Scout Sunday\Scout Sabbath
The Founder's Prayer
"Father of us all, we meet before Thee here today, numerous in the lands we come from and in the races we represent, but one in our Brotherhood under Thy Divine Fatherhood. We come before Thee with hearts grateful and gladdened by the many blessings Thou hast granted us and thankful that our Movement has prospered as acceptable in Thy sight. In return we would lay on Thine Altar, as our humble thank-offering, such sacrifice as we can make of self in service to others. We ask that during our communion here together we may, under Thy Divine Inspiration, gain a widened outlook, a clearer vision of all that lies open before us and of our opportunity. Thus we may then go forth with strengthened faith to carry on our mission of heightening the ideals and powers of manhood, and of helping through closer understanding to bring about Thy happier Rule of Peace and Goodwill upon Earth."
Written by Robert Stephenson Baden-Powell
for use in international events.
Scouting has amazing relationships with faith based organizations all across our great country, and each February, units are encouraged to participate in a Scout Sunday\Scout Sabbath program with the faith based chartered organization. The first Scout Sunday took place in 1914.
James E. West at the 1936Training Conference for Scout Executives, spoke at the Sunday Morning Convocation on March 15th, in that speech he said the following:
"One basic factor in our ability to win the confidence of the individual pastors and leaders of the various churches of all the denominations has been the very definite, clear-cut statements as to the religious principles of the bSA. But the printed statement itself is not sufficient. It is necessary that we who are leaders, bear in mind, yes, more, that we dramatize it and that we keep it before our own membership"
James E. West, March 15, 1936
Later in that session, Rev. Clarence W. Prickman, Rector, Episcopal /Church, Fairmont, West Virginia shared the message of Dr. William C. Covert, chairman of the Protestant committee on Scouting,
"There are moral problems born of our times that specially threaten our boyhood and young citizenship, that cannot be met until our great religious units, every one in its place and in its own way, rise up to cooperate with the boy-helping movement and in a special manner with the Boy Scouts of America."
Dr. William C. Covert, March 15, 1936
Lord Robert S. S. Baden-Powell wrote that "religion is life itself at its best and every Scout should treat it as a manner of everyday life."
So Scouting recognizes the great importance of Duty to God and from its earliest days recognized the great importance of our faith based chartered organizations.
We can all do our part by participating in a Scout Sunday\Sabbath worship service. There are a variety of resources to help you in planning and holding such a service. Below is some information that will guide you in this effort.
Scout Sunday\Sabbath Resources:
Everything you need to know, Bryan on Scouting
Scouts Guide to Earning and Wearing a Religious Emblem
Show of faith: Ideas for how to honor Scout Sunday and Scout Sabbath
Scout Sunday - Catholic Committee on Scouting
P.R.A.Y. - Programs of Religious Activities with Youth
Some Video Resources
Believe it Live It: A Scout is Reverent
Growing in Our Faith: Greater Alabama Council
Growing in Our Faith: The Church of Christ in Scouting
Growing in Our Faith: Catholic Bishop Talks Scouting
Growing in Our Faith: LDS Church
Suggested Scout Sunday
Service of Worship
(Adapt for your
special day.)
Processional
with U.S. flag, unit flag(s), and Faith Specific flag.
Call to worship
(Cub Scout, Boy Scout,
Varsity Scout, or Venturer)
Invocation
Opening hymn
Prayer
(Composed and delivered by a
Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer)
Hymn
Responsive reading
Offering
(Suggest that money collected
be used to support the local council camp chaplaincy program.)
Offertory prayers
(Cub Scout, Boy Scout,
Varsity Scout, or Venturer)
Hymn
Scripture
(Cub Scout, Boy Scout,
Varsity Scout, or Venturer)
Lord's Prayer
Hymn
God and Country program
(Give a brief explanation;
pass out fliers, cards, and envelopes for the pastor. Present awards to youth
who have earned them.)
Benediction
(Cub Scout, Boy Scout,
Varsity Scout, or Venturer)
Other Ideas
and Resources
- Greet church members and visitors
- Scouts assist during the service
- Bring Scouting elements to the service
- Serve food: Scouts and Leaders fix breakfast before service for church members, or host a lunch after service.
- Present religious awards
- Recognize any Eagle Scouts that are in attendance, including those that may be members of the church, “Once an Eagle, always an Eagle”
- Unit Leaders and\or pastor do some light recruiting/advertising for your unit. Encourage youth who are members of the church that they may want to consider joining scouting.
- Promote Scout Sunday on church website, marque and in bulletin.
Scouter Prayer
