New Focus On Duty To God Why the

New Focus On Duty To God

Why the Change? • National Religious Organization Donors want more emphasis on “Duty to God” • BSA research found that congregations are the best source of sustainable units • Charter Organizations are the single largest donor of a unit

Why the Change? Locally • In our District of 54 Units. Only 5 are chartered by a organization that do not have a specified set of religious principles • Religious Demographic 44. 82% • 64 Churches without a scouting connection

Boy Scout Changes (current draft) • Beginning January 2016, Duty to God will be incorporated in the requirement to show Scout Spirit. • During the unit leader conference, the Scout will be asked what Duty to God means to him and how he demonstrates that duty. • There will be no requirement for the Scout to earn his respective religious award.

Duty to God in Practice • Scouting does not define what constitutes a belief in God • Membership in a religious organization is not required • Scout leaders must be careful not to favor one faith over another in multi-faith units. • In conducting Scouting activities, encourage all Scouts to grow in their own religious beliefs and faiths.

Duty to God in Practice • • • Scoutmaster Minutes Opening Invocations Closing Benedictions Mealtime Grace Scout Vespers Scout’s Own 12 Points Bike Ride Chaplain and Chaplains Aide Positions Religious Emblems Program

Invocation Examples • May the Grand Master of Scouts set aside our distractions, that we may be productive in this time together • Lord, thank you for being the source of guidance during our Scouting adventures today. • O God, thank you for watching over us while we were apart. We ask your blessing on our time together.

Benediction Examples • May the Grand Master of Scouts be with you until we meet again • May the Lord bless you and keep you, now and forever. Amen • O God, We give thanks for the lessons we have learned and the fellowship we had together.

Mealtime Grace Examples • God is great, and God is good, And we thank him for our food. Amen • For good food and those who prepare it, for good friends with whom to share it, we thank you Lord. • Bless, this food to our bodies and give us the strength to do thy will. Amen

Mealtime Grace Examples Sing to the tune of the Addams Family theme song: Da da da dum (snap) Da da da dum (snap) We thank you Lord for giving, The things we need for living: The food, the fun, the friendship, Our Boy Scout Family. Da da da dum (snap) Da da da dum A-Men

The Unit Chaplain • If the unit is operated by a religious organization, it is customary for the religious leader to serve as the chaplain. • A unit not operated by a religious organization may select a chaplain for the troop from the local clergy. OR • The committee chairman may appoint any adult over the age of 21 to provide spiritual tone, guide the chaplain aide, give spiritual counseling, and promote the regular religious participation of each member.

Duties of the Chaplain Aide • Make the 12 th point of the Scout Law more meaningful in life • Present an overview of the various religious emblems programs to the troop • Present an overview of the religious emblems programs to Cub Scout dens and packs on request. • Serve as the youth coordinator for the observance of the annual Scout Sabbath or Sunday in February. • Conduct troop prayers • Assist religious emblem recognition ceremonies

Religious Emblem Program