“I look upon all the world as my parish; thus far I mean, that, in whatever part of it I am, [it is my] duty to declare unto all that are willing to hear, the glad tidings of salvation. This is the work which I know God has called me to; and sure I am that his blessing attends it.”

from John Wesley’s Journal entry on 11 June 1739

One of the most influential contributors to my development as a leader and Christian is the Boy Scouts of America. From the age of 5 until age 8, I was eager for the opportunity to join Cub Scouts. Eventually my experience in scouting led me to profess my faith in God, and the skills I had learned in scouting crafted me into a person governed by the concept of “servant leadership.”

John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement (and later denomination), had been forced out of the parishes in England leaving him with few places to share the grace go God with an ever-growing mass of people who felt alienated by the present-day Church of England. On April 2nd, 1739, “At four in the afternoon, I submitted to be more vile and proclaimed in the highways the glad tidings of salvation, speaking from a little eminence in a ground adjoining to the city, to about three thousand people.” This occasion served as the avenue to people’s hearts and souls throughout the rest of Wesley’s life and well into the future of “the people called Methodists.” In the colonies and future nation of the United States of America, field preaching became synonymous with camp meetings. 

For over a hundred years, worldwide scouting has taught young boys and girls the virtues and values that lead to a more perfect life – often in open fields. Scout leaders, young and old, continue to play a vital role in shaping leaders for today and beyond. Like Wesley, “camp is our parish” where we are enabled to shape and save lives for God’s present and future kingdom. 

“Camp is My Parish™️” is devoted to supporting camping ministries and faith development throughout the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts USA, and The United Methodist Church, and Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.). Look for opportunities to support this mission with merch ranging from pens to patches to shirts and much more!! Inquiries should be directed to sdp2011@icloud.com.