Resources Portal

The information below is simply a guideline for additional programs and merit badges. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Program Director or District Director.

Direct from Rainbow Council

We have several resources available through the Rainbow Council Service Center and the Resources portal that are council specific.

See below for specific Council forms

Insurance Forms

 2023_Council_702_Description Of Coverage

2023 Council 702 ClaimForm.pdf

Resolution for 2023

2021 Annual Meeting Resolutions zip

Forms for Nominations

District Award of Merit Nomination Form

Excellence Nomination Form

Rookie Nomination Form

Silver Beaver Award Nomination Form

Trails End Popcorn Order Form

2023 Trail’s End Order Form

National BSA Resources

Scouting Wire

Scouting Newsroom

Boys’ Life magazine

Scouting magazine

Jamboree-on-the-Air: Jamboree-on-the-Air, or JOTA, is the largest Scouting event in the world. It is held annually the third full weekend in October. JOTA uses amateur radio to link Scouts and hams around the world, around the nation, and in your own community.

Jamboree-on-the-Internet: Jamboree-on-the-Internet, or JOTI, is an annual international Scouting event sponsored by the World Organization of the Scout Movement.

Cub Scout Resources

Den Leader Resources

Cubmaster Resources

Pack Committee Resources

Scouts BSA Resources

Troop Leader Resources at TroopLeader.org

Troop Program Resources at ProgramResources.org

National Youth Leadership Training

National Youth Leadership Training is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others.

To obtain an up-to-date and official copy of any other Scouting form not listed below, contact your local council service center.

Membership Applications
Registration Resources
Eagle Rank
Unit Membership Resources
Unit Resources

 

While we try our best to accommodate all the needs of our Scouts, some scouts need a bit of help. Here, we have collected a few resources, from National, as well as guidelines and links for frequent topics such as How Advancement Works for Members with Disabilities.

The Language of Scouting and BSA Style Manual
Revised November 2018

This reference is the Boy Scouts of America’s definitive resource on terms and style specific to Scouting and this organization. The Language of Scouting encompasses style, usage, grammar, and spelling norms observed by the Boy Scouts of America and used by the Marketing Group and Communication Services Department and its approved editorial and publishing partners. These standards have been developed so that the BSA can disseminate resources and other information in the most professional, consistent, coherent, and uniform manner for all forms of communication—print, digital, multimedia, etc.

Scouting terms are based in part on the Charter and Bylaws and Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America (available here). Grammar, spelling, style, and usage decisions are based on the latest editions of the following references, in order of preference: Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, The Associated Press Stylebook, and The Chicago Manual of Style. Turn to these resources (in the given order) for further reference. The Language of Scouting always takes precedence. Note: If an entry is capitalized, it should be capitalized whenever it is used.

Resources

2019 Religious Observances | 2020 Religious Calendar | 2021 Religious Observances|2022 Religious Observances | 2023 Religious Observances | 

The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God. In the first part of the Scout Oath or Promise the member declares, “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law.” The recognition of God as the ruling and leading power in the universe and the grateful acknowledgment of His favors and blessings are necessary to the best type of citizenship and are wholesome precepts in the education of the growing members. No matter what the religious faith of the members may be, this fundamental need of good citizenship should be kept before them. The Boy Scouts of America, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but it is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Its policy is that the home and the organization or group with which the member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life.

There are certain holidays that individual Scouts and Scouters of different faiths celebrate each year. These holidays are not always on the same date on the calendar and may not be familiar to everyone. In order to respect the traditions of all Scouts and Scouters, care must be taken in scheduling Scouting activities.

The Boy Scouts of America has developed this religious holiday calendar for the use of local units, councils and others in scheduling Scout-related activities. It provides a brief description of each holiday, both in the overall list of holidays and following each month, and an indication of the significance of each as well. The calendar will be continuously updated to provide planners with a two-year holiday schedule.

Please remember that certain holidays begin on the night before the actual day of the holiday as shown on the calendar.

