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A Scout’s guide to earning and wearing a religious emblem
November 13, 2017,
Bryan Wendell,
Awards, Boy Scouting, Cub Scouting, Scouting 101, Scouting Tips, Varsity, Venturing ![]() Representing an array of faiths — from the African Methodist Episcopal Church to Zoroastrianism — religious emblems encourage Scouts, Venturers and adult volunteers to strengthen their faith-based journey within Scouting. This journey aligns with the 12th point of the Scout Law — reverent — and the “duty to God” part of the Scout Oath. While the BSA is secular and members are not required to belong to any religious organization, BSA members are required to acknowledge a belief in God. Earning a religious emblem helps turn that “acknowledgement” into something deeper and more meaningful. To learn more about religious emblems, including how to earn them, wear them and promote them within a Scout unit, I talked with Jason Noland. He’s the CEO of Programs of Religious Activities with Youth, or PRAY. PRAY is one of several faith organizations with which the BSA partners to administer religious emblems programs. “Religious emblems are important because they help connect young people deeply to their faith and implement Scouting as part of a congregation’s youth ministry within the denominations where they belong,” Noland says. What are religious emblems?They are medals created by the various religious groups represented in Scouting. Their purpose is to encourage youth and adults to grow stronger in their faith as part of their Scouting experience. Why are religious emblems important?Studies by the BSA have shown that Scouts who earn a religious emblem stay registered longer in Scouting’s programs. Considering that nearly three of every four units is chartered to a faith-based institution, this connection is vital to sustaining those relationships. How are these emblems different from regular advancement?In one sense, they are not different at all. Just like earning a merit badge, a Scout has to take the initiative to start the process to earn a religious emblem. However, a young person doesn’t ask his or her Cubmaster, Scoutmaster or Venturing advisor to help with that process. He or she contacts the religious institution. At most institutions, there’s already a process in place for earning these emblems. What role do adult leaders play?An important one. They can encourage young people to earn the emblems, connect them with the appropriate faith leader and present the awards in a meaningful way. Units with a Religious Emblems Coordinator have a designated adult who promotes emblems and tracks which ones have been earned. What resources are available?Many of the faith organizations have their own websites, including the National Jewish Committee on Scouting, National Catholic Committee on Scouting and more. The official website of PRAY has a ton of great info, like this Duty to God poster you can print and share. What are the steps to earning a religious emblem?
How do you get the medal itself?Unlike other advancement, these emblems are not purchased through the local council Scout Shop. You buy them through the faith organization that administers the emblem program. The instructions for ordering are highlighted at the end of the booklet. Emblems should be presented in a meaningful ceremony, like any other award in Scouting. Many units do this on Scout Sunday, Scout Sabbath or Scout Jumuah. Depending on the grade and emblem, it may take anywhere from 6 to 14 weeks for the emblem to arrive. So plan accordingly. What about adult emblems?Unlike youth religious emblems, adult awards are based on service to Scouting and their faith. Most require a nomination form, letters of reference and clergy signature. Their approval also goes through the appropriate faith organization. Because most units are interfaith and multidenominational, it is not uncommon for adults to receive the emblem of other faiths in recognition of their service. How/where are emblems worn?All faiths have emblems or medals that should be worn as part of the official uniform and are appropriate for those events. A silver knot on purple cloth may be worn by youth members who have received their religious emblem. For adults, the knot is the reverse: purple on silver cloth. If you earned both, you may wear both at the same time. A reminder about the BSA’s position on religious principlesFrom the Guide to Advancement: 5.0.5.0 Religious Principles From time to time, issues related to advancement call for an understanding of the position of the Boy Scouts of America on religious principles. The Boy Scouts of America does not define what constitutes belief in God or practice of religion. Neither does the BSA require membership in a religious organization or association for membership in the movement. If a Scout does not belong to a religious organization or association, then his parent(s) or guardian(s) will be considered responsible for his religious training. All that is required is the acknowledgment of belief in God as stated in the Declaration of Religious Principle and the Scout Oath, and the ability to be reverent as stated in the Scout Law. https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2017/11/13/scouts-guide-earning-religious-emblem/ |
Can a Scout complete his Eagle board of review after 18?
