- A Scout is Reverent - Religious Emblems Program

Reverence “The method of expression of reverence to God varies with every sect and denomination. . . . It is our business to respect [parents] wishes and to second their efforts to inculcate reverence whatever form of religion the boy professes.” BADEN-POWELL, AIDS TO SCOUTMASTERSHIP Lord Baden-Powell, Founder of the Boy Scout Movement

- Question - Is Your BSA Unit Chartered by a Faith Based Organization - Question - Is Your BSA Unit Chartered by a Faith Based Organization? e.g. Parish, Parish School, Knights of Columbus, Knights of St. Peter Claver, etc.

Learning Objectives Understand the role of religion in Scouting Understand the BSA religious emblems program Understand how to provide religious opportunities in Scout events

Statement of Religious Principle The Basics Statement of Religious Principle The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God and, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but is absolutely non-sectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. The Boy Scouts of America's policy is that the home and the organization or group with which the member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life. Only persons willing to subscribe to this Declaration of Religious Principle and to the Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America shall be entitled to certificates of leadership. Adult Registration Application B.S.A. No. 28-501K

Religious Emblems Program The Basics Religious Emblems Program To encourage members to grow stronger in their faith, most religious bodies have developed specific programs for the different stages of Scouts. The religious body establishes the requirements. The Boy Scouts of America, with prior approval of these specific programs, acknowledges achievement with a religious emblem which BSA allows to be worn on the official Scout uniform.

- Question - Does Your Scouting Unit Promote Religious Emblem Programs?

- Did you know ?-

How do I get started? Step 1: Obtain the specific activity book per the scout’s particular religion Step 2: Parents must review the program guidelines. Note: Some books and programs may be facilitated as Parent-Scout while others may require trained, Councilor-Scout Step 3: Families should talk to their religious leader(s) and show them the booklet before beginning any program Step 4: The youth member needs to complete the requirements, obtain the proper signatures, and follow the instructions to order the emblem Note: The average cost of any of these activity books is $5.00 Note: They can be purchased at most Scout Shops as well as ScoutStuff.org

Catholic Youth Awards Light of Christ: This emblem is awarded to Tiger Cubs and Wolf Scouts Parvuli Dei: This emblem is awarded to Bear Scouts and Webelos Scouts Ad Altare Dei: This emblem is awarded to Boy Scouts Light Is Life: This recognition is designed for Boy Scouts of the Eastern-Rite Catholic Churches. Pope Pius XII. Scouts of high-school age and young men and women who are Venturers are eligible for this award.

Protestant Youth Awards God and Me: For Tiger Cubs and Cub Scouts, grades one through three God and Family: For fourth- and fifth-grade Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts God and Church: For sixth- to eighth-grade Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts God and Life: For older Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and female and male Venturers

Jewish Youth Awards Maccabee: For Tiger Cubs and Cub Scouts, grades one through three Aleph: For Cub Scouts and Webelos, grades three through five Ner Tamid: This emblem is awarded to Boy Scouts Etz Chaim: (Tree of Life) Award is designed for Boy Scouts in high school, ages 14 to 18, and registered Venturers, ages 14 to 20.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Faith in God: For Tiger Cubs and Cub Scouts and Webelos On My Honor: This emblem is awarded to Boy Scouts, Venturers, and Varsity Scouts

Shows of Faith within the Unit Recite the Scout Oath Say Grace before Camp Meals Inspirational Campfire Songs The Scout Religious Service Service Projects Scout Sunday Mass February 7th 2016 10:00AM Divine Mercy Catholic Church Faribault, MN Cub Scouts in Pack 306 participated in Scout Sunday Mass officiated by Fr. Kevin Finnegan and Fr. Eric Lundgren at Divine Mercy Church on Sunday, February 2, 2014.

