Scouting and Civic Youth- Serving Ministry - Clover...

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GUIDELINES Scouting and Civic Youth- Serving Ministry Building Effective Scouting Ministry in Your Church Larry W. Coppock, CFRE, Editor The Reverend Greg Godwin, Contributing Editor General Commission on United Methodist Men

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GUIDELINES

Scoutingand CivicYouth-Serving

MinistryBuilding EffectiveScouting Ministryin Your Church

Larry W. Coppock, CFRE, EditorThe Reverend Greg Godwin, Contributing EditorGeneral Commission on United Methodist Men

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SCOUTING AND CIVIC YOUTH-SERVING MINISTRY

Copyright © 2012 by Cokesbury

All rights reserved.United Methodist churches and other official United Methodist bodies mayreproduce up to 500 words from this publication, provided the following noticeappears with the excerpted material: From Scouting and Civic Youth-ServingMinistry 2013–2016. Copyright © 2012 by Cokesbury. Used by permission.

Requests for quotations exceeding 500 words should be addressed toPermissions Office, Abingdon Press, P.O. Box 801, 201 Eighth Avenue South,Nashville, TN 37202-0801 or [email protected].

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

ISBN 978-1-426-73670-4

All Scripture quotations unless noted otherwise are from the New RevisedStandard Version of the Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Educationof the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States ofAmerica. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture marked KJV is taken from the King James or Authorized Version ofthe Bible.

Some paragraph numbers for and language in the Book of Disciplinemay have changed in the 2012 revision, which was published after theseGuidelines were printed. We regret any inconvenience.

MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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Contents

Called to a Ministry of Faithfulness and Vitality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Scouting and Civic Youth-Serving Ministry: An Overview . . . . . . . . . 6Youth Agency Programs at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Ten Reasons to Consider Scouting and Civic Youth-Serving Agencies

as a Ministry of the Local Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Child and Youth Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Big Brothers Big Sisters Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

AmachiLinking with the Local Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Your Ministry as Coordinator for Civic Youth-Serving Agencies/

Scouting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14An Effective CoordinatorResponsibilities of the Local Church CoordinatorScouting Ministry SpecialistFaith Modeling and Servant Leadership

Relating to the Church Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Events and Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Bishop’s Dinner for ScoutingP.R.A.Y. ProgramP.R.A.Y. Mentor Program

Recognitions and Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25The Bishop’s Award of ExcellenceThe Cross and Flame AwardThe Torch AwardThe Silver Torch AwardThe Good Samaritan AwardThe Shepherd Church Charter Recognition

Affiliate Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30The United Methodist Men Foundation and Scouting

Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31General Agency Contacts Inside Back Cover

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4 GUIDELINES FOR LEADING YOUR CONGREGATION

Called to a Ministry of Faithfulnessand Vitality

ou are so important to the life of the Christian church! You haveconsented to join with other people of faith who, through the millennia, have sustained the church by extending God’s love to others. You have been called and have committed your unique

passions, gifts, and abilities to a position of leadership. This Guideline willhelp you understand the basic elements of that ministry within your ownchurch and within The United Methodist Church.

Leadership in Vital MinistryEach person is called to ministry by virtue of his or her baptism, and that min-istry takes place in all aspects of daily life, both in and outside of the church.Your leadership role requires that you will be a faithful participant in the mis-sion of the church, which is to partner with God to make disciples of JesusChrist for the transformation of the world. You will not only engage inyour area of ministry, but will also work to empower others to be in ministryas well. The vitality of your church, and the Church as a whole, depends uponthe faith, abilities, and actions of all who work together for the glory of God.

Clearly then, as a pastoral leader or leader among the laity, your ministry isnot just a “job,” but a spiritual endeavor. You are a spiritual leader now, andothers will look to you for spiritual leadership. What does this mean?

All persons who follow Jesus are called to grow spiritually through the prac-tice of various Christian habits (or “means of grace”) such as prayer, Biblestudy, private and corporate worship, acts of service, Christian conferencing,and so on. Jesus taught his disciples practices of spiritual growth and leader-ship that you will model as you guide others. As members of the congregationgrow through the means of grace, they will assume their own role in ministryand help others in the same way. This is the cycle of disciple making.

The Church’s VisionWhile there is one mission—to make disciples of Jesus Christ—the portraitof a successful mission will differ from one congregation to the next. One ofyour roles is to listen deeply for the guidance and call of God in your owncontext. In your church, neighborhood, or greater community, what are thegreatest needs? How is God calling your congregation to be in a ministry ofservice and witness where they are? What does vital ministry look like in thelife of your congregation and its neighbors? What are the characteristics,traits, and actions that identify a person as a faithful disciple in your context?

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SCOUTING AND CIVIC YOUTH-SERVING MINISTRY 5

This portrait, or vision, is formed when you and the other leaders discerntogether how your gifts from God come together to fulfill the will of God.

Assessing Your EffortsWe are generally good at deciding what to do, but we sometimes skip themore important first question of what we want to accomplish. Knowing yourtask (the mission of disciple making) and knowing what results you want (thevision of your church) are the first two steps in a vital ministry. The third stepis in knowing how you will assess or measure the results of what you do andwho you are (and become) because of what you do. Those measures relatedirectly to mission and vision, and they are more than just numbers.

One of your leadership tasks will be to take a hard look, with your team, atall the things your ministry area does or plans to do. No doubt they are goodand worthy activities; the question is, “Do these activities and experienceslead people into a mature relationship with God and a life of deeper disci-pleship?” That is the business of the church, and the church needs to dowhat only the church can do. You may need to eliminate or alter some ofwhat you do if it does not measure up to the standard of faithful disciplemaking. It will be up to your ministry team to establish the specific stan-dards against which you compare all that you do and hope to do. (ThisGuideline includes further help in establishing goals, strategies, and meas-ures for this area of ministry.)

