Archive for Jason

Book – In our own way

November 2010 Interfaith No comments


One of my favorite books and worship aids for interfaith scouting is
In Our Own Way, edited by Robert Lee Edmonds.

From the publisher:

In Our Own Way is an extraordinarily rich compilation of thoughtfully selected and specially written prayers from over 30 faith groups and denominations that embody Scouting’s founding moral principles. It also includes an expansive collection of popular Scout prayers, graces, benedictions and other devotions chosen from historical and contemporary sources spanning a century of the Boy Scout movement.

A must have inspirational handbook for every Scout and leader! In Our Own Way is an excellent personal companion and indispensable for use at pack and troop meetings, ceremonies and banquets, Courts of Honor, camps and outings, and leadership training programs. This remarkable treasury of prayers is an important and invaluable guide for anyone wanting to discover,
embrace, and share a Scouting way of life enriched through faith, reverence, and devotion.

 

About the Editor

Robert Lee Edmonds has more than 25 years of volunteer service to Boy Scouting. He is an Eagle Scout and a recipient of the Honor Medal conferred by the Boy Scouts of America’s National Court of Honor.

Dr. Edmonds has received numerous national and international recognitions and awards for his contributions to industry, education, science and technology. He is the author of High Honors: A Century of Heroism and Meritorious Action in the Boy Scouts of America, scheduled for release in 2010.

 

It is small enough to fit in your daypack or comfortably in a Scout’s pants’ pocket — and includes prayers and blessings from several faiths, as well as commentary as it all relates to Scouting.

 

What BSA says on Faith – Cub Scouts

October 2010 Cub Scouts, What BSA says One comment

What does the BSA says about Faith and Religion — for Cub Scouts

For Cub Scouts and Leaders:

The Cub Scout Promise states:
I ________ promise to do my best
To do my duty to God and my country,
To help other people, and
To obey the Law of the Pack.

The BSA scouting.org website offers clarity and commentary on each aspect of  the Cub Scout Promise.

To do my duty to God:  This  phrase means to remember to thank God for good friends, good health, our  well-being, our family, and all others who love and help us. Going to worship  services is another way of doing our duty to God. We should respect other  people’s religious beliefs even if they are different from our own.

from www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/AboutCubScouts/Ideals/promise.aspx

 

See also the Religious Programs available to Tigers, Wolves,Bears and Webelos.

How to ask about faith

October 2010 Interfaith No comments

 

How to Ask

It is okay to ask Scouts and their families about their Faith.

The BSA is not a public organization like a Public School, where faith issues are considered taboo. Instead, the BSA explicitly states that reverence to a diety is a mandate of membership, as part of the Scout Law, the Cub Scout Promise, and the guiding principles of Sir Baden Powell. Faith is part of how a boy grows into the man that they are capable of becoming.

Our job as Scout Leaders is to enable each boy to grow in their own faith, so that they can reach their own potential. You cannot accomodate each boy’s faith needs any more than you can accomodate their eating requirements, if you do not know what each boy needs.

Consider writing a survey form for each scout

Much like the Talent Survey that is given to many adults, in helping find subject experts for teaching scout topics, the form should be filled out by the Scout and their parents, and include questions such as:

What activities are you involved in? This will help you plan when boys may attend less functions due to sports seasons or band activities
What religion does your family practice? If so, what church/temple/mosque do you attend? Nice and simple, and intermixed with other questions that related to becoming aware of each boy’s needs
Do you have any food allergies? If so, what? Consider avoiding these all together, if not overly restrictive
Do you have any food restrictions or preferences (e.g. vegetarian, non-beef, non-pork, vegan, kosher)? This will help you plan your overall meals
Anything else that you want the Troop/Pack to know about you? (the catch all)

 

Once you know about each boy, then you can accomodate their needs, both physically and spiritually. Without that knowledge, you run the risk of really offending someone with an ‘allergic reaction’ to your religious program, or starving them of any deity recognition at all.

 

This website is intended to provide you with links to tools and resources that will hopefully help you with running a Scouting program that respects and encourages the faiths of all of its members.

What BSA says on Faith – BSA Charter

October 2010 What BSA says No comments

What does the BSA says about Faith and Religion

Article IX, Clause 1 of the Charter of the Boy Scouts of America states:

The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God.

