RELATIONSHIPS

Nationwide, Scouting’s 130,000 Cub Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Venturing Crews are chartered to civic organizations and religious institutions.

The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God.  This principle is found in the twelfth point of the Scout Law, "Reverence", and in the Scout Oath, "Duty to God".

EARN A RELIGIOUS AWARD

Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers are encouraged to earn religious awards in their respective faiths.  Check with your Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, or Crew Advisor or with your religious leader.  They will help you to earn the various awards.  Once you’ve earned your award, it will be presented where you worship and/or at a Court of Honor or Blue & Gold Banquet.  You are also entitled to wear the square knot shown below on your uniform.


Youth


Adult

JOSEPH & ROSE MARIE BAKER FUND

Through the generosity of Joseph and Rose Marie Baker, the Burlington County Council pays for the cost of each religious award presented to members of the Council (youth and adult).  The Bakers believed strongly in Scouting and its commitment to a Scout’s obligation to be reverent.

TROOP CHAPLAIN AIDE

The chaplain aide is an approved youth leadership position in Boy Scout troops.  The responsibilities of this position include encouraging the spiritual growth and awareness of each member of the troop and assisting the troop chaplain (and adult committee members).

The chaplain aide should:

  1. Work with the troop chaplain (usually an adult member of the clergy) to plan appropriate interfaith religious services during troop outings.
  2. Encourage troop members to strengthen their own relationships with God through personal prayer and devotion and participation in religious activities appropriate to their faith.
  3. Participate in patrol leaders council panning sessions to ensure that spiritual emphasis is included in troop activities.
  4. Help the troop chaplain (or other designated adult) plan and conduct an annual Scout-oriented religious observance,. Preferably during Scout Week in February.
  5. Present an overview of the religious emblems program at troop meetings at least once per year.
  6. Help the troop chaplain (or other designated adult) recognize troop members who receive their religious emblems, perhaps during a troop court of honor (note: most religious emblems are conferred during a service at the Scout's place of worship, but the achievement should also be recognized at a significant troop event.).

    7. Qualifications

    1. The chaplain aide must be mature and sensitive and have earned the respect and trust of his fellow Scouts.
    2. The chaplain aide must be at least a First Class Scout.
    3. The chaplain aide must have received or be working on the requirements leading to the age-appropriate religious emblem for his faith.