Photo Hawaiian Scouts  pound mochi, a traditional New Year’s food.

KA¯NE‘OHE, Hawaii–– Previously unchurched families are joining Kahalu’u UMC as the result of their son’s participation in Boy Scout Troop 117 or Cub Scout Pack 117.
“Not only have several families from the Scout units joined the church, the activity of the youth have revitalized other areas, including service projects, music and youth leadership in worship,” said Elwin Spray, district scouting coordinator and a scouting ministry specialist. “All of the clichés about advantages for youth involvement through church sponsorship of scouting are true.”
For 30 years, the church has provided meeting space for the scouts and storage space for tents and the regatta/pinewood derby tracks. “The church has also provided leaders to serve on various unit committees,” said .Spray, who chairs the Administrative Council, and he has served as charter organization representative of the troop for 25 years. “The pastor, the Rev. Robert Nakata, participates in Courts of Honor and Blue and Gold events.”
Some 40 to 50 young people from rural and suburban parts of the Island of Oahu participate in twice a month Scout meetings, attend numerous scouting adventures and help with service projects.
Spray leads Scout Sunday events at the 75-member church. “This year we were honored to have our bishop, the Rev. Mary Ann Swenson, present to participate with the youth recognition and fellowship following.” Boy Scouts led a responsive reading of the Scout Oath and Law; they told about scouting events, and Cubs recited the Law of the Pack.
‘The important thing to focus on is making sure that our youth have the opportunity to participate in programs that will enable them to grow in leadership and faith,” said Spray..
 “As a district Scouting Coordinator, I have sent Scout Sunday date reminders to ministers and been involved with the district’s UM Men,” Spray added. “Last year, our unit leaders and other scouts were recognized on the floor of the State Legislature to mark the 100th anniversary of scouting in America.”