BSA Emblems
BSA Emblems
Religious Emblems
“No boy can grow into the best kind of citizenship without recognizing his obligation to God” (Lord Baden-Powell, quoted in the 2011 Handbook for Scouts). The National Catholic Committee on Scouting has developed over the years programs that help youth see their duties to God and community sharing many features with the obligations of their membership in Scouting. The first religious emblem recognized by the Boy Scouts of America was the Ad Altare Dei emblem developed by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Originally a recognition earned by altar boys who were also Boy Scouts, it brought the idea of service at the altar to service in all areas of one’s life. There are now emblems developed by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting for all phases of a Scout’s career.
Religious emblems are awarded through the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting and each emblem presents an opportunity for the parish clergy to support and confirm the growth in Catholic virtue and the importance of attending to both spiritual as well as material growth and knowledge in the Scout and with his or her family. Completion of each emblem and endorsement by the Scout’s parish is recognized by the Boy Scouts of America with the presentation of the youth religious emblem square knot. This knot is a silver square knot embroidered on a purple rectangle patch which is then worn on the uniform for the remainder of a scout’s tenure in Scouting – even into adulthood.
Upcoming Religious Emblems Classes
An Ad Altare Dei class has formed at Our Lady of Lourdes in Decatur. Below is the schedule of classes that will start at 5:30 PM. To schedule classes in other parts of the diocese, contact Kyle at kholtgrave@dio.org:
September 26, 2021 ~ Chapter 1: Introduction to Ad Altare Dei
- October 24, 2021 ~ Chapter 8: Matrimony
- November 21, 2021 ~ Chapter 6: Anointing of the Sick
- January 23, 2022 ~ Chapter 4: Eucharist
- February 27, 2022 ~ Chapter 2: Baptism
- March 27, 2022 ~ Chapter 5: Reconciliation
- April 24, 2022 ~ Chapter 3: Confirmation
- May 22, 2022 ~ Chapter 7: Holy Orders
- A retreat day will be added once more information is available.
Scouts in the first and second grade may earn the Light of Christ emblem. The Light of Christ program is a workbook-based activity that is completed with the help of the family. Working over the course of 4-6 weeks a Tiger or Wolf Scout learns more about God in an age-appropriate way. Once completed, the workbook is reviewed by a member of the Scout’s parish clergy to reinforce the concepts of the Light of Christ in each member of the Church.
Scouts who complete the Light of Christ are also entitled to wear the 
Parvuli Dei means “family of God” and is an emblem study program for Bear and Webelos Scouts. This family-centered study program for older children is meant to emphasize that the Scout is a member of God’s family and how that membership is mirrored in the Scout’s earthly family. The Parvuli Dei emblem workbook also provides opportunities for Scouts to present his or her work to the pastor or his representative who can reinforce and encourage the Scouts to continue growing spiritually.
The Ad Altare Dei (to the altar of God) emblem is a sacrament-based curriculum that is designed for Scouts who have completed the 6th grade and are prepared to make a serious commitment toward exploring how their faith and how their Scout membership mirror and support each other. This emblem is completed by a group of Scouts working together through small group discussions that are facilitated by a counselor who is approved by the pastor and trained for their role as counselor by the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting. It often takes 6-8 months to complete the material contained in the Ad Altare Dei manual. The final step for earning the emblem is for the Scout to demonstrate growth and maturation at a Board of Review that examines the workbook and accompanying materials to see if the Scout had an effective spiritual experience and to reinforce and support how the Scout has come to see the religious obligations and opportunities of both Catholicism and Scouting.
Scouts who complete the Ad Altare Dei are also entitled to wear the 
The "Light is Life" is a program developed by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS) for BoyScouts of the Eastern Catholic churches. Light is Life respects the cultural and ritual differences among the various Eastern Catholic Churches.
The Pope Pius XII emblem is a study program that invites high school age Scouts and Venturers to focus on the future and the potential vocation that he or she feels God is calling them to live. The Pope Pius XII program is completed through small group discussion between Scouts and includes opportunities for input from panels of adults who have accepted various vocations for their lives. A trained adult approved by the pastor works with the group. This emblem also includes a Board of View coordinated through the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting.