Transcript Religious Emblems Program

A Scout is Reverent:
Religious Emblems Program
George Mason District Roundtable
National Capital Area Council
Boy Scouts of America
February 8, 2007
Prepared by: Dr Rich Goodwin
C: (402) 980-5459
W: (703) 808-5637
[email protected]
Reverence
Reverence to God and reverence for
one's neighbor and reverence for oneself
as a servant of God, is the basis of every
form of religion. The method of
expression of reverence to God varies
with every sect and denomination. What
sect or denomination a boy belongs to
depends, as a rule on his parents' wishes.
It is they who decide. It is our business to
respect their wishes and to second their
efforts to inculcate reverence, what ever
form of the religion the boy professes.
Robert Baden-Powell, Aids to Scoutmastership
On my honor, I promise to do my duty, to God and my country...
Agenda
• Learning Objectives
• The Basics
• Religious Emblems for
Youth
• Adult Role and Recognition
• The Role of Religion in Cub
Scouting
• Special Opportunities
• Conclusion
Learning Objectives
• Understand the role of
religion in Scouting
• Understand the BSA
religious emblems program
• Understand how to provide
religious opportunities in
Scout events
Religious Awards--A Scout is Reverent. Most faiths offer religious
education programs for Cub Scouts and Leaders, with awards presented
to those who learn about their faith. We’ll help you get started in this
exciting program and integrate it into your Den and Pack program.
The Basics
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Statement of Religious Principle
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) 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
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Religious Emblems Program.
To encourage members to grow stronger in
their faith, religious groups have developed
the following religious emblems programs. The
Boy Scouts of America has approved of these
programs and allows the emblems to be worn
on the official uniform. The various religious
groups administer the programs. Check with
your local council service center or contact the
religious organization directly to obtain the
curriculum booklets.
For Scouts. Most religious bodies have
specific programs for the different stages of
Scouts. The religious body establishes the
requirements and Scouting acknowledges the
achievement with a religious emblem worn on
the Scout Uniform
For Adults. Religious emblems for adult
recognize exceptional service to youth
Wearing the Awards. Service uniform: knot
with appropriate device. Dress: medal
A Scout is reverent. He is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious
duties and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion.
How do I get started?
 Step 1: Youth members must obtain
the specific booklet for their
religion
 Step 2: Parents must review the
program guidelines
 Step 3: Families should talk to their
religious leaders 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
 Resources
 BSA Handout
 Duty to God brochure
 Letter to Parents
There are scripts, slides, and a video… guess where?
Jewish Youth Awards
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Maccabee emblem is intended to involve the families
of boys in first through third grades as partners in the
experiences related to the award. To earn the
Maccabee, a Cub Scout must complete requirements
in six categories: Jewish personalities, holidays,
vocabulary, symbols and objects, community helpers,
and heroes.
Aleph emblem is earned through a home-centered set
of activities for Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts (third
through fifth grades), centering on the Torah, prayer,
holidays, American-Jewish heritage, the synagogue,
and Eretz Yisrael.
Ner Tamid emblem provides an opportunity for Boy
Scouts to enhance their knowledge of Judaism
through advanced activities that strengthen the
youth's relationship with his rabbi. Central to the Ner
Tamid are service projects for the synagogue or other
chartered organizations that are organized and
completed by the Scout.
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. The purpose of the award is
to encourage young adults to explore adult Jewish
roles in the context of family, community, and Jewish
people. The requirements can be completed in six
months and require a counselor.
Scout Sabbath offers an opportunity
for worshippers to honor Scouts and
Scouters, as well as to learn more
themselves about the value of
Scouting as a youth program
chartered to a Jewish organization. It
gives a rabbi a framework to address
Scouts directly, in addition to
speaking about Scouting to the
congregation
Catholic Youth Awards
Light of Christ. This emblem is given to Tiger Cubs and Cub Scouts
(through Wolf rank) for advancement in spiritual growth and
religious knowledge. It is the first of five religious emblems
available to Catholic youth involved with Scouting.
Parvuli Dei. This is a Christian family emblem to recognize Cub
Scouts and Webelos Scouts for advancement in religious
knowledge and spiritual formation. With the help of parents or
guardians, the boy becomes more aware of God's presence in
his daily life, especially within his home and community.
