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Turlock LDS celebrates 100 years of scouting
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Scouts from Hughson Troop #119 prepare a campsite during the Yosemite Council LDS Camporee held at the Oakdale Reservoir. - photo by Photo courtesy of Duane Severson

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the Boy Scouts of America have a long history together — 100 years, to be exact.

In 1907, Sir Robert Baden-Powell began the Boy Scout movement in England, and in 1910 the Boy Scouts of America was founded. The Church became the first supporter of scouting in the United States in 1913, and is now the largest sponsoring organization of BSA with more than 430,000 boys and young men enrolled.

Current Church President Thomas Monson has served on the Boys Scouts of America National Executive Board longer than any other member.

"Scouting brings out the best in each of us," Monson said.

The Turlock Church is celebrating this partnership on Tuesday with a historic presentation and family event, open to all local scouts.

"Boys Scouts is something we encourage our young men to be involved in because the values they teach and embrace are the same as the church," said Turlock Stake Center spokesperson Jenifer West.

The event will include a free dinner, games, activities and displays, followed by a special one-hour broadcast featuring Scout choirs, historical vignettes, and videos highlighting Scout achievements from the past century. The program will run from 6:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Tuesday at 4300 Geer Rd., in Turlock.