United Methodist scouting agency offers youth mission adventures July 1, 2004 NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)—United Methodist young people will have opportunities, to participate in mission trips to Zimbabwe, the Philippines, Alaska, Costa Rica and Chile beginning in 2006. The National Association of United Methodist Scouters and the Office of Civic-Youth Serving Agencies/Scouting of the churchwide Commission on United Methodist Men will sponsor “The Colours of the Church Mission Adventure Series.” These mission adventures are for youth connected with Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, Camp Fire USA and 4-H.
The purpose of the trips is to provide youth with opportunities to grow in their faith and understanding of different cultures, according to Marc Stowe, a commission director. The first trips offered will be in the summer of 2006. The Rev. Art Collins of the South Indiana Conference will lead a mission trip to Africa University in Zimbabwe and the Rev. Noah Panlilio of the Northern Illinois Conference will lead a trip to the Philippines. During the summer of 2007, Charlotte Barker of the South Carolina Conference will lead a mission trip to Alaska and Gil Hanke of the Texas Conference will lead a mission trip to Costa Rica. During the winter of 2008, Bob Chase of the North Indiana Conference will lead the last mission adventure to Chile. “The leaders for these Colours of the Church Mission Adventures are experienced youth leaders and well acquainted with the mission areas,” Stowe said. Youth interested in the trips must: - have experience in Boy Scouting, Girl Scouting,
4-H, or Camp Fire; - be active in their home churches and able to articulate their faith;
- have leadership ability;
- be at least 14 years old but not more than 20 years old by the onset of the trip; and
- have the permission of their parents and the recommendation of their pastor and CYSA leader or coordinator.
Adults are also needed to serve as co-leaders for several trips, Stowe said. Each of the mission trips will have goals and objectives. Cost of each mission adventure trip will vary, but it is estimated at $1,500 per person. A fee of $100 must accompany the initial application and is refundable at any time up until approval of the application. Team members are encouraged and expected to seek church support as a Volunteer in Mission. The Colours of the Church mission application form and other information is available online at www.umcscouting.org. Information is also available from Karen Heim Baugh at umcscoutmission@aol.com.
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News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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