ALPHABETICAL LISTING

ADVENT, CHRISTIAN

Advent is celebrated as the beginning of the Christian religious calendar preparing for the nativity of Jesus on the four Sundays prior to Christmas

AL HIJIRA, ISLAM

Al Hijira is the Islamic New Year

ALL SAINTS DAY, CHRISTIAN

All Saints Day commemorates all the Christian saints

ASALHA PUJA, BUDDHIST

Asalha Puja celebrates the first sermon given by Buddha

ASCENSION, CHRISTIAN

Ascension commemorates the ascension of Jesus to Heaven

ASCENSION OF ABU’L-BAHA, BAHA’I

Ascension of Abu’l-Baha celebrates the ascension of Abu’l-Baha

ASCENSION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH, BAHA’I

Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh commemorates the death of Bahá’u’lláh in 1892

ASHURA, ISLAM

Ashura is the Islamic holiday commemorating the death of Husayn ibn Ali and family at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE

ASH WEDNESDAY

Ash Wednesday is a Christian fast day and the beginning of Lent

ASSUMPTION, CATHOLIC

Assumption commemorates the assumption of Mary to heaven

BAHÁ’U’LLÁH, BAHA’I

Bahá’u’lláh was the founder of the Baha’i religion, born 1817

BAPTISM OF THE LORD, CATHOLIC

Baptism of the Lord celebrates the baptism of Jesus

BEHEADING OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, EASTERN ORTHODOX

Beheading of St. John the Baptist commemorates his martyrdom

BIRTH OF THE BAB, BAHA’I

The Bab, born in 1819, is one of the three central figures of the Baha’i religion

BIRTHDAY OF ZOROASTER, ZOROASTRIAN

Birthday of the Prophet Zoroaster also known as Zarathushtra

CHINESE NEW YEAR, SHINTO, DAOIST AND BUDDHIST

Chinese New Year celebrates the New Year on the Chinese calendar

CHRISTMAS, CHRISTIAN

Christmas Eve is the night before the birth of Jesus

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus

DAY OF THE COVENANT, BAHA’I

Day of the Covenant is the day of the appointment of Abdu’l-Baha as the center of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant

DECLARATION OF THE BAB, BAHA’I

Declaration of the Bab celebrates the day the Bab revealed his mission to the world

DEEPAVALI DEWALI, HINDU, JAIN & SIKH

Deepavali Dewali is the Hindu festival of lights symbolizing the victory of light over darkness

DORMITION (ASSUMPTION) OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, EASTERN ORTHODOX

Dormition celebrates the Falling Asleep of the Blessed Virgin Mary

DUSSEHRA, HINDU

Dussehra commemorates the victory of the Lord Rama over Ravana, the Great Demon

EASTER, CHRISTIAN

Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus

EID AL ADHA, ISLAM

Eid al Adha commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice Ishmael

EID AL FITR, ISLAM

Eid al Fitr is the feast which ends the fast of Ramadan

EPIPHANY, CHRISTIAN

Epiphany commemorates the revelation of God the son as a human in Jesus

EPIPHANY OF THE LORD, LITURGICAL CHRISTIAN

Epiphany of the Lord celebrates the revelation of Jesus to the gentiles at Epiphany

FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION, CHRISTIAN

Feast of the Annunciation commemorates the announcement by the Angel Gabriel that Mary would be the mother of Jesus

FEAST OF THE ARCHANGELS, EASTERN CATHOLIC

Feast of the Archangels celebrates Angels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

FEAST OF THE ELEVATION OF THE HOLY CROSS, CHRISTIAN

Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross celebrates the finding of the Holy Cross by Saint Helen

FEAST OF THE GREAT MARTYR ST. GEORGE DAY, CHRISTIAN

St. George, the patron saint of both Scouting and England is celebrated by this feast

FEAST OF THE MEETING OF THE LORD, EASTERN ORTHODOX

Meeting of the Lord celebrates the receiving of Jesus by the Prophet Simeon at the Holy Temple

FEAST OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST, CATHOLIC

Feast of the Body and Blood celebrates the Holy Eucharist and the Church as manifestations of Jesus

FEAST OF THE NATIVITY, EASTERN ORTHODOX

Nativity is the Eastern Orthodox date for the birth of Jesus

FEAST OF ST. BASIL, EASTERN ORTHODOX

St. Basil is the father of Monasticism in the Eastern Orthodox Church

FEAST OF STS. PETER AND PAUL, CHRISTIAN

Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul honors their martyrdom

FEAST OF THEOPHANY, EASTERN ORTHODOX

Theophany celebrates the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus

FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATIONNOF THE LORD, CHRISTIAN

Transfiguration is a celebration of the divinity and humanity of Jesus

FOUR CHAPLAINS SUNDAY, INTERFAITH

Four Chaplains Sunday commemorates the chaplains who gave their lives to save others in World War II

GANESH CHATURTHI, HINDU

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of the Lord Ganesha

GANTAN-SAI, SHINTO

Gantan-sai is the Shinto New Year

GOOD FRIDAY, CHRISTIAN

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus on the Friday before Easter