In the first part of the Scout Oath or Promise the  member declares, ‘‘On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my  country and to obey the Scout Law.’’ The recognition of God as the ruling and  leading power in the universe and the grateful acknowledgment of His favors and blessings are necessary to the best type of citizenship and are wholesome precepts in the education of the growing members. No matter what the religious faith of the members may be, this fundamental need of good citizenship should be kept before them. The Boy Scouts of America, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but it is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Its policy is that the home and the organization or group with which the member is connected shall give definite
attention to religious life.

The BSA goes on to offer the following interpretive clarifications:

  1. The Boy Scouts of America does not define what constitutes belief in God or the practice of religion.
  2. The Boy Scouts of America does not require membership in a religious organization or association for enrollment in the movement but does prefer, and strongly encourages, member-ship and participation in the religious programs and activities of a church, synagogue, or other religious association. If a Scout does not belong to a religious organization or association, then his parent(s) or guardian(s) will be considered to be responsible for his religious development.
  3. The Boy Scouts of America respects the convictions of those who exercise their constitutional freedom to practice religion as individuals without formal membership in organized religious organizations. In a few cases, there are those who, by conviction, do not feel it necessary to formally belong to an organized form of religion and seek to practice religion in accordance with their own personal convictions. Religious organizations have commended the Boy Scouts of America for encouraging youth to participate in organized religious activities. However, these same organizations reject any form of compulsion to enforce conformity to established religious practices.
  4. If a boy says he is a member of a religious body, the standards by which he should be evaluated are those of that group. This is why the application for the Eagle Scout Award requests a reference from his religious leader to indicate whether he has lived up to their expectations. Throughout life, Scouts are associated with people of different faiths. Scouting believes in religious freedom, respecting others whose religion may differ from theirs, and in the right of all to worship God in their own way.

BSA Youth Applications reference the Declaration of Religious Principle (above) and add:

Only persons willing to subscribe to these precepts of the Declaration of Religious Principle and to the Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America shall be entitled to certificates of membership.

BSA Adult Applications have a similar reference to the Declaration of Religious Principle with the following:

The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God and, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but it is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Its policy is that the home and organization or group with which the member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life. Only persons willing to subscribe to these precepts from the Declaration of Religious  Principle and to the Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America shall be entitled to certificates of leadership.

See also — the Cub Scout Promise and  the Boy Scout Oath & Law

 

What BSA says on Faith – Boy Scouts

October 2010 What BSA says No comments
The Boy Scout Oath promises:
On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

 

The 12th Point of the Scout Law is that “A Scout is Reverent“.

A Scout is reverent toward God.

He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others. Wonders all around the world remind us of our faith in God. We find it in the tiny secrets of creation and in the great mysteries of the universe. It exists in the kindness of people and in the teachings of our families and religious leaders. We show our reverence by living our lives according to the ideals of our beliefs. Throughout your life you will encounter people expressing their reverence in many different ways. The Constitution of the United States guarantees each of us the freedom to believe and worship as we wish without government interference. It is your duty to respect and defend others’ rights to their religious beliefs even when they differ from your own.

 

Scouting 4 God Commentary:

“Reverence” in the Scout Law comes down to three key mandates – found within  the first line of text above:

He is FAITHFUL in his religious duties.   Above all else, are you and your Creator in alignment?  Every person of every faith is individually accountable to their Creator for their own actions.  The Scout Law reminds us of this accountability.

He RESPECTS the beliefs of others.  As is the purpose of this entire website and the BSA charter, while we may not agree on what our Creator looks like, we must respect others viewpoints.   As your faith calls you to share your faith, do it respectfully in ways that does not tread on beliefs of those around you.  Moreover, Scout Leaders and those responsible for leading religious activities within Scouting events must be very sensitive to ensure that their language and activities do not enforce only one particular faith.

We find it in the tiny secrets of CREATION.  As our common denominator, we embrace a Creator.  Especially with Scouting’s emphasis on outdoor activities and camping, it should be easy to be constantly reminded that a Creator exists — and therefore is suitable to be reverent to.