Ad Altare Dei. The purpose of earning the Ad Altare Dei emblem is to
equip the Scout to take his place in the world as a maturing
Catholic and a maturing American. With a religious emblems
counselor, the boy meets requirements in eight steps covering
the sacraments of initiation and the sacraments of maturity.
Light Is Life. This recognition is designed for Boy Scouts of the
Eastern-Rite Catholic Churches. The content is based on the
''God With Us'' series of the Eastern Christian Formation
Program to prepare the Scout to be an active member of his
faith community, as well as his civic community. With the help of
an emblems counselor, catechist, or priest, the Scout meets
requirements in five steps covering the Holy Mysteries and
Eastern Christian spirituality. The Light Is Life respects the
cultural and ritual differences among the various rites.
Pope Pius XII. Scouts of high-school age and young men and
women who are Venturers are eligible for this award. The
requirements cover five units: We as Christians, Today's
Vocation, Awareness of Responsibility to Self and Society,
Citizenship—Home and Community, and Our Response to Faith.
NOTE: There are also Catholic Unit Awards
Protestant Youth Awards
• Awards are available to boys and girls
involved in the following programs: Boy
Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire, and
Sunday School programs.
• 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
Adult Roles
Adult Mentor Program
Adult Counselor
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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, and it is the young people who
do all the work.
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A Gentle Caution: You may have to
purchase and review the materials
and then explain the pastor, priest, or
rabbi’s role to them.
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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
Adult Religious Award Criteria
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Leadership in the Church
Youth Ministry through the Church
Leadership in the Youth Agency
Training: List adult training programs of the
youth agency completed by the nominee
 Service to Youth through the Youth Agency
 Promotion of Youth Agency Units
 Outstanding Contributions
Jewish SHOFAR
A silver Ner Tamid
pendant superimposed
on a silver Shofar,
suspended from a blueand-white ribbon.
Recognize outstanding
service by adults
Catholic
•Bronze Pelican for adult Scout leaders in some dioceses
•St. George emblem for adult Scout leaders
•Silver St. George emblem for adult Scout leaders working at the national level
Wearing the Awards
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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
(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
Youth, Adult, Family, Church
BSA Family Award
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Complete, w/in 12-month period, requirements 1 and 2 plus
three more of the remaining. As a family:
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1. Decide how many times each month you will meet to
achieve the Boy Scouts of America Family Award.
Make a commitment.
2. Improve skills discussed in six or more of the 14
Family Talk areas.
3. Plan and participate in one or more family outings.
4. Start one new family tradition.
5. Do a "Good Turn" for an individual, a group, or your
community (elderly, needy, handicapped, nursing
home, charitable fund-raisers, cleanup days, etc.)
6. Attend religious services of your choice at least
once each month.
7. Attend or participate in at least two Scouting
activities or functions (Scouting shows, pinewood
derby, Scouting banquets, flag-raising ceremonies,
etc.).
8. Identify your local BSA council and neighborhood
Cub Scout pack.
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Religious Thread in Cub Scouts
Tiger Cubs:
Webelos: Your Religious Duties
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1. Know your family.
• 1. Discuss your family’s traditions.
2. Know your Community.
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7. Visit a place of worship different
from your own.
• 8. Invite your pastor or rabbi to dinner
Earn the religious emblem of your faith or
Do two of the following:
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Wolf Achievement 11: Duty to God
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Talk with parents about duty to God
Give ideas about showing religious beliefs
Help church, synagogue, or fellowship
Bear Achievement 1: Ways We Worship
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Practice your religion as taught
How do I worship God? Prayer, study, acts
Bear Achievement 2: Emblems of Faith
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Earn the religious emblem of your faith
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Attend the church, synagogue, mosque, or
other religious organization of your choice;
tell what you learned.
