(Salt Lake City, UT)  –  Utah Boy Scout leaders say they are not surprised by the Mormon Church’s decision to end participation in some Scouting programs.  A spokesman for the Utah National Parks Council said yesterday that the Church had expressed concern over the lack of activities and programs for older youth in the Varsity and Venturing programs.  Another local leader said the programs are not utilized well in the Church or supported well by the Boy Scouts.  Yesterday’s announcement will affect about 30-thousand Utah Scouts, though the Church is encouraging all those pursuing the rank of Eagle Scout to continue toward that goal.Â