The Mission of The United Methodist ChurchEach local church is unique, yet it is a part of a connection, a living organ-ism of the body of Christ. Being a connectional Church means in part thatall United Methodist churches are interrelated through the structure andorganization of districts, conferences, and jurisdictions in the larger “fami-ly” of the denomination. The Book of Discipline of The United MethodistChurch describes, among other things, the ministry of all United MethodistChristians, the essence of servant ministry and leadership, how to organizeand accomplish that ministry, and how our connectional structure works(see especially ¶¶126–138).

Our Church extends way beyond your doorstep; it is a global Church withboth local and international presence. You are not alone. The resources ofthe entire denomination are intended to assist you in ministry. With thishelp and the partnership of God and one another, the mission continues.You are an integral part of God’s church and God’s plan!

(For help in addition to this Guideline and the Book of Discipline, see“Resources” at the end of your Guideline, www.umc.org, and the otherwebsites listed on the inside back cover.)

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6 GUIDELINES FOR LEADING YOUR CONGREGATION

Scouting and Civic Youth-ServingMinistryAn Overview

he mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. For almost a century, scouting ministries have been part of our concern for the spiritual for-mation of children in the Christian faith.

Scouting has been part of our reach to children and youth within the churchand community since 1920, according to Scouting in Methodist EpiscopalSunday Schools, published by The Board of Sunday Schools of theMethodist Episcopal Church. This publication states: “Scouting is presentedto the Church as a proved and approved weekday program for the boys ofthe Sunday School.” Throughout the years, scouting ministry grew toinclude other youth-serving agencies. The 1948 Discipline (¶182) states:“Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and similar organizations and clubs may beincluded in the church school. . . .”

In the early 1980s, in an effort to strengthen the outreach to children andyouth, the United Methodist Men, along with concerned Methodist Scouters(National Association of United Methodist Scouters), set a goal to establishan Office of Civic Youth-Serving Agencies/Scouting (OCYSA/S) ministries,with a full-time director. This goal was achieved through significant fundingfrom local churches that served as a genesis in establishing an endowmentthrough the United Methodist Men Foundation.

Since its inception in 1996, the General Commission on United Methodist Men(GCUMM) has continued its historic purpose as a lay movement “to win menand boys to Christ and the Church” (1948 Discipline, ¶1514.3). Today, scout-ing ministries in The United Methodist Church have expanded to include BoyScouts of America (BSA), Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), 4-H, Camp FireUSA (CFUSA), and our newest partner, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS).

More than 1.5 million participants and family members are estimated to beaffected by scouting ministries in The United Methodist Church. Scoutingministries provide local congregations the opportunity to mentor childrenand youth in the community in the areas of spiritual and character develop-ment through service projects, Bible-based resources such as religious-emblem awards provided by Programs of Religious Activities with Children(P.R.A.Y.), citizenship training, and by teaching new skills, connecting chil-dren to nature, providing leadership opportunities, and building healthy peerand intergenerational relationships.

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8 GUIDELINES FOR LEADING YOUR CONGREGATION

Ten Reasons to Consider Scoutingand Civic Youth-Serving Agenciesas a Ministry of the Local Church1. OUTREACHThe ministry of Christ revolved around the profound concept of reachingout to others. Modeling Christ’s example, scouting and civic youth-servingagencies seek to touch lives with the compassion of Christ. We have foundthat when we reach out to others, the blessings of God are returned to us.

2. EVANGELISMStatistics indicate that of all the youth who join scouting through the church,25 percent are United Methodists, 25 percent are members of other denomi-nations or faiths, and 50 percent come from unchurched families. Reachingout to families that do not have a church home is not a new concept.Scouting is one potential entry point for persons to join the church, whichthen has the opportunity to introduce, nurture, and strengthen the person’srelationship with Jesus Christ. Scouting provides a great way for the localchurch to serve its local community and in the process offer new and excit-ing programs that the church may transform into ministry to, with, andthrough youth.

3. INTERGENERATIONALScouting and civic youth ministry offers opportunities for older adults aswell as youth. Often congregational members become isolated from oneanother because we tend to spend time with people of similar age groups.Scouting offers older adults a chance to become merit-badge counselors,mentors, or committee members who plan activities with and for youth. Inthese ways, and more, older adults can become an integral part of a youth’slife. The experiences are ones that will be cherished for a lifetime.

4. COEDUCATIONALSome scouting programs exist for both girls and boys alike. Camp Fire USA(CFUSA) is coeducational for ages 1 to 21, while Boy Scouts of America’sVenturing division is for boys and girls ages 13 to 20. These programs are agreat complement to any church’s United Methodist youth ministry and alsoserve to encourage older Boy Scouts to participate in scouting for a longerperiod of time. Girls may participate in many of the high adventure activi-ties that boys do.

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SCOUTING AND CIVIC YOUTH-SERVING MINISTRY 9

BSA Venturing crews offer a high degree of flexibility for their members.Some crews elect to focus on helping others through activities like buildinghomes for Habitat for Humanity, while other crews enjoy the benefits ofcamping, hiking, and high adventure. Local BSA councils offer the use oftheir youth protection training and leadership training in addition to low-cost liability and accident insurance for their members.

5. UNITED METHODIST MENUnited Methodist Men groups have traditionally been the “standard bear-ers” of scouting and civic youth ministry. UMM units have been a sourceof manpower and volunteer leadership as well as a link between thechurch congregation and the youth agency. UMM have assisted infundraising events, work days, special events, and a variety of mentoringopportunities.

6. MISSIONA variety of mission opportunities are made available through the fiveyouth agencies. Camp Fire USA—through Gift of Giving, Teens in Action,and Extending Our Reach—educate and nurture children in projects thatencourage their participation and commitment to volunteerism in a uniquelyspiritual atmosphere. Similar opportunities exist within the various pro-grams of the BSA, GSUSA, 4-H, and BBBS.

