Chaplain Aide Training Rich Marano Religious Emblems Chairman
Chaplain Aide Training Rich Marano Religious Emblems Chairman Archdiocese of Hartford Catholic Committee on Scouting
Where To Begin?
PART I Opening Prayer • Invite the CCS Chaplain or CCS Chairman to lead the prayer and say a few words.
PART II Welcome • A Scout is Reverent • Baden-Powell’s “Duty To God” • Religion is essential to happiness • Do One’s Best • Do A Good Turn Daily
Threefold Purpose of the Chaplain Aide
Chaplain Aide • Make the 12 th point of the Scout Law more meaningful in life • Promote a greater understanding of and appreciation for all religions • Provide Scouts with the opportunity to work with an ordained member of the clergy, thereby gaining insight into the religious professional life
Why me? • You have the potential to do well • You probably have expressed some interest • You have exhibited leadership skills • You probably have many questions about your new troop leadership position
BSA qualifications • Mature, sensitive, and have earned the respect and trust of your fellow scouts • At least a First Class scout • Received or are working on the religious emblem of your Faith
What is expected of me? EACH TROOP HAS ITS OWN NEEDS, FAITH TRADITIONS, AND FAITH EXPERIENCE • • • Compile and keep an up-to-date list of counselors Prepare a troop prayer Prepare prayers for meals Plan religious services for troop campouts Encourage troop members to strengthen their own relationship with God through personal prayer, devotions, and participation in religious activities
What is expected of me? • Participate in PLC planning to ensure that a spiritual emphasis is • • • included Maintain the troop’s religious emblems award progress chart Annually present an overview of the various religious emblems programs to your unit and area Cub Scout Dens and Packs Assist troop Chaplain in planning and conducting a religious emblems recognition ceremony Serve as youth coordinator of annual Scout Sunday/Sabbath services Work with troop Chaplain to create an appropriate service during campouts
Being a good leader • BASICS OF LEADERSHIP • Have a good attitude • Act with maturity • Be organized • Look the part
Have a good attitude • Optimistic outlook • Positive can-do attitude
Act with maturity • Earn respect by being fair to everyone and by being consistent in your actions
Be organized • Carefully prepare for meetings and events
Look the part • Set a good example by wearing a full uniform • The uniform commands respect, provides identity for troop members, strengthens a sense of belonging, and builds troop spirit
Key leadership skills • Effective communication • Effective listening • Reflection • Conflict resolution
Effective communication • • • GIVING INFORMATION Organize your thoughts; write a few notes to remind yourself on the points you want to cover Make sure you have everyone’s attention Speak clearly; make eye contact; ask if there any questions Write the most important points on a flip chart or whiteboard Repeat facts such as dates, times, places, individuals and materials needed Ask Scribe to make notes of the discussion, distribute copies of schedules, activity plans, and duty rosters
Effective communication RECEIVING INFORMATION • Give the speaker your full attention • Write down points of information: dates; times; locations; participants • Ask questions
Effective listening • Essential to good communication • Can be a learned skill and constantly improved • Practice good listening by paying attention to • • • what others are saying, and leaving unsaid Notice tone of voice and body language Be aware of how you feel while you listen Take care of distracting matters Let emotions cool down Powerful tool for solving problems, settling disputes, and building troop spirit
Follow-up • Contact troop members and relay information • • • when necessary Give advance notice of activities Provide written copies of information Remind scouts of specific duties they have accepted Maintain a calendar Plan, plan
Reflection • Sharing ideas that encourage everyone to assess an event or activity that has just occurred • Explore some of the values it offers • What did you like, dislike, or would do differently?
Reflection: Ground rules • Have everyone seated; don’t force anyone to talk; no one may interrupt the person speaking; no place for put-downs or making fun of one another • Keep the discussion going • Don’t dominate the conversation • Summarize the most important points • Be positive
Conflict resolution • Conflicts can occur when people disagree or are unable to find a reasonable compromise • Differences in personalities • Different values • Misperceptions • Misunderstandings
Conflict resolution • Responses to conflict * Avoiding * Compromising * Problem Solving
PART III Duty to GOD in Scouting • Scout Oath: “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to GOD and my country…”
What is an oath? • A solemn appeal upon GOD to witness the truth of the promise
The Twelfth Point of the Scout Law • “A Scout is REVERENT” • To be deeply respectful, to treat with reverence or honor, to venerate or worship, to regard highly with a great and unquestioning love
A Scout is Reverent • Reverent toward GOD • Faithful in his religious duties • Respects the beliefs of others • Lives his life according to the ideals of his beliefs
Lord Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scouting movement • Duty to GOD through doing our duty to our neighbor • In helping others and in doing good turns, part of a Scout’s character gets formed • Character and nature study bring the Scout in closer touch spiritually with GOD
According to Lord Baden-Powell: • NATURE STUDY offers important experiences for Scouts to learn a deeper reverence toward GOD
Scouting • Belief in a divine presence, a creator of all things
Duty to GOD is tied directly to Duty to Country • Celebrate our nation in ceremonies at the beginning and end of meetings • Join together in prayer, thanking GOD in praise for all that we have to celebrate
What does Scouting teach? • A gift is not the Scout’s until he has expressed gratitude • • • for it Scouts show thankfulness for gifts received through service, in behalf of GOD, to his fellow men The question for the Scout becomes, not what he can get, but what he can GIVE in life From this service should the ensue the reign of peace upon earth ---Lord Robert Baden-Powell
Scouting • Duty to GOD • Scouting experiences strengthen one’s Faith • The best kind of citizen recognizes his obligation to GOD
Scout training requires: • A religious element as part of the Scouting experience • Training must be nonsectarian (inclusive and considerate of all religions)
PART IV The Unit’s Chaplain • What are his duties?