GURU GOBIND SINGH BIRTHDAY, SIKH

Guru Gobind Singh, born in 1666, was the tenth Sikh guru

GURU NANAK DEV SAHIB, SIKH

Guru Nanak Dev Sahib, born in 1469, was the founder of the Sikh religion

GURU RAM DAS, SIKH

Guru Ram Das was the Fourth Sikh gurus

GURU TEGH BAHADUR, SIKH

Guru Tegh Bahadur was a Sikh leader who suffered martyrdom rather than convert to Islam

HANUKKAH, JEWISH

Hanukkah is the Jewish celebration of the liberation of Israel from the Greeks and purification of the Temple

HANUMAN JAYANTI, HINDU

Hanuman Jayanti celebrates the birth of Hanuman, the Vanara God

HOLA MOHALLA, SIKH

Hola Mohalla celebrates military prowess and is marked by camping trips for Sikhs

HOLI, HINDU

Holi is the festival of love and of colors for Hindus

THE HOLY FAMILY, CATHOLIC

Celebration of the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, CATHOLIC

Immaculate Conception celebrates the preservation of Mary from Original Sin

INSTALLATION OF SCRIPTURES, SIKH

Installation of Scriptures as Guru Granth is the official establishment of the Sikh holy book

INTERCALARY DAYS, BAHA’I

Intercalary Days adjust the Baha’i calendar to the solar calendar each year

KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI, HINDU

Krishna Janmashtami is the birthday of Lord Krishna

LAG B’OMER, JEWISH

Lag B’Omer is the 33rd day following Passover and commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai

LAILAT AL BARA’A, ISLAM

Lailat al Bara’a is a celebration of God blessing all humans

LAILAT AL KADR, ISLAM

Lailat al Kadr is the night that the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Mohammad

LAILAT AL MIRAJ, ISLAM

Lailat al Miraj celebrates the ascension of Muhammad to Heaven

MAGHA PUJA DAY, BUDDHIST

Magha Puja Day celebrates freedom from sin

MAGHI, SIKH

Maghi commemorates the fight of the Chali Ukte against the Imperial army in 1705

MAHAVIR JAYANTI, JAIN

Mahavir Jayanti celebrates the birth of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara of Jains

MAHAYANA, BUDDHIST

Mahayana is the Buddhist New Year

MAHA SIVARATRI, HINDU

Maha Sivaratri celebrates the marriage of Shiva to Parvati

MARTYRDOM OF THE BAB, BAHA’I

The Martyrdom of the Bab occurred in 1850

MARTYRDOM OF GURU ARJAN, SIKH

The martyrdom of Guru Arjan, first Sikh martyr, occurred in 1606

MAUNDRY THURSDAY, CHRISTIAN

Maundry (Holy) Thursday commemorates the last supper of Jesus

MAWLID AN NABI, ISLAM

Mawlid an Nabi celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad

MUHARRAM, ISLAM

Muharram is the holy month of the Islamic year

NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (THEOTOKOS), CHRISTIAN

Nativity celebrates the birth of Mary

NAVARATRI, HINDU

Navaratri celebrates the Goddess Amba at the start of autumn

NAW RUZ, BAHA’I, ZOROASTRIAN

Naw Ruz is the ancient Persian celebration of the New Year at the Vernal equinox

NIRVANA DAY, BUDDHIST

Nirvana Day commemorates the death of Buddha and his attainment of nirvana

OBON, BUDDHIST & SHINTO

Obon commemorates one’s ancestors

PALM SUNDAY, CHRISTIAN

Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem before Easter

PARYUSHANA PARVA, JAIN

Paryushana Parva is a holiday of coming together and taking on vows of study

PASHA, EASTERN ORTHODOX

Pascha is the Eastern Orthodox celebration of Easter

PASSOVER, JEWISH

Passover commemorates the Jewish Exodus from Egypt

PENTECOST, CHRISTIAN

Pentecost represents the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles

PIONEER DAY, MORMON

Pioneer Day commemorates the 1847 entry of Brigham Young into the Salt Lake Valley

PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (THEOTOKOS), CHRISTIAN

Commemorates the presentation of the Virgin Mary by her parents at the Temple

PURIM, JEWISH

Purim (Lots) commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from destruction in the Persian Empire

