McMillan receives Torch Award

9/12/2012

By Lisa Diehl, Kansas communications director
Loreen McMillan, a member at Topeka First United Methodist Church, received the Torch Award for her leadership through the Boy Scouts of America at the June session of the Kansas East Annual Conference.

Loreen McMillan received the Torch Award at the 2012 Kansas East Annual Conference. (photo by Britt Bradley)
The Torch Award is a conference recognition awarded by the UnIted Methodist Church. It is given for distinguished service by adults in ministry to young people through service to the United Methodist Church and one or more youth agencies – Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., Camp Fire Boys and Girls and 4-H. The Torch Award is an emblem of Christian faithfulness.

McMillan was nominated because of her more than 30 years of service to children and youth at Topeka First UMC and her leadership through the Boy Scouts of America.

McMillan has been a leader at Topeka First UMC for more than 30 years, serving as a Youth Sunday School teacher, a member of the Children’s Council and most recently serving on the church Board of Trustees from 2006-2011.

She is one of the most active Boy Scout leaders in the Jayhawk Area Council. She started in 1995 as a Tiger Parent in Pack 110. She served as a Webelos leader and committee member for Pack 110 between 1996 and 1999. She then served on the Troop Committee for Troop 175 in Topeka beginning in 2000, and has been an Eagle Scout coordinator for several Boy Scouts. Based on her outstanding contributions to the troop, she was presented the Black Lion Award.

In addition, McMillan has served the Jayhawk Council. She has served as a Merit Badge Counselor since 2001, served as Unit Commissioner from 1999-2000, District Committee Member 1999-2000 and Roundtable Commissioner since 2001. She has served as the District Tiger Activities Coordinator for more than five years, including coordinating Tiger Day at the Zoo and Tiger Night at the Kansas History Museum, assisted with National Trails Day at the Kansas History Museum, and participated in hikes and Webelos Woods.  Based on her outstanding contributions to Boy Scouting of America, McMillan has been presented the District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award presented by the Council.

Most importantly, McMillan has served as a bridge between Scouting and Topeka-First UMC.  While the congregation has not had a Scout unit chartered for many years, McMillan has been the face of Scouting at the church.  She has been the person giving a message to children during Scout Sundays about Scouting and also has been active in matching boys with needs at Topeka-First UMC as Eagle projects.  Through her activities and enthusiasm, McMillan has taught our congregation about Scouting as ministry.