Duties of the Unit Chaplain • Spiritual leader for the troop • Along with the Chaplain Aide, sets a “spiritual tone” for meetings and activities • Encourages time for spiritual reflection • Promotes prayer as well as Grace
Chaplain guides the Chaplain Aide • Assists with planning and types of events • Provides guidance to Scouts • Encourages service projects
Chaplain • Promotes regular participation in the activities of the Scout’s • • religious community Assists the spiritual growth of ALL Faiths Inspires Scouts to attend services of their Faith Includes Scouts of all Faiths; NEVER excludes We are ALL children of the one FATHER Respects and defends others’ rights to their religious beliefs NEVER requires a Scout to attend a religious service of another Faith if he does not want to attend NEVER penalizes a Scout who does not attend a religious service/event Does NOT impose mandatory religious requirements on Scouts
Home Visits • In time of sickness or need
Chaplain • Gives spiritual counseling services when needed • • • or requested Is kept informed of any problems that may arise Encourages Scouts to participate in the funeral or memorial service when there is a loss Reports to the Troop Committee and meets with them quarterly
Chaplain • Encourages Scouts to earn religious emblems • Provides motivation and inspiration to Scouts and Scouters • Gives special recognition to Scouts when warranted • Encourages the unit to earn Unit Awards
PART V Chaplain Aide • Works with the troop Chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts in the unit • Reports to the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) • Venturing’s “Spiritual Guide”
Duties • Assist Chaplain with religious services • Educates Scouts about the religious emblems programs • Makes sure religious holidays are properly observed • Plans for religious observance in the troop’s activities
Duties • Sets a good example • Wears his uniform correctly • Lives by the Scout Oath and Law • Shows Scout spirit
Assisting the Chaplain • Meet with the Chaplain and SPL, ASPL and remember “ 2 -deep” leadership • Acts a host and introduces Chaplain when Chaplain attends a troop function • Transports and prepares items for the ceremonies • Assists during the service and afterward
Planning Religious Events • Include the Chaplain’s input • Provide service projects and other needs of your Faith community • Ask what Scouts can do for the Chaplain
Tell Scouts about the religious emblems program for their Faith • Include ALL Faiths of your unit’s members • Encourage unit awards • Remember the “ 2 -deep” rule
Recognize Scouts at your unit’s next Court of Honor • Present a uniform knot • Recognize ALL Scouts who have received religious emblems during the past year
Boards of Review • Should include questions regarding the Scout’s commitment to “Duty to GOD” • How is the Scout following the Twelfth point of the Scout Law?
Religious Holidays • Make sure religious holidays are considered during troop program planning • Know the religious holidays of various Faiths • NEVER penalize a Scout for missing a Scouting event when it falls on a holy day
Prayers • Prayers during the opening of a meeting should be routine • Closing prayers are optional • Use materials appropriate to ALL Faiths
Guidelines for Prayers • Use nonsectarian/Interfaith words that everyone can share and feel comfortable about • Ecumenical wording is appropriate • If all Scouts are of the same Faith, the services of that Faith are, of course, appropriate
Council and District Events • Are almost ALWAYS considered Interfaith events
Troop Campouts and Dinners • Grace said at meals
Scout Sunday and Sabbath • On the closest dates to February 8 th • Plan ahead for a service • Recognize religious emblem recipients • Invite other units to attend or participate
Set an example • Opportunity for personal growth • Conducts himself in a moral way • Get closer to GOD • Wears uniform correctly and with pride • Lives by the Scout Oath and Law • Shows reverence toward GOD; faithful in his religious duties; respects beliefs of others; lives his life by ideals
Show Scout Spirit • Have fun and help others to have fun • Be mature and sensitive • Achieved the rank of First Class • Working on or received his religious emblem
PART VI Promoting the religious emblems programs • My troop progress chart: Contains name, contact information, religious preference, emblem, status, date
Religious emblems • Programs that are created by the religious groups • Encourage Scouts to grow stronger in their Faith • BSA approves the programs and allows recognition to be worn on the official uniform
Each religious group • Develops, and administers its own program
Catholic emblem programs • First developed in 1926 • Opportunity to fulfill the Twelfth point of the Scout Law and “Duty to GOD”
Getting started on an emblem • Obtain the appropriate manual which is sold at most Scout shops • Speak with a trained and approved counselor
Catholic awards • Light of Christ • Parvuli Dei • Ad Altare Dei • Pope Pius XII
Light of Christ • Help the Cub Scout become aware of the value of having a personal relationship with Jesus • To better understand appreciate Christ’s love and concern for him • Tigers or Wolf cubs • Completed prior to third grade