RAKSHA BRANDHAN, HINDU

Raksha Brandhan celebrates the love between brothers and sisters

RAMADAN, ISLAM

Ramadan commemorates Mohammad’s receipt of the first revelations of the Quran

RAMAYANA, HINDU

Ramayana commemorates the Epic of Ramayana with pilgrimages to holy sites

RAMA NAVAMI, HINDU

Rama Navami celebrates the birth of Rama

RIDVAN, BAHA’I

Ridvan commemorates the commencement of Bahá’u’lláh’s prophethood

ROHATSU, BUDDHIST

Rohatsu celebrates the enlightenment of Buddha

ROSH HASHONAH, JEWISH

Rosh Hashonah is the beginning of the Jewish New Year

SADEH, ZOROASTRIAN

Sadeh celebrates the end of summer, honoring light, fire and energy and enlightening the soul

SCOUT SHABBAT

Observance of the significance of religion in Scouting

SCOUT SUNDAY

Observance of the significance of religion in Scouting

SCOUT SUNDAY, UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Observance of the significance of religion in Scouting – 2d Sunday in February

SETSEBUN SAI, SHINTO

Setsebun Sai is the day before spring in the Shinto religion

SHAVUOT, JEWISH

Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai

SHEMINI ATZERET, JEWISH

Shemini Atzeret is the final day of Sukkot

SHROVE TUESDAY

Shrove Tuesday is the day of self-examination preceding Ash Wednesday

SIMHAT TORAH, JEWISH

Simhat Torah celebrates the conclusion of the reading of the Torah and the beginning of the reading anew

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, CATHOLIC

Solemnity of Mary celebrates Mary as the Mother of God

ST. PATRICK’S DAY, CHRISTIAN

St. Patrick’s Day commemorates the death of the patron saint of Ireland

SUKKOT, JEWISH

Sukkot commemorates the 40 years in the wilderness after the Exodus

THANKSGIVING, AMERICAN

Thanksgiving is America’s secular holiday of thanks for our blessings

THERAVADIN, BUDDHIST

Theravadin is the New Year of one branch of Buddhism

TISH’A B’AV, JEWISH

Tish’a B’Av mourns the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem

TRANSFIGURATION, CHRISTIAN

Transfiguration is a celebration of the divinity and humanity of Jesus

TU B’SHEVAT

Tu B’Shevat celebrates the birth of trees for tithing purposes

ULLAMBANA, BUDDHIST

Ullambana provides an opportunity to help those who suffer to obtain liberation

VASANT PANSHAMI, HINDU

Vasant Panshami begins the spring season for Hindus

VAISAKHI, SIHK

Vaisakhi is the Sikh religious New Year

VISAKHA PUJA, BUDDHIST

Visakha Puja commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha

WAQF AL ARAFA-HAJJ, ISLAM

Waqf al Arafa-Hajj marks the annual pilgrimage to Mecca

WINTER SOLSTICE, ZOROASTRIAN

Winter Solstice celebrates the triumph of good over evil

WORLD RELIGION DAY, BAHA’I

World Religion Day celebrates all religious life

YOM HA’ATSMAUT, JEWISH

Yom Ha’atsmaut is Israeli Independence Day

YOM HASHOAH, JEWISH

Yom HaShoah commemorates the Holocaust

YOM KIPPUR, JEWISH

Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement when Jews seek God’s forgiveness for their sins

The Boy Scouts of America designates the Sunday that falls before February 8 (Scouting Anniversary Day) as Scout Sunday, which is the primary date to recognize the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting. However, each chartered organization can use either of two other options to celebrate this special day. An organization can adopt a specific Sunday to celebrate. In the instance of the United Methodist Church, Scout Sunday is celebrated on the second Sunday in February. It also is permissible for a local church to celebrate on the Sunday most acceptable to the pastor and congregation.

Scout Sunday Observance

This is a suggested format for your unit’s annual Scout Sunday observance: Suggested Scout Sunday Service of Worship(outline)

  • Call to Worship
  • Responsive Reading
    • The Scout Law
    • On My Honor
    • Hear Our Prayer
  • Pastoral Prayer
  • Offertory Prayer
  • Scripture Reading
  • Prayer of Dedication or Offertory
  • Meditations
  • Benedictions
  • Closing Hymn
Suggested Scout Sunday Service of Worship

(Adapt for your special day.)

Processional with U.S. flag, unit flag(s), and Christian flag. Call to worship
    (Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturer or Sea Scout)

Invocation Opening hymn Prayer

    (Composed and delivered by a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturer or Sea Scout)

Hymn Responsive reading Offering

    (Suggest that money collected be used to support the local council camp chaplaincy program.)

