What are the Religious Emblems Program?
 
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.

Religious books are available in Braille and recorded form at low cost. The Bible and other religious books are available on cassette, disk, and large-type edition as well as Braille. Scriptures will be provided free of charge to people who are unable to pay for them.

Learn more about the BSA Religious Emblems Program from the National BSA web site.
 

Scout Sunday / Scout Sabbath

The first Sunday in February is designated as Scout Sunday and the following Saturday is designated as Scout Sabbath. It is appropriate for us to commemorate Scouting during a regular religious service of your choosing.

The Scout Sunday or Sabbath observance may be as simple as the Scouts just attending a religious service of their choice in uniform. Anything beyond that, which you may want to include in a service, must be approved from the presiding priest, rabbi or minister. 

What follows are some suggested activities to include in a normal church service.

• Since it may be appropriate to include Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Brownies and Campfire Boys and Girls in the observance, any references made to Scouts, also includes these groups.
• The Scouts are to be in uniform.
• The Scouts parade in during the processional as directed by the minister. If allowed, the unit's flags may be placed in the appropriate place either before the service or at the end of the processional.
• A brief welcome and introduction may be made by the minister or by an appropriate participant.
• At an appropriate time during the service, a few words about Scouting and the other organizations may be made by the minister, an adult or Scout. Include some words about the Scouts "Duty to God".
• If any of the Scouts are to receive a religious award, it may be presented at an appropriate time.
• At the end of the service, the Scouts may parade out during the recessional or afterwards.
• Schedule this in advance with the appropriate minister, priest or rabbi. Discuss what you would like to do and obtain his approval.