General information concerning
"The Mountain Top Experience"

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Hopefully, the "Mountain Top Experience" or "Mountain Top Ceremony" (MTC) will be one of the highlights of your excursion into the mountains. The MTC can be held on the Friday evening at your campsite or after the signaling on Saturday morning. A discussion of the symbolism of reflecting sunlight seems to be more poignant if it is discussed right after the boys have participated in that activity.

As you begin the MTC, your unit should be gathered together in a quiet and secluded spot. The program should be brief and meaningful, and could include any or all of the following items:

• An opening prayer and song
• A presentation on the history of the peak you have climbed
• Scouts and leaders sharing feelings about their On Target experience
• Presentation of rank advancements or merit badges
• Presentation of religious awards
• The use of a "time capsule" (see separate "Time Capsule" section on previous menu)
• A discussion about the symbolism of On Target (see "Symbolism” section on previous menu)
• A Coach's Corner or Scoutmaster's Minute (see corresponding section on previous menu)
• The opening of surprise letters from parents, religious leaders, or celebrities (see "Letters" section on previous menu)
• Presentation of an On Target pin for each scout and leader

Although it is a challenge to get the young men to settle down for a few minutes to participate in this portion of On Target, the rewards can and will be great. Being on the summit of a mountain, breathing clean air, and enjoying the wonders of this beautiful earth all lend themselves to a memorable interchange of feelings and thoughts. Take advantage of the setting!

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made this remarkable statement in his LDS General Conference address on April 4, 2010: “...Church leaders regularly plan priesthood activities and Scouting powwows and encampments - but do those activities always accomplish their most important purpose? I have learned that what makes a priesthood or Scout activity most meaningful to a boy is not just getting a merit badge but having the opportunity to sit and talk with a leader who is interested in him and his life.”

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