BS-208 "Youth Religious Knot"

BS-208 "Youth Religious Knot" Greater Alabama Council 2010 University of Scouting University of Alabama, Huntsville Huntsville, AL March 6, 2009 Dr. Rich Goodwin Talakto District Training Chairman rgoodwin15@cox.net (256) 450 0152

Agenda • Learning Objectives • The Basics • Religious Emblems for Youth • Adult Role and Recognition • The Role of Religion in Scouting • Special Opportunities • Conclusion

A Scout is Reverent Reverence to God and reverence for one's neighbor and reverence for oneself as a servant of God, is the basis of every form of religion. The method of expression of reverence to God varies with every sect and denomination. What sect or denomination a boy belongs to depends, as a rule on his parents' wishes. It is they who decide. It is our business to respect their wishes and to second their efforts to inculcate reverence, what ever form of the religion the boy professes. Robert Baden-Powell, Aids to Scoutmastership On my honor, I promise to do my duty, to God and my country...

Learning Objectives • Understand the role of religion in Scouting • Understand the religious emblems program • Understand how to provide religious opportunities in Scout events Religious Awards--A Scout is Reverent. Most faiths offer religious education programs for Cub Scouts and Leaders, with awards presented to those who learn about their faith. We’ll help you get started in this exciting program and integrate it into your Den and Pack program.

The Basics Statement of Religious Principle • The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God and, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but is absolutely non-sectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. • The Boy Scouts of America's policy is that the home and the organization or group with which the member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life. Only persons willing to subscribe to this Declaration of Religious Principle and to the Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America shall be entitled to certificates of leadership. • Adult Registration Application B.S.A. No. 28-501K Religious Emblems Program. • From its inception, Scouting has stressed obedience to God. This is reflected in the Cub Scout Promise, Scout Oath, and Explorer Code. • BSA does not define the form or practice of religion. Rather, its stresses values and ideals which complete most faiths. • Religious institutions are the largest category of charter organizations • For Cub Scouts. Most religious bodies have specific programs for the different stages of Cub Scouts. The religious body establishes the requirements and Scouting acknowledges the achievement with a religious emblem worn on the Scout Uniform • For Adults. Religious emblems for adult recognize exceptional service to youth • Wearing the Awards. Service uniform: knot with appropriate device. Dress: medal

How do I start? • Step 1: Youth members must obtain the specific booklet for their religion • Step 2: Parents must review the program guidelines • Step 3: Families should talk to their religious leaders and show them the booklet before beginning any program • Step 4: The youth member needs to complete the requirements, obtain the proper signatures, and follow the instructions to order the emblem • Resources • BSA Handout • Duty to God brochure • Letter to Parents • http://www.praypub.org/main_frameset.htm • 1-800-933-7729 There are scripts, slides, and a video… guess where?

Jewish Youth Awards MACCABEE (Tiger Cubs/Cub Scouts) • From Judah Maccabee and his brothers who led the military and religious struggle against the Syrian king, Antiochus. Their revolt ended victoriously in the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 168 B.C.E. the holiday of Hanukkah celebrates that victory • A bronze pendant depicting the Menorah attached to a bronze bar pin that carries the word "Maccabee". ALEPH (Cub Scouts/Webelos Scouts) • Help Jewish boys who are Cub Scouts advance in the knowledge and practice of Jewish religious living • Bronze pendant representing an open Torah scroll and the Eternal Light attached to a bronze bar pin that carries the Hebrew letters "Aleph" and the word "Aleph". NER TAMID (Boy Scouts/Venturers) • A pendant representing the Eternal Light attached to a blue-and-white ribbon and a bronze bar pin that carries the inscription "Ner Tamid" in Hebrew and "Eternal Light" in English. Etz Chaim Award • The Tree of Life. Designed for Boy Scouts in high school, ages 14 to 17, and registered Venturers ages 14 to 20. The purpose of the award is to encourage the young adult to explore adult Jewish roles in the context of family, community, and Jewish people.

