Scout Sunday
SUM will celebrate Scout Sunday on the 8th of February during the 10:30 Service. Current and former Scouts and Leaders (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, or Brownies) are encouraged to wear their uniforms and share their scout spirit.
Every year on the second Sunday in February, the United Methodist Church and religious institutions around the world celebrate the Scouting movement. More than 176 countries and territories globally have active Scouting organizations. In February 2026, the Scouting movement celebrates its 118th year, 116 of which have been in the United States. Scout Sunday, for Christians (or alternate days for other religions) is set aside to honor the contributions of Scouts and Scout Leaders to our community and our faith community. It is also a time to highlight the 12th point of the Scout Law, “A Scout is Reverent.”
Scouting is alive and well within Simsbury and the greater Farmington Valley, as there are numerous Troops and Cub Scout Packs in operation. SUM has maintained a strong relationship with Scouting by sponsoring and supporting Scout Troops for more than 60 years. Troop 174 enjoys a strong relationship with SUM. The Troop meets weekly in Wesley Hall and stores their gear in the garage below the Barn; Scouts support the church’s Spring and Fall clean-ups, and over the years the Church has been the beneficiary of several Eagle Scout service projects. Of note, the organization formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America is now Scouting America, the name change reflecting the incorporation of girls into the program. Girls were initially included in the traditional Boy Scouts program beginning in 2017; however, separation between boys and girls was maintained at the Troop level until this year. As of 2026, Troop 174 is officially coed.
The Scout Law: A scout is – Trustworthy, Loyal, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.
The Scout Oath: On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty, to god and my country, to obey the Scout Law, to help other people at all times, and to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
John O’Neal