April 17, 2017,
Bryan Wendell,
Advancement, Ask the Expert, Eagle Scout ![]() But he still lacks one step: the Eagle Scout board of review. And then — Happy Birthday! — he turns 18. He’s no longer a Boy Scout. Is it too late for that Scout to earn Eagle? The answer is no. The Eagle board of review may be conducted after the 18th birthday. After all, it’s not the Scout’s fault if the adults who will sit on his board aren’t immediately available. Or if circumstances arose that prevented him from having a board of review within the allotted time frame. Here’s the full answer, courtesy of Section 8 of the Guide to Advancement. (Note: the 2015 version is still current as of this writing.) Which requirements must a candidate complete before 18?These Eagle rank requirements must be completed before a Scout turns 18:
Does this rule apply to Scouts with special needs?Not in many cases. There is advancement flexibility for Scouts with special needs. Men age 18 and older, properly approved by the council executive board to register beyond the age of eligibility, may apply for the Eagle Scout rank. Since they are considered youth members for as long as they are so registered, they do not need a time extension. In these cases, you don’t need special permission to hold the Eagle Scout board of review more than three months after the 18th birthday. See section 10 of the Guide to Advancement for more on this topic. Can the Eagle board of review be completed beyond the 18th birthday?Yes. What special approval is required to complete an Eagle board of review after 18?That depends on how long after the 18th birthday we’re talking. Within three months of turning 18: No special approval required. Three to six months after turning 18: Local council must preapprove. To initiate approval, the candidate, his parent or guardian, the unit leader, or a unit committee member attaches to the application a statement explaining the delay. Six months or more after turning 18: Local council must send to National Advancement Program Team to approve. The candidate, his parent or guardian, the unit leader, or a unit committee member must petition the National Advancement Program Team for authority to hold the board of review this late. The request must explain the reason for the delay, and it must be processed through the local council and sent to the National Advancement Program Team with a copy of the application. A position statement from the Scout executive, designee, or council advancement committee must be included. What about an adult who finished his Eagle requirements as a youth but never earned Eagle?Scouting Wire has covered this topic in the past. It is possible for those who completed the requirements for the Eagle Scout rank in their youth, but never received it, to obtain credentials necessary for acquiring it. If a board of review was not held, and the individual met the BSA membership eligibility rules in effect at the time, then a board of review may be requested. In any case, a candidate must have completed all requirements before age 18. The steps:
What about time extensions for unforeseen circumstances?These are extremely rare but are granted. Look at Section 9.0.4.0 of the Guide to Advancement for details. If a youth foresees that, due to no fault or choice of his own, he will be unable to complete the Eagle Scout rank requirements before age 18, he may apply for a limited time extension. To do this, use the form called “Request for Extension of Time to Earn Eagle Scout Rank,” (No. 512-077), available in the back of the Guide to Advancement or online at this link. Some examples of unforeseen circumstances:
The list above helps volunteers understand how the BSA evaluates requests for time extensions. They are not precise tests, and each case is considered individually. |
Summer months count toward Scout advancement, whether a troop meets or not
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That’s fine, but what about those Scouts who are serving in a position of responsibility when this summer break occurs? Does their time still count even if their troop isn’t meeting? The answer, contrary to the well-meaning policy of some Scout units, is yes. I addressed this back in 2014 when Mike Lo Vecchio, a BSA expert on the matter, weighed in:
Two years later, the same answer applies. I checked back with Lo Vecchio, and he writes:
How might this play out in a troop? Here’s an example, sent in an email to me from a district commissioner in Tennessee:
The father is correct. And you can consider this blog to be the official source. Once more, here’s Lo Vecchio:
Further readingSee the Guide to Advancement for more guidance. http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2016/09/21/yes-summer-months-count-toward-advancement/ |
Can packs, troops, teams or crews participate in political rallies?
