As United Methodists, we believe every young person is a child of God, created with purpose and deserving of a safe, nurturing community where they can grow. Scouting offers a powerful way for the church to live out that belief by practicing faithful presence, protecting youth, teaching through experience, and forming leaders of character grounded in Christ’s love. Through service, leadership, and real‑world learning, Scouting strengthens families, builds trust, and helps young people discover their gifts. It is not simply a program we host, but a ministry we share—one that enriches discipleship and creates a place where youth know they belong, are supported, and can grow in faith and courage.
To support faith growth and the journey, the Scout’s Own Resource is available for free download below. This is a series of 20 devotionals that is written with youth in mind. The format includes a story, scripture, or quote, an activity, and a reflection. The activities are laid out by age/program.
This mode fits with Baden Powell’s vision of a Scout’s Own.
To interest the youth, the Scout’s Own must be a cheery and varied function. Short hymns (three verses are as a rule quite enough-never four); understandable prayers; a good address from an adult who really understands youth (a homily “talk” rather than an address), which grips the youth, and in which they may laugh or applaud as the spirit moves them, so that they take a real interest in what is said. If a leader cannot make the point to keen youth in ten minutes they ought to be shot! If they have not got them keen, it would be better not to hold a Scouts’ Own at all.
Scouting Ministries 