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Top Ten Reasons to Consider Scouting and Civic Youth-Serving Agencies as a Ministry of the Local Church

• UMMen Boy Scouts Coordinators

1. Outreach
The ministry of Christ revolved around the profound concept of reaching out to others. Modeling Christ's example, scouting and civic youth-serving agencies seek to touch lives with the compassion of Christ. We have found that when we reach out to others, the blessings of God are returned to us.

2. Evangelism
Statistics indicate that of all the youth who join scouting through the church, 25 percent are United Methodists, 25 percent are members of other denominations or faiths, and 50 percent come from unchurched families. Scouting provides a great way for the local church to grow its youth ministry and church membership. A local church pastor in a small mid-western city stated, "Our recent church membership growth came from the families that participated in scouting." Sometimes you only have to look within your own walls to see growth and nurturing opportunities.

3. Intergenerational
Scouting and civic youth ministry offers opportunities for older people as well as youth. So often congregational members become isolated from one another because we tend to spend time with people of similar age groups. Scouting offers older people a chance to become merit-badge counselors, mentors, or committee members who plan activities with and for youth. In these ways, and more, older people can become an integral part of a youth's life. The experiences are ones that will be cherished for a lifetime.

4. Coeducational
Some "scouting programs" exist for both girls and boys alike. Camp Fire Boys and Girls is coeducational for ages 1 to 21, while BSA's Venturing division is for 14-20 year olds. These programs are a great compliment to any church's UMYF and also serve to encourage older Boy Scouts to participate in scouting for a longer period of time. Conversely, girls may participate in many of the high adventure activities that boys do. Venture crews (BSA) offer a high degree of flexibility for their members. Some crews elect to focus on helping others through activities like building homes for Habitat for Humanity; while other crews enjoy the benefit of camping, hiking, and high adventure. Local BSA Councils offer the use of their camps and specialized training in addition to low-cost insurance for their members.

5. United Methodist Men
United Methodist men have traditionally been the "standard bearers" of scouting and civic youth ministry. United Methodist Men's fellowships have been a source of manpower and volunteer leadership as well as a link between the church congregation and the youth agency. United Methodist Men have assisted in fundraisers, work days, special events, and a variety of mentoring opportunities.

6. Mission
A variety of mission opportunities are made available through the four youth agencies. Campfire Boys and Girls, through Gift of Giving and Extending Our Reach, educate and nurture children in projects that encourage their participation and commitment to volunteerism in a uniquely spiritual atmosphere. Similar opportunities exist within the various programs of BSA, GSUSA, and 4-H.

7. God and Country Program
An age-appropriate study series, the God and Country Program, involves youths to become better acquainted with their church and community, and enhances their relationship with their pastor and congregation. The God and Country series focuses on education, spirituality, and service to others; and brings recognition and increased self-esteem to the youth and teenagers who participate.

8. Develop Servant Leaders (Friends, Followers, Fishermen)
Each youth organization that we work with has inherent "building blocks" that the local church can transform into effective ministry. For example, service projects are a requirement of certain rank advancements and offer opportunities to begin to cultivate effective servant leaders.
The concept of beginning as "friends" (members of a troop, club), progressing to "followers" of Christ (older youth, setting the example), and "fishermen" (service projects for rank advancements), we can envision how this is a true beginning for servant leadership in the church, community, state, and nation.

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

10. Save Souls!
By considering one or a combination of the aforementioned reasons, a local church may develop a consistent list of prospects for the Lord. Nurturing children, teens, and families through outreach and evangelism, and incorporating them into the life of the church may have tremendous, eternal results for both the youth, their family, and the church.

For more  information, please visit http://www.scouting.org.