![]() The Boy Scouts of America might be the most patriotic organization in the U.S. But we don’t endorse any one political party. You could say that rather than being pro-left or pro-right, the Boy Scouts of America is pro-America. The same applies to your pack, troop, team, post, ship or crew. You and your Scouts should Do Your Duty to Country but not by endorsing any one candidate. During election years, the line between patriotism and political favoritism becomes thin, making it important to remind you of the BSA’s official policy on Scout participation in political rallies. Fact is, Scout units like the one pictured above are permitted to provide a color guard flag ceremony, in uniform, at political events. Troop 605 from Rocky River, Ohio, provided that service Wednesday at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. (Nice job, Nick S., Tristan A., Grayson N. and Erik H.!) The troop served as color guard and then immediately left the stage and the premises. They provided a patriotic service and departed before things got political. What about the other side of the aisle? A pack or troop in the Philadelphia area could, conceivably, provide the same service for next week’s Democratic National Convention if convention planners and a Scout unit were interested. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions and the BSA’s official answers: Q: Could a pack, troop, team or crew provide a color guard flag ceremony for a candidate’s public speaking event or rally? A: Yes. But, BSA Policy requires our adult and youth members in uniform to leave immediately after the presentation of colors and the Pledge of Allegiance. Should they want to stay they must do so as individuals, not Scouting representatives. That means they would have to change out of their uniforms. Q: So Scouts and Scouters can’t stand on the platform for the remainder of the speech or presentation? A: No, they should not remain on the speakers’ platform or in a conspicuous location where media could construe their presence as an endorsement or symbol of support. Q: Why is this the rule? A: The policy is meant to prevent someone from using our brand to convey support of a candidate or ideology. This prevents Scouts from being used by any party in campaign advertisements or materials. Q: So then why is it OK to even present the colors or lead the Pledge of Allegiance at all? A: Those are displays of loyalty to the nation, something the BSA has always endorsed. Regardless of the outcome of the political race, the candidate and supporters pledge allegiance to the U.S. Because of this, it is always acceptable and deemed to be a part of the civic process. Also, this “service” is offered to any party, regardless of political affiliation. Q: Can Scouts and Scouters pose for photos with political candidates at these events? A: Yes. But photos of candidates or Scouts in uniform or BSA marks and logos are not allowed in political campaign materials of any kind. Q: Can adult leaders or Venturers who are 18 or older vote in elections? A: Not only can they — they should! This policy isn’t meant to limit the freedom of thought or action of any official or member acting as an individual. Scouters and Venturers shouldn’t wear their uniform to the polling place, but they should vote for whichever candidate they prefer. That’s all part of being a good citizen — something the BSA has taught for more than a century. Q: What can Scout leaders do to support this policy? A: Volunteers (and professionals) must be alert to situations that would imply that the BSA favors one candidate or party over another. Strict observance of our long-standing policy against the active participation of uniformed Scouts and leaders in political events is mandatory. Q: Does Scouting still teach patriotism and citizenship? A: Yes! The Boy Scouts of America teaches the ideals of patriotism and good citizenship as required to fulfill its purpose. http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2016/07/22/can-packs-troops-teams-or-crews-participate-in-political-rallies/ |
What is (and what isn’t) a camping night for the Camping MB?
Posted on June 24, 2015 by Bryan Wendell in Advancement, Ask the Expert ![]() All of these locations offer a great experience for Scouts, but only some count as camping — at least when it comes to the Camping merit badge. Camping merit badge requirement 9a says:
So just what is (and what isn’t) a camping night? Let’s ask the expert. The question
The expert’s responseThis comes from Michael LoVecchio of the BSA’s Member Experience Innovation Team. “The intent of the requirement is to camp overnight in a tent or under the stars,” LoVecchio says. “This means sleeping overnight in building/structure does not meet the intent of the requirement.” More explanationStill unclear? Here’s more: “Camp a total of 20 nights …”This means 20 overnights, so a weekend trip from Friday through Sunday is two nights. Complete 10 such trips, and you’ve got the 20 you need. All campouts since becoming a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout may count toward this requirement. In other words, a Scout doesn’t need a blue card for the Camping MB before he may begin counting these nights. Any nights as a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout are eligible. “… at designated Scouting activities or events.”This means the experiences are held under the auspices of some level of the BSA, and that “Scouting” happens on them. For example, an individual family or a couple of Scouts and their parents heading off into the woods doesn’t count. “One long-term camping experience of up to six consecutive nights may be applied toward this requirement.”
“Sleep each night under the sky or in a tent you have pitched.”
A final thoughtSome parents have Scouts in troops that don’t do very much camping. They can get in the long-term outing, but it takes a long time for their troop to get out on enough campouts to make up the other 14 nights. As a workaround they suggest they will send their son to summer camp, but then take him home after four nights so the experience will not count as a long-term camp. This doesn’t fulfill the requirement. Short-term campouts provide variety in both preparation and experience, and the Scouts are more likely to have to set up their own tent and take more responsibility for outdoor living skills. A long-term summer camp is still a long-term camp even if the Scout is there for only a portion of the time. It’s an entirely different adventure and usually doesn’t call for the same level of self-reliance required for a short term camp. |
Yes, Summer Months Count Toward Advancement Time
Posted on July 31, 2014 by Bryan Wendell in Advancement, Ask the Expert ![]() Most Scouts are taking a break from school right now, but Scouting doesn’t take summers off.
