Dear Parent, There are four steps to get started on these programs:

Transcription

1 Dear Parent, The leadership of Pack 145 would like to introduce an opportunity for your son to earn a religious emblem while he is involved in Scouting. Some of your sons may have already earned a religious emblem or you may know someone that has earned one while they have been a member of Pack 145. Many parents know that an important part of Scouting is Duty to God and regularly attend religious services, but many aren t aware of the wonderful opportunities that are available for their Scout to earn the emblems. You, as the parent or guardian, will decide whether or not your child will participate in these programs. The following information along with the attached flyers should give you everything you need to help your son take the first step in earning a religious emblem: 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. You can contact the religious organization directly or order your booklets from (addresses and phone numbers are listed in the Duty to God Brochure). 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. Pastor Susan Mullin of our charter organization, Creekside United Methodist Church, has also offered to serve as a mentor for any youth that does not currently have a religious affiliation but would like to earn a religious emblem. You may contact her by calling the Creekside United Methodist Church at We would be very proud if our Scouts earned their religious emblems. Please talk with your child about these 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! Pack 145 Leadership

2 Duty to GOD

3 Religious Emblems Programs Available to Members of the Boy Scouts of America A Scout is reverent. He is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion. To encourage members to grow stronger in their faith, religious groups have developed the following religious emblems programs. The Boy Scouts of America has approved of these programs and allows the emblems to be worn on the official uniform. The various religious groups administer the programs. Check with your local council service center or contact the religious organization directly to obtain the curriculum booklets. Materials with a Boy Scouts of America supply number are available from your local council service center or from the BSA National Distribution Center toll-free at S = Student material C = Counselor material M = Adult mentor material 1 The Venturing Religious Life Bronze Award is part of the Venturing advancement program. This youth award is not part of the BSA religious emblems programs. For additional information, refer to the Venturer/Ranger Handbook, No , available from local council service centers or the BSA National Distribution Center. For additional information about religious emblems, please contact your religious organization. How Do We Get Started on These Programs? 1. Youth members must obtain the specific booklet for their religion. 2. Parents must review the program guidelines. 3. Families should talk to their religious leaders and show them the booklet before beginning any program. 4. The youth member needs to complete the requirements, obtain the proper signatures, and order the emblem. Interested in making a presentation on the religious emblems? Promotional resources (including a DVD and scripts) are available from the BSA ( and P.R.A.Y. ( African Methodist Episcopal Church African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Anglican Catholic Church Anglican Parishes Association, 800 Timothy Road, Athens, GA 30606; Armenian Apostolic Church of America (Western Prelacy) 6252 Honolulu Ave., Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 91214; Cub Scout Webelos Scout Boy Scout and Venturer 1, Older Boy Scout, Adult Recognition Ad te Domine Ad te Domine Servus Dei Servus Dei The Order of St. Michael None None Saint Mesrob Saint Mesrob None