7. P.R.A.Y. PROGRAMA study and award program offered by Programs of Religious Activitieswith Youth (P.R.A.Y.) focuses on discipleship, family, and service. Youngpeople are drawn closer to Christ and are invited to become better acquaint-ed with their church and pastor. The P.R.A.Y. series is a Bible-basedresource that emphasizes service to others and brings recognition andincreased self-esteem to the youth and teenagers who work closely withadult counselors and/or mentors. The P.R.A.Y. Program also serves as aneffective outreach tool to youth agency members in the community.

8. DEVELOP SERVANT LEADERS (FRIENDS,FOLLOWERS, FISHERMEN)Each youth organization includes “building blocks” that the local churchcan transform into effective ministry. For example, many youth-servingagencies require service projects that cultivate effective servant leaders.Youth start as “friends” (members of a troop or club), progress to “follow-ers” of Christ (older youth who are setting the example), and culminate as“fishermen” (youth who do service projects to meet requirements).

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10 GUIDELINES FOR LEADING YOUR CONGREGATION

9. INTENTIONALITYThe scouting program can be an effective outreach ministry of the localchurch. Through intentional planning, the church has the ability to transformthese scouting programs into important youth ministries similar to otherimportant ministries and initiatives. As a result, scouting always should beon a level with other church ministries. It has the potential to be a far-reaching, positive outreach youth ministry for the immediate community.

10. MAKE DISCIPLESBy considering one or a combination of the previous reasons, a local churchmay develop a consistent list of prospects for the Lord. Nurturing children,teens, and families through outreach and evangelism and incorporating theminto the life of the church may have tremendous, eternal results for theyouth, his or her family, and the Church.

SCOUTING AS A NEW MINISTRYIf you, as a church or scouting leader, are interested in using these resourcesto establish a new ministry to the community, contact the local office of theyouth-serving agency of your choice. You will find them willing and able toassist you in the mechanics of organizing a program designed to meet thespecific needs of your church and community. (See the Resources section atthe end of this Guideline.)

If you have any questions pertaining to how civic youth-serving agenciesmight be used as an integral part of your church’s outreach ministry, pleasecontact the Office of Civic Youth-Serving Agencies/Scouting. Additionalresource information is also available from P.R.A.Y.

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SCOUTING AND CIVIC YOUTH-SERVING MINISTRY 11

Child and Youth Protectionhe United Methodist Church and our partner youth-serving agencies have the goal of keeping every child safe. This is the job of every adult. Child abuse is the injury of a child by an adult or older child that might not be intentional but is not accidental. Abuse can be

(1) Physical––violent nonaccidental contact that results in injury. Thisincludes but is not limited to striking, biting, shoving, burning, orshaking. Injuries can range from minor bruises to major injuries anddeath.

(2) Sexual––any form of sexual activity with a child or youth, prostitu-tion, child pornography, and exposing a child or youth to pornogra-phy. The abuser may be an adult or a minor.

(3) Emotional––a pattern of intentional conduct that crushes a child’s oryouth’s spirit, attacks the sense of self-worth, or lowers the sense ofself-esteem through rejecting, threatening, terrorizing, isolating,humiliating, or belittling.

Child neglect is harm caused to a child or youth by withholding life’s neces-sities, such as food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or education. Abuse andneglect are different situations with different dynamics but have the sameconsequence—the harming of a child or youth. Child abuse is a sin of com-mission, while child neglect is a sin of omission. Your local church andannual conference, as well as our five civic youth-serving partners, havechild protection policies or guidelines.

Anyone working with children and youth within the ministries of ourUnited Methodist churches is encouraged to become familiar with thesepolicies. If these policies vary, the strictest policy takes precedence. If onepolicy defines an adult as someone 18 years or older, and another policydefines an adult as someone 21 years or older, an adult in your youth-serving group should be 21 years or older.

If you are aware of or suspect child abuse or neglect, please report it. Letyour pastor, district superintendent, leader of your group, and/or the youth-serving agency office know of any possible abuse or neglect. These properauthorities will take the appropriate steps. Remember, reporting is not con-demning; it is being responsible. Be prepared to keep our children andyouth safe.

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12 GUIDELINES FOR LEADING YOUR CONGREGATION

Big Brothers Big Sisters Partnership AmachiAmerica faces the growing crisis of multigenerational incarceration creatinga culture of imprisonment. We have already witnessed grandfathers, fathers,and sons waiting together in prison for the arrival of the great-grandson.There is a specific way that we as a people, and United Methodist Men inparticular, can break this intergenerational cycle of incarceration. Researchconfirms the common-sense notion that the more caring adults engaged in achild’s life, the more likely that child is to succeed.

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is the youth-serving agency partneringwith United Methodist Men to increase the number of men mentoring chil-dren with an incarcerated parent. Participation in The UMM/BBBS Amachipartnership requires the following:

1. Commitment from the UMM conference president2. Support and commitment from the bishop and the district superintendent3. Orientation to BBBS and Amachi4. Partnership agreement with local BBBS agency5. Selection and development of United Methodist congregations to partici-

pate in the partnership6. Setting, meeting, reporting progress toward, and reevaluating goal of

number of children matched to members of the partnering congregations7. Sharing successful practices and lessons learned with other congrega-

tions, conferences, and BBBS agencies

See the national memorandum of understanding and a sample local memo-randum of understanding at www.amachimentoring.org, and www.bbbs.orgfor more information on Amachi and BBBS. Contact the Office of CivicYouth-Serving Agencies, General Conference on United Methodist Men,for additional guidance. The BBBS Director of Partnership Development isalso available for consultation and support (for contact information, see theresources section of this book).

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Linking with the Local Churchn order for any of these programs or approaches to be effective within the ministry of the church, the congregation must become intentional in its use of the youth-serving programs. All too often civic youth-

serving agency ministries simply exist within the physical facilities of thechurch, while the leadership of the church has little or nothing to do witheither the program or its leaders.

The church should give the same prayerful and careful preparation to theplanning of its civic youth-serving agency ministries as it gives to its churchschool or vacation Bible school. Properly used, these programs can providean arena in which young people can have wholesome experiences with theirpeers, but this seldom takes place without planning and preparation. Inshort, the church must plan and operate the programs intentionally.

