A Scout is reverent. They are reverent toward God. They are faithful in their religious duties and respect 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. The adjacent chart (link to PDF below) shows the 42 faith groups that have developed religious emblem programs, along with national contact information.http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-879_WB.pdf

For more information, click on the following links:

• Duty to God Program Information
• Review the Frequently Asked Questions about Religious Emblems Programs.  
• Learn How to Get Started on these programs.  
• See our chart of Religious Emblems Programs  
• Watch the Religious Emblems Coordinator informational video
• Additional resources available for the Religious Emblems Coordinator

Religious Observances – compiled by the National Council Religious Relationships Task Force

 There are certain holidays that individual Scouts and Scouters of different faiths celebrate each year. These holidays are not always on the same date on the calendar and may not be familiar to everyone. In order to respect the traditions of all Scouts and Scouters, care must be taken in scheduling Scouting activities.

The Boy Scouts of America has developed this religious holiday calendar for the use of local units, councils and others in scheduling Scout-related activities. It provides a brief description of each holiday, both in the overall list of holidays and following each month, and an indication of the significance of each as well. The calendar will be continuously updated to provide planners with a two-year holiday schedule.

Please remember that certain holidays begin on the night before the actual day of the holiday as shown on the calendar.

Chaplain/Chaplain’s Aide 

To serve as a Chaplain or Chaplain’s Aide is a unique opportunity for ministry. While serving in these offices, you will have the opportunity to help Scouts as they grow, both physically and spiritually. Some techniques to be used are modeling, mentoring, and offering faith-based experiences. Use this handbook to help you become better oriented to the duties, responsibilities, and opportunities of chaplaincy service in Boy Scout troops and Venturing crews.