Emphasizing Duty to God in Scouting BCS 129

Introduction Scouting teaches boys to do their duty to God through program delivery, special observances, and partnerships with various faith-based organizations, because the Boy Scouts of America believes in an obligation to God, and Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, believed that religion is a key component of the movement.

Commissioners can and should coach unit-level Scout Leaders to use existing resources to help boys understand their duty to God, and incorporate it into their lives.

Scouting teaches boys to do their duty to God through I. Program Delivery II. Special Observances III. Faith-based Partnerships IV. BSA Religious Support

I. Program Delivery A.Cub Scouts B.Boy Scouts C.Scout Leaders and Training

Cub Scouts 1. Oath and Law 2. Advancement 3. Service

Scout Oath and Law

Cub Scout Advancement Bobcat Badge - Learn and say Scout Oath & Law Tiger Cub - My Family’s Duty to God Adventure Wolf Badge - Duty to God Footsteps Adventure Bear Badge - Fellowship & Duty to God Adventure and earn the religious emblem of their faith Webelos Badge - Duty to God and You Adventure and earn the religious emblem of their faith

Boy Scouts 1. Scout Oath and Law 2. Rank Requirements 3. Chaplain Aide Program

Scout Oath and Law

Rank Requirements Scout Spirit – “living Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life” Demonstrate – all Ranks Discuss – through 1 st Class

Chaplain Aide Program The Chaplain Aide Program is the third method of Boy Scout program delivery that emphasizes a Scout’s duty to God.

Scout Leaders’ Training 1. Leader Specific Training 2. Advanced Training

II. Special Observances A. Scout Sunday & Scout Sabbath B. Calendar of Religious Dates C. Scouts’ Own / Inter-faith Worship Services

Scout Sunday & Scout Sabbath Scout Sunday and Scout Sabbath are special observances recognized by BSA that help Christian and Jewish Scouts focus on their duty to God.

BSA Calendar of Religious Dates In addition to Scout Sunday and Scout Sabbath, BSA recognizes about 50 special observances of various faiths that focus Scouts on their duty to God. The special observances and dates can be found online at the BSA Calendar of Religious Dates.

Scouts' Own A Scouts’ Own is a special observance by Scouts and for Scouts; it is usually held at weekend campouts or other activities to practice their duty to God.

III. Faith-based Partnerships A.Individual Religious Charter Organizations B.Religious Emblems Programs

Individual Religious Charter Organizations (Top Examples) Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints United Methodist Churches Catholic Churches and organizations Presbyterian Church (USA) Lutheran Churches Baptist Churches Episcopal Churches Churches of Christ The Salvation Army Jewish Synagogues and Centers

Religious Emblems Programs Over 20 different faith-specific religious groups participate in the Religious Emblems Programs.

Alternate Bear Rank Requirements The Religious Emblems Programs are optional, but the Cub Scout Bear Badge may be earned by completing— Requirement 1 - Earn the Religious Emblem of your faith. Requirement 2 – Complete 2A and at least two requirements 2B-2D.

Webelos Rank Requirements The Religious Emblems Programs are optional, but the Cub Scout Bear Badge may be earned by completing— Requirement 1 - Earn the Religious Emblem of your faith if not already done so. (If previously earned Religious Emblem) Requirement 2 – Complete 2A and at least three requirements 2B-2D.

Arrow of Light Rank Requirements The Religious Emblems Programs are optional, but the Cub Scout Bear Badge may be earned by completing— Requirement 1 - Earn the Religious Emblem of your faith if not already done so. (If previously earned Religious Emblem) Requirement 2 – Complete 2A and any of two requirements 2B-2E.

Chaplain Aide Promotion Each Boy Scout troop should have a Chaplain Aide, an approved leadership position, to provide the spiritual element of Scouting, and promote the Religious Emblems Programs.

IV. BSA Religious Support & Baden-Powell’s Thoughts A.Relationships Division B.Religious Emblems Coordinator C.B-P’s Thoughts on Scouting

Relationships Division BSA has a Relationships division which provides support through a listing of resources available to councils, community and religious organizations, and Scouters.

Religious Emblems Coordinator Two positions at the council and district levels. Promote the Religious Emblems Programs, and encourage all youth to earn the religious emblem of their faith.

“I have been asked to describe more fully what was in my mind as regards religion when I instituted Scouting and Guiding. Baden-Powell’s Thoughts on Scouting I was asked: ‘Where does religion come in?’ Well, my reply is: ‘It does not come in at all. It is already there. It is the fundamental factor underlying Scouting and Guiding.’”

Conclusion Scouting has a religious heritage, and Scout Leaders have many existing resources available to help boys understand and do their duty to God. Scouters should use these resources to strengthen the boys’ spirituality, because religion is at the foundation of Scouting.