Scouting Religious Awards

Do you know about the God and Me Program? PRAY publications puts out a curriculum for scouts and other youth organizations to earn their religious awards. In the Protestant faith, there are four levels: God and Me, God and Family, God and Church, and God and Community. Participants range from Kindergarten to 12th grade. Adults can particpate as councelors or can take their own faith journey as an adult mentor. The length of the programs depend on the ages.

We ran this program 4 or 5 years ago under the auspices of the Board of Christian Education and DH is running it again as part of his Wood Badge for Scouts. Ideally, children would participate at all four levels so they receive the most complete overview of their religion. Our children will be participating for the second time. DD at the God and Community level and DS, at the God and Church level.

Although this program can be time consuming, I have found it very useful in assisting children along their faith journey. Your minister has to oversee the program, but does not have to run or teach it. I encourage you all to look into it and see if it is a program that you may wish to offer at your church. There are actually religious awards in both Girl and Boy Scouts for almost every conceivable faith, PRAY only covers a portion of what is available. Check with your local councils for more information.