DUTY TO GOD Handbook - AZScouts.infoazscouts.info/interfaith/pdffiles/DtoG-guide.pdf · religions...

DUTY TO GOD

Handbook _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________

Interfaith Religious Recognition Committee

Grand Canyon Council, Inc.- Arizona

Boy Scouts of America

2969 N. Greenfield Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85016

8 November 1999 - David C. Gironda, Sr.

(602) 944-9323; [email protected]

The Third Edition, February 2001 (Draft)

Cavalier Printing, Phoenix, AZ - (602) 249-3389

EXCERPTS FOR COURSE MATERIALS

Copying permitted for all registered BSA members

iii

F O R E W A R D & U P W A R D

Duty to GOD is a fundamental part of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) as well as a unifying

part of the Boy Scout movement, worldwide. The Religious experience of young Scouts was

a concern for the Founder, Lord Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, who had a firm

commitment to Duty to GOD in Scouting. Several of his timeless quotes are recited in this

Handbook, as they are still relevant to the same values found in Scouting today. The process of having sponsors for Scout units evolved into organizations that join with

BSA in charter agreements. Religious institutions were quick to recognize that the Scout

programs were based on solid values, consistent with their teachings, and they supported

Scouting. But in faithfulness to the BSA teachings of brotherhood, the training for youth

in Scouting must be conducted in a manner which is Anonsectarian.@ That term is sometimes

misunderstood to mean that Scouting cannot include anything Religious in our programs. To

the contrary, BSA requires that Scouting experiences are inclusive and considerate of the

religions of all the members of the chartering organizations. Scouts are asked to do their

best, to do their Duty to GOD, and to be Reverent. The purpose of this Handbook is to

assist the Scout youth and adult leaders in those objectives. Previous published references to Duty to GOD and training information for the Chaplain

Aide position were limited in their content. Likewise, there are limited references to the

needed association between the Chaplain Aide, Chartered Organization Representative and

the Chaplain positions. This Handbook was written in order to supplement and unify the

previously available information. You may have already noticed that the word GOD or anything relating to HIM are written in

all capital letters, as used in any form or tense in this publication. We understand that in at

least one religion, any mention of GOD is always capitalized in reverence of HIS holy name,

held above all other names. In respect of that custom, and to emphasize the same

reverence in this text, we say Amen! Any mention of GOD as written in this text, for all

Faiths shall denote the divine presence they may know as JEHOVAH, ALLAH, YAHWEH,

CHRIST, GREAT SPIRIT, or other names. Likewise for brevity, the word AWorship place@

will be used to denote all houses of worship such as Church, Synagogue, Temple, Mosque,

Congregation, Stake Center, or any other places of worship, except when quotes are cited. This Handbook includes a compilation of portions from official Scout publications, guides

and prayer books of several Religious chartered organizations and BSA Council

Interfaith/Relationships committees. All of the known sources are referenced as

numbered in the text, and as described in the Sources bibliography at the end.

iv

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

A. Duty to GOD in Scouting __________________________________ 1 B. Chaplain Aide Position ____________________________________ 4 C. Unit Chaplain / Executive Officer ___________________________ 13 D. Chartered Organization Representative ______________________ 17 E. Religious Emblem Advisor _________________________________ 21 F. Camp Chaplain _________________________________________ 23 G. AScouts= Own@ Service & Play-Acting _________________________ 26 H. District / Council Services ________________________________ 28 I. Scout Sunday / Sabbath Service ___________________________ 29 J. Summer Camp Services & Activities _________________________ 30 K. Interfaith Committees ___________________________________ 31 L. Life After Scouting _____________________________________ 35

A D D E N D A 0. Glossary of Terms ______________________________________ 36 P. Religious Emblems _______________________________________ 37 Q. Interfaith Prayers ______________________________________ 39 R. Interfaith Hymns / Songs _________________________________ 46 S. Sources ______________________________________________ 49

Duty to GOD Handbook – Vol-3 (Draft) Grand Canyon Council – BSA 2/01

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4. C H A R T E R E D O R G A N I Z A T I O N

R E P R E S E N T A T I V E

The Chartered Organization Representative (COR) is like the position of a manager

for a business. A Unit=s Executive Officer (EO) is in charge of the sponsoring

organization, and the COR runs the business of the Troop for him as an agent of the

organization. The COR is a voting member of the Scout Council corporation, as well as

of its local District Committee. The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is a unique youth

service program available for use by community organizations. Each sponsoring

organization receives a Charter (license) to operate the BSA program for the benefit of

their youth. Since the chartered organization owns and operates the Scouting program,

they are a Charter Partner, not simply a sponsor. It is the COR who represents this

partnership at both levels. As a member of the chartered organization, the COR is

appointed by the EO and serves at the EO=s discretion. All adult leaders and committee

members must be approved by the EO, unless such approval is delegated in writing by

the EO to the COR.

Religious chartered Scouting should be considered by its COR to be like a two-edged

sword. On one edge is the Boy Scouts of America, sharp in its training of skills and

leadership. On the other edge is the Religious chartered organization, trying to cut a

path to see that their beliefs and values get through to their youth. The metal in

between is the Chartered Organizational Representative, that holds the edges together

to make a balanced, totally effective instrument.

The opportunity for job training is provided at the District or Council levels, for

general COR training. For Religious chartered CORs, training may also be available from

National committees of the chartering Faith. Religious training is conducted by certain

Faiths during Relationships Week each summer at the Philmont Scout Ranch=s Volunteer

Training Center, near Cimarron, New Mexico. Courses may also be conducted at annual

or biennial National conferences of the Faiths. Much of what is taught at the sessions

involve faith-specific beliefs and practices. Like the other positions in Scouting, the

COR is also required to provide nonsectarian participation for Scouts. For other

training within a specific Religion, please contact your Faith=s local or National

committees, or the Interfaith committee of your local Council. Only nonsectarian

considerations of COR=s role will be addressed in this handbook.

Duties of the Charter Organization Representative are defined along with other adult

Leader positions by BSA in the Troop Committee Guidebook, as follows:


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Charter Organization Representative (COR) - Duties: 4. Is a member of the chartered organization

5. Serves as head of AScouting department@ in the organization

6. Secures a troop committee chairperson and encourages training

D. Maintains a close liaison with the troop committee chairperson

5. Helps recruit other adult leaders

6. Serves as liaison between your troop and your organization

7. Assists with unit rechartering

8. Encourages service to the organization

9. Is active and involved member of the district committee (Source #11) A. Is a member of the chartered organization BSA requires COR membership within the chartered organization. The COR must be a

citizen of the United States. For Religious chartered Units, the COR is the only

leadership position (other than Chaplain) that must be a member of that Faith=s

community. The Troop Committee members as well as the Scoutmaster and other adult

leaders are not required by BSA to be members of the chartering Faith. B. Serves as head of AAAAScouting department@@@@ in the organization A ministry of your Church is how the Scouting program should be considered, with you

in control of the AScouting department@ within your Church=s youth ministries. The COR

is the department head who directs the programs and administers to the provisions of

the Charter agreement. As such, the COR should be the same person for all the types

of Scout Units chartered by the same organization. This is not always adhered to,

particularly between Cub Packs and Scout Troops, but there is merit in having one

primary administrator for all of your Scouting programs. C. Secures a troop committee chairperson and encourages training Troop (Pack,etc.) Committee Chairperson appointments are the responsibility of the

COR, and not for the Scoutmaster to appoint. Leadership is the most important factor

in the success of a Scout Unit. A Chairperson should be someone who can recruit

others, delegate responsibilities, and motivate committee members to work together.

The COR should encourage or even require training for key positions. Your District and

Council have regularly scheduled training courses available. Also, monthly District

Roundtables supplement and update this training on an on-going basis. Training courses

of your Faith=s national or local committees should also be attended when available, as

well as Interfaith sessions within your Council.


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D. Maintains a close liaison with the troop committee chairperson The COR should regard the Chairpersons of the Scout Units with respect and trust.

