The West Ohio Annual conference, Great Miami District, proudly celebrates two outstanding leaders in Scouting who have received the Duty to God Award, a national recognition from Scouts BSA honoring individuals who demonstrate exceptional service to youth through both Scouting and faith-based leadership. Both have also been awarded previously the Cross and Flame Religious Emblem by the United Methodist Church, a testament to their faithful service and ministry through Scouting.

Rev. Beth Anne Crego, Lead Pastor of Mt. Moriah United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, and Mrs. Cathleen Owen of Mason, Ohio, member of Epiphany UMC, Loveland, OH, were recently recognized by the Dan Beard Scout Council for their long-standing commitment to nurturing youth in both character and spiritual growth.

Rev. Crego brings decades of scouting and ministry experience to her work. A Girl Scout Gold Award recipient (1988), she has remained deeply engaged in Scouting. Married to Eagle Scout John Crego, and mother to two Scouts—Jack (Life Scout) and Joshua (Star Scout)—Rev. Crego has served in numerous leadership roles at the Pack and Troop levels, including helping launch the Lions pilot program and establishing a girls’ troop on Cincinnati’s Westside. Here influence extends to the District and Council levels, where she has served on staff
for BALOO, IOLS, Wood Badge, and NYLT training. As an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, she has faithfully led the Protestant P.R.A.Y. program since 2015, guiding Scouts through the God and Me, God and Church, and God and Life awards, helping them explore and grow in their Christian faith.

Mrs. Cathleen Owen began her Scouting journey in 2018 as Chaplain for Troop 750 in Mason, Ohio. Since then, her commitment has deepened—serving as Scoutmaster for Troop 1750 and den leader for Pack 750. A Wood Badge-trained leader, Cathleen’s work includes mentoring Scouts of all faith backgrounds, equipping adult leaders, and helping to facilitate interfaith worship at the council level. Outside of Scouting, Cathleen serves as Senior Director of Regulatory and Technical Support at Q Labs in Cincinnati, where she continues to exemplify leadership and integrity.

We give thanks for the faithful witness of Rev. Crego and Mrs. Owen, and we celebrate their well-deserved recognition with the Duty to God Award. Through their work, the spirit of Scouting and the mission of the Church go hand-in-hand—forming young people of character, courage, and faith.