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Religious Awards

Religious awards programs keep with the religious principle of the Boy Scouts of America. The programs make every effort to strengthen Scouts in their religious obligations.

The Religious emblem and the Arrow of Light are the ONLY Cub Scout awards which may be displayed on a Boy Scout uniform.

As the Scout earns a religious award, they become more knowledgeable of their faith. It also is an exercise in personal growth.

The pendants or emblems are awarded by the related religious groups. They are not a Scouting recognition. Each faith has its own requirements for earning its emblem. Most call for religious knowledge and service.

Duty to God is a fundamental principle of Scouting. It is a pledge to which every Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Explorer and Scout leader is committed to as a member of the Boy Scout movement. All are encouraged to be faithful in thf: practice of their religion.

Since Scouting is nonsectarian, it espouses no creed and favors no faith over another. Instead, it provides programs and ideals that complement the aims of all religions. As a result, more than 47 percent of all Scouting units are chartered to religious bodies.

One of the unique developments that has emerged from the partnership of Scouting with religious bodies is the religious emblem program. Religious bodies administer and promote their respective emblems. However, Scouting should promote them through Roundtables and leadership training so that leaders of all packs, troops, teams and posts can inform their members about the religious emblems and how to earn them.

BAPTIST

The Association of Baptists for Scouting is a group of Baptist Churchmen concerned with the interest of the mission of the church and offers positive help for youth with a spiritual thrust. The committee helps strengthen the Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting and Explorer programs in the Baptist churches. The religious awards program is the largest work of this committee, and is designed to help all three programs.

The God and Me, God and Family, God and Church, God and Life programs (Refer to Protestant Programs).

The Good Shepherd, a nationally recognized award for adult Scouters and pastors who are Baptist, is made available through the Association of Baptists for Scouting in cooperation with the Boy Scouts of America through local councils. Its purpose is to acknowledge distinguished service by Baptist lay persons and pastors leading toward the spiritual, physical, mental and moral development of youth through service to the church and its Scouting program.

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS (MORMON)

The purpose of the Mormon Relationships Committee is to develop a high degree of spiritual and moral character. Scouting is the official youth program for Scout-age boys of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, popularly known as the Mormon Church. As such, Scouting is a part of the Church's Aaronic Pricsthr,od Program.

To earn the "Faith in God" Award, a Latter Day Saint boy must be a registered Cub Scout. If a nonmember boy wishes to earn the award, he may do so with his parents' permission.

To receive the award, the boy must be at least 9 years old and complete, with the help and supervision of his parents, various requirements designed to help him develop an awareness of the need to serve God and others. The Cub Scout receives the emblem at a pack meeting from a member of the bishopric.

The "On My Honor" Award is given to qualified young men as evidence that they have tlone their best to do their duty to God and Country, their duty to others, and their duty to self.

A young man must be registered in a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Scouting unit for a period of two years, one of which may be as a Bla~er (Scout) in the primary; earn the Star Progress Award; be worthy as shown in an annual interview with his bishop; and submit an application before his lyth birthday.

JEWISH

National and Local Awards

Macahbee Emblem: For Tiger Cubs, the requirements in the Macabee program cover Jewish names, holidays, terms, helpers, heroes, symbols, objects, and articles. The award's requirements are designer' for completion in nine months of study (or less).

Aleph Award: For Cub Scouts registered for at least six months. After completing each requirement, a parent may pass him on each activity and when completed shall he reviewed by his rabbi or religious school teacher.

Ner Tamid Award: For Scouts or Explorers of Jewish faith. They must complete requirements which require not only a knowledge of past and present Jewish religion, but that he must have participated in a religious project and have a practical understanding ol his religion as applied to everyday life and Scouting. Upon completion of the requ irements, the Scout will be reviewed by the Jewish Relationships Review Committee.

