• Each Scout will earn the religious emblem for his specific faith
• Parents and religious leaders are the teachers, not the unit leader
• Most religious emblems programs have more than one level. A young person who has earned a religious emblem as a younger Scout, may progress to the next level and earn another emblem.

There are four steps to get started on these programs:

1. 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 (addresses and phone numbers are listed in the Duty to God Brochure #5-879B).

Here is the information that your child found on the program for his faith:

Name of program: __________________________________________________________

Address, phone, or email __________________________________________________________

2. 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; and 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!

3. 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.

4. The young person needs to complete the requirements, obtain the proper signatures, and follow the instructions to order the emblem/award. (These emblems are not available in your local Council.) The emblem can be presented at anytime of the year and should be presented in a meaningful ceremony, preferably in the member’s religious institution.

We would be very proud if our Scouts earned their religious emblems. Please talk with your child about these programs. We would like to know by _____________________ (date) who is going to participate in the religious emblems programs. Even though this is a project that will be done with your family and your clergy, we are interested in your child’s progress and want to encourage him as much as possible. Feel free to call if you have any questions.

Thank you!