages each – to be printed and bound.

As I worked on this major project, I found some hiccups for records recorded in 2007.  I had experienced a very major trauma with my computer as I was in the process of this project.   And for a while, it seemed that the records for that year had disappeared … literally evaporated from my computer.  Talk about distressing … That was a very big issue.  I was devastated. 

Ultimately, however, and gratefully … I was able to find the files “in the cloud” and was able to restore the files that the system had deleted.  I was ecstatic!  Whew!  I did lose some pages, however, at point where the hiccup occurred.  I did have the printed/bound book and was able to re-type material for about four weeks.

In that process, I came across some great material I had recorded back in 2007.  That was kind of a banner year – with a lot of great wonders and blessings to me/us of The Lord.

I found a journal entry from November of 2007 wherein I recorded my inspiration to write a “how-to book” about how and why to keep a journal.  Reading that entry hit me straight between the eyes.  I realized that I had blown it.  I had not followed through (completely) with the divine inspiration I had received.  I realized that I should get in gear to get this job done.  And that is why this book creation became a higher priority.  And the fact that it is now printed, shows that this time, I did follow the task or dream through to completion. 

My 2020 project took my mind back – through my past journal entries – to bring again to my mind, the special circumstances about this book inspiration.  The  entries from the 2007 journals recorded that I was trying to finalize a variety of book production activities.  I was trying to send several manuscripts simultaneously to the Deseret Book publishing house for their publication consideration.  I was about through with that effort.  Then I had an interesting experience that made me think that I should include one more item with the package for Deseret Book.

NOVEMBER 26^TH, 2007 – MONDAY

“I should have written of an incident that happened to me on Thanksgiving Day, November 22^nd …  It was kind of an interesting experience.  I felt specific direction from the Holy Ghost.  It was interesting because I had not sought the inspiration nor was I looking for it.  And it kind of came in an odd place – where I wouldn’t normally plan to receive inspiration.  It kind of came at me and caught me off guard.  I had to think about it until it really sunk in.

“I noted for last Wednesday how pleased I was to complete my self-imposed goals for my book writing projects by my target date of Thanksgiving Day. I rejoiced in the fact that I had them all ready to send to the publisher.  I felt really good as I contemplated the work that had been accomplished and I was excited to get them off in the mail.

          “Anyway, I still remember the circumstances.  I wasn’t even really thinking about the books – believing that I truly was on a “holiday weekend” and that since I had met my goal thus far, I could just relax.  I was in my bedroom and heading into the walk-in closet.  That’s when it came.

          “It came as a very still small voice – an impression.  I heard in my mind, “Why don’t you write a book about journals.”  I kind of answered back as I thought, “What?”  And then a thought came again to me: “Yes, a book on journals.”  Then I thought, “Okay …  a book on journals.”  Then I kind of had to laugh as I thought of my many journals and my commitment to them.  I said, again kind of to myself, “Well, I guess I am kind of qualified to write about that subject.”  I received a few flashes of hints about the book.  Then I said almost out loud, “Okay, good idea!  A book on journals!  That is doable.”

          “Then I began to ponder the possibilities a bit.  No, I hadn’t even considered or ever thought about writing a book about journal keeping.  (I don’t know why!)  I have thought of a lot of books and their possibilities – but strangely, I hadn’t thought about doing that – although it is a subject of which I am very close to and logically should have contemplated.  Yes, I did know a lot about journals and I could probably come up with a book on the subject – with some prayer and contemplation.

          “I thought, “And I thought I was done with the writing project for now …  I thought I was ready to send the manuscripts in.”  I then determined that yes, I really could wait for a few more days to send them in.  After all, it was my own deadline anyway (though I was kind of thinking “Christmas Miracle” previously).

