Religious Emblems
The programs below have been developed by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting as a means of forming scouts in their Catholic faith. These programs explore various areas of our Catholic faith and are designed in an age appropriate format. These programs are an essential aspect of Catholic Scouting.
Light of Christ
This emblem is given to Tiger Cub and Cub Scouts (through Wolf rank) for advancement in spiritual growth and religious knowledge. It is the first of five religious emblems available to Catholic youth involved in Scouting.
Parvelui Dei
This is a Christian family based program to recognize Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts for advancement in religious knowledge and spiritual formation. With the help of parents or guardians, the Scout becomes more aware of God’s presence in his daily life, especially within his home and community.
Ad Altare Dei
The purpose of earning the Ad Altare Dei emblem is to enlighten the Scout to take an active role in living his Catholic Christian faith. With a religious emblems counselor, the Scout meets requirements in eight steps covering the seven sacraments. Scout must work with a trained, registered Religious Emblems Counselor.
Light is Life
The "Light is Life" is a program developed for scouts of the Eastern-rite Catholic Churches. The overall goal of the Light is Life religious emblem program is to bring about in the Scout, through his Eastern Catholic Scouting experience, a deeper awareness of his share in faith-life. Then going forth, he will witness this life through maturity in communal worship and in Christian formation of his world. This program is to be used by the Eastern Catholic Scouts rather than the Ad Altare Dei program. It is not appropriate to work on both programs.
Note: Completed applications should be sent to the Eparchal Committee on Scouting.
Adult Recognitions
Each year the Catholic Committee presents the Bronze Pelican and St. George Award to Adults who have distinguished themselves in service to Catholic youth in Scouting. Click below to view the nomination forms.
Pope Pius XII
Scouts of high-school age and young men and women who are Venturers are eligible for the emblem. This emblem equips the Scout to take his place in the world as a maturing Catholic and a maturing American. With a facilitator the Scouts reflect and dialogue on subjects such as: Christianity, Vocation, Responsibility to Self and Society, Citizenship and Response to Faith. Scout must work with a trained, registered Religious Emblems Counselor.
