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New Latter-day Saint youth programs on track for 2020 launch

By Stacy Johnson special To The Standard-Examiner - | Apr 30, 2019

It’s been nearly a year since The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints first announced that they would be splitting from the Boy Scouts of America and replacing existing youth programs for all young men, young women and children. On Monday, the church announced that the replacement programs are set to launch in 2020.

The church announced on May 8, 2018 that they would replace the Boy Scouts of America program, as well as their Personal Progress program for young women, and the Duty to God and Faith in God programs for boys and girls aged 8-11.

In an announcement Monday, the church said that it is “moving forward” on its new replacement programs for children and youth worldwide, which are set to launch in January.

“The initiative will provide children, youth, families and leaders personalized opportunities to grow spiritually, socially, physically and intellectually through meaningful activities, service, gospel learning and inspired goal-setting,” Monday’s announcement stated.

While Monday’s announcement did not have details on what the program would implement specifically, it did say that the new initiative would “allow local leaders and families to customize their weekday activities, service opportunities, camps and other outdoor activities to meet the needs of children and youth rather than prescribed requirements.”

The new programs are currently being tested in locations around the world, the church announced Monday.

“We are thrilled with what we are learning and so excited in the future of this new initiative,” said Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “It focuses on what really matters, helping our children and youth discover their eternal identity and develop skills and talents unique to them. As the Church continues to grow and the world continues to change, the time is right for a simplified, personalized approach to helping children and youth.”