Catholic Youth Awards

Protestant Youth Awards • God and Me • Girls and boys in grades 1, 2 & 3 are eligible to participate • Each participant must have his or her own copy of the Student Workbook. A pastor's signature is required on the application/order form • The new God and Me curriculum is designed to help children become best friends with Jesus and tell their story of “God and Me” together • God and Family • Girls and boys in grades 4 & 5 are eligible to participate • Each participant must have his or her own copy of the student workbook. A pastor's signature is required on the application/order form • The new God and Family curriculum is designed to help youth understand the importance of family and God’s role in a healthy family. The God and Family Program provides an opportunity for young people and their families to explore their faith together • God and Church • Girls and boys in grades 6-8 are eligible to participate • This program requires that students have original workbooks and present their work to the pastor for final approval • The God and Church program will lead young people on a journey. It will be a faith journey with three parts: meeting Jesus, worshiping God, and witnessing and ministering for Christ • God and Life • Young women and men in grades 9-12 • Each participant must have his or her own copy of the student workbook. A pastor's signature is required on the application/order form • The God and Life program is the fourth program in the God and Country Series. It is a reflective type of curriculum: students will study the lives of men and women in the Bible and discover what their lives teach them about God.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Duty to God • Cub Scout/Webelos Scout: Faith in God • You may begin to work on the Faith in God Award when you turn eight years old. To earn the award, complete the requirements in this guidebook before your twelfth birthday. Your parents and Primary leaders can help you with the activities* • Faith in God: Note - we are advised that the medal is no longer issued. New requirements are at www.lds.org. We are told you should navigate to these requirements by going to gospel library, then curriculum, then primary, then Faith In God for Boys. The boys have to do seven goals that are marked in their booklets with a square knot symbol. • Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venture: On My Honor • Complete the requirements for one of the “Duty to God” certificates (Deacon, Teacher, or Priest) • Achieve Star Rank • Adult Recognition: On My Honor • Be registered and participate in a Church-sponsored Scouting unit. • Be at least 21 years of age. • Have served a minimum of three years in the Aaronic Priesthood or Primary. • Be thoroughly familiar with the Aaronic Priesthood or Primary program, as shown in an interview with the bishop. • Be worthy, as shown in an interview with the bishop. • Complete the basic training for Scouting leaders *http://www.lds.org/childrenresources/FaithInGodBoys.pdf LDS Relationships 36 South State Street Suite 1175 Salt Lake City, UT 84111-1401 801-530-0004 Discontinued

Adult Roles Adult Counselor • Usually a minister, priest, or rabbi • Some programs may allow the pastor to designate a lay leader or other adult in the church to teach the course • The counselor serves as an instructor who gives assignments to the young people, and it is the young people who do all the work A Gentle Caution: You may have to purchase and review the materials and then explain the pastor, priest, or rabbi’s role to them. Adult Mentor Program • An optional program for parents. • Parents must work under the supervision of the pastor or counselor as "student" • Complete the Adult Mentor Packet. Helps them focus on role as mentor. • Meet with their counselor to review their work and to discuss the issues raised • Work with their children to complete God and Country Student Workbook • Meet with their counselor after completing each section in workbook • Order the recognition items from P.R.A.Y. With forms signed by pastor. • Upon completion of program, plan a recognition ceremony in the church to celebrate your accomplishments.

Adult Recognition Jewish SHOFAR A silver Ner Tamid pendant superimposed on a silver Shofar, suspended from a blue-and-white ribbon. Recognize outstanding service by adults • Adult Religious Award Criteria • Leadership in the Church • Youth Ministry through the Church • Leadership in the Youth Agency • Training: List adult training programs of the youth agency completed by the nominee • Service to Youth through the Youth Agency • Promotion of Youth Agency Units • Outstanding Contributions • Catholic • Bronze Pelican for adult Scout leaders in some dioceses • St. George emblem for adult Scout leaders • Silver St. George emblem for adult Scout leaders working at the national level

Wearing the Award • For formal occasions, wear the medal pin on the left pocket • For other occasions, wear the religious emblem square knot with appropriate devices • Miniature device worn with the youth religious emblem square knot indicates emblem(s) earned as a youth: • Wear Cub Scout device, No. 00926,(C) first-level emblem (God and Me, Maccabee) earned as a Tiger Cub or Cub Scout • Webelos Scout device, No. 00932, (K)for second-level emblem (God and Family, Parvuli Dei, Faith in God, Light of the World, Aleph, etc.) earned as a Webelos Scout; • Boy Scout Device, No. 00927,(D) emblem earned as a Boy Scout • Explorer device, No. 00930, (G) emblem earned as an Explorer or older Boy Scout or Varsity Scout • Only one knot is worn, but any combination of devices may be worn on the same knot

Youth, Adult, Family, Church BSA Family Award: Complete, w/in 12-month period, requirements 1 and 2 plus three more of the remaining. As a family: • Decide how many times each month you will meet to achieve the Boy Scouts of America Family Award. Make a commitment. • Improve skills discussed in six or more of the 14 Family Talk areas. • Plan and participate in one or more family outings. • Start one new family tradition. • Do a "Good Turn" for an individual, a group, or your community (elderly, needy, handicapped, nursing home, charitable fund-raisers, cleanup days, etc.) • Attend religious services of your choice at least once each month. • Attend or participate in at least two Scouting activities or functions (Scouting shows, pinewood derby, Scouting banquets, flag-raising ceremonies, etc.). • Identify your local BSA council and neighborhood Cub Scout pack.