A COR should always be kept informed of what is going on in the Units. The COR should

be careful not to take over the Chairperson=s responsibilities, or bypass the Chairperson

without consulting them. On the other side, the Chairperson should contact the COR on

a regular basis, notify them of Committee meetings, and inform the COR immediately if

a major problem occurs. Good communication is essential. E. Helps recruit other adult leaders Within your Faith community a COR will meet members of the congregation who may

have a business skill or other resource that would be helpful to have on the Troop

Committee or to be Scout Leaders. As the Scouting department head, you should be

active in the recruitment of your department staff. Parents of the Scouts in your units

are usually the most obvious sources from your Faith community. All persons working

with youth must be screened carefully by your organization. Remember that the adult

Scout Leader=s attitude must be nonsectarian. The COR should appoint the best, most

qualified person he can find to be the Scoutmaster. That best person may very well be

a Scout=s parent or someone else of another Faith. The COR needs to also fulfill the

BSA policy that his organization gives attention to the Religious life of each and every

Scout. That need is filled by the Unit Chaplain and Chaplain Aide positions, whose duties

are to serve the spiritual needs of all Scouts. Therefore, it is not reasonable to have a

practice of appointing only Scoutmasters that are of the same Faith, and then fail to

have a Chaplain and/or Chaplain Aide, or to be completely without an active Religious

program to serve any of the Scout youth in your Units. F. Serves as liaison between your troop and your organization Maintaining adherence to the Charter is the COR=s responsibility. This includes

upholding the basic principles which require that nonsectarian training is included for all

members, and attention is given by the organization to the Religious element in a Scout=s

life. Some Religions utilize Scouting as a major part of their youth ministry. Their

programs for Duty to GOD are extensively developed as an essential part of the

Scouting experience they provide. It is highly commendable to find that Scouting is

held in such high esteem by those Faiths. The COR should be cautious, however, that their programs are not exclusionary. Any

boy who wants to be a Scout should not be refused membership or forced out of

Scouting, just because his Religious beliefs are not the same as the chartered

organization=s Faith. If local Units do not include his Faith, or if other Units are


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unreasonably distant, the COR must see to it that their program is adjusted to allow the

Scout to participate fairly. Remember the Golden Rule, ADo unto others as you would have them do unto you@ and apply it to any Scout that is different from the others. Consider this; if a Scout of your Faith lived somewhere that only had Troops available

which were not of your Faith, you wouldn=t want the boy to be denied all the rewarding

experiences Scouting has to offer. Of course, those experiences should also include a

Religious element provided by the Scout=s family at home and by those among the

Scout=s Faith community, organization or group. G. Assists with unit rechartering Normal procedures should be followed for renewing a charter at the end of each year.

For Religious chartered organizations, the COR should see that the Chaplain is invited

along with the others to the annual charter review meeting. Religious emblems and Unit

awards should be a part of the Quality Unit commitment goals for the next year. The

charter presentation ceremony should be a part of or follow a Church service,

appropriately as part of the next Scout Sunday/Sabbath ceremony. H. Encourages service to the organization Your Chaplain Aide should be coordinating with the Chaplain and other ministry leaders

for service projects needed by your Church, and needed by the Scouts in order to

advance. Some encouragement may be needed to be exerted by the COR, to see that

those tasks are approved and scheduled by the Church leaders, and that they are

reasonable expectations for the Scouts to perform. As COR you should pass on ideas

for service projects to the Unit committee and help wherever needed. I. Is active and involved member of the district committee Local District Committee involvement is encouraged. Contact with the District and the

Council will inform the COR of all the facilities, activities, services and programs they

have available for your organization. Just as your Committee Chairperson assists in the

Adownhill@ running of your Scout Units, a Unit Commissioner should be available from

your District to assist in the Auphill@ side of Scouting services. Participation in a

District committee should enhance your understanding of how the whole package comes

together to serve the youth of your Religious organization. The COR is a voting member

not only of the District Committee, but also of the Council Corporation, so they should

be active enough to vote on issues that affect not only the Scouts of his Faith, but all

Scouts in the local program. (Source #13 - excerpts)


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5. R E L I G I O U S E M B L E M A D V I S O R

A Religious Emblem Advisor is not an official BSA position, but is provided to serve

Scouts under the auspices of their chartering Faith. Not all Religious emblem programs

require an Advisor. Many of the Cub Scout emblems are supervised by their parents.

Boy Scout emblems usually require a Counselor, Mentor, Moderator or other titled

Advisor provided by their own Faith community. Advisors are usually someone involved

with youth ministry, a parent or member of the Troop Committee.

Certain BSA requirements must be adhered to by these Advisors. These include

attendance and certification in the BSA Youth Protection Training program, and the A2-

deep@ rule that requires a minimum of two adults and a minimum of two youth Scouts at

all sessions or in the same room at meetings. The only exception to the 2-deep rule is if

only one youth is working on an emblem, then he could have one of his parents in

attendance. All Advisors must be members in good standing or screened by their Faith=s

chartered organization, including volunteer parents of their Scouts. Specific Faiths may

also have their own additional requirements.

The opportunity for job training is usually provided by committees of the chartering

Faith. Courses may be conducted by a local Faith=s Scouting committee, and by certain

Faiths during Relationships Week each summer at the Philmont Scout Ranch-Volunteer

Training Center, near Cimarron, New Mexico. Courses may be also conducted at annual

or biennial National conferences of some Faiths that charter Scouting. Most of what is

taught at these sessions will involve faith-specific beliefs and practices, applied to their

Faith=s Religious training for Scouts. However, they are also required to provide

nonsectarian participation for Scouts not of their Faith. For training within a specific

Religion, please contact your Faith=s local or National committees, or your Council=s

Interfaith or Relationships committees. It is only the common, nonsectarian portion of

Religious Emblem Advisor=s role, similar regardless of one=s Faith, that this handbook

will subsequently address. Duties of the Religious Emblem Advisor have not been defined by BSA, since they are

chartered organization positions. For this Handbook, duties are as follows: A. Become knowledgeable in advising the Religious emblems of your Faith

B. Tell about the steps needed to earn Religious emblems

C. Advise Scouts while working from Religious emblem manuals

D. Provide Scouts the opportunities required to complete all tasks

E. Process and forward completed applications properly and promptly


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A. Become knowledgeable in advising the Religious emblems of your Faith Attending Training Courses is the best way to know what specifically is expected by

your Faith, for you to provide effective counseling for Religious emblems. Some Faiths

require training, but others may not have training sessions available for Advisors,

particularly in remote areas. Obtain Advisor and Scout manuals, and try to find someone

who has experience as an Advisor for that particular Religious emblem. If no previous

Advisors are available, contact your Council Interfaith or Relationships committees.

Also talk with a Chaplain, a young Leader or Scout who has received the emblem, and

who can tell you about the program and manuals. B. Tell about the steps needed to earn Religious emblems Scouts should be informed about what is required before they start working on the

Religious emblems. Parents, Scoutmaster and the Chaplain Aide should also be informed

that the Scout will be working on the emblem, and what their roles are. Most Scout

level emblems are more difficult than obtaining a merit badge, and must be diligently

worked on over several months. Strong commitments are needed by all of those

involved, particularly the Advisor. C. Advise Scouts while working from Religious emblem manuals Do manuals step-by-step with the Scouts, in the order prescribed. Usually there are

alternative readings and tasks for them to do. Advise them as they work on the

manuals. See that they attend meeting sessions, and that they stay on a schedule. D. Provide Scouts the opportunities required to complete all tasks Resources for tasks and abilities will differ from Scout to Scout, so make sure the

alternate tasks and service projects they choose are feasible for them to finish. If

outings are required, such as attending retreats or visiting a shrine, get with other

Advisors from different Units to plan for these events as a group. E. Process and forward completed applications properly and promptly When completed with all requirements and signatures, the application and fee should be

forwarded immediately. Most emblem medals with ribbons have to come from National

sources, such as from Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.) in St. Louis,

or from a Faith=s National committees out-of-state. It may take longer than the next

Court of Honor to receive them. Some Religions have annual Council-wide award

ceremonies, so check with your Faith or Council Interfaith committee.


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8. D I S T R I C T/ C O U N C I L S E R V I C E S

Large Assemblies of Scouts at District Camporees (Council Jamborees or Interfaith

Retreats) may require more pre-planning and coordination than a Scouts= Own service

(see the previous Section.) Scouts can still help plan, conduct, and participate in the

service. But instead as individuals or by patrols, at these larger gatherings it is more

inclusive if the various parts of the service are conducted by representatives of the

Units (or Districts) represented. Prayers should always be said at the opening and

closing of such an event, but the opportunity for a unified prayer service should never be

avoided at such an opportune gathering of Scouts and Scouters.

Program booklets or handout pages are helpful at such large gatherings, so that

everyone is literally Aon the same page@. Also, the impromptu assignments to various

Units then become rather clear for them to follow. Using Prayers and Songs such as

provided later within this handbook, a sample service outline could include:

A. Call to Worship: A short opening prayer, or a Torah presentation if available.

B. Opening Song: America the Beautiful, God Bless America, etc.

C. Responsive Reading: Scout Oath Prayer or Scout Law Prayer, etc.

D. Reflection or Discussion: by a Chaplain, Guest or Official who will be present

E. Prayer for our Country: (see Interfaith Prayers to follow)

F. Thoughts from Lord Robert Baden-Powell: (any previous or other excerpts)

G. A Scouter=s Prayer: for all Leaders to come forward to recite

H. Benediction / Closing Prayer: (see Interfaith Prayers to follow)

I. Closing Song: On My Honor, Scout Vespers, etc.

Play-acting activities might be coordinated if there is enough time, so you may consider

making it a part of the service, or performed before or after the prayer service.

