Why do we have Religious Emblems?

Because we all need God

Because every Scout promises his Duty to God

Because it is Scouting "When asked where religion came into Scouting and Guiding, Baden-Powell replied, It does not come in at all. It is already there. It is a fundamental factor underlying Scouting and Guiding." (Religion and the Boy Scout and Girl Guides Movement--an address, 1926).

Because it is at the heart of what Scouting Teaches No man is much good unless he believes in God and obeys His laws. So every Scout should have a religion....Religion seems a very simple thing: First: Love and Serve God. Second: Love and serve your neighbour." - (Scouting For Boys, 1908)( Baden Powell)

raw data

Total that will receive first church contact 12%

Total that will receive church religious emblems 5% Source: Scouting for All, Scouting Around Research Date:

Total number that will enter the clergy due to his Scouting relationships 1%

Search Institute Minneapolis, MN The Developmental Assets® are 40 common sense, positive experiences and qualities that help influence choices young people make and help them become caring, responsible, successful adults. The Developmental Assets® are 40 common sense, positive experiences and qualities that help influence choices young people make and help them become caring, responsible, successful adults.

35 of the 40 Assets are either attainable or assisted by Cub Scouting and “support from three or more nonparent adults.” Young person reports that "my life has a purpose."

On average, only 45% of new units are chartered longer than 18 months 60% of new units chartered by faith- based organizations charter on average longer than 18 months* Units chartered by Faith Based Organizations also have significantly higher advancement ratios*

NOW

What ARE Religious Emblems?

They are NOT BSA programs

Religious Emblems are the property and program of the various Faith Committees

Emblems vs Knots

Emblems vs Patch

Adult Awards

So ……..How do I do it? Obtain the specific booklet based on the child's religion and grade/age. This booklet contains the lessons and service projects that the child needs to complete. Children need their own booklets to document progress. Some religions also offer adult manuals for counselors and mentors. The Scout Shop or find out how to contact the religious organization directly by searching by faith group.faith

then, Parents must review the specific guidelines for their particular program. Some programs require that the youth be an official "member" of the local religious institution, other programs may not. Age/grade requirements also vary from program to program. In addition, each faith group 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. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to check the specific guidelines for their particular program.

and then, Families should talk to their religious leaders and show them the booklet before beginning a program. Many of the religious recognitions programs require that they be completed under the auspices of that religious organization, and many require the signature from the local religious leader. Parents can serve as “Mentors” Good practice

finally, he young person needs to complete the requirements, obtain the proper signatures, and follow the instructions to order the recognition/emblem (recognitions are not available in local council stores).

afterward The recognition should be presented in a meaningful ceremony, preferably in the youth's religious institution, and can be presented at any time of the year. Remember: Boy Scout Sunday/Sabbath is in February. These are perfect times to recognize recipients of the religious recognitions. Present the knot at a Scouting Event – Court of Honor, Pack Meeting, Blue & Gold

Ways to do it Weekly classes / after, school, Saturday, etc VBS Sunday School or Confirmation classes On a retreat of campout – dedicate it to Religious Emblems BUT  Include parents somehow / maybe lunch together when you get home  Invite the religious leader(s) too to the campout and/or the lunch