Tell how your religious beliefs fit in with the
Scout Oath and Scout Law, and discuss with
your family
With your religious leader, list and do two
things you think will help you draw nearer to
God
Pray to God daily as taught for 1 month
Under the direction of your religious leader,
do an act of service for someone
List at least two ways in which you believe
you have been a good example and lived in
accordance with your religious beliefs
God in the Unit
 Scout Promise
 Openings and Closings
 Blue and Gold
 Campfires
 Graces
 Inspirational Songs
 The Scout Religious Service
 Service Projects
Resources
http://www.scouting.org/awards/religious/index.html
Additional POCs
Position
Name
Phone Number
Email Address
Chairman
Patrick Berney
703-255-2445
pmberney@hot
mail.com
Staff Advisor
Joe Stone
703-583-3690
jstone@boysco
utsncac.org
Membership Ch
air
Margaret
Matarese
540-371-8093
[email protected]
m
Publicity Chair
Bill Rosenmund
703-264-0798
[email protected]
et
Religious
Awards
Chair
Ted Zagrobelny
703-491-2724
tzag3@comcas
t.net
Fairfax /
Arlington
Scout
Retreat
Informati
on
Scott Douglas
703-764-3473
sdpdtexans@e
arthlink.n
et
Religious
Emblems
Counsel
or
Training
Mark Hanson
Vice President, Relationships Rev. Robert Chance
Staff Adviser, Dan Mullin, 301-214-9152
[email protected]
P.R.A.Y.
8520 Mackenzie Road
St. Louis, MO 63123
(800) 933-7729
http://www.praypub.org/
LDS: Church Distribution Center,
1999 West 1700 South,
Salt Lake City UT 84104, 800-537-5923
Islam: National Islamic Committee on Scouting,
PO Box 51931, Indianapolis IN 46251-0931
Jewish: National Jewish Committee on Scouting,
1325 West Walnut Hill Lane
PO Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079
http://www.shamash.org/scouts/
CVC Jewish Committee on Scouting MAC:
[email protected]
http://usscouts.org/scoutduty/index.html
703-490-3156
grayshoe@quix
net.net
Duty to God Promotion Patch
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Purpose: To learn about and promote religious emblems
Requirements:
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Attend or make a presentation on religious emblems
and make a commitment to Duty to God
Eligibility: Both youth and adults of all faiths
For more information:
• Patch Requirements Handout /
• Order Form
• Duty to God Resources DVD
• Frequently Asked Questions
• News Release
• Price Discounts
• Commemorative Patch - Special Limited Edition
• Donate to this Program
• http://www.praypub.org/
Make a commitment to Duty to God: Making a commitment to Duty to God can mean
talking to your clergy about earning your religious emblem, presenting information to your
congregation, helping younger Scouts learn about religious emblems, etc.
Discussion (Quiz)
 What are the Religious Recognition Programs and who creates them?
 How do I find out which religious groups have created Religious
Recognition Programs?
 I have a troop with children of all different faiths. How can I include the
religious recognition programs for my troop?
 Do the children have to belong to a church or synagogue?
 Why doesn't my church or synagogue know about the Religious
Recognition Programs?
 If the religious growth 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 child on these programs?
 How long does it take?
 Where should the award be presented?
 Where can I obtain the materials?
Who was St. George???
Soldier, Martyr.
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Feast Day: 23 April
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Tortured, beheaded, c.304 Lydda, Palestine;
Golden Legend.
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Slew dragon near Silena, Libya. Hearing the story of a
princess was to be eaten, he crossed himself, rode to battle
against the serpent, and killed it
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George then held forth with a magnificent sermon, converted
the locals. Given a large reward by the king, he distributed it to
the poor, then rode away.
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Due to his chivalrous behavior (protecting women, fighting
evil, dependence on faith and might of arms, largesse to the
poor), venerated in 10th C
Eusebius of Caesarea (c. 322). A soldier of noble birth who was
put to death under Diocletian at Nicomedia on 23 April, 303
Acts of St George (5th century Eastern Church).
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Held the rank of tribune in the Roman army and was
beheaded by Diocletian for protesting against the Emperor's
persecution of Christians
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An example of bravery in defense of the poor and the
defenseless and of the Christian faith.
Patron Saint of Scouting
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Chosen by Baden-Powell
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Baden-Powell recounted in Scouting for Boys that the Knights
of the Round Table 'had as their patron saint St George
because he was the only one of all the saints who was a
horseman. He is the patron saint of cavalry, from which the
word chivalry is derived'.
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On St George's Day, scouts are bidden to remember their
Promise and the Scout Law.
Baden Powell Thoughts
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,
Thank you for promoting
religious emblems!
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
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Cub Scout: Faith in God
Webelos Scout: Faith in God
Boy Scout and Varsity Scout:
On My Honor
Venturer1, Older
Boy Scout, Varsity Scout: On
My Honor
Adult Recognition: On My
Honor
LDS Relationships
36 South State Street
Suite 1175
Salt Lake City, UT 84111-1401
801-530-0004