Remember Lord Baden-Powell=s advice that these events be Acheery and varied@ and that the Speaker=s address is one which Agrips the boys, and in which they may laugh or applaud as the spirit moves them.@ Having the boys help put the program together will provide insight from their perspective, and be more effective. The youth are also

capable of planning and presenting their own Scout Retreats, or as we prefer to call them

AScout Encounters@ that are meaningful for them. A young eaglet will never fly, if it

never gets the opportunity to flap his own wings!


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9. S C O U T S U N D A Y / S A B B A T H

February the 8th of each year is the Boy Scouts of America=s anniversary of its

founding on February 8, 1910. The week in which the anniversary falls is always National

Boy Scout Week. The Sunday at the beginning of the week is Scout Sunday, the

Saturday either before or at the end of that week may be the Scout Sabbath. Scout

Sunday/Sabbath ceremonies are held in chartered organizations= Churches and

Synagogues historically on those days. Religious chartered Units should prepare for and

attend ceremonies of their own during a scheduled service on the Scout

Sunday/Sabbath. Most Churches will allow this during a regular worship service. The

Troop Chaplain Aide should coordinate this with the Unit Chaplain, along with their Cub

Pack. Other youth organizations have their own Scout week, but it may be easier for

them to join with the Boy Scouts in our ceremony, so they might be invited as well. Announce Scout Services several weeks before, so that Scouts in other Units that are

members of your Faith community are also invited to attend. This can be done in

bulletins, announcement during services, and posters in your Church. Make plans for

saving front rows for Scouts, and possibly hosting a reception afterwards. At the Service all Scouts and Scouters should be in full uniform, and should wear all

Religious emblem medals they have received. A flag ceremony could precede or be part

of the opening procession of Scouts and ministers, depending on what is customary for

your Church and acceptable to the attending clergyman. Music ministry should be

planned beforehand, with appropriate National or Scouting familiar hymns. Religious Emblems should be acknowledged at some point, usually after a homily, for

Scouts who received Religious emblems, as well as Unit awards. Then those that have

just recently completed the emblems may have the medals, knots or knot devices

awarded by attending clergyman or Chaplain. Eagle Scouts and Scouts who earned all the

emblems should have special recognition, as well as all the service projects the Scouts

have performed for your Faith community since the last Scout week service. Interfaith Services may also be held in your Council on Scout Sunday or Sabbath,

usually in the afternoon as a separate service. For that service all Scouts who have

earned emblems over the past year should be sent personal invitations, and each in

attendance recognized with others who earned the Religious emblems. In our Council, we

give a special Interfaith patch to each attending recipient, with a blue border for Cub

emblems and a red border for Scout Religious emblems received.


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10. S U M M E R C A M P S E R V I C E S

A N D A C T I V I T I E S

Church Services should be provided by the Scout Camp on Saturdays and/or Sundays unless

the campers are not required to be there on those days. Many Scout Camps have Chapels

available for services on the premises, but too often there are no scheduled weekly services

provided for the attending Faiths. Camp Chaplains seem to be coming a rarity except at the

best of Camps. Duty to GOD at Camp is rather low on the wish lists of Scouts who are intent

on earning all their merit badges, and sadly for their Scouters as well. But by now, after

reading the previous Sections, the reader is hopefully impressed with the role that Duty to

GOD should be playing in their entire Scouting program, especially at Summer Camp. Camp

administrators should have their Chaplaincy positions high on their priority list.

With a Camp Chaplain or even better with more than one, the participants are assured that

the Religious element in Scouting is being served for the entire camp. A Camp Chaplain is

required to be trained in nonsectarian service to Scouts of all Faiths. While he may not

conduct prayer services for another Faith unless asked to do so, he will let others know when

their own Chaplain may be coming, or when there is a prayer meeting planned by other

campers and/or staff. For his own Faith, daily services should be made available, whether or

not he is always able to attend.

Without a Camp Chaplain a Faith=s attenders should fill the gap as best they can. Perhaps a

Church is in the area having services that could be attended, or may have a clergyman or lay

minister who could be invited for a Camp service, and invited to dinner too! Perhaps one of

the Scouters is also a Deacon or holds another position in your Church. When a Chaplain is

not available for Sunday or Sabbath services, there should be someone present who could

conduct at least a prayer service.

Interfaith Activities with or without a Chaplain should still be part of the program. Using

the suggestions of Lord Baden-Powell as described in the AScouts= Own@ Section of this

Handbook, an Interfaith gathering can be organized. This may be scheduled before morning

assembly or after evening meals, or anytime that serves those interested. As an alternate

to a prayer meeting, a discussion session can be planned to relate things such as what each

person is doing in their duty to GOD, what they do to earn Religious emblems, what they hold

sacred in their own Faith, how their Faith community relates with Scouting, as well as with

current world or national events. Play-Acting could be part of some of these sessions, at

other events or during campfires planned to have an Interfaith theme. Any Interfaith

activity should allow for a mix of different Faiths to participate as they choose, mindful not

to offend others, and remembering that AIt is your duty to respect and defend others= rights to their religious beliefs even when they differ from your own.@


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11. I N T E R F A I T H C O M M I T T E E S

A Religious Relationships Committee of some type, such as an Interfaith advisory

committee, should be active at the BSA Council level. Most Councils have a Relationships

Committee that deal with ScoutReach, Learning-for-Life, Urban Emphasis and/or Minority

Relations, but they do not always include an Interfaith Committee. In providing for the

programs for Duty to GOD in Scouting, an Interfaith Committee, or at least an Interfaith

coordinator, should be established. If such a committee or position is not provided, the

Duty to GOD portion of Scouting is not being adequately administered by that Council, as

directed by BSA National. Nevertheless, Religious Relationships Committees are not as

common as they should be everywhere. The BSA Foundations for Growth resource manual

directs that:

AThe religious relationships committee provides cooperating religious bodies the opportunity to carry out a ministry to children, youth and families through the methods of Scouting. The local Council must take the initiative in starting the organization process. This initial assistance is necessary also because in the religious field there is a diversity of organization, and a special cause or appeal is needed to bring churches and synagogues together for a particular task.@ (Source #16)

Religious units==== leaders are often members of their own Faith=s committees on Scouting,

and can assist in the formation of a Council Interfaith committee. Also, many communities

today have Interfaith coalitions and/or ecumenical councils that have brought various Faiths

together in a spirit of cooperation. Since those Faiths are also Chartering Organizations, a

Council can benefit greatly from contact with such groups. It is the Council=s responsibility

to foster and cooperate with the establishment and continuation of an Interfaith committee,

as an active advisory group serving the entire Council service area. Every effort should be

made to include representation from all the Faiths that Charter units within a Council.

The opportunity for job training of members of Religious committees is provided by

National committees of their chartering Faiths. Training is conducted during Relationships

Week every summer at the Philmont Scout Ranch -Volunteer Training Center, near Cimarron,

New Mexico. Courses may be conducted at annual or biennial National conferences of major

Faiths. Much of what is taught at those sessions involve faith-specific beliefs and practices,

applied to their Faith=s Religious training for Scouts. They are required, and are hopefully

instructed in those sessions, to also provide nonsectarian participation for Scouts not of

their Faith. This section will address only the nonsectarian portion, for a Council level

Interfaith Committee. Formal training is our next goal, after this Handbook is widely

circulated, to write and establish a National training course for Interfaith Relationships,

providing standardized training for all Council=s Interfaith relations committee members.


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Statement of Purpose of the Religious relationships committee (Interfaith Committee) is to

expand the opportunities for children, youth, adults and families within the community to

experience GOD=s love and grace (HIS influence working within you.) To accomplish this

purpose, the committee functions to: 1. Cooperate with Council in its effort to fulfill Scouting’s belief that no member

can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to GOD.

2. Interpret and promote the Scouting program in churches and synagogues as a

resource for their ministries with children, youth, adults, and families.

3. Interpret and promote the Religious emblems study program as the local

churches=, synagogues=, and mosques= program of intentional and intensive

Religious education for the individual member.