As the coordinator, you are the link between the church and the troop orclub. You may be a Scout or club leader who relates to the church thatsponsors your group, or you may be a representative from the church whorelates to the troop or club. In this coordinating position, you will find thatmeeting regularly with the church council and the troop or club ensures thatleaders of each group are aware of each other’s concerns and needs. ThisGuideline will help you understand how you, as coordinator, relate to thechurch. Direction and instruction on relating to the troop or club will comefrom that youth-serving agency.

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Your Ministry as Coordinator forCivic Youth-ServingAgencies/Scouting

irst, take the quick view of both the marks of an effective coordinatorand of the general responsibilities, then explore in further detail the essentials of healthy servant leadership.

An Effective Coordinator• Understands The United Methodist Church and is encouraged to be amember

• Understands faith role modeling• Leads and works with volunteer groups well• Has a desire to grow and improve in the position• Delegates work to others with sensitivity and understanding• Has planning skills• Communicates well with others by writing and speaking• Supports people and their need to grow and improve• Believes in service to young people• Is elected or appointed by the appropriate conference (charge, district,annual, and jurisdictional) within which the coordinator serves (All localchurches should elect or appoint a coordinator to ensure that young peopleinvolved in youth-serving agencies are recognized.)

Responsibilities of the Local ChurchCoordinator• Interprets scouting ministry as an intentional ministry of the church, pro-viding nurture, service, mission, and outreach

• Coordinates scouting ministries with other programs in the church andpublicizes those programs

• Encourages dialogue and understanding between pastor or church leadersand adult leaders in the scouting ministry

• Is a member of the church council and reports monthly• Sees that there is a signed charter or partnership agreement with the agencies• Promotes the P.R.A.Y. religious education program for all youth in thechurch and provides information about the programs available for those ofother faiths who are in our United Methodist Church youth agencies

• Works with the pastor in planning and observing Scouting Ministries

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Sunday or separate special Sundays for each of the agencies that are repre-sented in the churches

• Sees that leaders become fully trained for their positions in the agenciesand by the church for youth protection

• Ensures that recognitions are awarded as appropriate, including theBishop’s Award of Excellence for units, the Cross and Flame, and TorchAwards for individual leaders, the Good Samaritan for youth who haveprovided service to the church or community, and other recognitions asneeded, including public gratitude and agency awards

• Recruits Boy Scout leaders and leaders for other agencies, and assists inrecruiting young people

• Assists the pastor with a report of the number of young people registeredand the name and contact information of leaders

• Represents the church on the district scouting committee

Scouting Ministry Specialist (SMS)The scouting ministry specialist (SMS) position is designed to help localchurches consider scouting as a ministry, as well as a new response to oneof the four areas of focus of The United Methodist Church: to develop prin-cipled Christian leaders.

The need for this position is based on statistics that only 6,700 of the 34,000United Methodist churches have scouting units. The specialists will helpchurches understand the value of scouting and communicate informationrelated to training, awards, and recognition.

Specialists will help provide information to the local church through rela-tionships with the GCUMM office and annual/district scouting coordinators.

Specialists are recruited and registered with GCUMM and are responsiblefor up to three churches. They are not necessarily a liaison to a youthagency council/office like a local church scouting coordinator. Scoutingministry specialists are volunteers, so the amount of time allocated to theposition is determined by the individual’s schedule.

Qualifications:• Must be 18 years of age or older• Must present proof of having completed the BSA Youth ProtectionTraining and/or Safe Sanctuaries and Sexual Ethics online course (offeredat www.umscouting.org)

• Must provide an annual registration fee of $10 or $45 for 5 years to ensurethat specialists will receive ongoing information

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• Must read Scouting Guidelines• Must complete SMS application, which authorizes criminal backgroundcheck

SMS ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Visit and communicate with up to three United Methodist churches in theirarea

• Assist the annual and district scouting coordinators• Promote scouting ministry training events with adult leaders (Philmont,Sea Base, UM Scouters Workshops, etc.)

• Promote scouting recognition awards• Promote the Programs of Religious Activities (P.R.A.Y) awards• Enroll each church as a Shepherd Church• Promote Scout Sunday• Support the pastor• Consider serving on Council Relationships/Religious Committees for thevarious scouting agencies

• Recruit one additional scouting ministry specialist

To become a SMS, please visit www.umscouting.org and complete the“Interest Form”; or call the GCUMM office at 866-297-4312. Someone willrespond to your request with additional information

Faith Modeling and Servant LeadershipThere is a difference between faith modeling and faith teaching. Faith teach-ing is instruction about a particular faith (for example, Christianity,Judaism, Islam, and so forth) or a specific doctrinal stance (such as one’sbeliefs about God or Holy Scriptures). The Office of Civic Youth-ServingAgencies/Scouting emphasizes faith modeling, while clearly stating thatfaith teaching is the responsibility of the home or the religious institution ororganization.

Jesus constantly provided a faith model for his followers. When the disci-ples asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Jesus, the ulti-mate servant leader, called a child into their midst and talked about becom-ing like children. Then he said, “If any of you put a stumbling block beforeone of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if agreat millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned inthe depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6). This passage conveys the high callingof those who inspire youth by modeling their faith.

As a scouting leader, you are entrusted with the precious gift of young lives.Parents, who have experienced the miracle of a new life, are sharing that

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miracle with you. They are expecting you to model your faith and to helptheir child grow. Civic youth-serving agency programs stress citizenship,character development, and physical fitness. These programs encourage youas a servant leader and are designed to promote these values.

Young people learn a great deal about their lifestyle by observing others andby practicing the behaviors they witness. Most parents can tell stories ofhow and when their children imitated them. Just as you have learned thatpersonal skills are better taught by demonstration and followed by a chanceto practice the skills, so faith development is encouraged by demonstrationwith encouragement and opportunities to practice faith skills. As a servantleader, you are expected to abide by the policy that specific religiousinstruction is the responsibility of the home or the religious institution.However, you can let young people know that God is important in your lifeby the way you live in their midst. You can live a faith-oriented lifestyle.

