History/Geography

Moecomdws History:

MOECOMDWS District came into being in 1951 and since that time has been affectionately referred to as MIGHTY MOE.

Before 1951, the local district was known as the “Falls District” because practically all of the Scouting was dine within the city of Cuyahoga Falls.  As the organization of Scouting expanded into the surrounding communities a more representative name was needed.

Mr. Park Welton, for many years a Scout Leader in Cuyahoga Falls, developed the name “MOECOMDWS” (MOE-COM-DUS) out of his extensive research of the former Native American occupants of this area.

The Cuyahoga River Valley and the Tuscarawas River Valley, at one time, were the eastern crossroads of the Native American world.  The path that connected them was the “portage” over which they carried their canoes and other goods.  This was the Great Trail from which the Council takes its name.  This area was the mingling ground for the Native Americans from north, south, east and west.

Welton listed nine tribes known to have lived in the area around the Cuyahoga Valley.  They were Mohawks, Oneidas, Eries, Chippewas, Onondagas, Mohicans, Delawares, Wyandottes and Senecas.  Welton took the first letter of each tribal name and came up with MOECOMDWS, and it was formally adopted.

Mr. Welton declared the meaning of MOECOMDWS to be “neutral territory” since this would describe the land where all the tribes met to trade.

 

*From Sharon & Harvey Nerhood, May 5, 2005

 

Geography

MOE District includes the communities of Stow, Hudson, Cuyahoga Falls, Munroe Falls and Peninsula.  Hudson is the northern border of Great Trail Council.  Cuyahoga Falls has the largest population in the district, followed by Stow, and Hudson.

 

Mission

The Moecomdws District proudly serves approximately 1,200 youth through the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing and Exploring programs, led by 300+ adult volunteers.

The mission of the Moecomdws District and the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Boy Scout Oath and Law