4. Provide worship experiences and Chaplain services in Council camps, outdoor

experiences, and other events. (Source #16)

Cooperation, Interpretation and Promotion are the apparent operative words in the

functions or duties of the Interfaith Committee. Certainly, as a Council advisory committee,

there is a need to cooperate with a Council=s executive, administrative, and field services

departments, to fulfill the requirements for Duty to GOD in all Districts serviced by your

local Council. The Interfaith Committee serves as an intermediary between the various

Church communities and your Scout Council. To interpret means Ato understand, explain the

meaning and convey the significance of@ programs for specific Faiths in Scouting. With this

understanding on both sides, you can then promote their activities, Religious emblems, and

educational programs in a unified effort. An example would be to coordinate with your

Council to have an Interfaith booth at Scout-o-Ramas, Camporees and other events, where

members from various Faiths could answer Scouts= and parents= questions, and promote sales

of Religious emblem manuals for all Faiths. Other activities will be discussed later. Provisions for worship services and Religious experiences, in addition to Chaplain services, is

an important function of the Interfaith Committee. Interfaith Religious activities for

outdoor experiences and other events have been discussed in the previous sections.

However, the provision for Chaplain services in Council camps may have logistical problems

that need to be addressed. Camps are often at remote locations, far from most of the

Churches that charter the attending Scout units. It may be difficult to secure a Camp

Chaplain for the few weeks that camp is in session, but every effort should be made to do so.

If the Council administrators retain the responsibility to staff a camp with a Chaplain, then

they should make every reasonable effort, and explore every suggestion by the Interfaith

Committee, to see that a Chaplain is employed to the same degree that other positions are

filled. A camp cook or medic for just a few weeks may also be hard to find, but somehow are

always employed. Equal persistence should be given to the Chaplaincy position.


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Steps in Organizing a Committee for Religious relationships are suggested by BSA

National, summarized briefly as follows: 1. Confer with local executive director of Council of Churches, chairman of Board of Rabbis,

and heads of other Religious and interdenominational organizations (Ecumenical Councils,

Interfaith Coalitions, etc.) to help start a committee. 2. Ask the organizing group (participants) to invite clergy and laity who might serve on the

committee to a breakfast or luncheon. The Council President and Relationships Chairman

should also be present and play key roles. 3. Be sure to follow up with all Religious leaders on the plan recommended by the committee.

It is suggested that the committee be made up of clergy or lay-persons from the Religious

organizations, to be recommended by the Scout Executive. When his recommendations are

made, get top-caliber clergyman or lay-person to serve as chairman. Secure a geographical

representative group, laity that can attend when clergy are available. Get his selection of

Council staff to work with the committee. Appoint standing committees for Relationships,

Religious Emblems Program, and Chaplaincy. Plan and execute specific projects, survey which

Faiths charter Scouting, the potential for others, then promote Scout Sunday/Sabbath

ceremonies, Chaplaincy at summer camp, and religious emblems program. (Source #16) A more helpful approach would be to first contact Scout leaders of participating Faiths

within your Council that may be, or may know, members of their Faith=s national committees

on Scouting, or are active Religious emblem Advisors. Ask that they provide a

representative to the Interfaith committee from their Faith. While the suggestions

enumerated above may work, most Church leaders today are very busy and may feel they do

not have enough knowledge of Scouting to help start a Council advisory committee. By

involving active Scouters, the benefits of a cooperative promotion for Religious emblems, and

Duty to GOD activities on a unified basis, are more readily comprehended. They may also

serve as the best sources to recommend clergy to serve as Chaplains for their specific

Faith, ones they have participating in their Scouting programs. However, attendance by

clergy is usually limited, and likely will not serve as the nucleus of an active Interfaith

committee. For most successful Interfaith committees, active Scouters are usually willing

to serve, and most realize the benefits to their Scout youth and Religious programs. Duties and Activities of Committee -

Interfaith Chairman - Overall coordinator, works closely with Council staff advisor and the

Subcommittee Vice-chairmen, Chairpersons of various Faith committees; responsible to

oversee that objectives are met for Religious programs in Scouting, that Council and

Districts are advised of dates of Religious observances so not to conflict with planned

activities; liaison between Faith groups and BSA groups to resolve issues, advise on policies,

channel spiritual resources of Faiths to reach their Scouting members and families; plans &

conducts meetings, at least quarterly.


-34-

Secretary (Corresponding/Advisor) - Local Council staff member, responsible for working

with and guiding the Interfaith Chairman, meeting regularly to keep current on progress and

discuss ideas, suggestions and plans; works with Vice-chairmen to assure they receive help

and guidance they need for their subcommittees. (As a Council staff member, the Advisor

can have notices printed and distributed and/or mailed to committee members for meetings,

notices to District Executives, Commissioners and Roundtable newsletter editors, as well as

any other staff approvals needed for events and/or Council facilities= reservations.)

Additional Committee Officers - While not specified by BSA, standing committees usually

should include a Recording Secretary (minutes), Treasurer, Associate/Past Chairman, as well

as the three Vice-chairmen of the subcommittees. It is also good to have at least two Boy

Scout youth members serving on the committee, as well as liaisons for other local youth

organizations on an Interfaith level.

Relationships Subcommittee activities include: A) Coordination of a Chartered Organization

(CO) survey to determine numbers of units, youth members and adult leaders for each Faith

in your Council, given to representatives of each Faith for their membership drives; B)

Organization of (new) units from the results of the CO survey, working with the Faith=s

churches and District=s membership persons to see that new units are formed; C) Maintain

good working relations; D) Search and Exchange information sessions on how Scouting

supports Religious education, how Council supports COs, how COs help Scouting, how they

help finance Scouting with sustained membership efforts; E) Help promote Scout

Sabbath/Sunday services.

Chaplaincy Subcommittee activities include: A) Resident Chaplains for the full camp season,

the Council providing room and board, or other alternatives; B) Religious services for other

events, camporees or related activities upon request; C) Chapels at Summer Camp, planned

for boys of all Faiths with Interfaith cooperation and approval of the Council camping

committee; D) Financial support of the Chaplain provided by Religious groups, financing of

Chapel construction and maintenance.

Religious Emblems Subcommittee activities include: A) Program promotion to get

information on Religious emblems to all Religious leaders and unit leaders, share ways of

promoting emblem programs; B) Activity displays to be used at District and Council

functions, manned by committee members; C) Publicity of accomplishments by Scouts

earning Religious emblems, Interfaith activities, planned and coordinated by the committee.

Other possible activities could include outreach programs for remote Districts outside of

your main service area, such as the Scout-o-Rama display and manual sales mentioned earlier;

a Council-wide Interfaith Recognition Service on Scout Sabbath/ Sunday afternoon; an

Interfaith Encounter weekend campout program every few years; annual Ten Commandment

Hikes planned to visit different Churches, a person at each explains one of the

Commandments, and then explains the Church; Emblem Advisor and Chaplain Aide training

courses, and COR/Chaplain conferences. (Source #16)


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12. L I F E A F T E R S C O U T I N G When Scouts grow up after having been a member for a few years, or for more than a

decade, what of Scouting will they carry with them? Certainly, they should be different than

if they had not been involved in Scouting, not likely to have had the extent of outdoor

experiences, leadership training, their own diversity of merit badge interests, with their own

unique, personalized growth in body, mind and Spirit. Hopefully, they have been led to realize

a commitment for Duty to GOD in their life, as well as for their Country and themselves, that

will carry on into adult life. Will they have an advantage in the workplace, in family living, with

their ultimate vocation in life? A vocation in life is often misunderstood by youth to mean what their career or job title will

be, like when you go to Avocational school@ to learn a trade. Rather than an occupational

direction, a vocation means what your calling or station in life will eventually become as an

adult, either 1) a single person, 2) a married man, or 3) a clergyman. Most youth think of the

second alternative as their future life, after exhausting all the benefits of the first

alternative, as our society readily portrays in the various media. But youth are not often

advised about considering the calling of the third kind; the call to work in the service of GOD

within their own Faith. In presenting this Handbook, our efforts have been pointless if some

advice is not given on the choices of vocations in life after Scouting, schooling and growing up. A Scout has declared from the Oath forward that he will do his best in doing his Duty to

GOD and Country, to obey the Scout Law which includes being AReverent.@ These concepts

may not be found in a youth=s life outside of Scouting. Once again, our Founder Lord Baden-

Powell has offered timeless advice: AThe Promise that a Scout makes on joining has as its first point: >To do my duty to GOD.=

Note that it does not say >To be loyal to GOD= since this would merely be a state of mind, but (instead) to do something, which is the positive, active attitude... Therefore, we put into his activities the practice of Good Turns in his daily life as a foundation of future goodwill and helpfulness to others. The religious basis (for) this is common to all (Faiths) and... interfere with the form of none. The boy can then realize better that part of his Duty to GOD is to take care of and develop as a sacred trust, those talents with which GOD has equipped him for his passage through this life; the body... to be used in GOD=s service; the mind with its wonderful reasoning, memory and appreciation which place him above the animal world; and the soul, that bit of GOD which is within him, namely Love, which can be developed and made stronger by continual expression and practice. Thus we teach him that to do his Duty to GOD means, not merely to lean on HIS kindness, but to do GOD=s will by practicing love towards one=s neighbour.@ (Source #3)

Older-aged Scouts should be counseled about what a calling means in their own Faith, for

they should be able to make sense of how Duty to GOD relates to their own purpose in life,

and the vocation only they can choose to follow. Hopefully, in whatever vocation they pursue,

they will come back to help in the Scouting program for others.