          “So, it was settled.  I would write an additional book about journal keeping.  Then with the decision made, I got excited.  I began to think of what such a book might entail.  Over the next couple of days, I pondered the subject as I went about my daily and usual routine.  I went to the LDS.org website on the Internet and did some quick research about journals.  I first searched for the talk that I knew that I needed – President’s Kimball’s “The Angels May Quote from It” talk or article from “The New Era”. I then found a lot of other helpful material.  I was off and running.  (And I know the date that I did the computer research – the date at the bottom of the pages specifically says, November 24^th – which was Saturday.)

          “Then today, Monday, I got more specific.  I finally had the time to work, specifically on the project.  I followed the pattern which I have discovered to work for me.  After I had been thinking on the subject, I prayed for specific guidance and direction of the Spirit.  Then when I went to get Rusty from work, I arrived there before he got back to the plumbing shop.  That’s when the inspiration came.  I took out one of my 3×5” index cards – which I always carry in my pocket.  I then wrote down the chapter headings or titles for the book.  Back at home, I went to the computer, took the card and with it created the Table of Contents for the book.  The inspiration continued to flow as I was given ideas for material to include in each chapter.

          “I then got the small stack of material that I had printed last Saturday.  I read these over and the material fit perfectly with the chapter headings that I had just created.

          “What a great experience.  I could not believe it.  Actually, I could believe it.  It was not me doing the work. I was just the conduit through whom the material came.  It really was exciting and wonderful.  It truly was a great experience and I rejoiced greatly in the Lord as I pondered the total scenario.  Wow!  Thanks, Heavenly Father!”

          You would think that such an experience would get my attention.  It did … but then life got in the way and I did not fully act in response to the heavenly inspiration.  (More on that later …)

          Receiving this book inspiration on that November Monday in 2007 was amazing and wonderful and I rejoiced in it.  And I look with wonder again as I recall the simple acts of that October day in 2020 – some thirteen years later – when the Lord gently got my attention again and helped me realize that I had not maintained my part of the bargain.  I am glad that He showed me this entry so that I could give the journal “how and why” book renewed attention and focus!  All very interesting!

          Well, that’s how this book came to be.  I hope that you found that experience interesting.  (And know that you can have those same kinds of experiences, too!)  And now that the book is written, I hope that you enjoy it … evidence of some of the benefits of journaling … recording and setting goals and following through, acting upon inspiration, recording blessings, and more …

Now I invite you to order the book. Available for two weeks at a pre-publication author price. Then it will be published to the “world” at a much higher price.

Kevin

By Kevin V. Hunt

Scouting Blogger and author

A couple of weeks ago I blogged  LDS Varsity and Venturing Changes Underscore need for Missionary Training on this site – an article about coming changes in LDS Scout units for older boys.  I commented about the need for even better missionary training at home following these changes.

A couple of readers commented and asked questions, so now I’d like to share some thoughts on Advancement and how that could happen with the changes.  (This article also appeared as a blog Making Older Scout Advancement and Leadership Opportunities Happen on thescoutingtrail.org.)

In the previous article, I talked extensively about the program planning function and how this will ever be key in creating an effective program for our older youth.  I would like to change gears a bit now to talk about how we might all work together to assist boys ages 14-17 still “be Scouts” and how we might help them become Eagle Scouts.   And I apologize that this blog is a bit longer than it maybe should be.  I will soon head to Scout camp for the summer so my blogging time is a bit limited as I anticipate a summer with little or no internet capabilities.  So, bear with me …  (Read it in installments if needed!)

Admittedly, the new look of older Scout programs will be a rather major challenge for us to face.   But, with our united efforts, it will still be possible.

The Original First Presidency Letter stated: “… Young men over the age of 14 who desire to continue to work toward the rank of Eagle Scout … should be encouraged and supported in their efforts and should be properly registered as Scouts.  Adult leaders who are assisting with merit badges or rank advancement with older boys should also be registered and completed required training.”

