As a General Agency of The United Methodist Church, the General Commission on United Methodist Men is called to serve the worldwide connection. In Scouting Ministries, that calling is lived out by connecting, serving, and expanding opportunities for young people through partnerships that stretch across borders. Our partners see the world globally—and so do we.
This global vision is not new. It is rooted first in Jesus Christ, who commanded us to go into all the world, and second in Robert Baden-Powell, whose movement has always been international at its core. When a local church, our partners, and the Commission stand together, we form a three‑cord strand that is not easily broken. But like any strong cord, it takes time to weave.
2018 – A Vision for Global Growth
The Scouting Ministries Committee advanced a proposal to strengthen the international reach of Scouting Ministries, aligning our work with the worldwide nature of Scouting itself. A direct request for support was brought to Board President Bishop James Swanson.
2019 – World Scout Jamboree: A Global Affirmation
At the Duty to God in North America booth, global relationships deepened. One moment stood out: David Michael Baden‑Powell visited the booth, looked around, and said, “This is right on. My grandfather would be happy it is here.” A blessing from the founder’s own family.
2024 — A Year of Global Reconnection and Renewal
May — General Conference in Charlotte
Delegates from across the world renewed relationships and raised a clear question from an African delegate: “What is the Commission doing for the boychild?” The call was unmistakable.
Aug — International Partnership Building
Travel to Finland, Sweden, and Switzerland opened new doors. Connections were strengthened with:
- Wesley Scouts in Germany
- WOSM leadership
- Protect Children (advancing safe scouting)
- The Council of Protestants in Guiding and Scouting, a WOSM‑recognized consultative group with strong African leadership
October – International Safeguarding Symposium
With support from the United Methodist Men’s Foundation, leaders from four countries gathered to share research and best practices in youth protection.
Attendees included a bishop, a chancellor, district superintendents, pastors, and professionals from multiple youth‑serving fields.
A global conversation on safeguarding had begun.
2025 – Connections Deepen Across Africa
Social media networks expanded, linking us with Central Africa Conference Scouts and Scouting Ministries.
In December, the Commission hosted a conference on Men’s and Scouting Ministries, sharing learning and opportunities across diverse African contexts.
Two testimonies captured the spirit of the moment:
- Angola: “Once we announced we were going to have Scouting, the church grew.”
- Uganda: Joseph Zalambi, seen below, is a leader of the Child Crisis Center of Uganda serving 400 children. He is integrating Scouting into education programs so youth can not only survive—but thrive.
2026 — A Worldwide Ministry Takes Shape
2026 February 8th – Scout Sunday
The 2026 Scout Sunday theme and patch celebrate the global fellowship of Scouts and Guides. This ministry is not about one place—it is about the whole world.
May 7- Youth read sacred text worldwide
A weeklong global event where young people read their sacred texts, inspired by the Scouting commitment to Duty to God. Registration is open at YouthReadSacredTextsWorldwide.org.
Throughout 2026 — Expanding Resources
New materials in needed languages are being developed to strengthen the United Methodist Scouting fellowship worldwide.
August — El Salvador
Another step in a growing global network of faith, service, and youth empowerment.
Are you ready to help grow the connection?
The world is full of young people longing for hope, belonging, and purpose. When we connect churches, Scouts, and the Commission, we create a ministry that can transform lives across continents.
There is much to do—and the work is good. If we truly want to transform the world in the work of God, this is where we begin.
Scouting Ministries 