Q-1

Q. I N T E R F A I T H P R A Y E R S

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

(with "GOD Bless Our Flag" added back at end) I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. GOD BLESS OUR FLAG.

CALLS TO WORSHIP

Eternal GOD, open our lips that our mouths may speak of YOUR Glory. THE SHEMA: These words, which I command you this day, shall be in your heart; She-ma, Is-ra-el, A-do-nai, E-lo-he-nu, A-do-nai E-had. Hear O Israel, the LORD our GOD, The LORD is one.- from Deuteronomy AL-FATIHAH: Praise be to ALLAH, LORD of the worlds, the BENEVOLENT, the MERCIFUL, OWNER of the day of judgement, YOU alone we worship; YOU alone we ask for help, show us the straight path. - from The Koran THE BLESSED: Blessed is the spot, and the house, and the place, and the city, and the heart, and the mountain, and the refuge, and the cave, and the valley, and the land, and the sea, and the island, and the meadow where mention of GOD has been made and HIS praise is glorified. - from Baha>I Writings BEGINNING THE DAY: O GREAT SPIRIT! Watch over us as we begin this day. Protect us as we live in YOUR care. Give us bounty and hold us from harm. We are YOUR children and wish only to please YOU. We hold our Mother Earth close to our hearts and wish for her goodness. We thank you for YOUR love that is within us. - Native American SERVICE OF THE HEART: May the time be not too distant O GOD, when all your children will understand that they are brothers and sisters so that, one in spirit and one in fellowship, they may be forever united before you. Then shall your kingdom be established on earth, and the word of your prophet shall be fulfilled: "The LORD will reign forever and ever." -from the Jewish Torah

(Source #6)

VARIATIONS ON THE GOLDEN RULE >Do to others as you would have them do to you=

Faith groups differ in their concepts of the deity, other beliefs and practices. But there is near unanimity of opinion among the world=s various religions on how one person should treat another. Almost all religions have passages in their holy texts which promote the AEthic of Reciprocity@ commonly known in North America as AThe Golden Rule.@ - Fr. Don Titmus Blessed are those who prefer others before themselves. - Baha=i Faith This is the sum of duty: Do not do to others which would cause you pain if done to you. - Brahmanism Hurt not others in ways that you would you yourself would find hurtful. - Buddhism Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you. Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire. - Confucianism One should not behave towards others in a way which is disagreeable to oneself. -Hinduism No one of you is a believer until you desire for another that which you desire for yourself. - Islam In happiness and suffering, in joy and grief, we should regard all creatures as we regard our own self. - Jainism What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the law. - Judaism The Great Law of Peace: Respect for all life is the foundation of life. -Native American The law imprinted on the hearts of all men is to love each other as they love themselves. - Roman Pagan Religion The heart of the person before you is a mirror. See there your own form. - Shinto Be not estranged from another for GOD dwells in every heart. - Sikhism Human nature is good only when it does not do unto another whatever is not good for its own self. - Zoroastnanism.


Q-2

INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS & PRAYERS If I can do some good today, If I can serve along life=s way, If I can something helpful say,

LORD, show me how. If I can right a human wrong. If I can help to make one strong. If I can cheer with smile or song. LORD, show me how. If I can aid one in distress. If I can make a burden less. If I can spread more happiness. LORD, show me how. -unknown The statement of the (Scout) Oath and the adjectives that make up the Law cover any possible description of a well adjusted human; and, if a whole nation ever reached halfway for these goals, it would be approaching Utopia. The concept of honor and description of courage are vital ideas, almost lost by the wayside in this age of expediency and behavior analysis. Here is a mixture of common sense and high ideals for every citizen, not just every Scout. GOD bless Scouting.

- Hugh Downs, from Scout Oath in Action (Source #7) O LORD GOD, make my religion to be my love, my deepest love, my delight, the love of my life. Let me never be content with giving YOU less than my whole heart; and that, with no motive which is not pure, no mind which is not joyful. Make all my days a looking up and going forth to greet and meet that majesty of love which has visited and redeemed YOUR people - the love that would save us and is, the glory of YOUR glory, with no limits, forever.

- Eric Milner-White (1884-1964) (Source #17) TWO SHIPS One ship drives East and another West. With the selfsame winds that blow. >Tis the set of the sails and not the gales

Which tells us the way to go. Like the winds of the sea are the ways of fate As we voyage along through life. >Tis the set of the Soul that decides its goal

And not the calm or the strife. WESLEY====S RULE Do all the good you can, by all the means you can; In all the ways you can, At all the time you can; In all the places you can, To all the people you can.

PRAYER FOR OUR COUNTRY Our GOD and GOD of our ancestors, we ask YOUR blessing upon our country, upon the leaders of our nation, and on all who exercise rightful authority in our community.

Unite the inhabitants of our country, whatever their origin and creed, into the bond of true friendship, to banish hatred and bigotry, and to safeguard our ideals and institutions of freedom. May this land under YOUR Providence be an instrument for peace throughout the world. AMEN. - unknown (Source #7) DECLARATION OF RIGHTS We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their CREATOR with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. - Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776 HISTORIC SCHOOL PRAYER A Supreme Court ruling in June 1963, banned Bible scriptures and prayers in all U.S. public schools. The prayer decided to be unconstitutional had merely stated the following: Almighty GOD, we acknowledge our dependence upon THEE and we beg THY blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers, and our Country. THE NEW COLOSSUS From an inscription added in 1903 onto the pedestal of AThe Statute of Liberty@, that was dedicated Oct.

28, 1886. The statute=s formal name is actually ALiberty Enlightening the World.@ Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, with conquering limbs astride from land to land; here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand a mighty woman with a torch, whose flame is the imprisoned lightning, and her name AMother of Exiles.@ From her beacon-hand glows World-wide welcome, her mild eyes command the air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. AKeep ancient lands, your storied

pomp!@ cries she with silent lips. AGive me your

tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!@

- Emma Lazarus, 1849-1887


Q-3

BOY SCOUT LAW Within Biblical references Leader: The person who is dishonest shall not live in MY house, the person who is untruthful shall not stand before MY eyes. - Psalms 101:7 ALL: A Scout is TRUSTWORTHY Leader: Do not beg me to leave you or to return from following after you, for where you go I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. - Ruth 1:16 ALL: A Scout is LOYAL Leader: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. ALL: A Scout is HELPFUL - Leviticus. 19:18 Leader: Can two walk together unless they agree? - Amos 3:3 ALL: A Scout is FRIENDLY Leader: Honor your Father and honor your Mother. ALL: A Scout is COURTEOUS - Exodus 20:12 Leader: Withhold not good from the person to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it. - Proverbs 3:27 ALL: A Scout is KIND Leader: Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to the words of knowledge. - Prov. 23:12 ALL: A Scout is OBEDIENT Leader: A glad heart is good medicine. - Proverbs 17:22 ALL: A Scout is CHEERFUL Leader: Precious treasure remains in a wise person=s dwelling, but a foolish person uses it up.