4 Armenian Church of America (Eastern Diocese) Department of Youth and Education, Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, 630 Second Ave., New York, NY 10016; Baha'i Baha'i Committee on Scouting, Baha'i National Center, Education and Schools Office, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL ; ; Web site: Baptist and Buddhist National Buddhist Committee on Scouting, nd Ave., San Mateo, CA 94403; ; fax: ; Web site: Catholic, Eastern Local council service center or National Catholic Committee on Scouting, 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane, P.O. Box , Irving, TX ; Catholic, Roman Local council service center, BSA Supply Division, ; Web sites: and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Church of Christ, Scientist (Christian Scientist) P.R.A.Y., S. Towne Square, Suite B, St. Louis, MO 63123; toll-free telephone ; fax ; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) LDS Relationships BSA; 15 West South Temple, Suite 1070; Salt Lake City, UT ; Churches of Christ Members of Churches of Christ for Scouting, 401 Cypress, Suite 406, Abilene, TX 79601; ; Web site: Community of Christ World Community Program Series, 1001 West Walnut, Independence, MO 64050; or ; Web site: OnlineResources/WorldCommunity/worldcommunity.asp Eastern Orthodox P.R.A.Y., S. Towne Square, Suite B, St. Louis, MO 63123; toll-free telephone ; fax ; praypub.org; Web sites: and Episcopal Square, Suite B, St. Louis, MO 63123; toll-free telephone ; fax ; General Church of the New Jerusalem (The New Church) Chairman, Boy Scout Relations Committee, General Church of the New Jerusalem, P.O. Box 277, Bryn Athyn, PA 19009; ; fax: Hindu North American Hindu Association, 847 East Angela Street, Pleasanton, CA ; (voice/fax); Web site: Islamic National Islamic Committee on Scouting, Syed Ehtesham Haider Naqvi; ; Web sites: or Cub Scout Webelos Scout Boy Scout and Venturer 1, Older Boy Scout, Saint Gregory Saint Gregory Ararat Ararat None Adult Recognition Unity of Mankind Unity of Mankind Unity of Mankind Unity of Mankind Service to Humanity Metta Metta Sangha Sangha Bodhi Parvuli Dei S, No (First- and second-graders may earn Light of Christ, No ) Parvuli Dei S, No (First- and second-graders may earn Light of Christ S, No ) No. 3CSFB Parvuli Dei S, No Parvuli Dei S, No No. 3CSFB Light Is Life S, No C, No Ad Altare Dei S, No C, No No. 3CSCB Pope Pius XII S, No C, No Pope Pius XII S, No C, No No. 3CSCB Good Shepherd Saint George Catholic No Saint George Roman Catholic No Faith in God Faith in God On My Honor On My Honor On My Honor Loving Servant Grades 1 3 None (Use of God and Me is approved. Contact P.R.A.Y.) Saint George No. 3EOMB Ten Commandments Award Joyful Servant Grades 4 6 Good Servant Good Servant Faithful Servant Light of the World Path of the Disciple Exploring Community Together Chi Rho No. 3EOFB Ten Commandments Award Alpha Omega No. 3EOCB Dharma Dharma Dharma Karma Alpha Omega No. 3EOCB International Youth Service Award Prophet Elias Saint George Episcopal Open Word Award Open Word Award Open Word Award Karma Saathi/Bhakta Bismillah Bismillah In the Name of God In the Name of God Allaho Akber

5 Jewish Web sites: and Lutheran Square, Suite B, St. Louis, MO 63123; toll-free telephone ; fax ; Web sites: and Meher Baba Committee for Meher Baba and Scouting, 912 Ninth Ave. S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582; Moravian The Moravian Church, Drawer Y, Winston-Salem, NC 27108; National Association of Anglican and Traditional Catholic Scouters Square, Suite B, St. Louis, MO 63123; toll-free telephone ; fax ; Polish National Catholic Church Mr. Richard Daum; 11 Everette Place; Wayne, NJ 07470; ; Presbyterian Church in America Square, Suite B, St. Louis, MO 63123; toll-free telephone ; fax ; Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Square, Suite B, St. Louis, MO 63123; toll-free telephone ; fax ; Web sites: and Protestant and Independent Christian Churches Square, Suite B, St. Louis, MO 63123; toll-free telephone ; fax ; Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) P.R.A.Y., S. Towne Square, Suite B, St. Louis, MO 63123; toll-free telephone ; fax ; Web sites: and scouting.quaker.org The Salvation Army P.O. Box 269, Alexandria, VA 22313; Eastern Territory, ; Central Territory, ; Southern Territory, ; Western Territory, Unitarian Universalist Scouters Organization P.R.A.Y., S. Towne Square, Suite B, St. Louis, MO 63123; tollfree telephone Web sites: or United Church of Christ United Methodist Web sites: and Cub Scout Aleph Tiger Cubs may earn Maccabee Webelos Scout Boy Scout and Venturer 1, Older Boy Scout, Adult Recognition Aleph Ner Tamid Etz Chaim Shofar Love for God Love for God Compassionate Father Compassionate Father Lamb ; Servant of Youth The Ancient One None None The Order of David Zeisberger Love of God (Milosc Boga) That of God No. 3QOFB God and Me Love of God (Milosc Boga) That of God No. 3QOFB Silver Crest (Bog I Ojczyzna) Spirit of Truth No. 3QOCB (Bog I Ojczyzna) Spirit of Truth No. 3QOCB Religion and Me Religion and Family Living Your Religion Living Your Religion None Bishop Thaddeus F. Zielinski ; Celtic Cross Friends Scouter s Award ; Cross and Flame ; Torch United Pentecostal Church International Unity Churches P.O. Box 610, Lee s Summit, MO 64063; God in Me God in Me Light of God Fillmore Youth Distinguished Youth Service Zoroastrian The Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York, c/o Ms. Temilyn Mehta, National Coordinator, The Good Life Program, 12 Rockwell Circle, Marlboro, NJ 07746; ; tghad@hotmail.com None None Good Life Good Life (To age 21) None

