Religious Emblems in Scouting Duty to God and A Scout is Reverent Boy Scouts of America & Religious Emblems Programs

Purpose: All of us are here today because we believe that each boy needs to come to or strengthen his faith in God. The Religious Emblems programs are a tool to assure that each boy can accomplish that. Today we will learn how to use these tools

Objectives: Explain the relationship between the religious emblems and Boy Scouting List resources that help promote religious emblems Explain the difference between youth awards and adult recognitions Religious Awards vs Duty to God Patches

What are religious emblems? Created by the national religious groups for their youth Recognized by BSA who allows the recognitions to worn on the uniform Optional programs for youth members to complete with the help of their families and religious leaders Religious emblems are:

Religious Emblems Available to Members of the Boy Scouts of America

Why promote religious emblems? Religious emblems help youth members fulfill their Duty to God Religious emblems can help strengthen partnerships with faith communities and the council Increasing the number of Scouts with Religious emblems help the Unit have sustained growth AND increase retention

How do we get started on these programs? 4 simple steps to start your religious emblems program

1. Youth members must obtain the specific booklet for their religion. Check with the HOAC Scout Shop or contact the religious organization directly. Each youth member needs their own booklet to document progress. Some religions offer adult manuals for counselors and mentors.

2. Parents must review the program guidelines. Some programs require participants to be official “members” of the religious institution Age/grade requirements vary from program to program. Each program 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.

3. Families should talk to their religious leaders and show them the booklet before beginning any program. Most programs require that they be completed under the auspices of that religious organization. Many programs require the signature of the local religious leader, counselor, parent and Scout leader

4. The youth member needs to complete the requirements, obtain the proper signatures, and follow the instructions to order the emblem. These emblems are not available from your local council store (follow instructions in your booklet). The emblem should be presented in a meaningful ceremony, preferably through the member’s religious institution. The award can be presented at anytime of the year. Boy Scout Sunday/Sabbath in February is a perfect time to recognize recipients.

What are adult awards? Adult recognitions are by nomination only Adult awards usually require a minimum number of years of service. God and ServiceGood Shepherd St. George On My Honor

How can you promote religious emblems? Promote the religious emblems of all faiths. Understand that promoting religious emblems means providing information, not religious instruction. Make a presentation at your Roundtable / Training event or ask for assistance from RED Team. Make a presentation to your Scouting Unit and parents.

Religious Awards vs Duty to God Patches

Resources Duty to God color brochure Unit leader scripts Promoting Duty to God: “Religious Emblems Video”

Contact your----- Faith Representative and/or District REC OR Local Resources

HOAC Website / “Programs” tab Religious Emblems link OR

Local Resources

Other Local Resources Heart of America Council RED Team Request a Religious Emblems Display Team presentation for your Cub Pack, Scout Troop, Venture Crew

You are the vital link… You! Are where the rubber meets the road You! Are where things happen You! Are the unit

You are the vital link Make sure that your unit has a REC A Unit REC is a new nationally formed position This is NOT a chaplain

You are the vital link The responsibilities of the Unit Religious Emblems Coordinator are to: 1. Serve as a member of the unit committee. 2. Acquaint all youth with the religious emblems programs and the emblems available from their faith group. 3. Provide Scout families and clergy with an orientation to the religious emblems program and encourage their involvement. 4. Urge all youth in the unit to earn the religious emblem(s) of their faith. 5. Disseminate information to the unit's Scouts and Scouters about any district or council religious emblems activities, retreats, camps, etc. 6. Promote religious emblems usage like BSA promotes other youth advancement. 7. Coordinate the establishment of goals and track the number of religious emblems completed every year. 8. Serve as the unit's liaison to the District Religious Emblems Coordinator.

You are the vital link What are your Questions?

Thank You for being a leader in Scouting and the building up of the Duty To God and A Scout is Reverent program