Religious Awards

Religious awards programs keep with the religious principle of the Boy Scouts of America. The programs
make every effort to strengthen Scouts in their religious obligations.

The Religious emblem and the Arrow of Light are the ONLY Cub Scout awards which may be
displayed on a Boy Scout uniform.

As the Scout earns a religious award, they become more knowledgeable of their faith. It also is an exercise in
personal growth.

The pendants or emblems are awarded by the related religious groups. They are not a Scouting recognition.
Each faith has its own requirements for earning its emblem. Most call for religious knowledge and service.

Duty to a higher power as understood by the world's religions is a fundamental principle of Scouting. It is a
pledge to which every Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Explorer and Scout leader is
committed to as a member of the Boy Scout movement. All are encouraged to be faithful in the practice of
their religion.

Since Scouting is nonsectarian, it espouses no creed and favors no faith over another. Instead, it
provides programs and ideals that complement the aims of all religions. As a result, more than 47
percent of all Scouting units are chartered to religious bodies.

One of the unique developments that has emerged from the partnership of Scouting with religious bodies is the
religious emblem program. Religious bodies administer and promote their respective emblems. However,
Scouting should promote them through Roundtables and leadership training so that leaders of all packs,
troops, teams and posts can inform their members about the religious emblems and how to earn them.

BAPTIST

The Association of Baptists for Scouting is a group of Baptist Churchmen concerned with the interest of the mission of the
church and offers positive help for youth with a spiritual thrust. The committee helps strengthen the Cub Scouting, Boy
Scouting and Explorer programs in the Baptist churches. The religious awards program is the largest work of this committee,
and is designed to help all three programs.

The God and Me, God and Family, God and Church, God and Life programs (Refer to Protestant Programs).

The Good Shepherd, a nationally recognized award for adult Scouters and pastors who are Baptist, is made available
through the Association of Baptists for Scouting in cooperation with the Boy Scouts of America through local councils. Its
purpose is to acknowledge distinguished service by Baptist lay persons and pastors leading toward the spiritual, physical,
mental and moral development of youth through service to the church and its Scouting program.

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS (MORMON)

The purpose of the Mormon Relationships Committee is to develop a high degree of spiritual and moral character. Scouting
is the official youth program for Scout-age boys of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, popularly known as the
Mormon Church. As such, Scouting is a part of the Church's Aaronic Pricsthr,od Program.

To earn the "Faith in God" Award, a Latter Day Saint boy must be a registered Cub Scout. If a nonmember boy wishes to
earn the award, he may do so with his parents' permission.

To receive the award, the boy must be at least 9 years old and complete, with the help and supervision of his parents,
various requirements designed to help him develop an awareness of the need to serve God and others. The Cub Scout
receives the emblem at a pack meeting from a member of the bishopric.

The "On My Honor" Award is given to qualified young men as evidence that they have tlone their best to do their duty to
God and Country, their duty to others, and their duty to self.

A young man must be registered in a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Scouting unit for a period of two years,
one of which may be as a Bla~er (Scout) in the primary; earn the Star Progress Award; be worthy as shown in an annual
interview with his bishop; and submit an application before his lyth birthday.

JEWISH Click Here For Further Information on Jewish Scouting

National and Local Awards

Macahbee Emblem: For Tiger Cubs, the requirements in the Macabee program cover Jewish names, holidays, terms, helpers,
heroes, symbols, objects, and articles. The award's requirements are designer' for completion in nine months of study (or
less).

Aleph Award: For Cub Scouts registered for at least six months. After completing each requirement, a parent may pass him
on each activity and when completed shall he reviewed by his rabbi or religious school teacher.

Ner Tamid Award: For Scouts or Explorers of Jewish faith. They must complete requirements which require not only a
knowledge of past and present Jewish religion, but that he must have participated in a religious project and have a practical
understanding ol his religion as applied to everyday life and Scouting. Upon completion of the requ irements, the Scout will
be reviewed by the Jewish Relationships Review Committee.

Etzchaim (Tree of Life) Award: For Boy Scouts or Explorers of the Jewish faith who wish to strengthen their relationship
with their community and learn more about their fam i ly history and Jewish history.

Shofar Award: This award is presented to a volunteer Scouter who has given outstanding service to Scouting under Jewish
auspices. Recipients are selected by a subcommittee of the Jewish Relationships Committee from nomination applications.
Any registered Scouter may submit a Shofar nomination.

Applications and guide forms for these awards, as well as information regarding any of the mentioned activities, may be
secured from your local Boy Scout Service Center.

Note: Jewish boys are in units all over the council. Cubmasters and Scoutmasters are urged to bring this program to the
attention of those boys we are unable to reach directly through Rabbis and religious schools. A pamphlet entitled "What
Does Ner Tamid Mean to You" may be helpful. It is available at your local Boy Scout Service Center.

LUTHERAN

God and Me (Refer to Protestant God and Me); God and Family (Refer to Protestant God and Family); God and Church
(Refer to Protestant God and Church)

Lutheran Living Faith Award: Available to any Lutheran boy (grades C)-12) in Scouting or any Lutheran boy or girl in
Exploring.

Lutheran Recognition of Excellence: This award was developed to recognize outstanding Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout
troops, Varsity Scout teams and Explorer posts chartered to Lutheran congregations and associated organizations that have
met criteria established by the National Lutheran Association of Scouters.

The Lamb Award: A national award for adults of the Lutheran faith--lay persons and pastors, men and women--who are
active in their church and the Boy Scouts of America.

The Servant of Youth Award: Similar to The Lamb Award with a shorter tenure requirement.

The applications for awards and information on the Association of Lutheran Scouters may be obtained from your local Boy
Scout Service Center.

PROTESTANT

(For all Christian Churches not specifically listed elsewhere, Eastern Orthodox not included.)