- Prov. 23:12 ALL: A Scout is THRIFTY Leader: Be strong and of good courage. I Chron. 28:20 ALL: A Scout is BRAVE Leader: Who shall ascend the mountain of the LORD? And who shall stand in HIS holy place? The person who has clean hands and a pure heart. - Psalms 24: 3-4 ALL: A Scout is CLEAN Leader: It has been told to you what is good, and

what the LORD requires of you: Only to do justly,

and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your

GOD. - Micah 6:8

ALL: A Scout is REVERENT

BEING GRATEFUL FOR DOING GOOD

Excerpted from AScouting for Boys@ The Old knights were very religious. They were always careful to attend religious services, especially before going into battle or undertaking any serious difficulty. They considered it the right thing always to be prepared for death. Besides worshiping GOD in church, the Knights always recognized HIS work in the things which HE made, such as animals, plants and all scenery. And so it is with peace Scouts today. Wherever they go they love the woodlands, the mountains, and the prairies, and they like to watch and know about the animals that inhabit them and the wonders of the flowers and plants. No man is much good unless he believes in GOD and obeys HIS laws. So every Scout should have religion. Religion seems a very simple thing: First: Love and serve GOD. Second: Love and serve your neighbor. In doing your duty to GOD always be grateful to HIM. Whenever you enjoy a pleasure or a good game or succeed in doing a good thing, thank HIM for it, if only with a word or two, just as you say grace at the meal. And it is a good thing to bless other people. For instance, if you see a train starting off, just pray for GOD=s blessing on all that are in the train. In doing your duty toward man, be helpful and generous, and always be grateful for any kindness done to you, and be careful to show that you are grateful. Remember again that a present given to you is not yours until you have thanked the giver for it. While you are living your life on earth, try to do something good which may remain after you. One writer says, AI often think that when the sun goes down the world is hidden by a big blanket from the light of heaven, but the stars are little holes pierced in that blanket by those who have done good deeds in this world. The stars are not all the same size; some are big, some are little, and some men have done great deeds and others have done small deeds but they have made their hole in the blanket by doing good before they went to heaven. Try to make your hole in the blanket by good work while you=re on earth. It is something to be good but it is far better to do good. - Lord Robert Baden-Powell


Q-4

PRAYERS OF THANKS For flowers that bloom about our feet, FATHER, we thank THEE. For tender grass so fresh and sweet, FATHER, we thank THEE. For song of bird and hum of bee, For all things fair we hear or see, FATHER in heaven, we thank THEE. For blue of stream and blue of sky, FATHER, we thank THEE. For pleasant shade of branches high, FATHER, we thank THEE. For fragrant air and cooling breeze, For beauty of the blooming trees, FATHER in heaven, we thank THEE. For this new morning with its light, FATHER, we thank THEE. For rest and shelter of the night, FATHER, we thank THEE. For health and food, for love and friends, For everything THY goodness sends, FATHER in heaven, we thank THEE. - Ralph Waldo Emerson The air we breath, the friends we meet. The walk to use our eyes and feet. The things around us make us say. Thank you, GOD, for each new day! - Beaver Prayer for Scouting, UK Magazine We thank you, O GOD, for this day, for morning sun and evening star; for flowering of trees and flowing of streams, for life-giving rains and cooling breeze; for the earth=s patient turning, the changing of the

seasons, the cycle of growth and decay, of life and death. When our eyes behold the beauty and grandeur of YOUR world, we see the wisdom, power and goodness of its CREATOR. We awake and, behold! It=s a great day! AMEN GOD of Creation, we thank YOU for the good gifts of life: for shelter at night, for the food we eat, for the clothing and comforts we enjoy in abundance. We thank YOU for the richness of the earth and this universe which nourishes us and sustains us, delights us and speaks to us of YOUR love and concern. Help us to be more worthy builders and users of these resources, more grateful participants with YOU in all that is creative and conserving in our world. AMEN. PHILMONT GRACE (to be said before meals) For food, for raiment (clothing), for life, for opportunity, for friendship and fellowship, we thank YOU, O LORD.

FOR SCOUTS EVERYWHERE GOD, our FATHER, bless us and all Scouts everywhere. We thank YOU for all the blessings granted to us in the past and ask for YOUR continuing help in days to come. We thank YOU for health bestowed, for opportunities given, for help received, and for all the happiness we enjoy. Forgive all that has been displeasing in YOUR sight; deepen our repentance for all that has been wrong; strengthen our good intentions and our Brotherhood. Amen. PRAYER IN CAMP Thou GOD of the out-of-doors, give me eyes to see the beauty of the world around me. Keep me from being spiritually blind. Surrounded by the works of YOUR creation, may I bow before YOU as the CREATOR. While I am in camp, may I do more than have a good time. Grant that I may enter into a deeper knowledge of YOU. May the fresh air and the open sky, the trees and the flowers, the water and the clouds, all speak to me of YOUR presence. As I gaze at the hills and mountains that tower above me and are reflected in the still waters of the lake, may I be aware of YOUR glory. When I return home, may I take with me the thoughts of YOU that have come to me in camp. May they help me to be true to YOU and keep me clean and rugged like the outdoor world. Amen A BOY SCOUT>>>>S PRAYER (at night) Now the day is done; Boy Scouts one by one, bow your head in prayer to the LORD up there. Oh thank YOU for this beautiful day, Oh LORD. Thank YOU for the mountains, the trees, in the lane; thank YOU for the sunshine that shines through the rain; thank YOU for this beautiful day. And as I camp on the trail tonight, and I raise my eyes to the moonlit sky, and I pray, oh here my prayers tonight. LORD I thank YOU for this beautiful day. - Gwen Beck FOR THE TROOP====S CHAPLAIN GOD, bless our troop Chaplain whose teachings show the trail we Scouts must blaze to have GOD=s

love and mercy every day. Fill his heart with good counsel and fill our hearts with cooperation and obedience to our Chaplain for he teaches YOUR way to us. Amen.


Q-5

NATIVE INDIAN PRAYERS Oh! GREAT SPIRIT, Grandfather, YOU have made everything and are in everything. YOU sustain everything, guide everything, provide everything, and protect everything, because everything belongs to YOU. I am weak, poor and lowly; nevertheless help me to care, in appreciation and gratitude to YOU and for everything. - Sioux Prayer GREAT SPIRIT, whose teepees is the sky and whose hunting ground is the earth, Mighty and fearful are YOU called. Ruler over storms, over men and birds and beast. Have YOUR way over all. Over pathways as over skyways. Find us this day our meat and corn, that we may be strong and brave. And put aside from us our wicked ways as we put aside the bad works of them who do us wrong. And let us not have such troubles as lead us into crooked roads. But keep us from all evil. For YOURS is all that is the stars, the moon, and the sun, and all that live and breathe. Wonderful, shining, MIGHTY SPIRIT. - Arthur F. Giere, Indian=s Lords Prayer

A PRAYER TO THE GREAT SPIRIT O FATHER, whose voice I hear in the winds and whose breath gives life to all the world, hear me. I am a man before YOU, one of YOUR many children. I am small and weak. I need YOUR strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunsets. Make my hands respect the things YOU have made, my ears sharp to hear YOUR voice. Make me wise so that I may know the things YOU have taught my people, the lessons YOU have hidden in every leaf and rock. I seek strength, FATHER, not to be superior to my brothers, but to be able to fight my worst enemy, myself. Make me ever ready to come to YOU with clean hands and straight eye, so that, when life fades as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to YOU without shame. Amen. - Tom Whitecloud THE FOUR WINDS BLESSING (Native American) O GREAT SPIRIT bless us from the NORTH with the cool winds that calm our passions; Bless us from the EAST with the winds that bring and renew life; Bless us from the SOUTH with the warm wet winds that invite growth; Bless us from the WEST with the winds that lead us through this life to the next; fill the sky so that we might sense YOUR presence; And bless us from mother earth from which we've come and to where we shall return.

PRAYER TO THE MOUNTAIN SPIRIT Navajo Indians LORD of the Mountain, Reared with the mountain, Young man, CHIEFTAIN, Hear a young man=s prayer!

Hear a prayer for cleanness. KEEPER of the strong rain, Drumming on the mountain; LORD of the small rain That restores the earth in newness KEEPER of the clean rain, Hear a prayer for wholeness. Young man, CHIEFTAIN, Hear a prayer for fleetness. KEEPER of the deer=s way,

Reared among the eagles, Clear my feet of slothness. KEEPER of the paths of men, Hear a prayer for straightness. Hear a prayer for courage. LORD of the peaks, Reared amid the thunders; KEEPER of the headlands Holding up the harvest, KEEPER of the strong rocks Hear a prayer for staunchness Young man, CHIEFTAIN, SPIRIT of the Mountain! - Translated by T. Cronyn AN AMERICAN INDIAN PRAYER O= GREAT SPIRIT, whose voice I hear in the

winds, and whose breath gives life to all the world, Hear me! I am small and weak, I need YOUR strength and wisdom.

Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset.

Make my hands respect the things YOU have made and my ears sharp to hear YOUR voice.

Make me wise so that I may understand the things YOU have taught my people.

Let me learn the lessons YOU have hidden in every leaf and rock.

I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy B

Make me always ready to come to YOU with clean hands and straight eyes.

So when life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to YOU without shame.