Following the announced changes, a Questions and Answers section was added on LDS.org about the upcoming changes.  One question says,

”What if my son is 14 or older and still wants to earn his Eagle Scout? According to LDS Public Affairs, any Latter-day Saint young man over the age of 14 who “desire(s) to continue toward the rank of Eagle will be registered, supported and encouraged.” These young men will need to be registered with the BSA in order to work toward the recognition.”

In the aftermath of the LDS decision about Varsity and Venturing, the Deseret News published statistics that were rather interesting.  These statistical charts showed that the average age of youth achieving the Eagle rank nationally in the BSA is 17.3 years.

The Utah National Parks Council (located in a nearly all LDS Utah council) wrote on this subject and gave other interesting statistics:  “We look forward to providing Scout programs to all interested youth, including those age 14 and older who want to continue participating or are on the trail to Eagle. Of those who earn the Eagle Scout award in our council, 93% complete the requirements at age 14 or older and 67% attain the Eagle rank after age 16.”

Pretty daunting news.  And with the coming changes, this means that we will all have to work harder to make it happen – and probably earlier.  So, what are we to do?  What is to be done?  How can the boys remain as Scouts and how can they achieve their advancement – and particularly the leadership requirements.  All good questions!

Well, I have had a few thoughts on the subject – and which I would like to share with you now.

First …  at the time of the annual BSA rechartering with the Church, the person in charge of completing the charter process should take extra care to contact each and every one of the boys turning 14 after January 1^st (and their parents).  (This will be an ongoing question critical in the first year – but to be answered each successive year.)  Each boy should be willing to make a commitment right then about whether or not they want to be Eagle scouts.  And this will be kind of a major decision for them.  Do they want to follow the family and church tradition?  Or are they going to say that they are done and satisfied where they are?  All boys wishing to continue their Scouting connection (and adults who work with them) will still need to recharter with the troop.  That will mean new applications for all older boys.

It is very important that the registration remain current without any break.  If there is a lapse, they may not be able to ensure that they have tenure and leadership for the necessary time.  Boys can’t wait until they are seventeen plus and then suddenly reregister to become a “death-bed eagle” before they turn 18.  One of the saddest days of my life was having to tell a Scout in such a situation that it just was not possible for him to complete his Eagle award requirements before he turned 18.  He was a sad young man.

Another key for the leadership requirement – and tenure – is to remember that the time for these can start as soon as the Scout has earned his Star or Life awards.  Remember too, that a Scout needs to have six months between Star and Life and again from Life to Eagle.  But say a young man gets Life three or four months before his 14^th birthday.  That three or four months can count toward the next rank IF the Scout is both registered and in a troop leadership position.  So, it is rather critical to make sure that every young man is in a troop leadership position.   Good record keeping is paramount.

Another key will be working with the council to make sure that all of the current advancement records – from whatever unit – are all transferred to those registered in the troop – after the rechartering decisions.

For many years I have been the advancement chairman for all three units – Scouting, Varsity and Venturing – in my own ward.   And I believe that we have a pretty strong Scouting program and support in our ward.  We have a fabulous 11-year Old Scout leader in Jonathan Nichols.  That guy is a saint!  He has worked overboard to ensure that each boy (who wants to) graduates from his program as a First Class Scout.  And the Scout troop leaders have also been great.  Most of the boys graduate from Deacon/Scouts as Star or Life Scouts.  And then they all struggle to get the other requirements completed.  A few boys get it done about age 15 – which is excellent.  And still, like the National BSA statistics, the majority still get ‘er done when older still.  And this is always a challenge … since by that time, the “fumes” have all kicked in (that’s car fumes and perfumes) and this makes for a major impact on the boys and their advancement.

As I conduct Scout board of reviews for our Scouts, I always ask them two or three questions at the end of each review.  One is “If we pin this badge on you at the court of honor … will you feel that you have EARNED the badge?”  (And discussion follows.)  And the other question (usually just before the “have you earned” question) is “Do YOU WANT to be an Eagle Scout?”  And then there is a follow-up question to that.  It is, “Whose job is it to make you an Eagle Scout?”

