Summary: Mark Francis is the director of <a href="http://www.ldsbsa.org/" target="_blank">LDS-BSA Relations</a>, which is a branch of the Boy Scouts of America that strives to maintain a positive and helpful relationship with the LDS church.<br> <br> In this interview we discuss:<br> <br> * A brief history of relationship between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Boy Scouts of America.<br> * How LDS Scout troops differ from non-LDS Scout troops<br> * <a href="https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/english/young-men/35814_scout-handbook_eng.pdf?lang=eng" target="_blank">The Green Scouting Handbook</a><br> * Why LDS Scout Troops are based on geography<br> * Option to combine scouting units, especially as it pertains to areas outside of Utah and Idaho<br> * LDS Scouting Objectives (Purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood)<br> * LDS members in non-LDS troops<br> * False Traditions in LDS Troops<br> * How to motivate LDS men called as Scout leaders<br> * How to create an effective Scouting experience for boys not interested in the outdoors<br> * The role of parents in Scouting<br> * Scouting leadership trainings (i.e. <a href="http://www.ldsbsa.org/priesthood-leadership-conference/" target="_blank">Philmont Training</a>)<br> * <a href="https://www.lds.org/callings/aaronic-priesthood/leader-resources/scouting/philmont" target="_blank">More information about the Philmont Training</a><br> * The future of the Boy Scouts of America's relationship with the LDS Church<br> * Pres. Monson’s relationship with the BSA<br>
