Reverence

From the very beginning, the Scouting Movement has encouraged its members to be faithful in the practice of their religious beliefs. The World Organization of the Scout Movement writes that the "whole educational approach of the Scout Movement consists in helping young people transcend the material world and go in search of the spiritual values of life". The Scout Oath and the Scout Law ask a Scout to pledge his honor to do his best to do his duty to God and his country and to be reverent. The Charter and Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America maintain that no boy can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing his obligation to God.

While the BSA does not define what constitutes belief in God and is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training, we at Troop 3:16 see our mission as to develop the boys in our Troop into Godly Christian men. We encourage having a personal relationship with our Lord Jesus, and we openly express our joy in that relationship to others. We open and close each activity in prayer, and our Chaplain offers a devotion at each Troop Meeting.

However, the BSA does provide Troop Members a number of other opportunities for religious expression.

A Scouts' Own as a gathering of Scouts held to contribute to the development of their spirituality and to promote a fuller understanding of the Scout Law. Scouts' Owns are made up of a combination of stories with a moral or spiritual message; metaphors, such as describing learning in terms of packing a backpack for life; prayers, where hopes, fears, emotions, and thankfulness are expressed; songs, which usually are prayers; and sharing between those present. Baden-Powell wrote that nature is a great place to get young people to think of higher things, and so many of the large, organized campouts we attend — such as Camporee and Summer Camp — feature Scout's Own ceremonies.

To encourage members to grow stronger in their faith, religious groups have developed religious emblems programs. The religious emblems programs are programs created by the various religious groups to encourage youth to grow stronger in their faith. The religious groups—not the Boy Scouts of America—have created the religious emblems programs themselves. 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.

How do we get started on these programs?

• First, youth members must obtain the specific booklet for their religion. This booklet will contain information on all the lessons and service projects that they will need to complete. Each member needs to have his or her own booklet to document progress. Some religions also provide adult manuals for counselors and mentors. Check with your local council to see if it stocks these booklets in its store, or contact the religious organization directly.

• Second, parents must review the specific guidelines for their particular program; age/grade requirements vary from program to program. Some programs require that the youth be an official "member" of the local religious institution, others may not. Each program determines who may serve as counselor (some require clergy, others allow parents or other family members). Be sure to look at specific eligibility guidelines!

• Third, families should talk to their religious leaders and show them the booklet before beginning any program. Most of the religious emblems programs require that they be completed under the auspices of that religious organization, and many require the signature of the local religious leader. Again, check the specific eligibility requirements for your religious program.

• Fourth, the member needs to complete the requirements, obtain the proper signatures, and follow the instructions to order the emblem/award. (These emblems are not available in WLACC.) The emblem can be presented at any time of the year and should be presented in a meaningful ceremony, preferably in the member's religious institution.

The Boy Scouts of America designates the Sunday that falls before February 8 (Scouting Anniversary Day) as Scout Sunday, which is the primary date to recognize the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting.

See Also

• Who We Are
• Scouting Ideals
• Scout Responsibilities
• Reverence Web Links
• Reverence Downloads