Offertory prayers

    (Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturer or Sea Scout)

Hymn Scripture

    (Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturer or Sea Scout)

Meditation Lord’s Prayer Hymn God and Country program

    (Give a brief explanation; pass out fliers, cards, and envelopes for the pastor. Present awards to youth who have earned them.)

Benediction

    (Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturer or Sea Scout)
Call to Worship

(Opening sentences)

  1. Praise the Lord! O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever! (Psalm 106:1)
  2. The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. (Psalm 145:18)
  3. But they who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
  4. God calls us together to worship this morning. From our work and play within the world, God gathers us to give thanks for creation’s goodness, for the strength to labor, for the wisdom to relax.

From amidst our friends and family, God brings us here to participate in a community of faith, Christ’s people, a new family. From everyday conversations, talks, and chatter, God invites us to engage one another in dialogue, to speak in truth from the depths of heart and mind, to pray freely. Let us heed God’s call and rejoice in what God enables. Let us pray together.

The Scout Law

Leader: The Scout Law is a guiding light to millions of boys and young adults throughout the world today, but the principles of the law have been brought to us from ancient days.

  • You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. (Exodus 20:16)

Scouts: A Scout is trustworthy.

Leader: 

  • He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. (Luke 16:10)

Scouts: A Scout is loyal.

Leader: 

  • You shall not take vengeance or bear any grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. … (Leviticus 19:18)
  • For the poor will never cease out of the land; therefore I command you, You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to thy needy and to the poor, in the land. (Deuteronomy 15:11)

Scouts: A Scout is helpful.

Leader:

  • Love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:10)
  • Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! (Psalm 133)

Scouts: A Scout is friendly.

Leader:

  • Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)

Scouts: A Scout is courteous.

Leader:

  • A righteous man has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel. (Proverbs 12:10)

Scouts: A Scout is kind.

Leader:

  • Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor thy first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee and thou mayest live long on the earth. (Ephesians 6:1-3)

Scouts: A Scout is obedient.

Leader:

  • A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. The mind of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. All the days of the afflicted are evil, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast. (Proverbs 15:13-15)

Scouts: A Scout is cheerful.

Leader:

  • Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer or ruler, she prepares her food in summer, and gathers her sustenance in harvest. (Proverbs 6:6-8)

Scouts: A Scout is thrifty.

Leader:

    Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be in dread of them: for it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Scouts: A Scout is brave.

Leader:

  • Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false, and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of his salvation. (Psalm 24:3-5)

Scouts: A Scout is clean.

Leader:

  • And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. (Mark 12:30)

Scouts: A Scout is reverent, he is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion.

On My Honor

Leader: All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. (Psalm 25:10)

Scouts: On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country.

Leader: 

  • Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord the people whom he has chosen as his heritance. (Psalm 33:12)
  • My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare will they give you. (Proverbs 3:1-2)

Scouts: On my honor I will do my best to obey the Scout Law—and the Law is this: A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

Leader:

  • And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37-39)
  • Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

Scouts: On my honor I will do my best to help other people at other times.

Leader:

  • Remember also the Golden Text: And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. (Luke 6:31)
  • Do you know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If any one destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and that temple you are. (I Corinthians 3:16-17)

Scouts: On my honor, I will do my best to keep myself mentally awake.

Leader: 

  • Wisdom is the principal thing: Do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Get wisdom; get insight. (Proverbs 4:5)
  • How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to thy word. (Psalm 119:9)

Scouts: On my honor, I will do my best to keep myself morally straight.

Leader: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55:7)

Hear Our Prayer

Leader: Let us pray for Scouts, for Scouters, and for all people. Lord, in your mercy,

Scouts: Hear our prayer.

Leader: Because we have failed in the trust others placed in us, we pray for forgiveness and for renewal to be trustworthy. Lord, in your mercy,

Scouts: Hear our prayer.

Leader: For strength to be loyal to our calling in baptism as his disciples in the world. Lord, in your mercy,

Scouts: Hear our prayer.

Leader: For forgiveness when we saw the need to help and passed that need by, when we failed to ask if we could be helpful to a friend or a stranger. Lord, in your mercy,

Scouts: Hear our prayer.

Leader: For the spirit to be friendly to all people and even to those who are unfrienpy to us. Lord, in your mercy,

Scouts: Hear our prayer.