6 Frequently Asked Questions What are the religious emblems programs? The religious emblems programs are programs created by the various religious groups to encourage youth to grow stronger in their faith. The religious groups not the Boy Scouts of America have created the religious emblems programs themselves. The Boy Scouts of America has approved of these programs and allows the recognition to be worn on the official uniform, but each religious organization develops and administers its own program. I have a unit with children of all different faiths. How can I include the religious emblems programs for my unit? The religious emblems programs should be presented to youth members and their families as an optional program for them to complete through their religious organization. Religious instruction should always come from the religious organization, not from the unit leader. Parents need to be informed of these programs and told where to get the information for their particular faith. Interested in making a presentation on the religious awards? Find sample scripts at Do boys and girls participate in the same program? It depends on the religion. Some religions have created programs that are used by both boys and girls. Other religions have created programs for members of separate youth agencies (i.e., Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., and Camp Fire Boys and Girls). Please check the specific eligibility requirements for each religious emblems program. Do the youth have to belong to a religious institution? It depends on the religion. Please check the eligibility requirements for your particular religious program. Why doesn t my religious institution know about the religious emblems programs? Although the religious bodies at the national level created the religious emblems programs, the local religious institution may not be aware of these programs. It may be helpful to write for more information or even obtain a copy of the curriculum to give to your religious leader. If the religious emblems program for my faith has more than one level (for the different grade levels), may my child earn all of these recognitions? Yes. Members can earn all levels of their religious emblems program. However, they must be in the appropriate program guidelines when they start and complete each level (they may not go backward and earn younger programs). How is the emblem presented? The emblem should be presented in a meaningful ceremony, preferably in the youth member s religious institution. Some emblems come with a sample presentation ceremony. How long does it take to complete a program? It depends on the program. Some programs may take three or four months, others longer. Where is the emblem worn on the uniform? The universal religious square knot is worn over the left shirt pocket of the uniform. Cloth badges and embroidered square knots are representative of the medal award. When a cloth badge is worn, the medal award is not worn. How do we get started on these programs? First, 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 this brochure). Second, 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. 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! Third, 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. Fourth, the member 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 any time of the year and should be presented in a meaningful ceremony, preferably in the member s religious institution. Who may serve as counselor? It depends on the program. Some programs require clergy to serve as counselor, others allow a parent or family member. Please check the specific guidelines for your religious program. How do I order the recognition items? Each religious program has its own emblem. Follow the instructions in your recognition guidelines because the emblems come from different places and require submission of different information. These emblems will not be available in your local council! What is the adult religious recognition program? An adult religious recognition award is presented by nomination only. The recognition is presented to worthy adults for their outstanding service to youth both through their religious institution and one of the national youth agencies. Recipients of these awards are unaware that they are being nominated. They are nominated to receive an award by submitting the required application, letters of recommendation, and resume. Please check eligibility requirements for specific awards. Which religious emblem square knot should I wear? Cloth, silver knot on purple, No , may be worn by youth or adult members who earned the knot as a youth, above left pocket. Cloth, purple on silver, No , may be worn by adult members presented with the recognition, above left pocket. Adults may wear both knots if they satisfy qualifying criteria. (See the Insignia Guide, No D.) Generally, only one knot is worn, but any combination of devices may be worn on the same knot. (See Cub Scout device, No ; Webelos Scout device, No ; Boy Scout device, No ; and Venturer device, No )

