United Methodists typically celebrate Scout Sunday the second Sunday of February. Did you know that is Feb. 11, 2024? It will be here fast.
Scout Sunday is the church’s premier opportunity to witness the community. We open our doors sharing time with the Scouts and their leaders. Many would be there already as members of the congregation. But today they wear their uniform in support of the Scouting Ministry.
While at a large conference centered on preventing and responding to child abuse, I heard a recurrent theme: we need to understand that area better. There are many reasons that childhood sexual violence is underreported. They may include shame and stigma, fear of retaliation, not wanting to hurt the “known” perpetrator, religious or cultural norms, or others.
Some survivors of childhood sexual violence who report do so years later. There is no set timeline for disclosure. It is a personal decision impacted by a multitude of complex factors. The understanding gained from disclosure helps describe the scope of the problem. Disclosure is a challenging act of bravery that protects others.
Confidentiality is essential for survivors. It may open the door to healing as well as prevention. Confidentiality allows for a clear picture of abuse within a society.
A rare opportunity to confidentially share your story is now open. Protect Children Finland is a non-governmental agency working to end the sexual abuse of children. They are opening the door for survivors across the globe to share confidentially. Your voice will enable a better future. If you have experienced sexual violence in childhood, your voice matters!
Please consider participating in the confidential anonymous survey for survivors of sexual violence in childhood. As a worldwide community of faith, we can grow the global movement to protect children.
When Scouts get together, they do it big. More than 15,000 Scouts and Scouters came together for the BSA National Jamboree. But there was one visitor that stood out. Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball. She came to offer communion and commune with the youth and leaders.
Sunday Worship @ BSA National Jamboree 2023
There was a requirement for her to come. She had to be Youth Protection Trained. Her certificate of completion for the two-hour course arrived within three hours of receiving the link. She is a United Methodist Bishop taking youth protection seriously. It reflects the church’s commitment to creating a safe environment for young people to grow and thrive. Her quick action to complete the Youth Protection Training demonstrates her dedication to ensuring the well-being of the youth.
Others in the church could definitely follow her example by prioritizing the safety of youth in all activities. Encouraging everyone involved with youth programs to complete proper training and background checks is crucial. This not only shows a strong commitment to safeguarding the young members but also sets a positive example for the entire community.
After this experience, the church could consider a few improvement steps. First, regular reminders about the importance of youth protection and the required training could help keep it on everyone’s radar. Also, promoting an open dialogue about the topic could help foster a culture of awareness and responsibility. Encouraging feedback from leaders and participants can provide insights into areas that may need further attention.
Integrating the value of safety into youth activities is an excellent way to help them develop a sense of community, acceptance, and faith.
Scouting still has a lot to offer. This article from Jim Patterson with pictures by Mike DuBose reflects the profound value of the relationship and program. Thank you Jim and Mike for taking the time to not just listen but go and see.
A special thank you to long-time Scoutmaster Mike Warren. He is a veteran, a graduate of West Point, a servant, and a model of what it means for the greatest to be a servant of all. I see Christ in Mike’s patience and care.
Thank you to Assistant Scoutmaster Steve Dix. This is a team effort! You rock!
Thank you to St. Marks United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, TN. The church cares for the community inside and outside the building. They support Scouts BSA, Cub Scouts, and Girl Scouts of the USA. This is the body of Christ in motion.
What do two weeks, twelve thousand youth, and two thousand adults have in common? The 2023 National Jamboree. This Jamboree was the first gathering since the pandemic. Scouts from across the country come together for activity and fellowship. They also learned what it feels like to experience a “Black Alert” for potential heat stress. During one of these times, a person should drink two or more liters of water per hour. This alert phase is the highest alert with a danger to life from heat stroke and heat stress.
We kept two coolers of water at our booth. Both had ice water in them. We kept them full. As every person finished our maze activity and prayer wall, we encouraged them to drink up. The call was to fill their bottles before they left. We even tagged one cooler with the label “Living Water.”
Some were extremely grateful. They would either polish off their water or pour out the warm water. They filled their bottles to the rim. Occasionally, one would drink the whole cold bottle down. They would fill it up again before leaving. There was plenty for anyone who wanted. All were invited.
Some just topped off what they had in their bottle. This does cool the water down. But it does not last long in such heat.
Others, including some with empty bottles, said, “no, thank you.” Chiding them by pointing out the heat and the alert status made no difference. Our concern for these did not change what they chose.
The Black Alert status was a potential life threat. The response to the alert varied widely. My favorite response was the one that said, “Oh, I get it. Living Water. Stay hydrated and live.”
Lesson shared.
Do you know who is the Living Water? Where can you find it?
Want to know more? Read John 4:5-14.
A Scout’s prayer for the church and scoutingwas shared on the Prayer Wall.
Scouting Ministries 