This questions kind of shocks some of the newer kids.  We then talk about how parents, leaders, and others can assist them, but in reality, it is their own personal decision to become an Eagle Scout – and it is their own personal duty to take charge and make this happen.

So, in light of the coming changes, it still boils down to this.  Does Johnny, himself, REALLY want to be an Eagle Scout?  And in spite of changes, is he willing to do anything that may be required (even acting independently) to make it happen?  (And we can’t rely simply on over-zealous mothers to make Johnny an Eagle Scout!)

After that decision time, older Scouts can push themselves forward to make it happen.  But, we have seen that often this doesn’t happen on their own.  It will take help from all of us to achieve the goal.

Next then, is that it will probably take a strong advancement person or someone else to help the youth stay on track.  The advancement chair can (as always) continue to encourage and talk with the boys individually in the hall etc. to help motivate and inspire.  Being ready with the updated advancement records of merit badges and rank dates can be very helpful.

That brings us to the subject of how to stay in the troop and how to achieve leadership requirements.

I guess this is a time to share my own personal experience.  I earned my own Eagle Scout award just before I turned age 14 (and so did my four Eagle brothers – and I admit that I didn’t have to be prodded by Mom and others to do it).  As per the church system, I moved up into the next upper level – Venturing Exploring (that was before Varsity Scouting).  In that program we had grandiose plans.  We planned to go to Hawaii.  But, after all of that planning – and a steady diet of basketball – we ultimately didn’t even make it to the giant Arizona metropolis of Sunflower, Arizona.

I lasted only about six months in that do-nothing program.  I then made the choice to go back to the Scout troop and remained there until I went on my mission.  Now, I know that I was a bit unique, but it was a glorious time for me.  I conducted merit badge classes for my younger troop brothers.  I kept the troop records.   I became the troop’s Junior Assistant Scoutmaster – a fabulous title and truly wonderful job for an older Scout.  I served more like an adult in the troop.  I did not report through the SPL but he reported through me to the Scoutmaster.  I have already blogged recently about how I became the catalyst to take our entire troop from Arizona up to the National BSA Jamboree in Farragut, Idaho.  I became the Webelos Leader – and then 11-year old Scout (Blazer) leader when legally too young to do so.  And it was all a grand experience for me – and my fellow Scouts.  I loved the leadership opportunities.

In our upcoming situation, I believe strongly that the Troop Guide position is perfect for some of our LDS older Scouts.  This BSA position counts for Eagle advancement and is actually quite flexible in its job description.  And you can have every boy – if needed – be a Troop Guide.  It is flexible enough that you can use the position – and the boy – to help meet the needs of the older Scout himself – as well as other Scouts in the troop while getting in his own leadership requirement time).

Now you have probably not even heard of this Troop Guide position because it really has not existed in the LDS church – because all of our boys have moved up to Varsity and Venturing at the specific ordination ages – and thus have by-passed the Troop Guide opportunity.

The Troop Guide is a fabulous position but no one knows about it.  The way it works, an older Scout is registered with the troop.  And he is assigned a patrol – either a new-Scout patrol or even an older-boy patrol – or he serves at large in the troop to multiple patrols.  He is an instructor.  He is preassigned specific troop or patrol meetings to teach Scout Skills – or even merit badges.  He does not have to attend every troop meeting but would be there at least once a month – but perhaps more.  (If this is to occur, the troop meetings may need to be on a night other than the Teacher/Priest meetings so that he can go to both – or he would have to miss his Teacher/Priest meetings when assigned as an instructor in the troop.

The Troop Guide can be found with various job descriptions on-line as I found after spending an evening researching it in preparation for this blog.  Again, I believe that it is a flexible position that you can mold any way that you wish.   Here is a description that was written for a Scout with other older Scouts in an older boy patrol.  (And again, every one of the older boys can be Troop Guides and be given specific tasks or roles.)

