LDS Church Not Abandoning BSA

 

The LDS Church is discontinuing Varsity and Venture Scouts for boys 14-18.  But the Church is still fully participating in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts to age 14.  Most LDS boys earn their Eagle rank by 14-16 anyways.  

The reason for this policy change has to do with Venture Scouting not fullfilling the vocational and self-reliance needs of the older boys. I am the Venture Leader in my home ward.  We had already instituted a program like what the Church is specifying before the announcement.  Also, sponsoring Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venture Scout units places undo leadership burden on smaller LDS congregations.