Grant Wilkins

President Charles Dahquist leads young men in a song and dance.

Grant Wilkins

Young Men and Leaders at Camp

Two-hundred ninety-four local young men learned their Duty to God from Church leader, Charles Dahlquist, Young Mens President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Young men from Agoura Hills, Camarillo, Oak Park, Oxnard, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village took part in the week long summer camp. President Dahlquist told the young men that all the easy stuff in the world has been done already, and now it is time to do the hard stuff! He challenged them to memorize something everyday like scriptures or poetry. He challenged them to obtain all the education they can to be successful in life. He challenged them to commit now to serve a full-time mission. He challenged them to provide meaningful service to their fellow man.

The young men participated in testimony building activities and discussions with their peers and adult leaders. They strengthened their testimonies of Jesus Christ; they learned to honor their parents, give meaningful service and give proper respect to women, girls and children. And, to do your best in all things.

Camp Kern hosted the 294 Boy Scouts at its facilities on Huntington Lake. The young men earned over 1,500 merit badges to advance in rank toward Eagle Scout. They learned skills of camping, cooking, orienteering, archery, rifle shooting, swimming and many others. The young men participated in high adventure activities: rock climbing; wakeboarding; water skiing; mountain biking and backpacking. They respectfully retired an American flag. They sang songs, performed skits and learned how to survive in the wilderness and eat camp food!

Since 1913, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has supported the Boy Scouts of America by chartering Cub Scout Packs and Troops. The Boy Scout program helps instill values, leadership and skills in youth. Boy Scouts started in England in 1907 as Lord Baden-Powell recognized the need to train young men early for a career in the military. The BSA started in 1910 and is recognized as a leader youth development. Boy Scouts is a program for young men ages 11-17 and their parents.