• Create activities that are fun and interesting to the older boy patrols.
• Work with ASM for the Older Boy Program in selecting merit badges to work on at weekend campouts.
• Attend Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) meetings.
• Prevent harassment of new Scouts by older Scouts.
• Refresh older boy patrols in the basic Scout skills.
• Regularly attends troop meetings, troop campouts, and troop events during his service period.
• Set a good example.
• Enthusiastically wear the Scout Uniform correctly.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Show Scout spirit.

The Troop Guide description for an older boy assigned to a New Scout Patrol is very similar:

• Help all first year Scouts earn advancement requirements through First Class (serving in a role similar to a Cub Scout Den Chief – but assigned to the 11-Year Old or New Scout Parol
• Help older boys who have not completed First Class – assigned to help specific Scouts needing his individual help (probably on a hike or a meeting separate from the troop.  (Two older Scouts – Troop Guides – could also be assigned together to one or multiple Scouts interested in advancing)
• Advise patrol leader on his duties and responsibilities at Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC) meetings.
• Attend Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) meetings with the New Scout Patrol Leader.
• Prevent harassment of new Scouts by older Scouts.
• Help Assistant Scoutmaster train new Scouts by older Scouts.
• Guide new Scouts through early troop experiences to help them become comfortable in the troop and the outdoors.
• Teach basic Scout skills.
• Regularly attends troop meetings, troop campouts, and troop events during his service period.
• Set a good example.
• Enthusiastically wear the Scout Uniform correctly.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Show Scout spirit.

So, in summary, the Guide would be a leader kind of between the Patrol Leader and the adult leaders.  He could work specifically with the new Scout patrol – and in this role (kind of like a Den Chief – but to older Scouts) he would teach and train Scouts in specific Scout skills.  He could do this with a group or with a couple of boys on their own.  He could be perfect to work with two or three boys who are behind and need some individual attention.  He could be preassigned to teach specific skills at troop meetings or campouts. If on a camp-out, he should not be there to goof off but again to teach specific skills, be the example, wear the uniform, etc.

If you have a group of these older Scouts, they could be their own patrol in troop meetings and on outings.  Of if you have only a couple of them, let them cook and hang out with the adults.  Plan ahead and give them specific leadership tasks.  With advance notice, they can plan ahead and be prepared to be a true teacher and guide.  The Troop Guide is flexible enough for the troop to kind of custom design a role for each young man – with definite things that they should accomplish in their service – new Scout patrol, scout skills training at troop meetings and/or campouts, or by individual assignment to specific Scouts.

Older Scouts can also attend Scout Camp (again not as a goof off – but as a troop leader).  And older Scouts can also be encouraged to attend NYLT and other youth leadership training opportunities through the council and the troop.

Another idea that I have been toying with is to be a catalyst – to start my own “Super High Flyin’ Eagle Battalion troop.  In such a troop, I could invite any and all older boy Scouts (from all around our town) who very seriously have decided they want to become Eagle Scouts.   I am still thinking of this option since it could be real fun with a team of die-hard dads who loved Scouting and want to give their sons the opportunity to also achieve the Eagle Scout Award.  I haven’t committed to this yet, but it is making me think and dream a bit.

I hope that these ideas may be helpful to you.  I would welcome comments about your own thoughts and how to make a success of the coming opportunities.  Let’s all take a personal interest in the older Scouts and give them opportunities to be true leaders – using the skills and training they have already received as Scouts.  Help each young man customize a plan for his leadership requirements and the growth of him and his fellow Scouts.  It could be exciting!

Best wishes along your Scouting Trails …  Kevinthescoutblogger

 

 

 

Today the LDS Church made a historic announcement about its plans to drop the Varsity and Venturing programs previously held in partnership with the Boy Scouts of America.

