Baden-Powell stated, "No [one] is much good unless [they] believe in God and obeys His laws. So every Scout should have a religion.... Religion seems a very simple thing: First: Love and Serve God. Second: Love and serve your neighbor." (Scouting For Boys, 1908) �
“No [Scout] can grow into the best kind of citizenship without recognizing [an] obligation to God.” (BSA Handbook for Boys, v1, 1911)
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Where do Religious Emblems fit in Advancement Programs?
Every Cub Scout rank has a “duty to God” Adventure�
All Scouts BSA ranks incorporate “duty to God” components through Scout Spirit requirements�
The Venturing TRUST Award�
Common themes across faith traditions reinforce Scouting’s values.
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What Are Religious Emblems?
Developed and presented by individual faith organizations�
Authorized by BSA�
An integral part of the BSA advancement program�
Universal Religious square knots
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Universal Religious Square Knots
May be worn by youth or adult members, who earned the award as a youth
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Presented for faithful service as an adult leader.
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Earn the Appropriate Religious Emblem
Religious instruction should come from the family and the religious organization�
Parents need to be informed of the Religious Emblem programs�
Emblem programs provide opportunities for Scouts and their families to work on something together and get to know their clergy and faith better�
Each emblem program reinforces education, observance, and service