Scouting in Protestant Churches
Many local Protestant churches organized Scout troops in the early days
of the Scouting movement. Of the 7,375 registered troops at the close of 1915,
more than 4,000 were chartered to Protestant churches, and 1,645 Scoutmasters
were ministers. When church troops became numerous, some of the denominational
bodies decided to give recognition to the values of Scouting as a resource for
the churches in their youth ministries. Among the earliest endorsements were
from the Northern Baptist Convention, 1918; Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A.,
1918; United Lutheran Church in America, 1918; Congregational Churches, 1919;
Methodist Church, 1919; and Southern Baptist Convention, 1923. Today, Protestant
churches have organized more than 26 percent of all packs, troops, and crews,
making them the largest user of the Scouting program.
Currently, the following organizations have endorsed the program of the Boy
Scouts of America: African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church; American Baptist;
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Church of God (Indiana); Church of God
International Offices; Church of God of Prophecy; Churches of God; Church of
the Nazarene; Episcopal Church; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; General
Conference, General Association of General Baptists; General Council of the
Assemblies of God; Lutheran ChurchnMissouri Synod; Members of Churches of Christ
for Scouting; Moravian Church, Northern Province; Moravian Church, Southern
Province; Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints; Southern Baptist; The Salvation Army; The United Methodist
Church; United Pentecostal Church; and West Virginia Baptist Convention.
Support Functions
These five functions are in direct support of Scouting in Protestant churches.
- Chaplaincy
- Chaplains are provided for Cub Scout resident camps and Boy Scout summer
camps, national and world jamborees, and national high-adventure bases.
In addition, materials are provided to local councils for selecting and
training unit chaplains (adults) and chaplain aides (Boy Scouts).
- Religious Emblems
- The God and Country program series was developed and distributed by
Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.) and provides
spiritual growth experiences for members of the BSA who are Protestant,
as well as members of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., Camp Fire Inc., and
other youth.
- God and Me For Tiger Cubs and Cub Scouts,
grades one through three
- God and Family For fourth- and fifth-grade
Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts
- God and Church For sixth- to eighth-grade
Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts
- God and Life For older Boy Scouts, Varsity
Scouts, and female and male Venturers
- God and Country mentor program (adult curriculum)
A mentor is someone who serves as a living example for
another person. The God and Country mentor program is
designed to help adults look directly at what it means
to serve as a Christian mentor and suggests how to have
a positive, Christian influence on a child. The mentor
curriculum is designed for an adult working with a young
person who is enrolled in the God and Country program
series.
The mentor program is not to be confused with the God
and Service Award (see below). An adult who completes
the mentor studies will receive a certificate and lapel
pin for nonuniform wear.
- God and Service A recognition presented to deserving
adults who have given distinguished service to youth through
Scouting in a local church or at the council, regional, or
national level.
- Venturing.
- In addition to Cub Scout packs and Boy Scout troops, many churches have
established dynamic and comprehensive Venturing youth group programs.
They view these programs as an excellent way to reach out to the youth
in the community. Venturing can strengthen an existing youth group program
by adding outdoor and recreational activities.
- Religious Activities.
- Local council support materials are provided for a variety of religious
activities, including annual Scout Sunday observances, retreats, "Duty
to God" encampments, religious emblem recognition dinners, and Scouting
show displays. An annual "Scouting in the Church's Ministry" conference
at Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron, New Mexico, attracts participants from
across the nation who come together for a week to learn about the role of
Scouting in local churches. Those faith groups with 15 or more participants
in attendance have afternoon break-out sessions. If you are interested in
attending Philmont, contact your local council service center.
- Relationships.
- National liaison is maintained with more than 25 denominations that use
the Scouting program as part of their ministry to children, youth, and
families.
Local Committees
BSA local councils are encouraged to form religious relationships and/or
Protestant committees on Scouting. Some areas they might want to address are:
- Interpretation of Scouting as a resource for ministry
to children, youth, and families
- Promotion of the God and Country religious emblems program
and other denominational emblems programs
- Promotion of Scout Sunday
- Provision of summer camp and Cub resident camp chaplains
- Guidance for districts and councils in religious matters
- Organization of new Scouting units in Protestant churches
- Ensuring that existing units do not become dropped units
- Sending qualified individuals to the "Scouting in the
Church's Ministry" conference
Communication
BSA Today, published six times a year, features news and information
regarding various Scouting activities throughout the nation, including feature
articles in Protestant churches. Suggested articles, including photos, are
always welcome.
For further information, write Boy Scouts of America; Relationships Division,
S226; P.O. Box 152079; Irving, TX 75015-2079; or call your local council service center.
Fact Sheets
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