From the on set of Scouting, the Movement has encouraged its members to be faithful in the practice of their own particular beliefs. The World Organization of the Scout Movement writes that the “whole educational approach of the Scout Movement consists in helping young people transcend the material world and go in search of the spiritual values of life“. The Scout Oath and the Scout Law ask a Scout to pledge his honor to do his best to do his duty to God and his country and to be reverent. The Charter and Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America maintain that no boy can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing his obligation to God.
While the BSA does not define what constitutes belief in God and is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training, we encourage our boys to have a personal understanding within their families religious traditions.
Scout’s Own
A Scouts’ Own is a gathering for Scouts, by Scouts, held to contribute to the development of their spirituality and to promote a fuller understanding of the Scout Law. Scouts’ Owns are made up of a combination of stories with a moral or spiritual message; metaphors, such as describing learning in terms of packing a backpack for life; prayers, where hopes, fears, emotions, and thankfulness are expressed; songs, which usually are prayers; and sharing between those present. Baden-Powell wrote that “nature is a great place to get young people to think of higher things“, and so many of the large, organized campouts we attend — such as Camporee and Summer Camp — feature Scout’s Own ceremonies.
Religious Emblems
To encourage members to grow stronger in their faith, religious groups have developed religious emblems programs. 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 emblems to be worn on the official uniform. The various religious groups administer the programs.
For more information visit the BSA Religious Emblems Programs.
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