 

See also – the BSA Charter & Bylaws andthe Cub Scout Promise

BSA Recognized Faiths thru PrayPub

October 2010 Interfaith, What BSA says No comments

Scout Law – Interfaith

September 2010 Interfaith, Scout Law No comments

The Scout Law and the World’s Wisdom  /  Compiled by Reverend Timothy B. Cargal, Ph.D.

For National Capital Area Council Wood Badge Course 82-84 — PDF avail right-click here

 

Leader: From the wisdom of Mesoamerica: “Never lie, for it is a great failing. When you tell anyone what has been told to you, tell the simple truth, and add nothing to it.” (Biart, The Aztecs, from “An Aztec Father’s Exhortations to his Son”)

Scouts: A Scout is Trustworthy.

 

Leader: From the wisdom of Confucianism: “The duties of universal obligation are five, and the moral qualities by which they are carried out are three. The duties are those between ruler and subject, between parents and children, between husband and wife, between elder sibling and younger, and those in the intercourse between friends. … Wisdom, compassion and courage—these are the three universally recognized moral qualities of human beings.” (The Golden Mean, section 13)

Scouts: A Scout is Loyal.

 

Leader: From the wisdom of the Quran, the scriptures of Islam: “The righteous … give sustenance to the poor, the orphan, and the captive, saying, ‘We feed you for God’s sake only; we seek of you neither recompense nor thanks.’” (Quran 76:8-9)

Scouts: A Scout is Helpful.

 

Leader: From the wisdom of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam: “All God’s creatures are God’s family; and the one is the most beloved of God who does most good to God’s creatures.” (Ab-dullah and Al-Suhrawardy, Sayings of Muhammad, p. 89).

Scouts: A Scout is Friendly.

 

Leader: From the wisdom of Buddhism: “Avoid harsh language … [and] speak such words as are gentle, soothing to the ear, loving, such words as go to the heart, and are courteous, friendly, and agreeable to many.” (Anguttara Nik~ya 10.176)

Scouts: A Scout is Courteous.

 

Leader: From the wisdom of Hillel, a sage of Judaism: “A certain heathen came to Hillel and said to him: Convert me provided that you teach me the entire Torah while I stand on one foot. … Hillel … said to him: What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor: that is the entire Torah; the rest is commentary; go and learn it.” (Shabbat 31a)

Scouts: A Scout is Kind.

 

Leader: From the wisdom of the Book of Samuel, a shared scripture of Jews and Christians: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord. Surely, to obey is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15:22)

Scouts: A Scout is Obedient.

 

Leader: From the wisdom of Taoism: “If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never be truly fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are.” (Tao Te Ching, 44)

Scouts: A Scout is Cheerful.

 

Leader: From a parable of Jesus of Nazareth: “The master said to his steward, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy servant; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:21)

Scouts: A Scout is Thrifty.

 

Leader: From the wisdom of the Sioux: “With the Sioux, courage is absolute self-control. The truly brave one, we contend, yields neither to fear nor anger, desire nor agony. The brave one is at all times master of oneself.” (Ohiyesa, The Soul of the Indian, 115)

Scouts: A Scout is Brave.

 

Leader: From the wisdom of Hinduism: “Let one therefore keep the mind pure, for what one thinks that one becomes: this is a mystery of Eternity.” (Maitri Upanishad VI:24)

Scouts: A Scout is Clean.

 

Leader: From the wisdom of Augustine, a saint of Christianity: “You, O God, awake us to delight in your praise; for you made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” (Augustine, Confessions, I.1.3)

Scouts: A Scout is Reverent.

 

ScoutingForGod suggestion : Scout Law readings are a great way to share a Scouts’ Own service with other Scouts.  Consider printing and tearing this into 12 strips; and then handing out to twelve scouts.  Each Scout can then read one, the group can recite that element of the Scout Law, and then the next reader continues.

Awards & Programs for Bear Cubs

September 2010 Awards and Programs, Cub Scouts, Religious Programs One comment

All religious courseware and programs are prescribed by the various religious institutions that have chosen to develop them. The programs are not created or maintained by the Boy Scouts. BSA simply approves the program structure and provides a method of recognition via the Uniform Knots for Scouts and Adults.

Religious study programs that are designed for 3rd grade youth can be used to satisfy the rank requirements for Bear.

