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Scouts Celebrate Duty to God on Scout Sunday and Scout Sabbath

A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others. – Scout Law, Scout Handbook

As Scouting prepares to celebrate Scout Sunday, which falls on the same day as the BSA’s birthday (Feb. 8, 2015), and Scout Sabbath (Feb. 14), Scouts across the country prepare for two busy weekends.

Scout-Sunday

Uniformed Scouts will greet congregations and the Scout Oath will be recited in churches and synagogues nationwide. Some units will participate in service projects. Others may celebrate on different days in February as designated by their faith-based organizations.

No matter how Scouts celebrate Scout Sunday and Scout Sabbath, all Scouters unite in lifelong religious reverence this month.

“From the Scout’s perspective, in the Scout Oath and Law, one of the first things emphasized is God,” BSA Team Leader for National Alliances Lee Shaw said.

Shaw and his team work with faith-based charter organizations to help identify how these organizations can highlight God in the units they host and serve. He emphasizes the importance of the BSA’s continuing mission to support Scouting founder Robert Baden-Powell’s focus on God in Scouting.

Scout-Shabbat-2015How Scouts choose to follow this charge varies from unit to unit. Some faith-based organizations allow Scouts to participate in the worship service itself. Some Scouts may help facilitate the offering. Other organizations find time to highlight individuals in the troop or pack, recognizing good things Scouts are doing in the community.

“Scout Sunday and Scout Sabbath observances are perfect opportunities to remind the faith community as well as Scouts and Scouters that reverence for God is a foundational principle of the organization,” BSA Religious Relationships Committee Chair Chip Turner said.  “The fact that more than 70% of all Scout units are chartered to faith-based organizations gives further testimony to the importance of this principle.”

If you’re looking for Scout Sunday or Scout Sabbath resources head to Scouting.org’s Scout Sunday Observance page or Scout Sabbath Services page.

If you’re ready to get a jump on planning for your church’s Scout Sunday or Scout Sabbath service next year or need a few last minute ideas for this year, visit Bryan on Scouting for inspiration on Scout Sunday and Scout Sabbath activities.

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Gina

This blog is managed and written by staff of the Communications Department of the Boy Scouts of America.