Boy Scout Groups at First UMC

CUB SCOUT PACK 88

Pack 88 has been a part of First UMC for 42 years and presently serves 66 boys with 19 adult volunteers. This year’s events include Pinewood Derby, Cub Adventure Weekend, Cub Campout, Blue and Gold Banquet, a swim party, and a summer kickoff picnic. Cub Scouts was formed to help young boys become ready for Boy Scouts. Cub Scouting is a great way for parents to see their son grow, while having a great time. For more information about Cub Scouts, contact Ryan Urban (Scoutmaster).

BOY SCOUT TROOP 88

Troop 88 was chartered 50 years ago by First UMC and is a part of the Allohak Council headquartered in Parkersburg. Seventy-nine boys have attained the rank of Eagle since 1958, and four boys accomplished this task last year: Cody Currence, Jacob Hornick, Jared Varner, Derek Wetsch. There are 38 boys and 35 adult members currently registered with the troop. This afternoon, twelve boys will be crossing over from the Cub Scout Pack to the Troop! Over the past year, Troop 88 has participated in 12 weekend outings and a week-long Summer Camp; taught and instructed at Cub Day Camp for a week; donated over 700 hours to community service; collected food for “Scouting for Food’ and the US Postal Service “Food Drive”; earned over 100 Merit Badges; attended the WVU Marching Band Concert; participated in a Naturalization Ceremony; visited with Judge Henning at the Court House; helped with the U.M. Men’s Annual Pancake Dinner; and baked cookies and made candy for the homeless at Christmas. They will be attending 2 summer camps this year!

VENTURE CREW 5688

Three years ago, Venture Crew 5688 was formed to provide another outlet for young men and women in our area to participate. In 1991, the Central West Virginia Council, centered in Clarksburg, merged with the Kootaga Area Council in Parkersburg. The newly formed “Allohak Council” made its headquarters in Parkersburg. This also made the Order of the Arrow Lodge, Nendawen 618, stationed in Parkersburg. The youth in the old Central WV Council then had to travel a great distance to participate in Council and Lodge activities, which made participation very minimal. To help bolster participation, and to rejuvenate Native American Indian Drum and Dance in the Lodge, Venture Crew 5688 was formed and sponsored by First UMC in Elkins. Since its inception, the crew has provided an extended program for youth. The Venture Crew regularly performs for Cub Scouting events, Summer Camp Call outs, and competes at the section level. In 2006, the Mahonegon Thunderbird Singers, a.k.a. Venture Crew 5688 Drum, placed first in Drum in Cleveland, Ohio. Dancers also placed 2nd and 3rd in Old Style Sioux, 3rd in Northern Traditional, and 2nd in Fancy Feather dance competition. Thanks to the efforts of the First UMC in Elkins, many youth in the area are now able to participate and enjoy an artform absent from our area for many years. For more information about Venture Crew, contact Rob Kerns (Leader).