Etzchaim (Tree of Life) Award: For Boy Scouts or Explorers of the Jewish faith who wish to strengthen their relationship with their community and learn more about their fam i ly history and Jewish history.

Shofar Award: This award is presented to a volunteer Scouter who has given outstanding service to Scouting under Jewish auspices. Recipients are selected by a subcommittee of the Jewish Relationships Committee from nomination applications. Any registered Scouter may submit a Shofar nomination.

Applications and guide forms for these awards, as well as information regarding any of the mentioned activities, may be secured from your local Boy Scout Service Center.

Note: Jewish boys are in units all over the council. Cubmasters and Scoutmasters are urged to bring this program to the attention of those boys we are unable to reach directly through Rabbis and religious schools. A pamphlet entitled "What Does Ner Tamid Mean to You" may be helpful. It is available at your local Boy Scout Service Center.

LUTHERAN

God and Me (Refer to Protestant God and Me); God and Family (Refer to Protestant God and Family); God and Church (Refer to Protestant God and Church)

Lutheran Living Faith Award: Available to any Lutheran boy (grades C)-12) in Scouting or any Lutheran boy or girl in Exploring.

Lutheran Recognition of Excellence: This award was developed to recognize outstanding Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams and Explorer posts chartered to Lutheran congregations and associated organizations that have met criteria established by the National Lutheran Association of Scouters.

The Lamb Award: A national award for adults of the Lutheran faith--lay persons and pastors, men and women--who are active in their church and the Boy Scouts of America.

The Servant of Youth Award: Similar to The Lamb Award with a shorter tenure requirement.

The applications for awards and information on the Association of Lutheran Scouters may be obtained from your local Boy Scout Service Center.

PROTESTANT

(For all Christian Churches not specifically listed elsewhere, Eastern Orthodox not included.)

The purpose of the Protestant Relationships Committee is to stimulate and strengthen a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout or Explorer in his/her religious obligation by encouraging him/her to enroll in the program of religious instruction which will result in earning a God and Country emblem, and to help youth to understand the obligation of the 12th point of the Boy Scout Law.

The committee strives to achieve this by I.)organizing and coordinating a chaplaincy program for our camps during the summer and at camporees; 2.) supporting Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts or Explorers to earn the religious emblems; 3.) assisting with the organization of Scouting units in churches; 4.) providing suggested materials for pastors to use during Scout Anniversary Week; and S.)hosting a recognition dinner for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts and Explorers in February in cooperation with the United Church Men. It should be noted that girls in Exploring may earn the God and I,ife Award. Protestant youth are in all types of units throughout the council. Leacters are urged to bring this program to the attention of all youth and pastors.

God and Country Program: The God and Country program i s an i nte rdenom i nat i onal series of resources for groups' activities involving youth. The complete program includes the following titles:

God and Me: For Tiger Cubs and second and third grade Cub Scouts, this prognarn encourages children to learn about Jesus and see how God is present in their lives. A parent or another adult serves as counselor.

God and Family: For Cub Scouts in fourth and fifth grades, this piece encourages Christian nurturing in the home and church. Parents and guardians play a vital role as participants, teaching the values of family life.

God and Church: For Boy Scouts in grades 6, 7 and 8, this resource offers guidance exercises for students seeking to increase their faith, make responsible vocational choices, and find identity in family, church, community and country. The Scout's religious leader serves as counselor. (Note: At this level many denominations have their own awards, but all use the standard Protestant booklets.)

God and Life: For young men and women in grades 9-12 (Explorers, Sea Explorers, Varsity Scouts), this resource offers guidance exercises for students seeking to increase their faith, make responsible vocational choices, and find identity in family, church, community and country. Youth members work with their religious leaders on this award.

God and Service Recognition Program for Adults

The God and Service Emblem recognizes men and women who have led children and youth in their spiritual, social and physical development through church and Scouting programs. Specific emblems are available for the Presbyterian Church, USA, and United Methodist Church. There is also a general Protestant Emblem.