Q-6

A BLESSING FOR SCOUTS (Beatitudes)

BLESSED are the Scouts who are led with patience and understanding, for they will learn the strength of endurance and gift of tolerance. BLESSED are Scouts who are provided a home where family members can dwell in harmony, For they shall be the peacemakers of the world. BLESSED are the Scouts who are taught the value and power of truth, for they shall search for knowledge and use it with wisdom. BLESSED are the Scouts who are guided by those with faith in a loving GOD, for they will find HIM early and will walk with HIM through life. BLESSED are the Scouts who are respected and know they are loved, for they shall sow seeds of love in the world to reap joy for themselves and others. - adaptation of the Christian "Beatitudes" A PRAYER FOR SCOUTS CREATOR of all that is good everywhere, bless YOUR children gathered here, and bless those in Scouting, far and near. Inspire us and guide us so we may dare, to lead, teach and serve, those who YOU entrust into our care. Grace us so that our courage, patience and wisdom increase, to foster Duty to GOD in Scouting, and to promote World peace. Protect us all in traveling, the paths YOU set before us, in the family of Scouting. GOD bless America, and GOD bless the Boy Scouts of America. - David Gironda, Sr., 8 /00

HYMN TO THE SUN - Saint Francis of Assisi Praised be my LORD GOD with all HIS creatures; and specially our brother the sun, who brings us the day. Praised be my LORD for our sister the moon, and for the stars, that which HE has set clear and lovely in heaven. Praised be my LORD for our brother the wind, and for air and cloud, calms and all weather, by the which YOU uphold in life all creatures... Praised be my LORD for our brother fire, through whom Thou givest us light in the darkness; Praised be my LORD for our mother the earth, that which does sustain us and keep us, and brings forth rivers, fruits, and flowers of many colors, and the grasses. Praised be my LORD for all those who pardon one another for HIS love=s sake, and who

endure weakness and tribulation; blessed are they who peaceably shall endure, for YOU, O MOST HIGHEST, shalt give them a crown! Amen.

A SCOUTER>>>>S PRAYER

Oh, Great GOD of all the nations. Here we stand repentant; and, we pray that YOU will lift our hearts, and give us strength, that we not let boundaries of the nations, race, religion, color, creed, ever keep us from YOUR service, as we daily strive to heed the Commandments YOU consign to us, and our Scouting oath and laws. Help us each to foster Peace on earth, through our fraternal cause. LORD, we know we=re all YOUR

children; brothers and sisters all are we: Thus, we=ve gathered here in love, in faith, in hope and charity. JEHOVAH, ALLAH, GREAT SPIRIT, GOD with humble hearts we pray, that YOU bless us and forgive us as we bow to YOU today; and, please guide us and protect us >till we gather once again, as

one worldwide Scouting family in YOUR precious name. Amen. - Dennis O=Connell, 5/96

AT THE CLOSING OF THE CAMPFIRE As the light of this campfire fades, we thank YOU for the joys and blessings of this day. As the embers cool and the smoke dies down we lift up our minds and hearts to YOU in gratitude for our life, our youth, our happiness, and our Scouting. Beneath the stars we shall sleep and take our rest. LORD, protect our camp this night; may we rise refreshed and ready to serve YOU with generosity tomorrow. Amen.

AN OLD IRISH BLESSING May the road rise to meet you, May the wind always be at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rain fall soft upon your friends, And until we meet again, May GOD hold you in the palm of HIS hand. Amen.

(This blessing can appropriately follow at the end of a service in which the hymn “On Eagle’s Wings” is sung, as the hymn’s refrain is the same last words.)


Q-7

AAAAAn Eagles Prayer@@@@

Presented to new Eagle Scouts at the annual Eagle Scout Banquet of the Robert E. Lee Council, Boy Scouts of America, Richmond, Va.

Now that I=m an Eagle Scout

And look back down the trail I=ve trod, I can see what Scouting=s all about,

And offer this humble prayer to GOD: I know now the Eagle badge isn=t the end;

its silver rays light a new height to ascend. I know I could never have gotten this far

Without the help from others who served as my star.

So thank YOU, LORD, for my chance to be A patriot proud in the land of the free.

Thank YOU for homes and churches and schools Thank YOU for parents and teachers and rules.

Thank YOU for leaders who understand, Who always stand ready to give me their hand.

Let me share with all my people my gifts as they grow, For I must try to repay the great debt that I owe. Let me treat everyone as my sister and brother And reward each good turn by doing another.

Make me fight the good battles though weary and scared. Let me meet every crisis by being prepared.

Give me the will to do my best, To do my duty and pass life=s test.

Grant me the wisdom and honor and the courage to do The things that are always pleasing YOU.

Remind me if ever I start to stray That other Eagles in khaki have paved my way. Their ghosts are watching and waiting to see

That I live up to all that=s expected of me.

If I should falter and fall toward the ground, Stretch forth YOUR arm so I won=t let them down.

Write YOUR purpose upon my willing heart With a finger that=s tipped in fire.

I have already gotten a good head start. Help me to climb even higher.

I promise to strive for a worthy goal That I know to be solid and right.

Lift up my wings and nourish my soul As I dare the Eagle=s flight.

Chart me a course that=s straight and true,

With the Scout Oath and Law as my guide. Teach my mind and body and heart what to do, So YOU can smile down upon me with pride.

Keep me as sharp as the edge of a whittling knife To cut through the darkness and doubt. Let me never forget as I soar through life

That I am an Eagle Scout. (Source #18)

Duty to GOD Handbook – Vol-3 (Draft)

Grand Canyon Council – BSA 2/01

S-1

R. I N T E R F A I T H H Y M N S & S O N G S

THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER

Francis Scott Key,1814; music from ATo Anacreon in

Heav=n@ by John Stafford Smith, 1776 (verses 1& 4) Oh! say, can you see, by the dawn=s early light. What so

proudly we hailed at the twilight=s last gleaming? Whose

broad stripes and bright stars, Thro= the perilous fight,

O=er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly

streaming? And the rockets= red glare, the bombs bursting

in air, Gave proof thro= the night that our flag was still

there. Oh! say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave,

O=er the land of the free and the home of the brave. Oh! thus be it ever when free men shall stand, Between

their loved home and the war=s desolation. Blest with

vict=ry and peace, may the Heaven-rescued land, Praise

the Pow=r that hath made and preserved us a nation.

Then conquer me must, when our cause it is just, And this

be our motto, AIn GOD is our trust.@ And the star-

spangled banner in triumph shall wave, O=er the land of

the free and the home of the brave.

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL Katharine Lee Bates,

1893 after trip to Pike=s Peak; music from AO Mother Dear,

Jerusalem@ by Samuel Augustus Ward, 1882 O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of

grain, for purple mountain majesties above the fruited

plain. America, America, GOD shed HIS grace on

thee. And crown thy good with brother-hood from sea

to shining sea. O beautiful for pilgrim feet whose stern impassioned

stress a thoroughfare for freedom beat across the

wilderness. America, America, GOD mend thine ev'ry

flaw. Confirm thy soul in self-control, thy Liberty in law. O beautiful for patriot dream that sees beyond the

years, thine alabaster cities gleam, undimmed by

human tears. America, America, GOD shed HIS grace

on thee. And crown thy good with brother-hood from

sea to shining sea.

GOD BLESS AMERICA Irving Berlin, 1918 & 1938 GOD Bless America, land that I love, stand beside her,

and guide her, through the night, with the light from

above. From the mountains, to the prairies, to the

oceans white with foam.

GOD bless America, my home sweet home.

GOD bless America, my home sweet home.

ON MY HONOR

(adaptation from The Scout Oath) On my Honor, I'll do my best, to do my Duty to GOD.

On my Honor, I'll do my best, to serve my Country as

I may. On my Honor, I'll do my best, to do my good

turn each day, to keep my body strengthened, and

keep my mind awakened, to follow paths of right-ous-

ness. On my Honor, I'll do my best.

SCOUT VESPERS (Tune: O Christmas Tree) Softly falls the light of day, while our campfire fades

away. Silently each Scout should ask: have I done

my daily task? Have I kept my honor bright? Can I

guiltless sleep tonight? Have I done and have I

dared, everything to be prepared? Quietly we join as one, thanking GOD for Scouting

fun. May we now go on our way, thankful for another

day. May we always love and share, live in peace

beyond compare. As a Scout, may we find,

friendships true with all mankind.

TAPS Day is done, gone the sun, From the lake from the

hills, From the sky.

All is well, Safely rest. GOD is nigh. Fading light dims the sight, And a star gems the sky,

Gleaming bright.

From afar, drawing nigh, Falls the night. Thanks and praise, For our days, Neath the sun,

Neath the stars, Neath the sky.

As we go, this we know. GOD is nigh.

HEENAY MAH TOVE (Hebrew; phonetic) Hee-nay mah tove, u-mah-nah yeem,

She-vet ah-cheem gahm yah-hah-d;

How good it is, and how won-der-ful,

To live as brothers together;

Hee-nay mah tove, u-mah-nah yeem,

She-vet ah-cheem gahm yah-hah-d.