Leader: For the gift of courtesy to all people but especially to the elderly, the disabled, and little children. Lord in your mercy,

Scouts: Hear our prayer.

Leader: For a heart that rejoices in being kind to people, to animals, and to earth on which we live. Lord, in your mercy,

Scouts: Hear our prayer.

Leader: For the will to discipline ourselves to be obedient to the will of our God, and not to our selfish desires. Lord, in your mercy,

Scouts: Hear our prayer.

Leader: For a cheerful spirit to see us through disappointing events in our lives, for a faith that believes God will bring some good even from events that cause us pain and sadness. Lord, in your mercy,

Scouts: Hear our prayer.

Leader: For an appreciation that all that we have is the gift of our gracious God, for a mind and a heart that will be thrifty in managing the resources God has entrusted to our care. Lord, in your mercy,

Scouts: Hear our prayer.

Leader: For the courage not to be afraid of doing what is right and to be brave in working for justice. Lord, in your mercy,

Scouts: Hear our prayer.

Leader: For the will to work to keep clean our minds, our hearts, and our land. Lord, in your mercy,

Scouts: Hear our prayer.

Leader: For the gift of reverence for God who values all that he has created; for reverence for people, for animal life, for the earth and all its resources—all precious in God’s sight. Lord, in your mercy,

Scouts: Hear our prayer.

Leader: Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all the people and all the needs we bring before you in our prayers, trusting in your mercy, through our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Scouts: Amen.

Pastoral Prayer

Almighty God, creator of us all; grant us the patience to wait and listen to your voice. Help us not to seek the answers in the silence of prayer, but rather let your thoughts, God, travel to us and through us as we dare to ascend your mountain of law, your holy hill of truth. O God, how thankful we are that you have come into our lives through the Holy Spirit. You know, Lord, that we’re not perfect, that we want to improve. Show us where we can. We pray today for God’s children—all the children of the world. May they find peace and love in their families and schools and learn the love of Jesus Christ for each and every one of them through our lives as we interact with them on a daily basis. We also pray for our young people, who are seeking a cause which is worthy of their life’s commitment and a leader who is deserving of their devotion. We know that our youth must deal with a host of options. So, we pray that they may choose Jesus Christ. We pray you will be with our Scouts as they continue to follow the Scout law and work toward being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

Offertory Prayer
  1. Bless us O God, and these gifts which we bring. Use them to further the Scouting ministry. Amen.
  2. May these gifts which we bring be merely an extension of our daily duty to you, O God. Amen.
  3. May the gifts that we now offer up to God be a sign of our trust in God’s promise of a new tomorrow, a better day, a sign that love and forgiveness have indeed found a way.
Scripture Reading
  1. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) The Salt of the Earth. The Light of the World. (Matthew 5:13-16)
  2. Parable of the Sower. (Matthew 13:1-9)
  3. The Good Samaritan. (Luke 10:25-37)
  4. The True Glory of Jesus. (Mark 9:2-9)
  5. Moab Rebels Against Israel. (II Kings 2:1-12a)
Prayer of Dedication or Offertory

Your importance in our lives, O God, is reflected in our gifts. We return to you, through the ministry and outreach of this church, a portion of all that you have entrusted to us. We promise that these offerings will not be the end of our giving. We will also invest our time and abilities in your work of healing, comforting, teaching, guiding, and proclaiming good news. Bless each gift, whatever its size, and multiply the good to be done through our talents and treasure. Amen.

Benedictions
  1. Now to him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you without blemish before the presence of his glory with rejoicing to the only God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time, now and forever. Amen.
  2. Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways.
  3. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
  4. May the Great Scoutmaster of all Scouts be with you until we meet again. Amen.
  5. May the Lord bless you and take care of you; may the Lord be kind and gracious to you; may the Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.
Suggested Worship Aids for Scout Sunday Service

Hymns:

  • “For the Beauty of the Earth”
  • “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
  • “God Bless Our Native Land”
  • “God, Who Touchest Earth with Beauty”
  • “Am I a Soldier of the Cross?”
  • “Standing On the Promises”
  • “All Glory, Laud and Honor”
  • “All Creatures of Our God and King”
  • “All Beautiful the March of Days”
  • “All Things Bright and Beautiful”
  • “In the Stars His Handiwork I See”
  • “Shepherd of Eager Youth”
  • “I’ll Be a Sunbeam”
  • “Praise Him, All Ye Little Children”
  • “Jesus Loves Me”v
  • “Father, Let Me Dedicate”
  • “Make Me a Blessing”
  • “Arise All Youth of God”
Scouter Prayer

Dear Lord, from your judgment seat on high, Look down on a Scoutmaster such as I. Search me through and find me whole, Then help me, Lord, to reach my goal. Help me, Lord, to work for Thee, Guard my homeland—keep it free. Help me to work with others and be kind, Helpful with my hands and mind. Keep me, Lord, both well and strong, To help growing boys along. Control my thoughts, keep them right, Sound, clean weapons for life’s fight. Protect my morals, keep them high, Grant this to a Scouter such as I.