If you are a scouting leader in The United Methodist Church, you havecommitted yourself to holding a belief in God. You have committed your-self to a principle that says, “No person can grow into the best kind of citi-zen without recognizing his or her obligation to God.” You have committedyourself to teaching young people both the words and meaning of the GirlScout Promise, the Boy Scout Oath, or the Camp Fire Code. The best wayto teach the words and meaning is to make them real in your life! If you area representative from the church to the troop or club, you have also declaredin your church membership vows to uphold the church with your prayers,presence, gifts, service, and witness.

What is faith modeling? It is doing, thinking, and talking out of a faith-strengthened stance. It is letting faith determine your lifestyle.

One aspect of faith modeling is respect for one’s physical body. Inasmuchas civic youth-serving agencies do not allow alcoholic beverages on outdoortrips (teenage alcohol abuse is on the increase), a good leader will observethe practice of no alcoholic beverages, without exception. The same is trueregarding other drugs and other health-damaging substances. Listed beloware several other characteristics of a good leader.

A GOOD LEADERA good leader will demonstrate love and concern for the young peoplein the unit, troop, or club. You will find opportunities to listen to them asindividuals. You will learn to share their excitement, their joy, their sorrow,and their concerns. You will recognize that they have one foot in childhood

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and the other in adulthood, hopping back and forth; and you will acceptthem for who they are.

A good leader will demonstrate the importance of his or her faith bybeing an active participant in the church, and that involves personal studyand devotions. You may be the best model many young people will everobserve. Your faith life may encourage them to live their own faith commit-ments.

A good leader will foster spiritual growth by encouraging young peopleto plan and participate in religious observances during meetings, campouts,and other activities. You will want to plan activities to allow youth to par-ticipate in their own faith communities. Schedule programs and travel thatwill not conflict with such participation.

A good leader will encourage faith development by urging young peopleto enroll in appropriate religious-study programs. Just as young people needencouragement to work on advancement, so they need encouragement togrow spiritually.

A good leader knows that cursing is not a sign of maturity but is anattempt to disguise immaturity. Off-color stories or prejudice-loaded wordswill be avoided because they demonstrate a lack of value for persons (seeJames 3:5-12).

YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH!Consider salt for a moment. Salt is inconspicuous and ordinary. Salt doesnot deteriorate, though it can lose its saltiness through adulteration. Salt is apreservative—remember that salted ham! Salt is an astringent that stings.Salt will stop bleeding! Salt gives zest to food and makes you thirsty!Remember that a pinch of salt has a great effect on its surroundings. WhenJesus said, “You are the salt of the earth,” (Matthew 5:13) he was sayingthat you are important. As a leader, you can live a faith-oriented lifestylethat encourages faith development in the young people with whom youwork.

One of our bishops stated that he is a United Methodist today largelybecause of the efforts of his scoutmaster. When he was a young boy, hisfamily was not active in the church. He attended one of two differentSunday schools, depending upon which of his friends came by for him onSunday morning. One Sunday, the class teacher announced that he wasstarting a new program on the following Monday night and invited all of the

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boys to come back to the church. The new program was a Boy Scout troop.In a few short months this young man had advanced through the ranks ofthe Boy Scouts and had also become a member of The Methodist Church.In the bishop’s words, “I joined that church because it provided me theopportunity to do the things I enjoyed doing.” The scoutmaster provided the“salt” necessary to season the life of a future bishop!

A number of United Methodist pastors report that they have reached manyfamilies through the “salty” scouting ministry of their churches. One dia-conal minister related the story of how a whole family was reunited with thechurch because of their son’s participation in a P.R.A.Y. class offered bythe church. The family had become inactive to the point that their name hadbeen removed from the church rolls by action of the charge conference. Theyoung Scout became so involved in the P.R.A.Y. program that he professedhis faith and expressed his desire to unite with the church. As a result, hisentire family was reunited with the church. Remember the words of ourLord, “You are the salt of the earth.”

POSITIVE PEER PRESSURETraditional youth organizations bring young people together for regularlyscheduled meetings and activities that help to develop a sense of identityand a feeling of belonging. Scouting programs offer the opportunity foryouth to learn and grow by planning their own activities, electing officers,and practicing leadership. Leadership development happens unobtrusivelyand naturally.

While youth members of civic youth-serving agency ministries learn bydoing in small groups, they are also exposed to the virtues of peer leader-ship and constructive fellowship. Young people feel the effects of peer pres-sure today more than ever before; consequently, it is the duty of the churchto provide an atmosphere in which that pressure can become a positiveforce. Civic youth-serving agency ministries can provide such an atmos-phere.

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Relating to the Church Councilour role as coordinator or scouting leader places you on the churchcouncil, where you will represent the issues of scouting and youth-serving ministries along with other church staff or lay persons who lead youth ministries. The following tips will help cultivate that

relationship and help you develop your leadership skills and effectiveness aswell.

• Talk with the pastor, lay leader, or the Christian education personabout considering one or more civic youth-serving agency programs suchas Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire, BBBS, or 4-H.

• Talk with your local church council about community-based outreachministries to children and youth in your community. Develop a plan andtimetable.

• Work with the committee on leader selection to nominate other adultleaders for a Civic Youth-Serving Agencies/Scouting Task Group whowill be elected at a church council meeting. Provide support for a budget.Continue the coordinator or committee positions through election annuallyat the charge conference.

• Work with the Civic Youth-Serving Agencies/Scouting Task Group toform a plan of action.

• Report the plan and timetables to the church council for input,approval, and implementation.

• Survey the church and community to assess interest as to what type(s) ofunit or troops could or should be formed from Camp Fire, Girl Scout, orBoy Scout groups. Consider starting a mentoring ministry like Amachi, aprogram of BBBS.