A Cub Scout-specific metal ‘device’ (pin # 926) is available for the Purple Scout Religous Knot, BSA part number 05007

Depending on the scout’s faith, they have options such as:

Roman Catholic Parvuli Dei 3rd, 4th and 5th grade
Christian Protestent God & Me 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade
Islamic In the Name of God 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade
Jewish Aleph 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th

To complete the BEAR RANK,
the scout must do one of either Activities 1 (Ways we Worship) or 2 (Emblems of Faith).

1.  WAYS WE WORSHIP  (complete both requirements 1a and 1b)

  1. Complete the Character Connection for Faith
  • Know.  Name some people in history who have shown great faith. Discuss with an adult how faith has been important at a particular point in his or her life.
  • Commit. Discuss with an adult how having faith and hope will help you in your life, and also discuss some ways that you can strengthen your faith.
  • Practice. Practice your faith as you are taught in your home, church, synagogue, mosque, or religious fellowship.
  1. Make a list of things you can do this week to practice your religion as you are taught in your home, church, synagogue, mosque, or other religious community. Check them off your list as you complete them.

OR

2.  EMBLEMS OF FAITH  (earn the purple knot above)

Guidance based on the BSA Bear Handbook (2006 edition) – pages 24-33.

If you know of other resources related Religious Programs, Awards or Rank Advancements, please let us know !

 

Awards & Programs for Tiger Cubs

September 2010 Awards and Programs, Cub Scouts, Religious Programs 2 comments

All religious courseware and programs are prescribed by the various religious institutions that have chosen to develop them.  The programs are not created or maintained by the Boy Scouts.  BSA simply approves the program structure and provides a method of recognition via the Uniform Knots for Scouts and Adults.

The Tiger Rank does not have a religious participation activity, however religious study programs that are designed for 1st grade youth can be recognized by the used to satisfy the rank requirements for Tiger.

A Cub Scout-specific metal ‘device’ (pin # 926) is available for the Purple Scout Religous Knot, BSA part number 05007

Depending on the scout’s faith, they have options such as:

Roman Catholic Light of Chirst 1st & 2nd grade
Christian Protestent God & Me 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade
Islamic Bismillah 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade
Jewish Maccabee 1st grade

 

If you know of other resources related Religious Programs, Awards or Rank Advancements, please let us know !

 

Awards & Programs for Wolf Cubs

September 2010 Awards and Programs, Cub Scouts, Religious Programs One comment

All religious courseware and programs are prescribed by the various religious institutions that have chosen to develop them. The programs are not created or maintained by the Boy Scouts. BSA simply approves the program structure and provides a method of recognition via the Uniform Knots for Scouts and Adults.

Religious study programs that are designed for 2nd grade youth can be used to satisfy the rank requirements for Wolf.

A Cub Scout-specific metal ‘device’ (pin # 926) is available for the Purple Scout Religous Knot, BSA part number 05007

Depending on the scout’s faith, they have options such as:

Roman Catholic Light of Chirst 1st & 2nd grade
Christian Protestent God & Me 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade
Islamic Bismillah 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade
Jewish Aleph 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th


To complete the WOLF RANK,
Activity 11 is “Duty to God”, which includes the following requirements:

11.  DUTY TO GOD

  1. Complete the Character Connection for Faith
  • Know. What is “faith”? With your family, discuss some people who have shown their faith – who have shown an inner strength based on their trust in a higher power or cause.
    Discuss the good qualities of these people.
  • Commit. Discuss these questions with your family: What problems did these faithful people overcome to follow or practice their beliefs? What challenges might you face in doing your duty to God? Who can help you with these challenges?
  • Practice. Practice your faith while doing the requirements for “Duty to God.”
  1. Talk with your family about what they believe is their duty to God.
  2. Give two ideas on how you can practice or demonstrate your religious beliefs.
  3. Choose one and do it. Find out how you can help your church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or religious fellowship.

Guidance based on the BSA Wolf Handbook (2006 edition) – pages 94-99.

If you know of other resources related Religious Programs, Awards or Rank Advancements, please let us know !

 

« Older Entries   Recent Entries »
%d bloggers like this: