Right from the beginning of Cub Scouting, a new scout learns the in the promise “to do my best to do my duty to God and my country.” Wolf Scouts have “Duty to God” requirements, Bears have “Ways We Worship,” and Webelos have “Faith” requirements. So Cub Scouting is clearly concerned with the boys' spiritual growth.

Another way Cub Scouts encourages this is with the Religious Emblems award. Religious Emblems are unique for several reasons:

* The Scout earns it with his Akela and a clergy member.
* It requires extra work on the part of the boy outside of the pack/den setting.
* They are conferred on a Scout by his religious leader. Each faith has its own requirements for earning its emblem.
* Emblems are awarded both in a service at their religious institution (ribbon) and at the pack-level. (purple knot)
* There are “levels” for Cubs (Tiger thru Bear), Webelos, junior Boy Scout ranks, and senior Boy Scout ranks. (Catholics levels differ slightly to coincide with Catechism) There is even an adult-level program.
* Boys can earn “medallions” for their purple knot as they complete the program at higher levels.
* Programs are faith-specific: God & Me (most Protestants), Light of Christ (most Catholics), Maccabee (Jewish) and many others.
* While not required, they do qualify for the Bear’s “Ways We Worship/Emblems of Faith” and Webelo’s “Faith” requirements.
* The “Purple Knot” is so prestigious that it may be worn on a Scout’s uniform throughout his scouting career. (Similar to the Arrow of Light)

Pack 122 has teamed up with Packs 140, 160 & 110 (maybe more in the future!) and the Promise Church to provide two important resources for achieving this award:

FIRST: a completely non-denominational introduction program that explains the award, the programs and materials you need to get, the people you need to contact and steps you need to take to earn the award. We have information on over 30 different faiths and are willing to research any questions you might have.

SECOND: Our chartering organization, the Promise Church is a United Methodist Church and, as such, members use the “God and Me” program. The Promise makes a classroom, an instructor, and Pastor Rusty available for all Scouts that use the “God and Me” program which includes most Protestant denominations.

Four 1-hour Cub-level classes were held in November-December 2008, and six Webelos-level classes in January-February 2009. All classes finished before the Blue & Gold Banquet where the Emblem is awarded and/or it may be needed for Bears and Webelo advancement.

LINKS
Click here for the Scouting.org link to:Religious Emblems
Click here for the USScouts.org link to Religious Emblems

CONTACTS
Pack 122's Religious Emblems Coordinator:
Click HERE to go to our Committee Members Page then lookup our current coordinator.

Promise Church Coordinator: Neil Wagoner njwagoner@comcast.net