Charles Carpenter, Scouting Coordinator

Charles Carpenter

Charles Carpenter of the Harrisonburg District is the new Virginia Conference Scouting coordinator. Charles says that he spent most of his early adult life in law enforcement as a Washington, D.C. homicide sergeant/investigator, as a deputy sheriff, and as a Deputy U.S. Marshall. He says, “During these early years, I became involved in the Boy Scouts of America along with my (step)son, who is also a United Methodist Scouting coordinator in Lancaster, Va. He was an Eagle Scout and father of two Eagle Scouts. During this time, I served at different local positions, both troop-wise and most of my last 10 years on a Council level holding varied posts. My favorites are being the local BSA Camp Chaplain (which will soon be eight seasons), a Merit Badge Instructor in Citizenship to Nation and World, and Chaplain for The Order of The Arrow, BSA.  I am a Vigil Member in our Lodge. 

“I have been given several training awards from BSA which also include Woodbadge; the District Award of Merit; the Silver Beaver Award. Several years ago I received the United Methodist Torch Award. These have taken place in my 43 plus years of Scouting. (I am also a Chaplain at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. in Harrisonburg.)  My wife, Doris H. Carpenter, who was already a United Methodist, and I joined the church in 1991 in Safety Harbor, FL in 1991.  There I served as a Lay Leader, Pastor Parish Relations Chairman, and sang in the choir. Also, as the Institutional Representative for the scouting unit there, I became a Certified Lay Speaker. I have represented the Harrisonburg District as the Scouting Coordinator for the past three years and as a member of the United Methodist Men’s Board and District Council on Ministries. These various bodies have given me invaluable backing with their love for the principals found in our Book of Discipline, especially in encouraging us to do for our youth and to provide financial help for the ministries of the church.  

“I firmly believe in both the concepts of the Boy Scouts of America and The United Methodist Church in furthering the advancement and encouragement of our youth in our communities and nation with emphasis on duty to God, country, and family. I'm excited about this new opportunity and challenge.  My wife and I both look to the days ahead that God has blessed us with and, certainly, with His guidance, will succeed.”