Religious Thread in Cub Scouts Rank Defined Adventures Elective Adventures Adventure Recognition Device Tiger 6 1 Belt Loops Wolf Bear Webelos 5 2 Pins Arrow of Light 4 3 7 Adventures = Rank Advancement -- Each includes a family-based “Duty to God” adventure Bear Adventure: Fellowship and Duty to God Do either requirement 1 OR requirement 2. 1. Earn the religious emblem of your faith. 2. Complete 2a and at least two of requirements 2b–2d Webelos Adventure: Duty to God and You 1. Earn the religious emblem of your faith for Webelos Scouts, if you have not. 2. Complete at least three of requirements 2a-2d:

Religious Thread in Boy Scouts Rank Rank Requirements Tenderfoot Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God and how you have lived four different points of the Scout Law in your everyday Life. ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ Second Class First Class Star Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God and how you have lived the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your everyday life. Life Eagle Tell how you have done your duty to God, how you have lived the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your everyday life, and how your understanding of the Scout Oath and Scout Law will guide your life in the future. List on your Eagle Scout Rank Application the names of individuals who know you personally and would be willing to provide a recommendation on your behalf, including parents, guardians, religious, educational, employer (if employed), and two other references. ** Ranks also incorporate requirements for service hours and reflections on the significance.

- Question - So Which Does the Scout Earn – a Belt Loop, Badge, or Religious Emblem?

Wearing the Awards For formal occasions, wear the medal pin on the left pocket For other occasions, wear the religious emblem square knot with appropriate devices Miniature device worn with the youth religious emblem square knot indicates emblem(s) earned as a youth: Wear Cub Scout device, No. 00926,(C) first-level emblem (Light of Christ, God and Me, Maccabee) earned as a Tiger Cub or Cub Scout Webelos Scout device, No. 00932, (K)for second-level emblem (God and Family, Parvuli Dei, Faith in God, Light of the World, Aleph, etc.) earned as a Webelos Scout; Boy Scout Device, No. 00927,(D) emblem earned as a Boy Scout Explorer device, No. 00930, (G) emblem earned as an Explorer or older Boy Scout or Varsity Scout Only one knot is worn, but any combination of devices may be worn on the same knot

Adult Roles Adult Counselor Adult Mentor Program Usually a minister, priest, or rabbi Some programs may allow the pastor to designate a lay leader or other adult in the church to teach the course The counselor serves as an instructor who gives assignments to the young people. It is the young people who complete the requirements. Adult Mentor Program An optional program for parents. Parents must work under the supervision of the pastor or counselor as "student" Complete the Adult Mentor Packet. Helps them focus on role as mentor. Meet with their counselor to review their work and to discuss the issues raised Work with their children to complete God and Country Student Workbook Meet with their counselor after completing each section in workbook Order the recognition items from P.R.A.Y. With forms signed by pastor. Upon completion of program, plan a recognition ceremony in the church to celebrate your accomplishments.

Adult Recognition To encourage adult members to grow stronger in their faith. The religious body establishes the requirements. Common requirements include tenure, dedicated service to youth, and peer recommendation The Boy Scouts of America, with prior approval of these specific programs, acknowledges achievement with a religious emblem which BSA allows to be worn on the official Scout uniform.

- Question - Is There Anyone That I Can Talk With?

Resources 15 chartered 16 chartered Rolling Hills District Points of Contact Wendy Smith, District Religious Emblems Coordinator Boy Scout Troop 328 Unit Religious Emblem Coordinator Le Sueur, MN Shane Pemrick, ACCS Trained Counselor Cub Scout Pack 306 Faribault, MN Cory Caron, ACCS Trained Counselor Lori Nelson, ACCS Trained Counselor Boy Scout Troop 325 Elko | New Market, MN Tim Rousseau , ACCS Trained Counselor http://rollinghills.nsbsa.org 15 chartered 16 chartered

Discussion (Quiz) What are the Religious Emblem Programs and who creates them? How do I find out which religious groups have created a Program? I have a Unit with scouts of all different faiths. How can I include the religious emblem programs for my Unit? Do the scouts have to belong to a church or synagogue? If the Religious Emblem Program for my faith has more than one level (for the different grade levels), may I earn all of these levels? How do I start my scout on these programs? Where can I obtain the materials? How long does it take? Where should the award be presented?

Thank You for Promoting Religious Emblems I believe that God put us in this jolly world to be happy and enjoy life. Happiness does not come from being rich, nor merely being successful in your career, nor by self-indulgence… But the real way to get happiness is by giving out happiness to other people. Try and leave this world a little better than you found it and when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate you have not wasted your time but have done your best. “Be Prepared” in this way, to live happy and to die happy - stick to your Scout Promise always - even after you have ceased to be a boy - and God help you to do it. Your friend,