Grants from the Wesleyan Foundation For Men support a wide variety of effect, life-changing organizations focused on youth. The Scouting & Youth Ministry with the GCUMM utilizes grants in ways that bring beneficial change.
Outcomes from one such grant has been marked by significant growth in global engagement, strengthened youth protection partnerships, and expanding opportunities for United Methodist Scouting Ministry to serve the wider church. Our work continues to focus on equipping leaders, deepening international connections, and ensuring that our ministries reflect the highest standards of safety and discipleship.
Serving Youth Worldwide
Activities span the globe launching from the US to Africa and beyond. Current activities include:
Worldwide Connections and still growing Events for 2026
East Africa Conference
- Central Africa Conference
- North Katanga
- Tanganyika Annual Conferences
- South Carolina Men’s Ministry & Scouting
- Northeast Jurisdiction Event
- APSAC Colloquium Scouting
- America Jamboree Girl Scout Convention
Through the grant direct support was delivered in person during ministry trips to Africa. Joseph Zalambi, from the East Africa Conference, runs the Child Crisis Center
in Uganda. They serve over 400 children with basic support and education.
Joseph is a leader within his conference, using WhatsApp to connect men to
ministry opportunities. He has embarked on adding Scouting to the education
center’s educational programs. It is a way for youth not only to survive but
also to learn to thrive.
Creative Solutions
supporting the October 2024 Safeguarding Youth Symposium continues to bear fruit. The symposium opened new doors for collaboration and a deeper connection with professionals and ministries committed to protecting children.
Building on this momentum, Protect Children and Scouting Ministries have been invited to present at the June colloquium of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC). APSAC’s annual gathering typically brings together more than 2,000 professionals engaged in child protection, making this an extraordinary opportunity for the United Methodist Church to contribute to—and learn from—the leading edge of safeguarding research and practice.
National Events and Visibility
We are preparing for a strong presence at two major national gatherings:
Scouting America National Jamboree – GCUMM will host a booth to engage thousands of Scouts and leaders, strengthen relationships, and share resources for faith‑based Scouting.
National Girl Scout Convention – We will also host a booth at this event, expanding our visibility and support for Girl Scout ministries across the connection.
These events will significantly increase our reach and reinforce the UMC’s commitment to youth-serving organizations.
