Transcript They are NOT BSA programs

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: 8.25.2012
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.
http://www.search-institute.org
• 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 faithbased 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.
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