Youth 'scout' out Tanzania

Indiana in the summertime is pretty much the same: hazy, hot, and humid, with a chance of showers in the afternoon. When school's out, boredom creeps in and becomes a kid's worse nightmare. For the 11 youth and five adults from the South Indiana Conference, they will have something to talk about, not just for the summer, but for the rest of their lives.

The 16-member team representing various civic youth service agencies (CYSAs) traveled to the East African country of Tanzania to show how CYSAs not only help kids, but churches as well.

The group was invited by Bishop Nkulu Ntanda Ntambo of the North Katanga and Tanganyika/Tanzania Conferences, who during the 2000 South Indiana Annual Conference called for Indiana youth to come build "a new generation for a new millennium." Bishop Ntambo wanted the youth to train Tanzanian United Methodists to use CYSAs as the key part of developing church youth ministries throughout Tanzania.

And while a majority of the group had never set foot outside of the U.S., they all saw it as a chance to see the world and help others. "It was a once in a lifetime opportunity I had to take," says Patrick Hennessy.

The General Board of Global Ministries and General Commission of United Methodist Men (GCUMM) are the only UMC boards that operate outside the U.S., so the project was an outreach opportunity. The Rev. Art Collins, South Conference Coordinator of CYSA/Scouting Minstries and pastor of Tanner Valley UMC, says if this trip spawns a successful program in Africa, then it can be spread to other places such as Asia. "This was the first-ever attempt," says Collins. "It's up to them to do their own ministry in their own conference."

But to make this opportunity happen, everyone had to chip in. Fundraisers were held throughout various churches. Youth were hawking doughnuts, Valentine cakes, Christmas wreaths, as well as receiving donations, special collections and sponsors.

More fun than a camping trip in a state park

The group left on May 28 from Cincinnati and hopped to Detroit and Amsterdam before touching down in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. From there, they climbed aboard a small 40-seat plane and made the cross-country journey west to Kigoma.

Wherever they went, they were greeted with song, even after midnight when they arrived in Dar es Salaam. "It was so beautiful," recalls Amber Bloom of the musical greetings. "They made us feel welcome wherever we went."

When they arrived in Kigoma, after a whole day and then some of traveling, they were tired. The group got off the plane to a tunnel of people who greeted them in song and shook their hands. Their hosts found them and whisked them away to Lake Tanganyika Christian College, where if any sleep happened, it was for about six hours. "We were all tired, but that made the whole air trip seem worth it," says Zach Randall.

When the seminars started, the group was armed with presentations for the 60 youth and adults attending the seminar. They also worked with visiting clergy and lay members of the Tanganyika-Tanzania Annual Conference who were in Kigoma for their annual meeting.

The youth presented 13 sessions with various topics including history of scouting in the U.S., heroes and role models, goals and methods of scouting, citizenship, leadership and community service.

Indiana ain't so bad

But when they returned, they realized how lucky they have it in Indiana. "I appreciate all the simple things in my life a lot more," says Amber Bloom.

"It was hard to get a hot shower and a cold drink," Zach Randall recalls.

The youth exchanged e-mails and mailing addresses. So far, two letters have at least crossed the pond and e-mails have been zipping throughout the world.

The youth have become mini-celebrities in their communities, appearing in local newspapers and even being honored on a national level. During the 8th International UM Men's Congress, they received the GCUMM Office of Scouting Ministries' Good Samaritan Award. The award is the highest award for church youth between 12 and 19 who perform acts of ministry or mission for persons in need.

"There's nothing like helping other people. It made you feel really independent," says Greg Griffin. "It made a bigger effect … we're helping friends."