• Contact the appropriate local civic youth-serving agency to get its pro-fessional help in forming units, troops, clubs, or mentoring programs.

• Schedule a children and youth recruiting night. Draft an agenda, secureleaders, organize units and troops, and set meeting dates. Let this become anight for Civic Youth-Serving Agencies/Scouting Ministries.

• Form needed units and troops that will be supported by the church andcommunity.

• Report success to the church council. Set a date for a Civic Youth-Serving Agencies/Scouting Ministries Sunday worship celebration. Have aconsecration service for leaders.

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Events and ProgramsBishop’s Dinner for Scouting One of the most successful methods of helping local congregations under-stand the potential of civic youth-serving ministry within our Church is theBishop’s Dinner. These dinners have been held in many annual conferencesat both the conference and district level.

PURPOSEA Bishop’s Dinner for Scouting brings together representatives from a num-ber of United Methodist congregations at the invitation of the bishop. Thepurpose of this dinner is twofold. First, the dinner affords conference lead-ers the opportunity to help local congregations understand how their youth-serving program can become an integral part of the ministry and life of thechurch. Second, the dinner provides an excellent forum to showcase the pro-grams offered by the five youth-serving agencies and to encourage localcongregations to incorporate one or more of them into their ministry.

PLANNING AND EXECUTIONThe initiation of a Bishop’s Dinner can come from the Conference ScoutingCommittee or the local office of one of the youth-serving agencies. In allcases it is mandatory that the program be developed through the conferencescouting coordinator, conference men’s president, and in cooperation withthe conference director of connectional ministries. In planning the program,it will be necessary to determine whether to include the entire conference orto limit the effort to a district or group of districts. These dinners shouldinclude all five youth-serving agencies.

To ensure success, at least three months’ lead time should be provided forthe proper planning and organization of the program. A publication offeringguidelines for organizing a United Methodist Bishop’s Dinner for scoutingis available from the Office of Civic Youth-Serving Agencies/Scouting inNashville.

P.R.A.Y. ProgramThe P.R.A.Y. Program is a discipleship and outreach resource. It is also thereligious recognition program designed for use by the Boy Scouts ofAmerica, Girl Scouts of the USA, and Camp Fire USA. (Church and stateissues may affect participation through 4-H since it is administered throughthe Department of Agriculture.) Congregations have used the P.R.A.Y. cur-riculum in their Sunday school classes, vacation Bible schools, confirmationclasses, and other small group settings in addition to using it as an outreach

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program to scouting groups in the community. To earn this award, youthneed to complete the requirements in the student workbook under the super-vision of a counselor (either the pastor or someone appointed by the pastor).There are four programs. Each program has its own Student Workbook,Counselor Manual, and Adult Mentor Workbook.

GOD AND ME (GRADES 1–3)The God and Me curriculum is designed to help children become bestfriends with Jesus and tell their story of “God and Me” together. Childrenwill make a game in each lesson and keep their games in a GAMEBox (Godand Me Exploring Box). These games will reinforce the Bible lessons andprovide opportunities for families to explore God’s love together. There arefour lessons:

1. God Created Me2. Jesus Is God’s Gift to Me3. I Can Talk with God 4. Because God Cares for Me, I Can Care for Others

GOD AND FAMILY (GRADES 4–5)The God and Family curriculum is designed to help youth understand theimportance of family and God’s role in a healthy family. Families may becompared to pizza: the layers of a pizza illustrate God’s plan for strengthen-ing families. Students will make a pizza as they study how families cangrow together in God’s love, and they will choose “family projects” to bedone with their family at home.

1. Crust-Foundation—We are God’s Family 2. Sauce—Family Heritage, Spiritual Heritage3. Toppings—Our Talents and Gifts Strengthen Our Families 4. Cheese—In God’s Family We’re Loved No Matter What! Because

We’re Loved, We Follow Rules5. Bake—Being in God’s Family Helps Us When Things Are Tough6. Eat, Share, Enjoy!—In God’s Family, We Share as a Response to

God’s Love

GOD AND CHURCH (GRADES 6–8)The God and Church program will lead young people on a journey. It willbe a faith journey with three parts: meeting Jesus, worshiping God, and wit-nessing and ministering for Christ. Participants will create either a video ora photo album to share what they have learned on their faith journeys.Young people will have the opportunity to work with their pastor or otherChristian adult as they study the Church’s structures and objectives and par-ticipate in service projects that will give them a better understanding of themission of the Church.

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My Journey: Meeting Christ1. Meeting Jesus, the Person2. Meeting Jesus, the Son of God3. Meeting Jesus, the Head of the ChurchProject: Daily Bible Reading

My Journey: Worshiping God4. Learning How Christ Worshiped God5. Exploring How My Congregation Worships GodProject: Discovering How I Can Worship God

My Journey: Witnessing and Ministering for Christ6. Learning How Christ Witnessed and Ministered to Others7. Exploring How My Congregation Witnesses and Ministers to OthersProject: Discovering How I Can Witness and Minister to Others

GOD AND LIFE (GRADES 9–12)The God and Life program will help students understand their call to disci-pleship. The curriculum focuses on the life of the apostle Paul as recordedin Acts 9:1-31. This brief account describes how Paul encountered Christand was changed forever. Five chronological “events” from this story willbe highlighted and used as the focus for the five different sections in thisprogram. Each section will illustrate a key element in learning how to liveone’s life for Christ:

1. God Calls All Kinds of People2. God Doesn’t Expect Us to Do It on Our Own3. Each of Us Must Make a Personal Response to the Call of God4. God Gives Strength to Face Adversities5. God Can Accomplish Great Things Through Those Who Are Willing

to Do God’s Will

P.R.A.Y. Mentor ProgramThe P.R.A.Y. Mentor Program for adults is designed for parents to workside-by-side with their children sharing in the work of the P.R.A.Y.Program. As the child examines his or her faith, the parent will be there,learning about God’s love, sharing new experiences, and making discover-ies with the child. To participate in this program, parents need a copy of theMentor Workbook, and they need to work under the supervision of the pas-tor (or someone appointed by the pastor). Please note that the adult mentordoes not take the place of the counselor.