7 Anglican Catholic Church Ad te Domine Servus Dei The Order of St. Michael African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) God and Me Armenian St. Gregory Ararat Baptist God and Me Good Shepherd Buddhist Metta Sangha Bodhi Churches of Christ Loving Servant Joyful Servant Good Servant Faithful Servant Church of Christ, Scientist (Christian Scientist) God and Country Baha i Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) God and Me Unity of Mankind Unity of Mankind Unity of Mankind Unity of Mankind Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints On My Honor Youth On My Honor Adult Community of Christ Light of the World Path of the Disciple Exploring Community Together International Youth Service

8 Eastern Orthodox Saint George Chi Rho Episcopal God and Me Saint George Alpha Omega Prophet Elias Jewish General Church of the New Jerusalem Open Word Maccabee Aleph Ner Tamid Etz Chaim Shofar Lutheran Hindu Dharma Karma God and Me Lamb Islamic Bismillah In the Name of God Allaho Akber Moravian The Order of David Zeisberger Polish National Catholic Church Love of God Bishop Thaddeus F. Zielinski Meher Baba Love for God Compassionate Father Presbyterian Church in America God and Me

9 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) God and Me Protestant/United Church of Christ/Community Churches God and Me Roman Catholic/Eastern Catholic Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) That of God Spirit of Truth Friends Light of Christ Parvuli Dei Ad Altare Dei Light is Life Pope Pius XII Saint George Unitarian Universalist Religion and Religion and Me Family Living Your Religion Salvation Army God and Me Silver Crest Scouter's Award Unity Churches United Methodist God in Me Light of God Fillmore Youth Distinguished Youth Service God and Me Zoroastrian Good Life United Pentecostal Church International God and Me SKU Printing

10 Awards Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.), S. Towne Square, Ste. B, St. Louis, MO phone or PRAY (7729) fax web God and Me (Grades 1-3) Children will become best friends with Jesus and tell their story of God and Me together. Children will make a game in each lesson and keep their games in a GAMEBOX (God And Me Exploring BOX). These games will reinforce the Bible lessons and provide opportunities for families to explore God s love together. Section 1: God Created Me Section 2: Jesus is God s Gift to Me Section 3: I Can Talk with God Section 4: Because God Cares for Me, I Can Care for Others (Grades 4-5) The program will help children understand the importance of family and God s role in a healthy family. Children will compare families and pizza, and they will make a pizza as they study how families can grow together in God s love. 1. CRUST-FOUNDATION - We are God s Family 2. SAUCE - Family Heritage, Spiritual Heritage 3. TOPPINGS - Our Talents and Gifts Strengthen Our Families 4. CHEESE - In God s Family We re Loved No Matter What! Because We re Loved, We Follow Rules 5. BAKE - Being in God s Family Helps Us When Things Are Tough 6. EAT, SHARE, ENJOY! - In God s Family, We Share as a Response to God s Love (Grades 6-8) The program will be a journey to meet Jesus, worship God, and witness and minister for Christ. Participants will create a video or a photo album to share their faith journeys with others. Unit I - My Journey: Meeting Christ Meeting Jesus, the Person Meeting Jesus, the Son of God Meeting Jesus, the Head of the Church Unit II - My Journey: Worshiping God Learning how Christ Worshiped God Exploring How My Congregation Worships God Discovering How I Can Worship God Unit III - My Journey: Witnessing and Ministering for Christ Learning How Christ Witnessed and Ministered to Others Exploring How My Congregation Witnesses and Ministers to Others Discovering How I Can Witness and Minister to Others (Grades 9-12) The study is based on the life of the Apostle Paul as recorded in Acts 9:1-31. Section 1: God calls all kinds of people. Section 2: God doesn t expect us to do it on our own. Section 3: Each of us must make a personal response to the call of God Section 4: God gives strength to face adversities. Section 5: God can accomplish great things through those who are willing to do God s will. Four Star Recognition A special recognition is available for young people who complete all four levels of the P.R.A.Y. series. Start now: students cannot go backwards to earn younger awards! Adult Mentor Program The Adult Mentor program is an optional program for parents who have children enrolled in the P.R.A.Y. series. Parents will have a workbook to complete as they work sideby-side their children. Adult Recognitions Adults who have served youth through their church and a national Scouting agency may be nominated to receive an Adult Recognition. Visit www. praypub.org to download nomination forms. V i s i t w w w. p r ay p u b. o r g f o r i n f o r m at i o n a n d t o o r d e r b o o k l e t s o n l i n e.

