Honoring the scouts from Troop 15

Monday Ministerial Musings

By Rev. Mark William Ennis

2026 Blog #4

February 2, 2026

Honoring the scouts from Troop 15

Yesterday the members of the Community Church of Glen Rock showed gratitude to Scouting America Troop #15. This troop has met on our church property for decades and has been a blessing to our congregation and community through service projects for years. It has been many years since we have celebrated Scouting Sunday, and we felt that it was time to bring back the tradition.

Scouting America is the new name for Boy Scouts of America (BSA). When I was a cub scout and a boy scout, the first Sunday of February was always Boy Scout Sunday and we celebrated it at whatever church the scout master was a part of. It was always a mandatory activity. The reason for this date selection is that it coordinates with the anniversary of the founding of Boy Scouts which is February 8, 1910.

Our older members of this congregation remember this custom from decades ago but no one in the scout troop ever remembers it happening. No one really remembers the last time we held this event before yesterday, but I am happy that our consistory has returned to this tradition. Our scouts deserve our praise, support, and mentoring.

Often in our culture, people become self-centered. Scouts are taught that they are part of a broader community and have responsibilities toward that community.

In a world that suffers from pollution and most people don’t seem to care, scouts are taught to respect, and care for, the earth.

In a world where our personal feelings often are more valued than duty, Scouts teach otherwise. To a scout, the scout oath and scout law are principles to live by, even if a scout does not feel like it. Duty is more important than feelings.

Many folks don’t learn leadership skills until their college years. Scouts give young people and early start on acquiring such skills.

I am pleased that the Community Church has supported scouting for decades. The scouts will be the leaders of our future. I was pleased that we honored our scouts at yesterday’s worship, and I hope to find other ways to support our scouts in the years to come.

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