Trails to Testimony: Bringing Young Men to Christ Through Scouting

Trails to Testimony: Bringing Young Men to Christ Through Scouting - President Gordon B. Hinckley said, "There is no more significant work in this world than the preparation of boys to become men . . . who are qualified to live productive and meaningful lives." And President Thomas S. Monson underscores this thought when he says that "It's easier to build boys than to mend them." Bradley D. Harris, professor of recreational management and youth leadership at Brigham Young University, and past member of the LDS Young Mens General Board, challenges parents and youth leaders alike to rediscover the spiritual dimensions of Scouting-to focus on the close relationship that should exist between Scouting and the Aaronic Priesthood. The author's 22-year professional career with the Boy Scouts of America, combined with extensive experience within the Church in various priesthood leadership capacities, gives him invaluable insights into the responsibilities that parents and leaders have in bringing young men to Christ. "The family is the first institution charged with bringing young men to Christ. . . . Working in harmony, the family and the Aaronic Priesthood should create an atmosphere where young men's individual testimonies can . . . flourish." Trails to Testimony is a powerful guide for families and leaders entrusted with the sacred responsibility of teaching and guiding the young men of the Church.

Brad Harris is a full professor at Brigham Young University and the Director of the Nonprofit Management Minor. He also directs the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance chapter at BYU as the Campus Executive Director. He advises over 100 students who are pursuing nonprofit careers. Brad teaches courses in the Recreation Management department (Event and Experience Management, Creating a Good Life through Recreation) and the Nonprofit Management minor (Nonprofit Resource Development, Introduction to Nonprofit Organizations). He holds a B.S. in Youth Agency Administration and a Master of Public Administration from BYU. Before coming to BYU in 2003, Brad worked professionally with Boy Scouts of America councils for 22 years in Oregon, California, Colorado and in the National Office in Texas. He currently serves on the executive boards of the Utah National Parks Council - Boy Scouts of America, In Harms Way, and on the advisory board for Humanitarian Experience For Youth. Brad is the author of several books and speaks to audiences all over the country. He and his wife Sandy have six children and eleven grandchildren.