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P.R.A.Y. RESOURCESVisit the P.R.A.Y. website at www.praypub.org to view the P.R.A.Y. Start-up Kit, PowerPoint presentations, sample lessons, and other importantresources. You can also sign up to receive the P.R.A.Y. News Bulletin.

AFFIRMATION OF FAITHWritten by the God and Church Class

Evansville District Boy Scout, Girl Scout and CampFire Retreat

Camp Santa ClausFebruary 18–20, 2000

Faith is not something you can see.Rather it is something you know and feel.Whether your faith is the size of a mustard seed or the size of a mountain,You need faith.

I believe faith is like a mustard seed.You believe a little when the seed is planted.As the seed grows, so does your faith. It will never stop.

In the past, God started us outAnd now he is just trying to keep us going in our faith.We have our faith in Christ.We believe in Christ.He died for us.His teachings are so strong that they have lasted for years.

I believe Jesus is the Son of God.God is almighty, all powerful, all seeing and all loving.If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ,You will live forever in the company of angels.

A light in the darkness, a face in the crowd.Faith is what is there when there’s no one around.

(Authors: Emily Wuchner, Ann Ferguson, Ryan Grossman, BrittenyMcDaniel, Mallory Fuhs, Chip Peace, Sean Mabrey, and Stacie Keevil)

24 GUIDELINES FOR LEADING YOUR CONGREGATION

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It is most important that we properly recognize those who give their timeand talents to make the civic youth-serving agency ministry possible. Thisministry can no more function without volunteer leadership than could theSunday school or any other branch of the Church’s ministry. It is also fittingand proper to recognize levels of performance that surpass the ordinary.Several awards and recognition programs have been developed for this pur-pose.

Recognitions and Awardst is important that we recognize those who make the civic youth-serving agency ministry possible. Volunteer leadership is vital just as in any other branch of the Church’s ministry. Several awards and

recognition programs have been developed to recognize levels of perform-ance that surpass the ordinary. Applications and reference materials can befound at www.umcscouting.org.

Complete information relating to all of these awards is available through theOffice of Civic Youth-Serving Agencies/Scouting at the GeneralCommission on United Methodist Men in Nashville, Tennessee. (Thebrochures can be downloaded from www.umscouting.org.)

The Bishop’s Award of ExcellenceThe Bishop’s Award of Excellence (BAE) recognizes congregations andunits within The United Methodist Church that extend their ministry to chil-dren and youth by creating a faith-based environment for children, youth,their families, and their leaders to participate in the following civic youth-serving agencies: Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, andCamp Fire USA.

BAE was revised in 2007 and requires the election of a local scouting coor-dinator by the local church, the promotion and use of the P.R.A.Y. religiousemblem programs, celebration of the ministry, and encourages the use ofsigned partnership agreements (¶256.4a, the Book of Discipline). See theapplication for the complete criteria. The Bishop’s Award of Excellence is

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authorized for the purpose of recognizing outstanding United MethodistChurch troops, units, or clubs that have met the established criteria.

Upon nomination by the local scouting coordinator and approval by a propercommittee or representative of the annual conference, the Bishop’s Award ofExcellence is presented by the presiding bishop to the pastor, the unit leader,and at least one member of the unit at the next regular session of the annualconference. The BAE application should be forwarded from the local congre-gation at least six to eight weeks before the annual conference session. Theaward recognizes activity of one year and may be earned again.

The Cross and Flame AwardThe Cross and Flame Award gives recognition to adult leaders who havegiven exceptional service in the use and promotion of scouting ministriesfor young people.The Cross and Flame Award is awarded by the local congregation. The

award is authorized for recognizing leaders with outstanding service toyouth at the local church level. In order to qualify, a person must have beenan active adult leader in a youth-serving agency for at least three years (thatis, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, BBBS, or Camp Fire). The candidate must alsobe an active member of a recognized Christian church.

The Torch Award

The Torch Award recognizes adult leaders who have given exceptional ser-vice in the use and promotion of scouting ministries beyond the local church.

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Presented by the annual conference, the award recognizes adult leaders withoutstanding service to youth at the annual conference level. In order to quali-fy, a person must be an active member of The United Methodist Church whohas given four years of outstanding leadership to children and youth throughone of the youth-serving agency programs (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, BBBS,or Camp Fire) and must be nominated for the award.

The Silver Torch AwardThe Silver Torch may be awarded to an adult for exemplary service toscouting and/or youth ministry beyond the annual conference. The awardmay be presented to an individual who has served at the central confer-ence (international), general church (national) or jurisdictional (regional)levels.

Unlike the Cross and Flame and the Torch awards, the Silver Torch has notenure requirement. Recipients must be Christian but not necessarily a mem-ber of The United Methodist Church.

Examples of service include the following: (1) Candidates may be leaders ofthe BSA National Jamboree or International Jamboree; (2) Candidates mayhave provided leadership for mission trips to a central conference, or per-haps they directed efforts to raise funds to support central conference evan-gelistic initiatives for youth and/or scouting; (3) Nominees may have per-formed significant acts of mission and/or ministry in response to theConnectional Table areas of collaboration supported and advocated by thegeneral agencies: (a) leadership development, (b) new church development,(c) global health, and (d) the elimination of poverty.

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The Good Samaritan AwardThe Good Samaritan Award is based on the attributes of the parable of thegood Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37, and our responsibility as Christians toreach out to people in need of a “helping hand” as exemplified by the goodSamaritan and related to us in various passages in the Gospels.

The purpose of this award is to recognize individual youth who demonstratethe attributes of servant leadership to others through outreach, humanitarianassistance, or advocacy.

