20170514

The two programs being dropped trace their roots back to the LDS Church. In 1928, the church created Vanguard Scouting, for 15 and 16 year olds. Several years later, BSA asked for — and received — permission to use the Vanguard Scouting as a template for its own new “Explorer Scouts” program. The LDS Church adopted the Exploring program in 1936 and then added Cub Scouting in 1952 to be sponsored by its Primary auxiliary organization. Venturing was created in 1970 for ages 14 and 15, with the Varsity program developed by LDS leaders in 1978, replacing Venturing for 14- and 15-year-olds in 1983 and being adopted by BSA in 1984. And in 1998, BSA’s Venturing program replaced the Exploring. Info from http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865679712/LDS-Scouting-leader-sees-a-loss-opportunity-ongoing-relationship-and-irony.html