—Author Unknown

The Guy in the Glass

When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf, And the world makes you king for a day, Then go to the mirror and look at yourself, And see what that guy has to say. For it isn’t your father, or mother, or wife, Who judgment upon you must pass. The feller whose verdict counts most in your life Is the guy staring back from the glass. He’s the feller to please, never mind all the rest, For he’s with you clear up to the end, And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test If the guy in the glass is your friend. You may be like Jack Horner and “chisel” a plum, And think you’re a wonderful guy, But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum If you can’t look him straight in the eye. You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years, And get pats on the back as you pass, But your final reward will be heartaches and tears If you’ve cheated the guy in the glass.

—Dale Wimbrow

Program Covers

Check with your local council Scout shop or visit ScoutShop.org for Scout Sunday supplies .

Bringing Youth to Christ Through a Scouting Ministry

Adapt for your congregation’s newsletter or bulletin. The Scouting program at (name of congregation) is more than just an activity for our youth to learn about the outdoors. Scouting provides fun, fellowship, and training to our youth as well as youth in our community. It emphasizes honesty, self-reliance, and respect. Through a year-round program, it affects character, citizenship, and personal fitness. But the success of our Scouting depends on our volunteers, who serve in a variety of leadership roles so that our young people may benefit from our Scouting ministry. As the Boy Scouts of America celebrates its anniversary, we salute the splendid volunteers who serve as Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, and Venturing Advisors, and in other positions of leadership.

I think the Gospel is a very powerful, yet a very simple message. It is a message of love, respect, and responsibility. Scouting is all of that. —Pastor Peter Paine, Waukegan, Illinois

(The God and Country program) really made me think about my relationship with God and made me evaluate it. —Scout Robert Lalley, Princeton, New Jersey

When you look at the Scout Law and the principles which Scouting teaches young people, all those things are basically biblical principles. —Pastor Robert Cushman, Princeton, New Jersey

I’ve seen him study the Bible more in preparation to do devotions, that all the boys participate in . … —Elinor Dalene, Parent, Wyckoff, New Jersey

It is our troop, we can really build it the way we want, we can determine those factors that are important to us to build into the program, just as God would have us to do. —Pastor Don James, Wyckoff, New Jersey

Many volunteers give their time so Scouting’s members will be involved in a quality program. Merit badge counselors help Scouts learn more about vocations and hobbies. Volunteers see that the Scout camps of the (name) Council have the necessary physical facilities and that all camp activities meet the high health and safety standards of the national organization. Volunteers serve behind the scenes on committees so that community organizations using the Scouting program can find the best leadership possible for the youth related to their organizations. Volunteers, too, provide training for these leaders and offer a continuing service to every Cub Scout pack, Boy Scout troop, and Venturing crew. Many men and women offer their services to Scouting, but more volunteers are always needed to serve as leaders or share their special skills with young people and other adults. All these people experience a special sense of achievement through their work in Scouting. We congratulate all the volunteers who are active in Scouting throughout (insert name of community) and want to offer a special prayer and word of the thanks to the leaders of (insert Pack, Troop, or Crew number) chartered to (name of congregation).

A Psalm for Scouts and Scouters

The Lord God is our Great Scoutmaster who provides all our needs.

He lets us camp in forests tall and meadows green.

He leads us on trails besides waters deep and still, brooks babbling, streams rushing, and rivers raging.

He restores our bodies, minds and souls, even as we observe the eagle soaring to greater heights above.

He encourages the Eagle Scout in his upward climb.

He teaches Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers to live the Scout Oath and Law.

Even though the trails may lead through dark valleys with towering mountains, we are courageous because he leads us onward.

He continually blesses us with food for mind and body.

Even when our enemies dislike or distrust us, he blesses us with the gifts of love and forgiveness.

Surely, his goodness and mercy will sustain us all the days of our lives.

And, when we climb the final trail through the awesome pass that leads to the Great Councilfire, we shall join those who traveled the trail before us and joyfully live with him forever!