Religious Thread in Cub Scouts Tiger Cubs: • 1. Know your family. • 1. Discuss your family’s traditions. • 2. Know your Community. • 7. Visit a place of worship different from your own. • 8. Invite your pastor or rabbi to dinner Wolf Achievement 11: Duty to God • Talk with parents about duty to God • Give ideas about showing religious beliefs • Help church, synagogue, or fellowship Bear Achievement 1: Ways We Worship • Practice your religion as taught • How do I worship God? Prayer, study, acts Bear Achievement 2: Emblems of Faith • Earn the religious emblem of your faith Webelos: Your Religious Duties • Earn the religious emblem of your faith or • Do two of the following: • Attend the church, synagogue, mosque, or other religious organization of your choice; tell what you learned. • Tell how your religious beliefs fit in with the Scout Oath and Scout Law, and discuss with your family • With your religious leader, list and do two things you think will help you draw nearer to God • Pray to God daily as taught for 1 month • Under the direction of your religious leader, do an act of service for someone • List at least two ways in which you believe you have been a good example and lived in accordance with your religious beliefs • Cub Scout Promise • Openings and Closings • Blue and Gold

Religious Thread in Boy Scouts • Scout Promise • Pledge of Allegiance • Openings and Closings • Campfires • Graces • Inspirational Songs • The Scout Religious Service • Service Projects • Chaplain’s Aide • Assists the troop chaplain with religious services at troop activities. • Tells Scouts about the religious emblem program for their faith. • Makes sure religious holidays are considered during troop program planning • Helps plan for religious observance in troop activities. • Sets a good example • Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform correctly • Lives by the Scout Oath and Law • Shows Scout Spirit • Scout’s Own Service What about a "Ten Commandments" Hike?

Duty to God Promotion Patch • Purpose: To learn about and promote religious emblems • Requirements: • Attend or make a presentation on religious emblems • and make a commitment to Duty to God • Eligibility: Both youth and adults of all faiths • For more information: • Full Color Puzzle Patch Brochure • Duty to God Resources DVD • Printable Order Form - Rev. 3/08 • Frequently Asked Questions • Anchor Patch News Release-12/06 • Price Discounts • Duty to God Patch T-Shirt • Commemorative Patch - *Special Limited Edition • Donate to this Program ($100 donation) • http://www.praypub.org/ Make a commitment to Duty to God: Making a commitment to Duty to God can mean talking to your clergy about earning your religious emblem, presenting information to your congregation, helping younger Scouts learn about religious emblems, etc.

Resources P.R.A.Y. 11123 S. Towne Square, Ste. BSt. Louis, MO 63123-7816Toll Free Phone: 1-800-933-7729 (no change)New Ph: 314-845-3318 New Fax: 314-845-0038 http://www.praypub.org/ Roman Catholic Diocese of Birmingham, AL, Chairman Mr. John Refieuna 1018 Antietam Road Huntsville, AL 35803-2310 256-882-2342 (home) Jewish: National Jewish Committee on Scouting, 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane PO Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079 http://www.shamash.org/scouts/ LDS: Church Distribution Center, 1999 West 1700 South, Salt Lake City UT 84104, 800-537-5923 Islam: National Islamic Committee on Scouting, PO Box 51931, Indianapolis IN 46251-0931 http://usscouts.org/scoutduty/index.html

Final Exam • What are the Religious Recognition Programs and who creates them? • How do I find out which religious groups have created Religious Recognition Programs? • I have a troop with children of all different faiths. How can I include the religious recognition programs for my troop? • Do the children have to belong to a church or synagogue? • Why doesn't my church or synagogue know about the Religious Recognition Programs? • If the religious growth program for my faith has more than one level (for the different grade levels), may I earn all of these levels? • How do I start my child on these programs? • How long does it take? • Where should the award be presented? • Where can I obtain the materials?

Who was St. George??? • Soldier, Martyr. • Feast Day: 23 April • Tortured, beheaded, c.304 Lydda, Palestine; • Golden Legend. • Slew dragon near Silena, Libya. Hearing the story of a princess was to be eaten, he crossed himself, rode to battle against the serpent, and killed it • George then held forth with a magnificent sermon, converted the locals. Given a large reward by the king, he distributed it to the poor, then rode away. • Due to his chivalrous behavior (protecting women, fighting evil, dependence on faith and might of arms, largesse to the poor), venerated in 10th C • Eusebius of Caesarea (c. 322). A soldier of noble birth who was put to death under Diocletian at Nicomedia on 23 April, 303 • Acts of St George (5th century Eastern Church). • Held the rank of tribune in the Roman army and was beheaded by Diocletian for protesting against the Emperor's persecution of Christians • An example of bravery in defense of the poor and the defenseless and of the Christian faith. • Patron Saint of Scouting • Chosen by Baden-Powell • Baden-Powell recounted in Scouting for Boys that the Knights of the Round Table 'had as their patron saint St George because he was the only one of all the saints who was a horseman. He is the patron saint of cavalry, from which the word chivalry is derived'. • On St George's Day, scouts are bidden to remember their Promise and the Scout Law.

Baden Powell Thoughts I believe that God put us in this jolly world to be happy and enjoy life. Happiness does not come from being rich, nor merely being successful in your career, nor by self-indulgence… But the real way to get happiness is by giving out happiness to other people. Try and leave this world a little better than you found it and when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate you have not wasted your time but have done your best. “Be Prepared” in this way, to live happy and to die happy - stick to your Scout Promise always - even after you have ceased to be a boy - and God help you to do it. Your friend,

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BS-208 "Youth Religious Knot"