 Programs
of Religious Activities with Youth Boy Scout News Bulletin Fourth Quarter 2007 Welcome to P.R.A.Y.'s Boy Scout News Bulletin. This Bulletin is how we share information about the religious emblems programs and ways to strengthen relationships with the religious community. RELIGIOUS EMBLEMS AS MEMBERSHIP The religious emblems programs have been part of Scouting's "Duty to God" for many years. Although the religious emblems have always been recognized in terms of "program," they have been overlooked in terms of "membership." Consider: 62% of all units are chartered to religious institutions. In light of this, religious emblems can have a huge impact on membership, but it starts with a basic understanding of religious emblems and chartered partners:
Visit http://www.praypub.org/partnerships/philmont_training.htm for more information. RECORD NUMBERS ATTEND RELIGIOUS SERVICES AT GOSHEN SCOUT CAMP This summer, something for the future of the Church and the world happened at the Goshen Scout Reservation in Goshen, Virginia, one of the major Boy Scout Camps attended by over 7,000 Scouts and leaders. Scouts of every faith attended religious services in record numbers. Jewish and Islamic Services, Buddhist's meditations, All-faith Scout's Own Services, non-denominational Christian Services, and daily Catholic Masses reported significant increases in attendance. According to Msgr. John Brady, "For 52 years I have been a priest, serving as Scout chaplain and have never experienced this type of youthful spiritual enthusiasm." He tells about the time that eleven-year-old Scouts came up after Mass to thank him: "Our troop voted not to go to Mass today because it was scheduled during our swimming period. At the last minute, we changed our minds and gave up our swim. We're glad we did. Thank you for saying Mass for us - awesome!"  A major reason for this new burst of Scout spirituality is "The Duty to God Summer Camp Program", launched in 2006. Over a four-year period, Scouts can earn a series of four puzzle patches. The three simple requirements are: to attend a religious service during their week at camp; meditate at least three times on one of the points of the Scout Law; and lead Grace or prayer before or after at least one meal. When many of the 7,000 campers participate in these activities, something good happens!!! The emphasis on "Duty to God" does not detract from the fun of camp. Every camp has its share of stories, like taking a canoe from one of the other six camps around the lake and putting it on top of the sixty-foot climbing tower in the middle of night, shinnying up a one-hundred foot flag pole to put their patrol flag on top, and laughing their lungs out when the fire department can't reach it with their tallest ladder. Summer camp is an essential part of the Scouting experience. Thanks to Goshen Scout Reservation for making Duty to God an essential part of the summer camp experience! [This article was written from a press release submitted by Monsignor John Brady, a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Washington who served as Catholic Chaplain at the Goshen Scout Reservation in the National Capital Area Council during the 2006 and 2007 camping season.] CHAPLAIN TRAINING RESOURCES FROM CAPITOL AREA COUNCIL Capitol Area Council, Austin, TX, has developed a three-phase Chaplain Training program. Phase I is a fast start course on the council's website www.bsacac.org. The website posts the PowerPoint presentation as well as the Chaplain manual. Unit chaplains have the opportunity to get started on their own by completing this fast start course. Phase II is a 2-hour classroom course, again aimed at the unit chaplain, using various methods including counseling scenarios, peer discussions, and role-play. Phase III is the Chaplain Outdoors Training Course. Participants spend a night at camp but the emphasis is on training Unit Chaplains on how to train their Chaplain Aides. SUFFOLK COUNTY JEWISH CONCLAVE WEEKEND A Jewish Conclave was held at Baiting Hollow Scout Camp in Long Island, NY. The theme was "Games of Israel" and Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Explorer Post/Sea Scout Ship experienced camping, learned Scouting skills, and attended Scout-led religious services. The program was Sabbath Observant and all meals were Kosher-style, but the emphasis wasn't on Jewish cuisine or religious services, but on "A Scout is Reverent." Participants enjoyed craftwork, merit badges, games, and songs. UNIT AWARDS There are several unit awards that recognize outstanding Scouting programs in the local congregation. These unit awards exist for different denominations (see below). Note: these unit awards do not qualify Scouts for the religious square knot. Please notify P.R.A.Y. if you are aware of additional unit awards.
God and Country Four-star recipients are individuals who have completed all four levels of the Protestant/Christian religious award series (i.e. God and Me, God and Family, God and Church, and God and Life). Four-Star recipients receive a certificate and letter from the P.R.A.Y. CEO congratulating them on their accomplishments. Here are the 3rd quarter recipients:
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