Meditations

Be Prepared (Read Matthew 25: 1-13) Though the winter air was crisp, an early sun warmed our faces as we prepared to start a twenty-mile hike. We were properly dressed for the weather. We had our boots laced tightly to protect our feet from the cold water in the streams we knew we would have to ford. Our packs held our lunch, rain gear, dry socks, and first-aid supplies. We were prepared. However, the sun soon faded from view as unexpected storm clouds covered the sky. Soon it was raining and our pace was slowed. The water in the streams was now too deep to ford, so we lost time finding better crossings. The rain changed to driving snow, and our footing became treacherous. We were losing time, and the day was slipping away. The storm passed, but now it was getting dark and we still had several miles to go. It was at this point that we realized we were not prepared—we had no flashlights in our packs, not one. We stumbled along in the dark and finally, with great difficulty, finished the hike. Some of the best training we receive comes as a result of our own mistakes, failures, omission—not being prepared. If this is true, why must mankind persist in making the same mistakes over and over? Prayer: Dear God, help us learn from our mistakes. Help us be prepared to serve others as Christ has served us. Amen.

Religious Awards for Jewish Scouts

Scout Sabbath Services 
Scout Shabbath is an opportunity to call attention to shared values and reinforce their meaning for Jewish youth and their families.

Scout Sunday Observance 
The Boy Scouts of America designates the Sunday that falls before February 8 (Scouting Anniversary Day) as Scout Sunday, which is the primary date to recognize the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting.

Calendar of Religious Observances 
A list of dates and religious observances that must be adhered to by the individual.

The Roles of the Troop Chaplain and the Chaplain Aide 
The chaplain and chaplain aide have an opportunity to be a friend to the Scouts and leaders and to contribute to their spiritual welfare and growth.

Manual for Chaplain Aides and Chaplains 
This manual will orient volunteers to the duties, responsibilities, and opportunities of chaplaincy service in Boy Scout troops.

Association of Baptists for Scouting Membership Application 
Complete this form to apply for membership in the Association of Baptists for Scouting.

The Good Shepherd 
The Good Shepherd Emblem is a national recognition for adults who have rendered outstanding service to Baptist youth through their church and a national youth-serving agency.

The St. George Emblem 
The National Catholic Committee on Scouting awards this emblem to members of the laity and clergy who have made outstanding contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youth in Scouting.

Shabbat Emblem 
The Jewish Committee on Scouting offers a Scout Shabbat Emblem. Orders are be accepted until supplies run out.

The Shofar Award 
The National Jewish Committee on Scouting established the Shofar Award to recognize outstanding service by adults in the promotion of Scouting among Jewish youth.

NJCOS Eagle Scout Scholarship Programs 
The National Jewish Committee on Scouting awards national scholarships to the Eagle Scouts that may be used to attend a college, university, or school selected by the student.

Frank L Weil Memorial Quality Jewish Committee Award 
The National Jewish Committee on Scouting has established this award to recognize local Jewish communities on Scouting that meet standard objectives in the support of the local council.

Frank L Weil Memorial Unit Recognition Award 
The National Jewish Committee on Scouting has established this award to recognize the chartered organization to help motivate and improve the effectiveness of the individual unit and its adult leadership, and to provide each youth with a top-quality program.

VFW Wood Badge Scholarship Program 
The VFW national headquarters offers Wood Badge scholarships to assist selected chapter members in acquiring skills that will better equip them to serve the youth of their communities.

Price of Freedom Conference 
The Price of Freedom Conference is a four-day residential program that allows participants the opportunity to interact with experts on current issues of citizenship, patriotism, leadership, and heroism.

Boys’ Life Magazine
Scouting Magazine
Eagles’ Call Magazine

Promoting Boys’ Life

Boys’ Life Subscription Information

To order DADG materials go to ScoutStuff.org  Search – Drugs A Deadly Game

Planning and Budget

To order go to boyslife.org/program-planning-package 

Boys’ Life Productions

Scoutbook  is the BSA’s online unit management tool and helps Scouts, parents and leaders track advancement and milestone achievements along the Scouting trail.

As of January 1, 2019, Scoutbook subscriptions are free to all scouting units. Units that already use Scoutbook won’t be charged when they renew their subscription on or after Sept. 1, 2018. See the FAQs  about this change.

Scoutbook user guides are available at: http://bit.ly/scoutbook 

Bryan on Scouting: Happy New Year! Scoutbook is now free for Scouts and Scout units