Scouting is not a religious organization but “Duty to God” and “Reverence” have been fundamental tenets from Scouting's very beginnings. The Boy Scout Oath requires a boy to commit himself to his duty to God. This reaffirms a commitment to acknowledge the role of God in everyday life, and a Scout's need to honor God with respectful service.
When our youngest son Brian became a Cub Scout some years back we began working with him on a religious emblem program called “God and Me” (now known as the Light of Christ Program) a Church Award that Cub Scouts can earn.
One part in particular said “Ask your parents to tell you what they like best about being your parents” (easy for us to do) “then tell them what you like best about being their son” (we didn't do too bad).
The next part was more interesting. It asked our son to “write down three things he liked the most about his two brothers, and they in turn to write down three things they liked the most about him.” I could tell by the expression on their faces that these responses would not come easily. If I could have read their minds, I probably would have heard things like “annoying,” “pest” and “always into my stuff.” But, when all was said and done we heard things like smart, funny, good at sports, kind and helpful. Although none of them would admit to it at the time, I knew that each went away feeling a little better about themselves and how they were perceived by their siblings. “Maybe they really don't hate me after all!”
Completing this program was not only enriching for our son, but for our entire family.
Actually these religious emblems programs are created by various churches and religious groups to encourage youth to grow stronger in their faith. These religious groups - not the Boy Scouts of America #- have created the programs themselves.
The BSA has approved of these programs and allows the recognition emblems to be worn on the official uniform, but each religious organization develops and administers its own program. More than 35 religious groups have developed programs for Scouts including Baptist, Catholic, LDS, Church of Christ, Episcopal, Jewish, Lutheran, Presbyterian, The Salvation Army, United Church of Christ and United Methodist.
Workbooks for Scouts and Counselor Guide Booklets are available at our Scout Shop, through P.R.A.Y. (Programs of Religious Activities with Youth) in St. Louis, Mo., or through individual church headquarters. The Rev. LeRoy Kettinger from Auburn was one of the founding members of the P.R.A.Y. Organization and worked with the Relationships Division of the Boy Scouts of America to develop the curriculum for the God and Country Series of Religious Awards. He and his wife, Wilma, edited these workbooks that are used by Scouts throughout the country.
More than 200 new boys joined Scouting in our council this past fall. I encourage the parents and guardians of these new Scouts to bring the “Duty to God and Reverence” of Scouting to life by working with their son to earn the Religious Emblem Award of their faith.
Call the Scout Service Center at 252-9579 for information.
Don Grillo is the scout executive for the Cayuga County Council, Boy Scouts of America located at 7235 Mutton Hill Road in Auburn.
One part in particular said “Ask your parents to tell you what they like best about being your parents” (easy for us to do) “then tell them what you like best about being their son” (we didn't do too bad).
The next part was more interesting. It asked our son to “write down three things he liked the most about his two brothers, and they in turn to write down three things they liked the most about him.” I could tell by the expression on their faces that these responses would not come easily. If I could have read their minds, I probably would have heard things like “annoying,” “pest” and “always into my stuff.” But, when all was said and done we heard things like smart, funny, good at sports, kind and helpful. Although none of them would admit to it at the time, I knew that each went away feeling a little better about themselves and how they were perceived by their siblings. “Maybe they really don't hate me after all!”
Completing this program was not only enriching for our son, but for our entire family.
Actually these religious emblems programs are created by various churches and religious groups to encourage youth to grow stronger in their faith. These religious groups - not the Boy Scouts of America #- have created the programs themselves.
The BSA has approved of these programs and allows the recognition emblems to be worn on the official uniform, but each religious organization develops and administers its own program. More than 35 religious groups have developed programs for Scouts including Baptist, Catholic, LDS, Church of Christ, Episcopal, Jewish, Lutheran, Presbyterian, The Salvation Army, United Church of Christ and United Methodist.
Workbooks for Scouts and Counselor Guide Booklets are available at our Scout Shop, through P.R.A.Y. (Programs of Religious Activities with Youth) in St. Louis, Mo., or through individual church headquarters. The Rev. LeRoy Kettinger from Auburn was one of the founding members of the P.R.A.Y. Organization and worked with the Relationships Division of the Boy Scouts of America to develop the curriculum for the God and Country Series of Religious Awards. He and his wife, Wilma, edited these workbooks that are used by Scouts throughout the country.
More than 200 new boys joined Scouting in our council this past fall. I encourage the parents and guardians of these new Scouts to bring the “Duty to God and Reverence” of Scouting to life by working with their son to earn the Religious Emblem Award of their faith.
Call the Scout Service Center at 252-9579 for information.
Don Grillo is the scout executive for the Cayuga County Council, Boy Scouts of America located at 7235 Mutton Hill Road in Auburn.
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