S-2

ON EAGLE'S WINGS Psalm 91, vs. 1-7, 11-12 You who dwell in the shelter of the LORD, who abide

in HIS shadow for Life, Say to the LORD:

"My refuge, my rock in whom I trust"

REFRAIN :

And HE will raise you up on Eagle's wings,

bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun,

and hold you in the palm of HIS hand.

The snare of the fowler will never capture you, and famine will bring you no fear; Under HIS wings your refuge, HIS faithfulness your shield. (Refrain) You need not fear the terror of the night, nor the

arrow that flies by day; Though thousands fall about

you, near you it shall not come. (Refrain)

For to HIS angels HE's given a command to guard

you in all of your ways; Upon their hands they will

bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone, And HE will raise you up on Eagle's wings,

bear you on the breath of dawn,

make you to shine like the sun,

and hold you in the palm of HIS hand;

And hold you; hold you in the palm, of HIS hand.

AMAZING GRACE

by John Newton, 1779, former slave ship Captain

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a

wretch like me. I once was lost but now I=m found,

was blind but now I see. >Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear, and Grace

my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace

appear the hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have

already come. >Tis Grace has brought me safe thus

far and Grace will lead me home. When we=ve been there ten thousand years bright

shining as the sun, we=ve no less days to sing

GOD=s praise, than when we first begun.

AWESOME GOD by Rich Mullen REFRAIN :

Our GOD is an awesome GOD, HE reigns from

Heaven above. With wisdom, power and love, our

GOD is an awesome GOD! When HE rolls up HIS sleeve, HE aint= just Aputtin=

on the Ritz.@ Our GOD is an awesome GOD!

There is thunder in HIS footsteps and lightnin= in

HIS fist. Our GOD is an awesome GOD!

(Refrain) And the LORD wasn=t jokin= when HE kicked them

out of Eden; it wasn=t for no reason that HE gave

HIS life. HIS return is very close and so you better

be believe-in=, that our GOD is an awesome GOD!

(Refrain)

KUM BA YAH- WITH SCOUT LAW Kum ba yah, my LORD, Kum ba yah,

Kum ba yah, my LORD, Kum ba yah,

Kum ba yah, my LORD, Kum ba yah,

O LORD, Kum ba yah. Someone's CRYING LORD, Kum ba yah,

Someone's PRAYING LORD, Kum ba yah,

Someone's SINGING LORD, Kum ba yah,

O LORD, Kum ba yah. A Scout is TRUSTWORTHY LORD, Kum ba yah,

A Scout is LOYAL LORD, Kum ba yah,

A Scout is HELPFUL LORD, Kum ba yah;

O LORD, Kum ba yah. A Scout is FRIENDLY LORD, Kum ba yah,

A Scout is COURTEOUS LORD, Kum ba yah,

A Scout is KIND LORD, Kum ba yah;

O LORD, Kum ba yah. A Scout is OBEDIENT LORD, Kum ba yah,

A Scout is CHEERFUL LORD, Kum ba yah,

A Scout is THRIFTY LORD, Kum ba yah;

O LORD, Kum ba yah. A Scout is BRAVE LORD, Kum ba yah,

A Scout is CLEAN LORD, Kum ba yah,

A Scout is REVERENT LORD, Kum ba yah;

O LORD, Kum ba yah.



S-3

HE====s GOT THE WHOLE WORLD

IN HIS HANDS

HE=s got the whole world, in HIS hands,


HE=s got the whole wide world, in HIS hands,

HE=s got the whole world in HIS hands.

HE=s got the wind and the rain, in HIS hands, HE=s

got the sun and the moon, in HIS hands, HE=s got

the wind and the rain, in HIS hands, HE=s got the

whole world in HIS hands.

HE=s got the little bitty baby, in HIS hands,

HE=s got the tiny little baby, in his hands,

HE=s got the little bitty baby, in HIS hands,


HE=s got you and me brother, in HIS hands,

HE=s got you and me sister, in HIS hands,

HE=s got you and me brother, in HIS hands,


HE=s got everybody here, in HIS hands,

HE=s got everybody there, in His hands,

HE=s got everybody here, in HIS hands,




HE=s got the whole wide world, in HIS hands,

HE=s got the whole world in HIS hands. GHOST CHICKENS IN THE SKY

(Tune: Ghost Riders in the Sky)

A chicken farmer wandered out one dark and dreary

day, he rested by the chicken coop as he went along

his way, when all at once a rotten egg hit him in the

eye. It was the sight he dreaded...

Ghost chickens in the sky.

CHORUS : BOK, bok, bok, BOK; BOK, bok, bok,

BA-OK; Ghost chickens in the sky.

The farmer has raised chickens, since he was 24,

working for the Colonel for 30 years or more, killing

all those chickens, and sending them to fry, now they

want revenge... Ghost chickens in the sky.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Ghost Chickens in the Sky; continued)

Their feet were black and shiny, their eyes were

burning red; they had no meat or feathers, these

chickens all were dead; they picked the farmer up

and he died by the claw, they cooked him EXTRA

CRISPY, and ate him with cole slaw.

(Repeat Chorus)

TOM THE TOAD

(Tune: O Christmas Tree)

Oh Tom the Toad, Oh Tom the Toad, why are you

lying in the road? (Repeat)

You did not see the car ahead, and on your head

are tire treads, Oh Tom the Toad, Oh Tom the

Toad, why are you lying in the road?

Oh Tom the Toad, Oh Tom the Toad, why are you

lying in the road? (Repeat)

You used to be big, green and fat, and now you are

small, red and flat. Oh Tom the Toad, Oh Tom the

Toad, why are you lying in the road?

Oh Matt the Rat, Oh Matt the Rat, why did you

tease my pussy cat? (Repeat)

You used to be so brown and thin, and now you are

inside of him. Oh Matt the Rat, Oh Matt the Rat,

why did you tease my pussy cat?

Oh Jake the Snake, Oh Jake the Snake, how did

you find my garden rake? (Repeat)

You used to be so long and slick, and now you are

so short and >ick=. Oh Jake the Snake, Oh Jake the

Snake how did you find my garden rake?

Oh Doug the Bug, Oh Doug the Bug, why did you

fall into my rug? (Repeat)

I really like to play with you, and now you're stuck

under my shoe. Oh Doug the Bug, Oh Doug the

Bug, why did you fall into my rug?



S-4

S. S O U R C E S (Bibliography) # 1: The Boy Scout Handbook, Eleventh Edition, BSA No. 33105,

Boy Scouts of America, Irving, Texas, 1998; Pages 45,54,55. # 2: B.-P.====s Outlook, Selections from the Founder=s contributions to

AThe Scouter@ from 1909-1941, National Council - Scouts Canada,

1990; Pages 27,112-113,169-170. # 3: Aids to Scoutmastership, Lord Robert S.S. Baden-Powell, 1920;

1945 World Brotherhood Edition; Pages 38-39, 64-65. # 4: Adult Registration Application, Boy Scouts of America,

Form No. 28-501L, Printing No. 1.9MM596, 1996; 2nd Page. # 5: Junior Leader Handbook, BSA No. 33500A, 1998; Page 62. # 6: Religious Emblems Quick Reference Chart, BSA Poster

No. 5-206C, 1999; Various excerpts. # 7: Interfaith Prayers and Devotionals, Interfaith Advisory Committee,

Desert Pacific Council, San Diego, California, 1997; Page 17; 5-16. # 8: Scouting Magazine, Vol. 86, No. 5, October 1998, ISSN 0036-9500,

AIt=s a Great Fit!@ article by Cathleen Ann Steg; Pages 21-23,44. # 9: Chaplain Aide & Troop Chaplain Training, Interfaith Advisory Committee,

Desert Pacific Council, San Diego, California, 1998; Pages 3-7. #10: Chaplain Aide Guide, National Catholic Committee on Scouting,

Irving, Texas, 1992; Page 5; 11-16. #11: Troop Committee Guidebook, BSA No. 34505B, 1998; Pages 7,17. #12: Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America, Article IX. Policies and

Definitions, Section 1, Clause 3. #13: The Chartered Organization Representative, BSA No. 33118B,

1999; various excerpts from Pages 4-7. #14: Chaplain====s Guide for Scout Camps, BSA No. 12038, 1984, Pages 4-12. #15: Scouting Magazine, Vol. 87, No. 4, September 1999, ISSN 0036-9500,

AThe Way it Was@ article by Robert Peterson; Pages 24,68-69. #16: Foundations for Growth, BSA No. 4-925, 1997 Revision: Pages 27-33. #17: Scout Prayer Book, Religious Relations Committee, Okaw Valley Council,

O=Fallon, Illinois, 1989; Pages 7,16. #18: United Methodist Church Website, Prayers, Oct. 1999; http://www.umcscouting.org/prayers

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