Scouting & the Religious Emblems Programs Program information, promotion and resources

Objectives: Understand the Religious Emblems Program Explain the relationship between the Religious Emblems Program and Boy Scouting Familiarize yourself with resources that help promote religious emblems Explain the difference between youth awards and adult recognitions

What are religious emblems? The first religious emblem awards were: - Catholic “Ad Altare Dei” Protestant “Pro Deo Et Patria” Jewsih “Ner Tamid” Protestant “God and Country” 1945 Today there are more than 75 emblems approved by BSA representing more than 35 religious groups

What are religious emblems? Created by the national religious groups for their youth Designed to reinforce the youths faith but not a replacement for religious instruction Recognized by BSA who allows the recognitions to worn on the uniform Optional programs for youth members to complete with the help of their families and religious leaders

Why promote religious emblems? Religious emblems help youth members fulfill their Duty to God which is a major component of the Scouting philosophy Religious emblems provide a spiritual component to the Scouting program Religious emblems can help strengthen partnerships with all faith communities

Video: Promoting Duty to God Downloadable from

How do we get started on these programs? 4 simple steps to start your religious emblems program

1.Youth members must obtain the specific booklet for their religion. Check with your council store or contact the religious organization directly. Each youth member needs his or her own booklet to document progress. Some religions offer adult manuals for counselors and mentors.

2.Parents must review the program guidelines. Some programs require participants to be official “members” of the religious institution. Age/grade requirements vary from program to program. Each program sets its own guidelines as to who may serve as counselor. Some programs require clergy to serve as counselors; other programs allow parents or other family members to serve as counselors.

3.Families should talk to their religious leaders and show them the booklet before beginning any program. Most programs require that they be completed under the auspices of that religious organization. Many programs require the signature of the local religious leader.

4.The youth member needs to complete the requirements, obtain the proper signatures, and follow the instructions to order the emblem. These emblems are not available from your local council store (follow instructions in your booklet). The emblem should be presented in a meaningful ceremony, preferably in the member’s religious institution. The award can be presented at anytime of the year. Boy Scout Sunday/Sabbath in February is a perfect time to recognize recipients.

Religious Emblem Square Knot Youth Award KnotAdult Award Knot

Religious Emblem Square Knot When a youth earns one or more religious emblems, they are indicated on the one knot with devices

What are adult awards? Adult recognitions are by nomination only. Adult awards usually require a minimum number of years of service. Some required documents may include: - Completed application/nomination form - Resume of candidate’s qualifications - Letter of recommendation Each adult recognition is different. Please check specific eligibility requirements for a particular award.

How can you promote religious emblems as a Leader? Register as a Religious Emblems Coordinator for your unit or district. Promote the religious emblems of all faiths. Understand that promoting religious emblems means providing information, not religious instruction. Make a presentation to your Scouting Unit and parents. Make a presentation at your Roundtable / Training event.

How can you promote religious emblems as a Leader? 1.Serve as a member of the unit committee. 2.Acquaint all youth with the religious emblems programs and the emblems available from their faith group. 3.Provide Scout families and clergy with an orientation to the religious emblems program and encourage their involvement. 4.Urge all youth in the unit to earn the religious emblem(s) of their faith. 5.Disseminate information to the unit's Scouts and Scouters about any district or council religious emblems activities, retreats, camps, etc. 6.Promote religious emblems usage like BSA promotes other youth advancement. 7.Coordinate the establishment of goals and track the number of religious emblems completed every year. 8.Serve as the unit's liaison to the District Religious Emblems Coordinator.

Program promotion aids Attend/hold a presentation on religious emblems Make a “Commitment” to Duty to God Receive a segment of the puzzle patch for doing so! One segment per year Available at May be preordered for distribution Four Segment Puzzle Patch

Program promotion aids Four color multi-page brochure Includes chart listing all available emblems & FAQ’s Printable form available at Duty to God Brochure

Program promotion aids Easy fill-in form letter to inform the parents on their specific religious emblem Printable form available at “Dear Parent” Handout

Program promotion aids Presentation scripts designed for each level of Scouting – Cubs, Boy Scouts & Venture No need to worry, it’s all covered! Printable form available at Presentation Scripts

Resources Four segment Duty to God patches Duty to God brochure (No D)(SKU ) Unit leader scripts Dear Parent letters Promoting Duty to God: Religious Emblems Video Please visit to download these and other resources.

Thank You for Promoting the Religious Emblems Program! 2015