Religious Diversity &

Interfaith Program
for Patrol Leaders’ Councils
of Religiously Diverse Units
Jacob Perkins
Unit Chaplain | Scouts BSA Troop 4019
Old North State Council
S7-70-20
Purpose of this Training

 To provide training to the Patrol Leaders’ Council which

offers guidance and advice on providing strong, spiritually
sound leadership to a religiously diverse troop. This may
be used either independently or alongside the Introduction
to Leadership Skills for Troops training upon the election
of a new PLC.
Course Overview

 Introduction: BSA Statement, why this training

 Topic 1: PLC: planning and leadership
 Topic 2: Troop Meetings
 Topic 3: Outings
 Topic 4: Religious Emblems Program
 Conclusion: Wrapping up
 Declaration of Religious Principles
“The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen
without recognizing an obligation to God. In the first part of the Scout Oath the member
declares, “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey
the Scout Law.” The recognition of God as the ruling and leading power in the universe and
the grateful acknowledgment of His favors and blessings are necessary to the best type of
citizenship and are wholesome precepts in the education of the growing members. No matter
what the religious faith of the members may be, this fundamental need of good citizenship
should be kept before them. The Boy Scouts of America, therefore, recognizes the religious
element in the training of the member, but it is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward
that religious training. Its policy is that the home and the organization or group with which
the member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life.”
Introduction
Declaration of Religious Principles; Why this training
Discussion on the Declaration of Religious
Principles
 Why does this declaration, and having a strong chaplain’s aide program, matter
for the PLC and the troop?
 Do we have an interfaith troop? What does it mean to have an interfaith troop?
 How do we currently apply this declaration in our troop?
 What are some ways we can improve our application of this declaration?
 What resources do we have or do we need to accomplish this?
PLC
Planning and Leadership
PLC Considerations

 Holidays and other observances – conflict with meetings/outings

 Dietary and behavior restriction – Lent, Passover, Ramadan
 Likely accommodations to expect
 Arriving late/leaving early for weekend events
 Summer camp schedule
 Make sure dietary and other restrictions are accounted for in meal planning
PLC Considerations (cont’d)

 A Scout is Reverent Programming

 Ideas:
 Interfaith community panel
 Religious Emblems promotion
 Series of educational talks/presentations about world religions
 Speakers from local colleges/universities
 Site visit to nearby indigenous center/Native American nation
 Site visit to community faith centers
 Visit local interfaith council
Troop Meetings
Setting a Religious Tone and Appropriate Religious Programming
Discussion: Setting a Religious Tone

 Why should we set a religious tone for meetings?

 What are some occasions to do this?
 Invocation
 Benediction
 Holidays & Education
 Where do Chaplain and Chaplain’s Aide fit in?
 Other youth leaders?
Troop Outings
Weekend camping, summer camp, and more
Formal Worship - Vespers

 Vespers
 Evening – Friday or Saturday
 Typically Somber
 Participation
 Reflection
Formal Worship – Scouts Own

 Scouts Own or Morning Worship

 Typically Sunday
 Ideal for mainly Christian units
 Opportunity for reflection on weekend
 Uplifting
 May be themed
Preparation & Planning

 Chaplain and Chaplain’s Aide

 Other speakers/readers
 Time to prepare message
 Materials – handouts, cards with prayers, etc.
 Start at least 2 weeks ahead of time
Grace Before Meals

 Blessing for food

 May use cards with prayers, create own, or share from own
tradition
 Take turns, patrol duty, volunteer
Informal Reflection

 Time for quiet, informal reflection

 Good for evenings
 No more than 15 minutes
 May provide a prompt for contemplation
 May encourage written reflection
Religious Emblems Program
Encouraging personal exploration
Why Religious Emblems Program?

 Self-exploration, learning about faith

 Building relationships
 Networking
 A Scout is Reverent; Duty to God
Promotion

 Part of annual unit program

 Basic Information:
 Awards Available
 Process and Procedure
 Reasons to Pursue Award
 Resources
 Recognition
 Encourage friends to collaborate
Recognition

 Standalone or part of Court of Honor

 Celebrate accomplishments
 Inspire others
Conclusion
Wrapping Up, Questions, Next Steps
Recap

 Topic 1: PLC: planning and leadership

 Topic 2: Troop Meetings
 Topic 3: Outings
 Topic 4: Religious Emblems Program
Troop Meetings
Troop Outings
 Put it into action!

What changes do we What is our plan to

want to implement implement these
now? changes?
Questions? Comments?
Any experiences or reflections to share?
Feedback
What suggestions do you have to improve this course, instructional methods, and
content?