• Promote religious emblems program
• Provide information, not religious instruction
• Serve as a resource to adult leaders
• Encourage adult leaders to promote the use of religious emblems programs among their youth members and their families

What are “religious emblems programs”?

• They are programs created by national religious organizations/committees.
• They are recognized by the BSA.
• They include emblems that are approved for wear on BSA uniforms.
• They are programs that encourage members to become more active in their own faith group, and encourage spiritual development by providing specific religious instruction.

Why promote religious emblems programs?

• At the heart of the Scouting movement is “Duty to God.” The Cub Scout Promise, Boy Scout Oath, and Venturing Oath all stress the importance of reverence toward God.
• Religious emblems programs can help provide a spiritual component to the Scouting program.
• Religious emblems programs promote many of the same values that are integral to the Scouting program.
• Religious emblems programs help develop wholesome attributes in youth members.
  
  
  

Participating in the religious emblems programs will involve four basic steps for youth members and their families:

1. Youth members must obtain the specific booklet for their religion.

• Youth members need their own booklet to document progress.
• Some religions offer adult manuals for counselors and mentors.
• Booklets may be obtained from your local council service center or contact directly the religious organization/committee. Their addresses and phone numbers are listed on the Interfaith Quick Reference Chart.

2. Parents should review the program guidelines.

• Some programs require that the youth be an official “member” of the religious institution.
• Age/grade requirements vary from program to program.
• Each faith group 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, if possible, 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.

4. The youth member must complete the requirements, obtain the proper signatures, and follow the instructions to order the emblem.

• These emblems are not available in the council service center.
• The emblem should be presented in a meaningful ceremony, preferably in the youth member’s religious institution.
• The emblem can be presented at any time of the year. Scout Sunday/Sabbath, in February, is a perfect time to recognize recipients.

Are there any questions about the religious emblems programs for youth members?


Adult religious emblems are entirely different from the youth programs:

• Adult emblems are by nomination only; they are honors given to adults for outstanding service to youth through both a religious institution and the Boy Scouts of America. 
• Recipients are unaware of their nomination.
• These emblems usually are submitted to a review committee; extra time is needed for processing.
• Many adult recognition emblems require a minimum number of years of service; check eligibility requirements for specific emblems.
• Most emblems require the following:

• Completed application form
• Resume of the candidate’s activities
• Letter of recommendation from the local council
• Letter of recommendation from the religious institution

We believe that every youth member (Cub Scout, Boy Scout, or Venturer) should have the opportunity to earn the religious emblem of his or her faith. Our biggest roadblock is the lack of information about these programs at the unit level. That is why you, as unit leaders, are so important. What can you do?

• Distribute the Interfaith Quick Reference Chart to every youth member in the unit.
• Use the “FAQ” brochure as a resource to answer parents’ questions.
• Keep a record of all unit members who have received a religious emblem.
• Notify the council of all recipients.
• Nominate other Scouters who also are active in their faith community to receive an adult religious recognition
• Invite the RED Team to speak to your group (district, pack/troop/crew meeting)

Closing

• Questions?
• RED Team members’ names and phone numbers
• We would like to leave you with two key thoughts:

• Religious emblems can have a positive impact on your youth members.
• As the unit leader, YOU are the key person in getting information about these programs to your youth members and families.