The youth candidate must be a registered member of a civic youth-servingagency unit (Boy Scout troop, Girl Scout troop, Venture crew, or Camp Fireclub) meeting in or chartered/sponsored by a United Methodist church; or anactive member of a United Methodist Youth Fellowship; or an active youthmember of a United Methodist congregation. Candidates must be betweenthe ages of 6 and 30 (not yet reached 31st birthday). Recipients may be par-ticipants in an outreach ministry of a local United Methodist church givingthe award. It is not necessary for them to be members of the denomination.

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The Shepherd Church Charter Recognition

The Shepherd Church Charter Recognition is given to annually recognizechurches that provide outstanding ministry to their communities throughsponsorship of one or more of the following civic youth-serving agencies:Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, Camp Fire USA, and/orBig Brothers Big Sisters. These churches welcome all youth and children,nurture them as they grow to become good citizens with a deeper relation-ship with God, and work with them in service to others.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

—Proverbs 22:6 KJV

Complete information relating to all of these awards is available through theOffice of Civic Youth-Serving Agencies/Scouting at the GeneralCommission on United Methodist Men in Nashville, Tennessee. (Thebrochures can be downloaded from www.umscouting.org.)

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Affiliate OrganizationsThe United Methodist Men FoundationThe National Association of Conference Presidents founded the UnitedMethodist Men Foundation in 1981. The foundation was organized to

• operate exclusively for charitable and religious purposes• provide support funds for program development and maintenance for thepurpose and objectives of United Methodist Men.

The foundation has created endowments to fund a variety of UnitedMethodist Men ministries. Endowments help create financial security forChristian programs and are a testimony by donors to the quality and worthi-ness of the charitable organization receiving gifts. Endowments are our wayof providing for those who will follow in years to come.

The foundation first raised funds for scouting ministries. Gifts have helpedto keep a full-time staff person in scouting ministries for more than twenty-five years. In addition, gifts have funded administrative costs of The UpperRoom Living Prayer Center, a toll-free telephone line, and numerousnational and international mission projects.

Gifts may be dedicated in honor or memory of a family member, friend, orloved one. Endowment funds may be announced or they may be givenanonymously at the donor’s discretion.

National Association of United Methodist ScoutersThe purpose of the National Association of United Methodist Scouters(NAUMS) is to enhance the outreach ministry of The United MethodistChurch to the children and youth of each church’s community. Memberswork with the Office of Civic Youth-Serving Agencies/Scouting (OCYSA/S)in developing and promoting scouting as a ministry. For more informationplease refer to the Organization Addresses section at the back of this book.

TRAININGEach year the OCYSA/S holds a national training session for UnitedMethodist leaders at one of BSA’s high-adventure bases. The PhilmontTraining Center is part of Philmont Scout Ranch. It is located in Cimarron,New Mexico, in the Sangre De Cristo mountain range. The setting providesa relaxed atmosphere in which the scouting program of the Church may bestudied. Attendees are expected to return to their annual conferences, dis-tricts, and local churches to conduct similar sessions for United Methodistleaders. Another venue is the Florida Sea Base Conference and RetreatCenter in the Florida Keys. Other sites will be announced.

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ResourcesRESOURCES FROM THE OFFICE OF CIVIC YOUTH-SERVING AGENCIES/SCOUTINGTo access resources and training material and/or training events, visitwww.gcumm.org (Scouting Ministry) for current information.

Brochures and Packets• “Benefits for Faith Communities” (Camp Fire USA: insert to CommunityFamily Club brochure)

• A Scout Is Reverent (a BSA program publication about the BSA/UMC)• Bishop’s Award of Excellence (brochure)• The Cross and Flame Award (brochure)• The Good Samaritan Award (brochure)• Impact the Lives of Children and Youth in Our Communities (brochure)• The Torch Award (brochure)• The Silver Torch Award (brochure)• The Shepherd Church Charter Recognition (brochure)• UM Church/BSA: Building Values Together (brochure)• Civic Youth-Serving Agencies/Scouting (information packet)• Guidelines for Organizing a Bishop’s Dinner for Scouting (packet; DVD)(Limit 1 per order)

• Scouting Ministry (BSA) in The United Methodist Church (DVD)• Training DVD (all-in-one)• Scouting Ministry Specialist (brochure)

RESOURCES FROM COKESBURY• Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation: Scouting and Civic Youth-Serving Ministry, 2013-2016.

• The P.R.A.Y. Program (This church program provides the basis for theP.R.A.Y. Award earned by members of the Boy Scouts of America, GirlScouts of the USA, and Camp Fire USA. Includes four age levels: grades1-3, grades 4-5, grades 6-8, and grades 9-12. Order through Cokesbury, 1-800-672-1789.)

RESOURCES FROM THE GENERAL COMMISSION ONUNITED METHODIST MEN• Strength for Service to God and Country (Daily devotions for those in theservice of others. Order through the website: www.strengthforservice.org;or from the publisher: www.cokesbury.com or call toll-free 1-800-672-1789. A Boy Scout edition is available from Cokesbury or at your localBSA Scout Shop.)

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ORGANIZATION ADDRESSESBig Brothers Big Sisters230 North 13th StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19107www.bbbs.org

Boy Scouts of America1325 Walnut Hill LaneP.O. Box 152079Irving, TX 75015-2079Phone: (972) 580-2000www.scouting.org

Camp Fire USA 1100 Walnut StreetSuite 1900Kansas City, MO 64106-2197Phone: (816) 285-2010www.campfireusa.org

Girl Scouts of the USA420 Fifth AvenueNew York, NY 10018Phone: (212) 852-8000www.girlscouts.org

Office of Civic Youth-Serving Agencies/Scouting1000 17th Avenue SouthNashville, TN 37212Phone: (615) 340-7145 Fax: (615) 340-1770E-mail: [email protected]

P.R.A.Y.11123 S. Towne Square, Suite BSt. Louis, MO 63123-7816Phone: 800-933 PRAY (7729)Fax: 314-845-0038E-mail: [email protected]

National Association of United Methodist ScoutersP.O. Box 23172Nashville, TN 37202-3172

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