11 Frequently Asked Questions Who may earn a P.R.A.Y. award? Girls and boys in grades Do I have to belong to a scouting group to earn a P.R.A.Y. award? No, girls and boys may earn this award even if they do not belong to a Girl Scout, Boy Scout, American Heritage Girls or Camp Fire group. Members of youth groups and Sunday School classes may participate in these programs. Do I have to belong to a church to earn a P.R.A.Y. award? No, you do not have to have official membership in a congregation to earn this award; however, the program requires that a pastor review all work and oversee the program. Which denominations use the P.R.A.Y. program? Protestant and Independent churches. The following is a partial listing of the denominations that use the P.R.A.Y. program: African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, Assembly of God, Baptist, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Christian Methodist Episcopal, Church of God, Episcopal, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, United Methodist Church, and Independent Christian churches. Who may serve as counselor? The pastor, or someone appointed by the pastor (such as a parent, Sunday School teacher, congregational lay leader, or other qualified adult). May I earn more than one award (for the different grade levels)? Yes, you may earn all four awards as long as you are in the appropriate grade at the time (you may not go backwards and earn younger awards). How long does it take to complete the program? It depends. God and Me and may take 4 to 8 weeks to complete. God and Church and may take 3 to 6 months to complete. How do I order the booklets? Booklets may be purchased at your local council store or directly from P.R.A.Y. (see attached order form) or via the internet at or by calling Does each child need a booklet? Yes. How do I order the awards? The application form to order the awards is found in the Student Workbook. The form must be sent to P.R.A.Y. (your local council will not have these awards). How is the award presented? The award is usually presented by the pastor in a worship service. What is the difference between the Counselor Manual and the Mentor Workbook? The Counselor Manual is for adults who are teaching or helping the students complete the requirements. The Counselor Manual has answers, suggested activities, resources, etc. The Mentor Workbook is for parents who choose to be students alongside their children. The Mentor Workbook contains lessons and questions for parents to complete as they work side by side their children on the program. Starting the Program is Easy! Order the appropriate program booklets based on your grade. Meet with the pastor: show your pastor the P.R.A.Y. booklets and together choose a counselor. Complete the requirements under the supervision of your counselor. Present your work to the pastor for final approval. Order the recognition items by sending the application form to P.R.A.Y. Plan a special ceremony in church to receive your award. Visit for information and to order booklets online. ORDER FORM Protestant Christian Booklets Grades 1-3 Quantity Amount God & Me Student Workbook #33604 $3.50 God & Me Counselor Manual #33603 $3.50 God & Me Adult Mentor Workbook #33606 $3.50 Grades 4-5 God & Family Student Workbook #33597 $3.50 God & Family Counselor Manual #33598 $3.50 God & Family Adult Mentor Workbook #33595 $3.50 Grades 6-8 God & Church Student Workbook #33599 $3.50 God & Church Counselor Manual #33600 $3.50 God & Church Adult Mentor Workbook #33596 $3.50 Grades 9-12 God & Life Student Workbook #33609 $3.50 God & Life Counselor Manual #33610 $3.50 God & Life Adult Mentor Workbook #33605 $3.50 *Postage via USPS Media mail: 1 book = $2.65: 2 or more books = $3.50 plus $.15 per book. Postage/handling fees subject to change. Visit for shipping options Prices Subject to Change. Charges will be adjusted. June 2009 Subtotal Postage * TOTAL Name Address City State Zip Phone (day contact) Enclose payment by check, money order, MasterCard, Visa or Discover. Make checks payable to P.R.A.Y. If credit card, provide the following information: C a r d # Cardholder s name Expiration CV2 Code The CV2 code is the last three digits on the backside of the credit card located in the signature box. Billing Address Phone (day contact) Signature Send to: P.R.A.Y. Programs of Religious Activities with Youth S. Towne Square, Ste. B St. Louis, MO 63123