The purpose of the Protestant Relationships Committee is to stimulate and strengthen a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity
Scout or Explorer in his/her religious obligation by encouraging him/her to enroll in the program of religious instruction
which will result in earning a God and Country emblem, and to help youth to understand the obligation of the 12th point of
the Boy Scout Law.

The committee strives to achieve this by I.)organizing and coordinating a chaplaincy program for our camps during the
summer and at camporees; 2.) supporting Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts or Explorers to earn the religious
emblems; 3.) assisting with the organization of Scouting units in churches; 4.) providing suggested materials for pastors to
use during Scout Anniversary Week; and S.)hosting a recognition dinner for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts and
Explorers in February in cooperation with the United Church Men. It should be noted that girls in Exploring may earn the
God and I,ife Award. Protestant youth are in all types of units throughout the council. Leacters are urged to bring this
program to the attention of all youth and pastors.

God and Country Program: The God and Country program i s an i nte rdenom i nat i onal series of resources for groups'
activities involving youth. The complete program includes the following titles:

God and Me: For Tiger Cubs and second and third grade Cub Scouts, this prognarn encourages children to learn about
Jesus and see how God is present in their lives. A parent or another adult serves as counselor.

God and Family: For Cub Scouts in fourth and fifth grades, this piece encourages Christian nurturing in the home and
church. Parents and guardians play a vital role as participants, teaching the values of family life.

God and Church: For Boy Scouts in grades 6, 7 and 8, this resource offers guidance exercises for students seeking to
increase their faith, make responsible vocational choices, and find identity in family, church, community and country. The
Scout's religious leader serves as counselor. (Note: At this level many denominations have their own awards, but all use the
standard Protestant booklets.)

God and Life: For young men and women in grades 9-12 (Explorers, Sea Explorers, Varsity Scouts), this resource offers
guidance exercises for students seeking to increase their faith, make responsible vocational choices, and find identity in
family, church, community and country. Youth members work with their religious leaders on this award.

God and Service Recognition Program for Adults

The God and Service Emblem recognizes men and women who have led children and youth in their spiritual, social and
physical development through church and Scouting programs. Specific emblems are available for the Presbyterian Church,
USA, and United Methodist Church. There is also a general Protestant Emblem.

EPISCOPAL

God and Country Program (Use Protestant programs)

The adult St. George Award of the Episcopal Church: A national recognition to acknowledge distinguished service by
adults in the spiritual, physical, mental, and moral development of youth through service to the church and its Scouting
program.

THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Bishop's Award of Excellence: The Bishop's Award of Excellence is authorized for the purpose of recojinizing outstanding
packs, troops, teams and posts chartered by local churches of (or organizations within) the United Methodist Church.

BAHA'I

Unity of Mankind: In appreciation of the Boy Scout program's acknowledgment of duty to God and to family, the Unity of
Mankind award, which is administered through a Baha'i Local Spiritual Assembly, can be earned by any Cub Scout, Boy
Scout or Explorer regardless of religious affiliation. The appearance of the emblem is somewhat varied for the differen~ age
STOLIPS. but in each case is titled "Unity of Mankind." The Cub Scout requirements take 6 months, Boy Scouts 9 months,
and Explorer - 12 months. Each level includes establishing a daily prayer routine, reading books from prescribed lists,
planning and carrying out monthly family days or evenings, and planning and completing two service projects for the family
and two service projects for the community. Booklets may be ordered from the National Teaching Committee, Baha'i
National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

ROMAN CATHOLIC

National Awards

Light of Christ: A program for Tiger or Wolf Cubs (Ist and 2nd Grades) to develop a personal relationship with Christ as a
friend and a real person.

Parvuli Dei: A Christian family program for Bear and Webelos Cub Scouts to help the boy become more award of God's
presence in his daily life. Presentation of this award is made in the parish.

Ad Altare Dei: Based on the sacraments, the purpose of the Ad Altare Dei program is to help the Scout develop a fully
Christian way of life, and to help him to fully live the Scout ()ath and Law. Any Catholic Scout who is active and registered
for one year can work on and receive the medal.

Pope Plus XII: This program deals with the church-related ministries and vocations and ways that young people commit
themselves to serve humanity in obedience to God's call within the chul-ch. The program is for any youth member of the
Boy Scouts of America of the Catholic fnith who has started ninth grade. It is recommended (not required) that Boy Scouts
previously have earned the Ad Altare Dei emblem.

St. George Award: This medal is the highest religious award in Scouting for outstanding contributions to the spiritual
development of Catholic youth within the program of the Boy Scouts of America by an adult. Nominations are accepted at
local levels for this award (see contacts below).

Local Unit Awards

The following awards available to units for their outstanding program and service in Catholic Scouting.

Chaplain's Award: Awarded to the outstanding Cub Scout pack in the Archdiocese. Also awards of Honor and Merit.

Archbishop's Unit Award: Awarded to the outstanding troop, team or Explorer pc,st in the Archdiocese. Also awards of
Honor and Merit.

Pope Paul VI Award: An award that can be earned by any pack, troop, team or post in the Archdiocese that fulfills the
requirements.

Information on awards or any function of the Catholic Committee on Scouting is available from the office of the Catholic
Youth Council at 4140 Lindell BIvd. Call Jan Brockland at 371-4980, sta. 287, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

EASTERN ORTHODOX

Chi Rho: A program for Webelos Scouts who are Orthodox Christians.

Alpha Omega: To begin the program, you must be a communicant member of the Orthodox church and have the approval of
your pastor. To receive the award, you must have at least one year's service in Scouting and be at least 13 years of age.

Prophet Elias: Adult Leader Recognition.

For more information on awards not listed here, please call or write the religious headquarters related to the
award.

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