Parvuli Dei • “Little ones of God” • Parish and family-oriented program • Completed second grade • Develop an awareness of God’s love for each of • • us Identifies him as an important member of his family, community, and parish Taught responsibilities that grow out of God’s love for us
Ad Altare Dei • “toward the altar of God” • Completed the sixth grade • Purpose is to assist the Scout in developing a • • • fully Christian way of life in his faith community Based on the seven sacraments Sacraments are a primary means to growth in our spiritual life Work with an approved and trained counselor
Pope Pius XII • High school age scouts and venturers • Ad Altare Dei is NOT a prerequisite • Facilitated by a trained counselor • Opportunity to share and practice their faith • To become more active and discover their role in the Catholic faith community
Promotion presentations • “Be Prepared” • Keep them short and meaningful • Identify the various programs • Provide motivation • Obtain promotional materials • Have a speaker who has earned the emblem • Identify whom to contact
Recognition ceremonies • Simple but impressive • Purpose is to recognize the individual and his achievement
Support network • List of counselors and area committees
PART VII Available Resources • From the National Catholic Committee on Scouting www. nccs-bsa. org • From the Diocese Catholic Committee on Scouting • From the District (or Area) Catholic Committee on Scouting
Web sites www. liturgyofthehours. org www. praypub. org usscouts. org/scoutduty/index. html www. scouter. com/compass/leadersresource/ chaplainresources/
Available resources from the BSA • www. scouting. org/relationships
PART VIII Interfaith Prayers • Calls to worship • Boy Scout Law • Prayers of thanks • Philmont Grace • Prayer in camp • Boy Scout’s prayer
Interfaith Prayers • Prayer for the troop’s chaplain • Native American prayers • Prayers for Scouts • Blessings for Scouts • An Eagle’s prayer (for an Eagle Court of Honor)
Hymns and Songs • Scout Vespers • God Bless America • On My Honor • Taps • Amazing Grace
Hymns and Songs • Kum Ba Yah with the Scout Law • He’s got the Whole World in His Hands • On Eagle’s Wings (Psalm 91) (for an Eagle Court of Honor)
PART IX Religious observance in unit activities • Opening prayers • Camporees • Meals • Scout Sunday • Funerals • Prayer Services
Large Assemblies / Camporees • Require pre-planning and coordination • Program booklets, handouts
Sample Service • 1. • 2. • 3. • 4. • 5. • 6. • 7. • 8. • 9. Opening Prayer Opening Song Reading Reflection or discussion Prayer for our Country Thoughts from Lord Baden-Powell A Scouter’s Prayer Closing Song
Scout Sunday / Sabbath • National Scout Week / February 8 • Coordination between Chaplain Aide and Unit Chaplain • Include the Cub Pack and other Scout units
Service • Announce weeks in advance • Bulletins, posters, announcements • Reserve front rows for Scouts • Hold a reception afterwards • Full uniform, flag ceremony, Scout hymns • Acknowledge religious emblems earned • Award square knots • Recognize service projects • Include Scouts where possible
Summer Camp • Should provide church services • Should have a camp chaplain • Duty to GOD should be a part of the program • Daily services • Invite local clergy to assist, and invite them for • • dinner Scouters in camp may be deacons/clergy Mix different Faiths; do NOT offend others
My Troop Prayer • Does your unit have one? Why not?
Meal Prayers • Morning Graces • Noon Graces • Evening Graces • Scouting Graces
Prayer Services (for Catholics) • To pray is to seek union with GOD • Time to meditate during sunset, sunrise, • • • climbing, hiking, or star gazing Mass: chief among all prayers Set a good mood and create an inspired atmosphere using signs, symbols, and visuals Candles, a cross, vesture, altar covering, Scout emblem, programs, songbooks, banners, music, etc.
Unit Camping • Be sure to include a troop worship service
Funerals • Scout or Scouter • Permission of the family • Attend in uniform • Sit together as a unit • Serve as Honorary Pallbearers or Ushers • Participate in the service, if possible
Expressions of Comfort • Being present at the Memorial/Funeral • Words of support, condolences • Share happy or humorous memories • Buy flowers; contribute to the local Council --- James E. West • Prepare meals; assist with housework or yard work
PART X Recognition of participants • ‘trained” patch • Chaplain Aide Handbook • Certificate
PART XI • Closing prayer
Thank you and good Scouting Rich Marano Religious Emblems Chairman Archdiocese of Hartford Catholic Committee on Scouting richardmarano@aol. com
Chaplain Aide Training 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) Opening Prayer Welcome “Duty to God” in Scouting Unit Chaplain Duties, Qualifications, and Objectives of the Chaplain Aide Promoting Religious Emblems Available Resources Interfaith Prayers, Hymns, and Songs Religious Observance in Unit Activities: Opening Prayers; Camporees; Meals; Scout Sunday; Funerals; and Prayer Services Recognition of Participants: Scout’s receive a “trained’ patch; Chaplain Aide Handbook; and Certificate Closing Prayer
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