Ward vehicles

[lajackson]

Scout troops, or more correctly, "wards" DO own trailers, which is quite different from "CAN" own trailers.

I think it is important to clarify that Scout troops and wards are not the same. However, the sponsoring organization of a Scout troop does bear some responsibility for the troop.

Of more interest to me, personally, is that some folks are more than willing to test the limits of the guidelines, rather than try to follow the spirit of them. That would be the subject of a different thread, however, not this one.

[jbh001]

It is my understanding that wards and stakes may not own, license, or insure vehicles, trailers or other highway or off highway vehicles. However, I have been unable to find verification. Anyone know the answer or reference?

... and this is why the church prohibits ward ownership of vehicles--of any kind.

I am confused. Your original post was seeking verification, then one of your follow up posts restates your "understanding" in rather authoritative language.

I checked a copy of the CHI for the reference provided by lajackson and could only find mention of automobiles and buses. Trailers were not addressed. (Maybe I missed something.)

If you found the verification/reference/policy you were seeking between your original post and your follow up post, please share it with the rest of us.

[rexgj]

We need to distinguish what "scouting" allows or encourages, and what The Church allows or prohibits. Outside the church, there are "Tiger Scouts," and "girl scouts." Inside the church, we have neither.

There is no provision for local units to own, license, or insure vehicles or trailers. The fact trailers are owned by scouting units outside the church, does not mean they are acceptable for scouting units inside the church.

While serving as bishop, my scoutmaster wanted to donate an "equipment" trailer to the ward/scouts. He was a contractor and had a surplus. As we looked into the matter, he actually called Salt Lake and was given a firm "No." He was told local units cannot own vehicles or trailers, nor can they license them in the name of the church (ward), nor can they insure them with church funds.

So even though it may not be in the handbook, there does appear to be a policy on this issue.

[jbh001]

While serving as bishop, my scoutmaster wanted to donate an "equipment" trailer to the ward/scouts.

He ... actually called Salt Lake and was given a firm "No." He was told local units cannot own vehicles or trailers, nor can they license them in the name of the church (ward), nor can they insure them with church funds.

So even though it may not be in the handbook, there does appear to be a policy on this issue.

Well, that's a start at a reference even if it's anecdotal.

I've heard that CHI book 2 is in the process of being updated (of course it has also been quite a while since I heard that). Perhaps when the next version comes out, this policy will be clarified to include trailers. Or perhaps there is a letter from CHQ sent since the current CHI book 2 was published that outlines this policy on trailers in the interim.

[russellhltn]

Well, that's a start at a reference even if it's anecdotal.

I'd give it higher marks then that. It clearly showed where the information came from. I don't know what more we can ask for. Sometimes all we have is anecdotal. As long as it's labeled as such, that's fine. Nice job, Rex.