Religious Emblems and Activities

A Scout is reverent. He is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion.

To encourage members to grow stronger in their faith, religious groups have developed the following religious emblems programs. 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. Check with your local council service center or contact the religious organization directly to obtain the curriculum booklets.

For more information about Religious Emblems Programs ...

• Review the Frequently Asked Questions about Religious Emblems Programs
• Learn How to Get Started on These Programs

Who Are the Recipients?

To see which Scouts and units have received Religious Emblem recognition, click on the year below.

What Awards Are There?

The National Council has compiled a list outlining all the religious awards programs known to Scouting.  The chart of Religious Emblems Programs lists the programs and contact information.

What Do I Receive?

Upon completion of your religious awards program, you will receive 2 items:

a)  A medal, created by your religious leaders, for your specific program:

As you can see, there are too many to describe in detail. But each are unique and a great honor to earn.

b)  A uniform "Knot", which signifies to the world that you have made the effort to participate in and complete this valuable program.

	Youth Religious Award - Worn by youth and adult members who received a religious emblem as a youth member.
	Adult Religious Award - Worn by adults who received a religious award as an adult.

Religious Emblem Requirements

We have made an effort to provide links to program information we are aware of.  These are listed below.  If you are aware of any additional links that would be helpful for others to know about, please let us know:

• Baptist Religious Emblems and Awards
  • The Good Shepherd
• Catholic Religious Emblems and Awards
  • National Catholic Committee on Scouting;
  • Los Angeles Archdiocese Catholic Committee on Scouting
  • Cub Scout Emblems
  • Boy Scout / Venturing Emblems
  • Unit & Scouter Awards
  • The St. George Emblem
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Religious Emblems and Awards
  • Faith in God
  • On My Honor Youth
  • On My Honor Adult
• Jewish Awards and Emblems and Awards
  • Aleph Emblem
  • Etz Chaim Emblem
  • Frank L Weil Memorial Quality Jewish Committee Award
  • Maccabee Emblem
  • Ner Tamid Emblem
  • NJCOS Eagle Scout Scholarship Programs
  • Shabbat Emblem
  • The Shofar Award

Other Religious Emblems

• African Methodist Episcopal Church
• African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
• Armenian Apostolic Church of America (Western Prelacy)
• Armenian Church of America (Eastern Diocese)
• Baha'i
• Baptist
• Buddhist
• Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
• Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
• Church of Christ, Scientist (Christian Scientist)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• Churches of Christ
• Community of Christ
• Eastern Rite Catholic
• Eastern Orthodox
• Episcopal
• General Church of the New Jerusalem (The New Church)
• Hindu
• Islamic
• Jewish
• Lutheran
• Meher Baba
• Moravian
• Polish National Catholic Church
• Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
• Protestant and Independent Christian Churches (Available to any Christian denomination)
• Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
• Roman Catholic
• The Salvation Army
• United Church of Christ
• United Methodist
• United Pentecostal Church International
• Unity Churches
• Zoroastrian

Additional Locations for Obtaining Award Requirements, Workbooks, & Emblems

• Programs of Religious Activities with Youth

  Note: Many of the different award medals and materials are supplied through an independent group known as "PRAY" - Programs of Religious Activities with Youth. Their website contains pictures of the specific medals that are issued in affiliation with the religious groups.  The Youth and Adult Knots are the only recognitions issued by the BSA. 

Duty to God

• Calendar of Religious Dates Observances
• Scout Sabbath Services
• Scout Sunday Observance
• Scouting in Religious Organizations (BSA Fact Sheets):

• Baptist
• Buddhist
• Catholic
• Churches of Christ
• Islamic Community
• Jewish Community
• Latter-Day Saints
• Lutheran
• Presbyterian
• Protestant Churches

• Troop Chaplain and Chaplain Aide

  • Definition of Roles
  • Manual

Venturing TRUST Award

In the years since Venturing started, the program has been defined by the activities Venturers do. Nationally, Religious and Community Life crews form the largest population in Venturing. Following in the tradition of the Quartermaster, Ranger, and Quest awards, a similar, challenging award program has therefore been created for Venturing's religious life emphasis. Designed The TRUST award is a unique opportunity for the youth of Venturing.

Trust is an essential aspect of our relationship with others both personally and corporately. As members of the Scouting movement, Venturers are often looked upon to be trusted leaders in matters of morality, maturity, and service. But they live in an increasingly pluralistic society, and it is a challenging task to discover how these concepts are interpreted by people of different nationalities, cultures, and religions. One way to do this is to listen to and study about different viewpoints that people hold. In other words, learning about the things that have a daily impact on people's lives. As Venturers it is imperative that they lead our communities in building trust and well-being.

While working on the TRUST award, Venturers will learn more about themselves, their communities, their religion and culture, as well as those of others. As with many other requirements throughout the Venturing Program, Venturers will be required to share what they learn with others.

Purpose

• Help Venturers learn about their own religion and how it affects their life.
• Give Venturers the opportunity to pursue understanding and knowledge of cultures other than their own.
• Promote understanding and tolerance.
• Learn how to resolve conflicts both internally and externally, with positive outcomes.
• Understand how other world religions work and how multiple religions can work together.
• Learn about religion and culture within the context of the BSA.
• Develop highly trained Venturers who may become a training and leadership resource to dens, packs, and troops, religious organizations, the community, schools, and families.
• Provide Venturers a variety of practical, hands-on experiences while having FUN.