The Church began sponsoring Scouting in the United States on June 13, 1913. In commemoration of this 100-year relationship with Scouting, the Church History Museum has opened two new exhibits:

American Originals: Norman Rockwell and Scouting features original Boy Scout paintings by America’s greatest twentieth-century illustrator, Norman Rockwell.

A Good Turn Daily: 100 Years of Scouting and the Aaronic Priesthood provides an overview of how the Church became involved in Scouting and how Scouting has supported Church programs in preparing young men to fulfill their duty to God.

If you are not able to visit the galleries in Salt Lake City, you can view the Rockwell paintings and many of the historic photographs and artifacts online on the Church History website.

Here’s a video about the exhibits: “Original Norman Rockwell Paintings on Display at Church History Museum.”

In May, the First Presidency sent the following letter titled “Church Relationship with the Boy Scouts of America” to wards and branches in the United States, asking that it be read in sacrament meeting:

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

For 100 years, the Church has enjoyed a strong, rewarding relationship with the Boy Scouts of America. We are thankful for Scouting’s emphasis on duty to God and moral behavior and its positive influence in the lives of boys and young men. The Church will move forward in its association with Boy Scouts of America, with a focus on strengthening young men in their role as bearers of the Aaronic Priesthood.

We reaffirm the Church’s established policy for its activities-including Church-sponsored Scouting activities: “young men … who agree to abide by Church standards” are “welcomed warmly and encouraged to participate” (Handbook 2: Administering the Church [2010], 8.17.3). These standards are outlined in For the Strength of Youth and include willingness to abstain from sexual relationships outside of marriage. The Church remains committed to these standards and to protecting and strengthening boys and young men.

Leaders of Church-sponsored Scout units are encouraged to continue to plan and hold activities that help young men strengthen relationships with their families, develop moral character, and fulfill their duty to God.

Sincerely yours,

The First Presidency