2019 Edition. Some resources may no longer be available.
Religion in Life for Scouts BSA is a program in Unitarian Universalist identity for ages 12 to 17. Suitable for young people in Scouts BSA and others wanting to learn more about their Unitarian Universalist faith.
See Religious Recognition Awards for UU Scouts for an overview of the UUA's scouting programs.
Introduction
Purposes
Religion in Life for Scouts BSA is a program of study, reflection, and action for 12 to 17 year-olds in Unitarian Universalist congregations. The program has four purposes:
- To help Unitarian Universalist young people learn about our faith: our beliefs, our history, our denominational structure, and how we live in the world
- To support Unitarian Universalist youth as they live their faith
- To provide a program for Unitarian Universalists that can lead to the awarding of the Religion in Life emblem for Scouts BSA
- To recognize the achievements of youth in Unitarian Universalist congregations
How to Use This Program
Religion in Life is a collaboration among the youth participant, an adult advisor, and their Unitarian Universalist congregation. Be sure to follow Safe Congregation guidelines and BSA Youth Protection policies in using an advisor model. With the advisor’s support and guidance, the youth will work through the tasks in this booklet, meeting with the advisor at least once for each of the nine sections. Upon completing the program, qualified Scouts earn the right to be awarded the Religion in Life emblem.
- A youth interested in participating in this program asks a minister or religious educator in their congregation to help find a qualified and caring member to serve as advisor. Youth and advisors obtain the necessary resources (see What You Will Need below).
- The youth, advisor, and minister or religious educator meet to determine who will review available for questions about the program.
- The program is divided into three parts, each with three sections. Each part involves reading, research, action, and personal reflection. The advisor and youth plan at least one meeting for each of the nine sections. As each assignment is completed, youth and advisor check it off on the requirements checklist.
- When all requirements have been met, the youth, advisor, and religious educator or minister meet to review the requirements checklist. The religious educator or minister certifies that it is complete and authorizes the awarding of the Religion in Life emblem. Together, youth, advisor, and religious educator or minister discuss the ceremony for
awarding the emblem. The youth guides the format of the celebration.
The program can be adapted to fit the needs and schedules of individual youth and advisors. Twelve to twenty-four weeks is a reasonable time frame for completion.
The Religion in Life Emblem
This program may be used as a resource for youth not involved in scouting. For Scouts to receive
the Religion in Life emblem, they must have been active for at least one year in a Scouts BSA
troop. Scouts are expected to be regular participants in a Unitarian Universalist congregation,
attending religious education programs and worship services, or taking part in a youth program.
If no Unitarian Universalist congregation is nearby, Scouts must be participating members of the
Church of the Larger Fellowship, whether individually or through their families.
Religion in Life Pin
Pin awarded upon completion of UUA Scouting Programs. 1.25" or 1" diameter. Please choose either Priority Mail shipping or UPS at checkout, if purchasing this item. We are not able to ship this merchandise via Value shipping. We will change the shipping and charge you accordingly if Value is chosen.
What You Will Need
To complete the Religion in Life program, youth and advisors will need:
- A journal, notebook, or an electronic device with a word processing program
- The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide
- Resource Bibliography
- Requirements Checklist (pdf)
Note to the Youth
You are beginning a program that will lead you to a deeper understanding of our faith. Throughout this work, you will have meaningful experiences. You may at times be fascinated by what you learn. At other times, you may feel overwhelmed, or you may want more information. We hope you will find meaning in this opportunity to meet new people and gain a greater understanding of yourself, your faith, and the faith of people around you.
Note to the Advisor
You are embarking on work that will enhance the spiritual growth of a young person at a key time in their life. You have the opportunity to share your gifts in ways that may lead them into a deeper connection with Unitarian Universalism. This kind of multigenerational work can be a positive influence not only on the Scout you advise, but also on your congregation and on yourself.
The most important qualities required in an advisor are caring, commitment, and consistency. Every step of this program calls for support from the advisor through conversations, arrangements, and personal contacts with people both inside and outside the congregation. It is not necessary to be an expert in Unitarian Universalism, or even a longtime Unitarian Universalist to serve as an advisor in this program. Advisors often report that as they prepare
themselves for the conversations that follow each assignment or activity, they learn as much as the young people do. What is most important is that the advisor be present, accessible, and willing to talk and listen.
Note to the Congregation
The congregation plays a significant role in the Religion in Life program. Participating youth will call on the congregation’s members and staff to provide information, share their stories, and talk about matters of faith and life. This program is a wonderful opportunity to enhance multigenerational bonding and trust.
In addition, the congregation is encouraged to recognize the Scout’s achievement in a worship service or at a congregational function. The recognition ceremony is often early in the service, usually before the sermon. Below is a suggested order:
Service Element | Participant |
|---|---|
| Posting of the Colors (optional) | Other Scouts |
| Scout Oath and Scout Law | Scouts |
| Sharing Religion in Life Requirements | Board Member or RE Committee Member |
| Presentation of Candidate | Scout Troop Leader or Other Scout |
| Presentation and Pinning of Award | Minister/Worship Leader |
| Personal Reflection on the Award | Advisor |
| Personal Congratulations | Minister or Worship Leader |
| Recessional (optional) |
Adapting the Program for the Church of Larger Fellowship
When a Scout has no Unitarian Universalist congregations nearby, they can complete the program under the auspices of the Church of the Larger Fellowship, with parent/caregiver serving as advisor. To do so, follow the program with these changes:
- The requirements to interview members of the congregation in Part One, Section 3 and Part Three, Section 2 may be fulfilled by calling on persons in the community and evaluating the effect of their religious convictions on their lives. Parents/caregivers help determine suitable people to interview.
- Requirements for learning about your congregation in Part One, section 3 can be fulfilled by correspondence or phone/video conversation with the CLF minister or other leaders.
- With parent/caregiver approval, the service project required in Part Two, Section 2, can be carried out at a local social agency, a government institution or office, a library, a hospital, or another nonprofit or social service setting.
- The final requirements checklist should be submitted to the CLF office, which will be the endorsing agency for the emblem.