EPISCOPAL

God and Country Program (Use Protestant programs)

The adult St. George Award of the Episcopal Church: A national recognition to acknowledge distinguished service by adults in the spiritual, physical, mental, and moral development of youth through service to the church and its Scouting program.

THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Bishop's Award of Excellence: The Bishop's Award of Excellence is authorized for the purpose of recojinizing outstanding packs, troops, teams and posts chartered by local churches of (or organizations within) the United Methodist Church.

BAHA'I

Unity of Mankind: In appreciation of the Boy Scout program's acknowledgment of duty to God and to family, the Unity of Mankind award, which is administered through a Baha'i Local Spiritual Assembly, can be earned by any Cub Scout, Boy Scout or Explorer regardless of religious affiliation. The appearance of the emblem is somewhat varied for the differen~ age STOLIPS. but in each case is titled "Unity of Mankind." The Cub Scout requirements take 6 months, Boy Scouts 9 months, and Explorer - 12 months. Each level includes establishing a daily prayer routine, reading books from prescribed lists, planning and carrying out monthly family days or evenings, and planning and completing two service projects for the family and two service projects for the community. Booklets may be ordered from the National Teaching Committee, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

ROMAN CATHOLIC

National Awards

Light of Christ: A program for Tiger or Wolf Cubs (Ist and 2nd Grades) to develop a personal relationship with Christ as a friend and a real person.

Parvuli Dei: A Christian family program for Bear and Webelos Cub Scouts to help the boy become more award of God's presence in his daily life. Presentation of this award is made in the parish.

Ad Altare Dei: Based on the sacraments, the purpose of the Ad Altare Dei program is to help the Scout develop a fully Christian way of life, and to help him to fully live the Scout ()ath and Law. Any Catholic Scout who is active and registered for one year can work on and receive the medal.

Pope Plus XII: This program deals with the church-related ministries and vocations and ways that young people commit themselves to serve humanity in obedience to God's call within the chul-ch. The program is for any youth member of the Boy Scouts of America of the Catholic fnith who has started ninth grade. It is recommended (not required) that Boy Scouts previously have earned the Ad Altare Dei emblem.

St. George Award: This medal is the highest religious award in Scouting for outstanding contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youth within the program of the Boy Scouts of America by an adult. Nominations are accepted at local levels for this award (see contacts below).

Local Unit Awards

The following awards available to units for their outstanding program and service in Catholic Scouting.

Chaplain's Award: Awarded to the outstanding Cub Scout pack in the Archdiocese. Also awards of Honor and Merit.

Archbishop's Unit Award: Awarded to the outstanding troop, team or Explorer pc,st in the Archdiocese. Also awards of Honor and Merit.

Pope Paul VI Award: An award that can be earned by any pack, troop, team or post in the Archdiocese that fulfills the requirements.

Information on awards or any function of the Catholic Committee on Scouting is available from the office of the Catholic Youth Council at 4140 Lindell BIvd. Call Jan Brockland at 371-4980, sta. 287, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

EASTERN ORTHODOX

Chi Rho: A program for Webelos Scouts who are Orthodox Christians.

Alpha Omega: To begin the program, you must be a communicant member of the Orthodox church and have the approval of your pastor. To receive the award, you must have at least one year's service in Scouting and be at least 13 years of age.

Prophet Elias: Adult Leader Recognition.

For Additional Information contact P.R.A.Y. (Programs for Religious Activities for Youth) with detailed information on all religious emblems that can be earned in Scouting.

For more information on awards not listed here, please call or write the church headquarters related to the award.

This site and the information it contains is not sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America, but is solely the opinions and responsibility of the author.  Materials found at this web site may be reproduced and used locally by Scouting volunteers for programs associated with the Boy Scouts of America.  No material found here may be used or reproduced for commercial or other non-Scouting purposes without the express permission of Cub Scout Pack 15 or other copyright holders.