Boy Scout Religious Emblems & Awards 

Faith in God is an important part of Scouting. 

What does it mean to be a Catholic Scout?
It means being a Scout that believes in Jesus Christ and upholding everything the Catholic Church believes and teaches.  Scouts grow to understand their faith within scouting through earning Religious Emblems. Religious Emblems help Scouts grow stronger in their faith life, providing an opportunity to learn more about Catholicism and grow closer to Christ.  Earning Religious Emblems is an important cornerstone of faith development in study, activities, prayer and community help to strengthen their spiritual foundation.  Developing a deeper relationship with God coupled with a love and understanding of the Catholic Church will carry young people through the rest of their lives.

There are several Catholic Religious Emblem programs available for our Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venture and Sea Ship Units that allow the scouts to learn more about their faith in Scout Setting.

Training for Religious Emblem Coordinators
All Scout Leaders looking to oversee these programs need to attend a Religious Emblem Coordinator's Training. 

This is typically held each year in the Spring.  It is recommended that Scout Leaders attend Scouter Development once every THREE years.

PLEASE NOTE: due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic we have created a VIRTUAL TRAINING that can be done immediately and prepare you to offer these programs for your unit.
To learn more about the Virtual Training please contact Rich Donovan at [email protected]



All Units looking to participte in the Relgious Emblem Programs should complete the following
Intent to Offer Religious Emblem Programs Form
Intent to Offer Religious Emblem Programs Form - PDF Fillable


Did you know that many other faiths have Religious Emblem Programs as well for Scouts to grow in their faith?
Learn about all the various Religious Emblem Programs by clicking here

The Light of Christ Program
The purpose is to help the Cub Scout develop a personal relationship with Jesus. With the parents' active assistance and participation in this program, it is hoped that the Cub will come to see Jesus as a real person and his friend.
 
The Parvuli Dei Program
The purpose of the Parvuli Dei (Children of God) emblem is to help young scouts explore a wide range of activities in order to discover the presence of God in their daily lives as members of their families and parishes, and also to develop a good, positive self-image through the contributions they can make to the group or community.

Once completed the Scouts can be awarded their medal.  The cost for Cub Scout Medals is $15 per medal.

To learn more about these programs, costs, and timelines please click here
 

Ad Altare Dei
The purpose of the Ad Altare Dei ( to the altar of God) program is to help Catholic Youth of the Roman Rite develop a fully Christian way of life in the faith community. The program is organized in chapters based on the seven sacraments. The seven Sacraments are a primary means toward spiritual growth

Pope Pius XII
Pope Pius XII is Catholic Scouting's church-related ministries and vocation program.  The program deals with different life choices (single, married, religious, ordained), occupations and ministries in the church as calls from God.  It includes youth led discussions on current issues facing the church and society, which are normally included as part of a Pius XII retreat or day of recollection.

Once completed the Scouts can be awarded their medal.  The cost for Boy Scout Medals is $16 per medal.

To learn more about these programs, costs, and timelines please click here

Bishop Bailey Award
The Bishop James Bayley Award was designed by the Newark Archdiocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting for young adults of the Catholic faith. Any registered Boy Scout or Venture Scout of the Catholic faith actively involved in Boy Scouting, between the ages of 16 and 18 or Venture Scout between the ages of 16 and 21, may be nominated for the award.

The cost for this award is $25 per award.  Learn more about this award under the Documents Section

Pope Paul VI Unit Award
The purpose of this program is to recognize the chartered partner, to motivate and improve the effectiveness of the individual unit and its adult leadership and to provide each boy with a top-quality program encompassing all of Scouting's religious and educational aspects.  Requirements include reception of religious emblems participation in annual retreats and Spiritual development of the adult leadership

Pope John XXIII Unit Award
This award is given to Non-Catholic Units for their participation in the Religious Emblems program for Catholic Scouts.  Requirements include reception of religious emblems: such as, (Light of Christ, Parvuli Dei, Ad Altare Dei & Pope Pius XII) and participation in annual retreats and spiritual development of the adult leadership.

Under the DOCUMENTS section is the forms to fill out for these awards with costs and requirements

The Sword of St. George
The Catholic Committee on Scouting of the Archdiocese of Newark. is forming a special Patrol called the Order of the Sword of St. George. We invite Scouts, Scout Leaders and their families of all ages each year to join this unique Patrol with St. George as our Patrol leader and guide.
To learn more about this Special Program please see the Documents Section

The Fleur-de-Lis 
The Catholic Committee on Scouting of the Archdiocese of Newark approved the institution of the Fleur-de-Lis medal for Catholic Cub Scout leaders in 1959.  Its purpose is to give recognition for Cub Scout leaders in furthering the spiritual goals of Cub Scouting.  It shows the Scout emblem, the Fleur-de-Lis, superimposed on a cross.  In the center of the medal is the figure of Our Lady as the Immaculate Conception.  On the left is a Cub Scout.  On the right is a Cub Scout leader.  Below are the words “Service to God and Country”.  The medal is an Archdiocesan award.  The cost for this award is $15 per award.

The Bronze Pelican
The Bronze Pelican Award is a recognition approved by the Newark Archdiocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting.  It may be presented to any adult who is working in the Scouting program under the Catholic auspices, and to those who have made significant contribution to Scouting in the Religious Emblems program of the Catholic Church.  The cost for this award is $25 per award.

The St. George Award
The National Catholic Committee on Scouting, acting through the local diocese may award the St. George emblem to members of the laity and clergy, Scouters and non-Scouters alike, who have made significant and outstanding contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youths through Scouting.  The cost for this award is $25 per award.

Archbishops Scouter Award
The Archbishop’s Scouter Award is an adult recognition approved by the Archdiocesan  Catholic Committee on Scouting.  It may be presented to any adult who is working in the Scouting program under the Catholic auspices, and to those who have made significant contribution to Scouting in the Religious Emblems program of the Catholic Church at the Archdiocesan level.  There is no charge for this award.

FOR ALL OF THESE Adult awards please find information and submission forms under the Documents Section of this page