Religious Awards & Emblems
Jeff Gold
Hash: SHA1
RFC (Request for Comments)
Scouting/Religious Awards & Emblems
I have written the following draft FAQ. I would like to incorporate
any relevant comments before attempting general distribution.
There are two recognized weaknesses:
1. Programs outside the USA.
2. USA programs not administered by P.R.A.Y.
______________________________________________________________________
>What are Religious Awards & Emblems?
Religious Awards & Emblems are given to registered Scouts
for demonstrating knowledge of their religion. The BSA,
GSUSA, and Camp Fire Boys & Girls are among the
Scouting organizations that cooperate in this program.
Outstanding Scouters may qualify for an adult award.
______________________________________________________________________
>Why have Religious Awards & Emblems?
Reverence for religion is one of the values taught by Scouting.
The 12th point of the Boy Scout Law is: "A scout is reverent."
Other Scouting groups may have different approaches, but share
the goal of teaching good values including reverence.
______________________________________________________________________
>Are there awards or emblems for my Religion?
An award or emblem program has been created for all
recognized religious groups. For a complete list see
http://www.praypub.org/recognitions/selectagency.htm
In the USA, the administrator of many of these programs is
P.R.A.Y. If you cannot find awards for your religious group,
contact them at http://www.praypub.org/ or call 800-333-7729.
______________________________________________________________________
>Is there more then one award or emblem for my Religion?
Yes, programs provide several awards or emblems. Your age
or Scouting rank determines the one for which you are eligible.
______________________________________________________________________
>What do I have to do to get my award or emblem?
Each Scout must maintain a workbook which is a personal record of
their progress. Requirements vary both by age and religion.
For more information, contact the appropriate local religious
committee, national religious committee, or P.R.A.Y. (see end)
______________________________________________________________________
>How much will it cost?
There is a small fee (about $3) for ordering a pamphlet or
workbook describing the requirements. These are available
from P.R.A.Y. (see bottom), your local Scout store, or may be
available on the Internet for free (some materials are copyrighted).
There is a slightly higher cost for the religious award,
emblem, or medallion itself. This may vary from about $4-$12.
For pictures of BSA awards see:
http://www.bsa.scouting.org/awards/religious/chart.jpg
______________________________________________________________________
>What is "religious advisor" and do I need one?
A religious advisor is recommended, but NOT required. A religious
advisor may be a member of the clergy, religious educator, member
of a local scouting religious committee, or knowledgeable lay person.
It is helpful, but not necessary that the religious advisor have some
personal knowledge of Scouting.
______________________________________________________________________
>How do parents participate?
Parent participation is critical for younger children. Older
children are expected to complete the requirements in
cooperation with their religious advisor. Once all requirements
have been completed, parents must mail the appropriate forms
and payment to P.R.A.Y. (see end) to receive their child's
religious award, emblem, or medallion.
______________________________________________________________________
>What is a Religious Committee?
Most religious organizations have a national committee which
interfaces with Scouting organizations. Each national committee
will create, organize and promote a program designed to meet
their requirements. For a list of national religious committees
see http://www.praypub.org/recognitions/selectfaith.asp
Regional religious committees may be formed under the auspices
of the national committees. They may promote the creation
of local committees, support their work, and organize regional
conferences.
Local religious committees may be formed under the auspices of
the local Scouting councils. They may promote their program of
religious awards or emblems by organizing study groups and
award ceremonies. They also submit requests for adult awards.
Contact your local council to contact your local religious committee.
If your council does not have the appropriate religious committee
then contact the appropriate national religious committee for
assistance in forming one.
______________________________________________________________________
>What is an awards ceremony?
An awards ceremony acknowledges the accomplishments of Scouts and
Scouters who have recently received religious awards or emblems.
It may be organized by a local religious council or other religious
organization. It may or may not be part of a religious service.
______________________________________________________________________
>You have not answered my question!
Sorry, this FAQ is always "under development".
First, try looking at these great resources:
http://www.praypub.org/faq_main.htm
http://usscouts.org/scoutduty/
http://www.emf.net/~troop24/reqs/religious.html
http://www.macscouter.com/ScoutsOwn/
If that is not helpful then contact the professionals at P.R.A.Y.
http://www.praypub.org/ or call 800-333-7729.
Please do NOT contact me directly (sco...@learn.at) except
to comment on this document.
______________________________________________________________________
>Where is this FAQ maintained?
Updates to this FAQ will be posted in the
"rec.scouting.usa" USENET newsgroup.
The most recent copy of this FAQ may be found
at http://www.faqs.org/faqs/scouting/
______________________________________________________________________
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: PGPfreeware 7.0.3 for non-commercial use <http://www.pgp.com>
iQA/AwUBO9CgRDY8kffAj0pLEQIL9wCdHRHs2nXRtuXx4UVo0nNGThrNEZwAnRHS
XFYjZ8qnjV04Oo+bpD7V0/06
=Dox8
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----