The question
The applicable requirementThe requirement for Star reads: Be active in your unit (and patrol if you are in one) for at least four months as a First Class Scout.And for Life it’s: Be active in your unit (and patrol if you are in one) for at least six months as a Star Scout. Losing two or three months during summer hurts the Scout working toward either of these ranks.
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Digitizing medical records
![]() BSA says please don’t. Digitally storing photos, books and music means everything’s at our fingertips wherever we are. It’s convenient, but anyone who follows the news knows it’s not exactly secure. That’s why there’s one thing for sure that doesn’t belong in the cloud: Scout medical records. The rule is clear: Boy Scout Annual Health and Medical Records are not to be digitized, scanned, sent by email or stored electronically by unit leaders. For more on the subject of digitizing medical records, let’s Ask the Expert.
The original questionHere’s the email I received from John, an assistant Scoutmaster:
The expert’s responseFrom Richard Bourlon, the BSA’s authority on health and safety: http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2015/01/23/say-no-to-digitizing-medical-records/ |
Merit badge counselors: Facts about limits and counseling family members
Posted on November 19, 2014 by Bryan Wendell in Ask the Expert, Boy Scouting, Merit Badges I get a lot of questions about merit badge counselors, so today I’ll answer three I’m frequently asked. My source for all of these answers: This page in the “2013 Guide to Advancement.” That’s a good reminder to look there first for your merit-badge-related questions. Not to say I mind hearing from you, of course! Today I’ll answer:
Here we go … Is there a limit to the number of merit badges an individual may counsel?Short answer: The National Council doesn’t set a limit, but local councils may do so as long as it doesn’t limit a Scout’s choices and become a barrier to advancement. Long answer: Here’s the relevant part of the “Guide to Advancement”:
Is there a limit to the number of merit badges a Scout may earn from a single counselor?Short answer: The National Council doesn’t set a limit, but a unit leader may do so as long as that rule applies to everyone in the unit. Long answer: Here’s the relevant part of the “Guide to Advancement”:
Can someone counsel his or her own family member?Short answer: Yes. But it’s preferable to broaden a Scout’s horizons whenever possible or practical. Long answer: Here’s the relevant part of the “Guide to Advancement”:
http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2014/11/19/merit-badge-counselors/ |
Does a Scout have to do a board of review for each merit badge?
![]() "Once a registered and approved counselor has passed a Scout on requirements for a merit badge, it cannot be taken away. Nor does unit leadership have the authority to retract approval, or take the badge away." (GTA 7.0.4.6) |
Is there a time limit for completing a merit badge?
Posted on September 5, 2014 in Advancement, Ask the Expert, Boy Scouting, Merit Badges ![]() Some merit badges can be completed in a weekend; others take a little longer. But what happens when a Boy Scout — for whatever reason — stretches the time between starting and finishing a merit badge to 12 months, 18 months, 3 years or longer? In other words: Is there a time limit for completing a merit badge? That’s what a Scouter named Jim wondered. The question Jim writes: Once a boy begins a merit badge, is there a certain time period in which he needs to have it finished, other than by his 18th birthday? In our council we have always been told that they have 18 months to earn them, and then if they are not completely finished in that time that they have to start all over again. The expert’s answer The short answer: There is no time limit between starting and completing a badge except for the Boy Scout’s 18th birthday. Mike Lo Vecchio of the BSA’s Content Management Team offers more explanation: There are a couple of areas in the Guide to Advancement that speak to this. The text box under topic 7.0.0.1 states: “All merit badge requirements must be met while a registered Boy Scout or Varsity Scout, or a qualified Venturer or Sea Scout.” Although not explicitly stated, it is implied there are no time limits with the exception of the 18th birthday. Under topic 7.0.0.3, it states: “… any registered Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or qualified Venturer or Sea Scout may work on any of them at any time.” Again, although not explicitly stated, it is implied there are no time limits with the exception of the 18th birthday. Under topic 7.0.3.3 (Partial Completions), it states in part “Partials have no expiration except the Scout’s 18th birthday.” And finally, under topic 7.0.4.3 (What to do When Requirements Change), last paragraph, it states: “There is no time limit between starting and completing a badge, although a counselor may determine so much time has passed since any effort took place that the new requirements must be used.” Otherwise, the overall rules of no time limit apply. Hope that helps! Ask the Experts your question Find other expertly answered questions here, and ask your own by emailing me. I can’t respond to each question, but I select commonly asked questions to answer on the blog. |