Duty to God is a central part of Scouting America as seen in the Scout Oath where Scouts promise to do their best “to do my duty to God…”, as well as in the 12th point of the Scout Law - A Scout is Reverent. The information below can help parents and Scouters find information about ways Scouts can attend to their Duty to God in all levels of the Scouting America programs.

Religious Emblems Programs (click here to see programs)

Earning a religious emblem is an excellent way for Scouts to demonstrate their duty to God. Religious emblems will fulfill Duty to God adventure requirements for Cub Scouts, Scout Spirit requirements for Scouts BSA and TRUST award for Venturing.  To earn a religious emblem, contact your faith community for details. There are emblems to also recognize adults. These are most often not earned (like youth awards) but presented upon nomination and meeting minimum eligibility requirements.Workbooks for some religious emblem programs are available at the Council Service Center, or you can order books from Scoutshop.org.

Council Duty to God Award

The Council Duty to God Award was created to recognize registered Scouters who have demonstrated an exemplary history of transformational leadership in supporting and promoting the spiritual foundation of Scouting at the Council level. This award acknowledges the unswerving dedication to faith, fellowship, and service of those whose character embodies the moral principles and shared ideals of Scouting. The award also distinguishes Scouters who selflessly work to prepare youth for life by perpetuating the merit and legacy of a Scout’s duty to their Creator. Nominations are open to candidates from all faiths and religious groups. To be eligible to this award adults must have received an adult religious emblem.  https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Council-Duty-to-God-Nomination-Application-fillable.pdf

Completed nomination forms and accompanying letters of reference can be turned in to the Council Service Center. Deadline is 4 weeks prior to the council’s Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner.

Annual Religious Observance

Scouting America encourages units to include a religious observance into their annual Scouting anniversary celebrations. Customarily, this is observed the first weekend of February.. Individuals and units are encouraged to visibly participate with their religious communities, learning about further developing their own faith, and how Scouting can support that. Religious institutions that charter Scouting America units often include a recognition of Scouting during a service, and may include Scout participation as appropriate in the service. The Scout Shop offers annual recognition patches for Scouts participation in these activities. For more information and dates go to: https://www.scouting.org/resources/relationships/religious-observances/

National Day of Prayer - Scouts Read Sacred Texts Worldwide

The first Thursday of May is the Annual Day of Prayer and Scouts are invited to participate in a prayer event by reading from the sacred texts of their faith tradition on that day. While originally inspired by our neighbors in the Greater Saint Louis Council, this event has been picked up by the National Religious Relationships Committee and is promoted to Scouts and other youth all over the world.

Scouts can read at home with their families, or the unit can host a prayer event with their charter organization. Be sure to sign up through the Greater Saint Louis Council Scouting America: http://www.stlbsa.org/Scouts-read-sacred-texts-worldwide

Contact the Scout Service Center to order patches to commemorate participation in this event!