Today, the Church announced that it will discontinue Varsity and Venturing Scouting programs in the Church in the United States and Canada, effective January 1, 2018. Instead, Young Men activities will focus on spiritual, social, physical and intellectual goals outlined by the Church.

This is part of the Church’s ongoing effort to evaluate and improve its service to families and young people worldwide.

Currently, Varsity and Venturing Scouting is only available in the United States and Canada through Boy Scouts of America and Scouts Canada. The Church’s new activity program can now be used worldwide for young men 14-18 years old. Read the announcement letter from the First Presidency. The new guidelines for the Teacher and Priest Activity Program can be found at YMactivities.lds.org.

In the United States and Canada, Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs will continue to be chartered through local wards and branches for young men 8-14 years old. Young men over the age of 14 who want earn the rank of Eagle Scout or Queen Scout are encouraged to do so and can continue to be registered as Scouts.

The purpose of the Young Men’s 14-18 activity program is to build young men with strong testimonies in the Lord Jesus Christ, help them magnify their priesthood duties, and prepare them to fulfill their divine roles. Activities will provide opportunities to be with youth, connect them with heaven, and let them lead.

Wards and branches may begin using the Church’s new activity program as early as June 1, 2017. The simplified program does the following:

• Provides fun, meaningful activities that provide opportunities for balanced personal growth and development.
• Allows youth and their adult advisers to more fully focus on priesthood-related activities.
• Meets local needs.

More detailed information can be found at YMactivities.lds.org and in the frequently asked questions.