Scouting
In the fall of 1995, Aldersgate UMC chartered the first of what would eventually grow to four Scouting units. All four units are now chartered to Scouting for the Future, Inc. (SFTF) which was established in the fall of 2022 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Aldersgate UMC continues to support SFTF — Cub Scout Pack, two Scouts BSA Troops, and a Venturing Crew.
Scouting Contact
Heather Blankinship
Lead Chartered Organization Representative
Scouting at Aldersgate
Scouting America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States with more than 1 million youth members and over 680,000 volunteers. Since its founding as the Boy Scouts of America in 1910 (rebranded as Scouting America in 2025) as part of the international scouting movement, more than 130 million young men and young women have been members. Scouting America’s mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
In the fall of 1995, Aldersgate UMC chartered the first of what would eventually grow to four Scouting units. All four units are now chartered to Scouting for the Future, Inc. (SFTF) which was established in the fall of 2022 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Aldersgate UMC continues to support SFTF — Cub Scout Pack, two Scouts BSA Troops, and a Venturing Crew.
Each Scouting unit is managed by a group of adult volunteers approved by the chartered organization who serve as the unit committee. The Chartered Organization Representative (COR) maintains a close relationship with the unit committee chairman. Coordination between SFTF, Aldersgate UMC, and the Scouting program is the responsibility of the COR. The Lead COR for SFTF is Heather Blankinship. The Aldersgate UMC liaison for our units is Cory Phelps. This partnership with Aldersgate UMC helps to deliver the promise of Scouting.
Cub Scouts is a family program designed for boys and girls who are in kindergarten through 5th grade. Boys and girls can enjoy safe, wholesome activities focused on building character, improving physical fitness, teaching practical skills, and developing a spirit of community service. Cub Scout Pack 736, which has approximately 45 youth, meets at Aldersgate on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m.
Scouts BSA is the flagship program of the BSA for boys and girls ages 11–18. It uses outdoor activities such as camping, aquatics, and hiking to achieve the aims of character, citizenship, and personal fitness training. Aldersgate has two troop chartered: Scouts BSA Troop 736 has about 45 male youth, and Scouts BSA Troop 1736 has about 25 female youth. Both meet on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m.
Venturing is a program for young men and women ages 14–21. Its purpose is to provide positive experiences to help youth mature, and to prepare them to become responsible adults. There are about 7-10 individuals in this crew and they meet at Aldersgate on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
To learn more about scouting and our units at AUMC, connect with us on www.beascout.org, or contact COR Cory Phelps.
