Scouting in Protestant Churches
Background
Many local Protestant churches organized Scout troops in the early days
of the Scouting movement. Of the 7,375 registered troops at the close of
1915, more than 4,000 were chartered to Protestant churches, and 1,645
Scoutmasters were ministers. When church troops became numerous, some of
the denominational bodies decided to give recognition to the values of
Scouting as a resource for the churches in their youth ministries. Among
the earliest endorsements were from the Northern Baptist Convention, 1918;
Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A., 1918; United Lutheran Church in America,
1918; Congregational Churches, 1919; Methodist Church, 1919; and Southern
Baptist Convention, 1923. Today, Protestant churches have organized more
than 26 percent of all packs, troops, and crews, making them the largest
user of the Scouting program.
Currently, the following organizations have endorsed the program of the
Boy Scouts of America: African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church; American
Baptist; Church of God (Indiana); Church of God International Offices;
Church of God of Prophecy; Churches of God; Church of the Nazarene;
Episcopal Church; General Conference, General Association of General
Baptists; General Council of the Assemblies of God; Lutheran
Church-Missouri Synod; Members of Churches of Christ for Scouting;
Moravian Church, Northern Province; Moravian Church, Southern Province;
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); Southern Baptist; The Salvation Army; The
United Methodist Church; United Pentecostal Church; and West Virginia
Baptist Convention.
Support Functions
These five functions are in direct support of Scouting in Protestant churches.
Chaplaincy. Chaplains are provided for Cub Scout resident camps and Boy
Scout summer camps, national and world jamborees, and national high-adventure bases.
In addition, materials are provided to local councils for selecting and training
unit chaplains (adults) and chaplain aides (Boy Scouts).
Religious Emblems. The God and Country program series was developed and
distributed by Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.) and provides
spiritual growth experiences for members of the BSA who are Protestant, as well as
members of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., Camp Fire Inc., and other youth.
- God and Me: For Tiger Cubs and Cub Scouts, grades one through three
- God and Family: For fourth- and fifth-grade Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts
- God and Church: For sixth- to eighth-grade Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts
- God and Life: For older Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and female and male Venturers
- God and Country mentor program (adult curriculum): A mentor is someone who serves as
a living example for another person. The God and Country mentor program is
designed to help adults look directly at what it means to serve as a Christian
mentor and suggests how to have a positive, Christian influence on a child.
The mentor curriculum is designed for an adult working with a young person who
is enrolled in the God and Country program series.
The mentor program is not to be confused with the God and Service Award (see below).
An adult who completes the mentor studies will receive a certificate and lapel pin for
nonuniform wear.
- God and Service: A recognition presented to deserving adults who have given
distinguished service to youth through Scouting in a local church or at the
council, regional, or national level.
Venturing. In addition to Cub Scout packs and Boy Scout troops, many churches
have established dynamic and comprehensive Venturing youth group programs. They view
these programs as an excellent way to reach out to the youth in the community. Venturing
can strengthen an existing youth group program by adding outdoor and recreational
activities.
Religious Activities. Local council support materials are provided for a
variety of religious activities, including annual Scout Sunday observances, retreats,
"Duty to God" encampments, religious emblem recognition dinners, and Scouting show
displays. An annual "Scouting in the Church's Ministry" conference at Philmont Scout
Ranch, Cimarron, New Mexico, attracts participants from across the nation who come
together for a week to learn about the role of Scouting in local churches. Those
faith groups with 15 or more participants in attendance have afternoon break-out
sessions. If you are interested in attending Philmont, contact your local council
service center.
Relationships. National liaison is maintained with more than 25 denominations
that use the Scouting program as part of their ministry to children, youth, and
families.
Local Committees
BSA local councils are encouraged to form religious relationships and/or
Protestant committees on Scouting. Some areas they might want to address
are:
- Interpretation of Scouting as a resource for ministry to children,
youth, and families
- Promotion of the God and Country religious emblems program and other
denominational emblems programs
- Promotion of Scout Sunday
- Provision of summer camp and Cub resident camp chaplains
- Guidance for districts and councils in religious matters
- Organization of new Scouting units in Protestant churches
- Ensuring that existing units do not become dropped units
- Sending qualified individuals to the "Scouting in the Church's
Ministry" conference
Communication
BSA Today, published six times a year, features news and information
regarding various Scouting activities throughout the nation, including feature
articles in Protestant churches. Suggested articles, including photos, are
always welcome.
For further information, write Boy Scouts of America; Relationships Division,
S326; Boy Scouts of America, 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane, P.O. Box 152079; Irving,
TX 75015-2079; or call your local council service
center listed in the white pages.