Scout Sunday Script for Scout Sunday by Walt Swearingen Historically, Scouting program became a community outreach of Wesley by the desire of its Methodist Men’s group to make a change to help youth hereabouts. You at Wesley had wanted to make a difference in its surrounding neighborhood back in 1978 and selected (“volun-told”) two of its members, Ed Brody & Walt Swearingen, to take on a seven-day BSA National Wood Badge training at Camp Orr in the Buffalo River wilderness. Neither of us knew what was being asked, how difficult, life-changing this assignment would be. My “ticket” (my goal) to complete this training was forming a new Scout troop and provide for it’s program development for one year. As a result, Wesley received from National BSA a charter for Troop 19 in Aug. 1978. Furthermore, by your faithful support to help grow its Scouting program, Wesley expanded its Scouting program by receiving a charter for Cub Scout Pack on Aug. 1983. “Your vision in this community outreach, thru all these years, has resulted in something remarkable. You’ve given us access to your facilities and supported us in many ways, which has resulted in many young lives & families changed, where some grew to become community leaders, some successful in many businesses and professions. Some had families and have brought their children into Wesley’s Scouting program. “Currently Scouting at Wesley includes a Family Pack 19 with 27 youth participants, from Kindergarten Lion den thru Arrow of Light den for 5th graders. Also meeting on Tuesdays for Scouting at Wesley are Troop 19B (serving boys 11-18 yrs old) and Troop 19G (serving girls 11-18). The Scouting program remains volunteer led, including parents, grandparents, & other adult leaders who share their time & talents, complete required leader-specific & youth protection training; their keen interest becoming mentors to the youth and guides for activities which build upon the methods of Scouting (like camping, hiking, learning a whole host of different vocational or hobby skills). These volunteers have jobs and family obligations to juggle with time to plan, meet and track the varied Scouting adventures. It’s not an easy gig being a Scouting volunteer, so why do it? The answer may vary, but most would be centered on “change”, where youth become resilient, develop good character habits, instill certain values for life. Scouting builds upon enduring relationships. Scouting America’s mission statement is “to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.” Scouting America’s vision statement is “…prepare every eligible youth in America to become responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath & Law.” “From all of us participants in Scouting, both youth & adult volunteers (its Scouters), to YOU of Wesley UMC, we do give THANKS for your faithful, prayerful support to those of Pack 19, Troop 19B & Troop 19G! We are grateful for the changes you made by this community outreach, in sharing the Love of Christ Jesus!”
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