You can read about these changes on my recent blog as published on thescoutingtrail.com (Trapper Trails BSA Council in Ogden, Utah) at this link:  Varsity and Venturing Changes in the Church.  The article also contains some helpful information about program planning – still the heart of programs for church youth – under whatever name or program.  These are still correct and true principles!

The LDS/BSA changes for older boys again underscores the need for home and family missionary training.  This website is dedicated to the principle of home missionary training and specifically the Missionary in Training program.  This program can help parents and families fill in gaps and take more control and management of the training of their/your own missionaries.

I encourage you to take another look at it – and contact with questions about the program opportunities.

 

Kevin Hunt

info@missionaryintraining.com

 

 

THE VISION OF THE MISSIONARY IN TRAINING PROGRAM

 By Kevin Hunt

 It is interesting how the Missionary in Training Program began.  It started in October of 2012 when President Thomas S. Monson announced in the General Church conference that the missionary service age would be lowered to age 18 for young men and to age 19 for young women.  As this announcement was made, it was obvious to all that parents now would need to take a much more pro-active role in the training of their young children to be future missionaries.  Having sent out many children as missionaries, and having served many years in various missionary roles, this subject often presented itself in my mind.   But, no action was taken at that time.

On March 6, 2013, the subject took on a front-burner role with experiences that I had that day.   On that date, I recorded in my journal some things that happened just a few months after President Monson announced the new missionary age.  The entry reads:

MARCH 6^TH – WEDNESDAY

“My morning as a school bus driver [in Mesa, Arizona] was rather routine.  I went walking on Date Street, read my Book of Mormon and enjoyed having no kids to drive for one school.  I had a late start for the junior high school so was a half hour later than normal getting back to the bus barn.  I clocked out for a big 45 minutes.

“I decided to walk over to the Deseret Book store – located just over a half mile away.  I had wanted to buy some “future missionary” badges for the children of our daughter, Kaylea and husband, J.D. – since they just bought mission-looking suits for their five boys.

[As I walked into the store to make the purchase, I had no idea of how this little visit to Deseret Book would impact my life in the future.  That impact was not evident but came to light later through subsequent events.]

“As I looked for the badges, I could not see them immediately.  But on another shelf, I saw some badges which said, “Missionary in Training”.  As I read the badges, my mind was instantly inspired to send a “call to serve letter” to the kids along with the badges.  And right behind that thought came a literal flood of inspiration for a much bigger program entitled: “Missionary in Training”.   My mind was enlightened and I became very excited with the thoughts that came.  And for the rest of the afternoon I was flooded with more inspiration.  This proved to be a really cool experience with the Spirit.  Wow!  [So, I began writing, writing as fast as I could and didn’t stop writing for six months.  The information literally flew through my pen to the paper.]

“And as this program and details of it came to me, I realized that it was much bigger than I am.  I realized that God was going to give me something special and that I had a work to do for Him and was grateful that I was found worthy of it.”  [Leaving the journal …]

That moment in Deseret Book was super powerful.  It was as if my head was opened and the whole program poured down into me.  I literally saw a vision of the whole program – with a lot of detail – in just that second.  And then for months I wrote and wrote and wrote.

So, with that revelation of the Spirit, the program (in spite of me – but and only through the Holy Ghost) is very exciting and wonderful.  And I am sure that it needs to be used by families everywhere.  But, like most things that I create – even though they come of the Spirit, I have had difficulty in figuring out what I am to do with it.

I printed seven copies of the book package and had a meeting with seven different families – whom I hand picked (including three of my own children) and none of them ever did anything with the program.  (Though just this week I received a message from a daughter in Ohio – who was before in Germany – saying that they are going to start it with their family.  I believe firmly that it is an inspired program and that it will work miracles for anyone who does it – and am still seeking that special family who will take it and run with it – and then write (or allow me to) their experiences on my Missionary In Training website.