Religious Emblem

Scouting is Youth Ministry - Scouting is an effective way to help Catholic youth to do their Duty to God and to their country. Scouting builds character and teaches devotion to God in an environment that provides wholesome fun under the guidance of strong adult role models. The Scouting programs provide a wonderful channel to involve youth in the life of Catholic parishes.

Catholic Scouting occurs through the Catholic Committe of BSA.  Mission: To expand the opportunities for children, youth, adults, and families within the South Florida community to experience God’s love and grace through the Scouting programs.

Cost: $15 emblem registration, Workbook(s) $6-15, $15 Day of Recollection (1st-5th)

Requirement to Sign up and Be a Counselor:  Active Catholic • Registered member of the BSA in good standing and not excluded from the organization • Complete training and registration (every other year): • General Training for Religious Emblem Counselors • Specific Training for Religious Emblems • Register online by Nov. 1 • Become an active member of a subcommittee • Complete Office of Safe Environment guidelines • Virtus Protecting God’s Children™ training • Fingerprinting/Background Check with Archdiocese of Miami • Submit Volunteer Application and Code of Conduct • Submit current Virtus report to Chris.Zavatsky@hotmail.com • Keep up with those Training Bulletins!!

Responsibilities of the Counselor • Meet with the Pastor • Meet with parents • Work with up to 10 Scouts • Help register Scouts online by Nov. 15  • Work with Scouts on emblems • Guide/check for correctness and completeness • initial all pages • Meet with Pastor and Scouts to present completed book (signed by Pastor) • Attend event with Scouts • Day of Recollection or Retreat • Board of Review • Annual Awards Mass

Role of the Counselor • Serve your unit • Promote and facilitate the Religious Emblems and Activities • Serve on a subcommittee. Assist in the planning and execution of: • Retreat Weekend / Day of Recollection • Awards Presentation Mass • Promoting Religious Emblems Awards at Camporees, BSA South Florida Council events, GSUSA District Events or visit other Troops in your districts / service area • Attend Committee meetings the fourth Monday of each month

Counselor / Coordinator Tips To start up the Catholic Scouting program at the beginning of the school year: • Make sure that all unit leaders are aware of the program • Write a letter to the parents explaining the Catholic Scouting program (example provided in handbook) • Set your program calendar for the year, including last day to register, book review date and Day of Recollection/Retreat • Help the scouts complete registration * Set a schedule that allows the scouts to work on the award at a steady pace; aim to be at least 75% complete by January 2023 • Encourage neatness and completeness • The scouts should do all of the work in the books, unless there are extenuating circumstances. If they cannot write yet, they can draw pictures to convey their thoughts.

BSA Religious Knots • The Religious Knot is an emblem of the BSA. • Once a scout or adult has earned a national-level award, you should alert your unit’s Advancement Chair, as it is the unit that awards the Religious Knot.