Awards program links faith with Scouting

The trips were for World Jamborees, which bring scouts from around the globe together. "It was great seeing the other Scouts from all around the world," he said.

Scouting has been part of John's life since he was a child. "My brother was in Scouts and I did stuff with him, so I joined Cub Scouts and kept on going," he said.

Soaring eagles

In addition to being an Eagle Scout, John will soon have another distinction. "I will be getting an award called the Seven Year Rounder," he said. "No one else in the troop has gotten this."

To earn this award, a Scout must go camping at least one night per month for seven years. He started working on the award when he was 10.

Like other Scouts, John has also received recognition from the Church for his scouting efforts, including being named Catholic Scout of the Year.

Church involvement

* Seven- to nine-year-olds can earn the "Light of Christ Award," which is family-centered and requires knowledge of Scripture, the Mass and prayer.

* Ten- and eleven-year-olds can earn the "Children of God Award," which builds on the previous award but requires that the Scout see God in their life and reach out to help others. "We've gotten tremendous feedback from parents on this," Deacon Gaul said.

* From age 12 to 14, Scouts can earn the "To the Altar of God Medal," which requires participation in a course on the sacraments taught by Deacon Gaul, as well community service projects to benefit the elderly, writing prayers to the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Mother, corresponding with seminarians, and assisting Deacon Gaul at a Baptism.

* The final Catholic award that can be earned is the "Pope Pius XII Award," which requires exploring vocations.

Godly work

"Boy Scouts have mottos and standards," Deacon Gaul explained. "One standard is the Scout Law, which is tied to the Ten Commandments. In order to be a Scout, a boy must believe in God."

Deacon Gaul has had a life-long affiliation with Boy Scouting. "I was a Boy Scout, and my Dad was a Scoutmaster," he said. "I made Eagle Scout my freshman year at Christian Brothers Academy. My five sons all went to scouting. I feel it's a tremendous organization. It's a tremendous education."

Girls, too

Starting as a Brownie, a Girl Scout can earn the "Family of God Award," which involves the whole family. Next is the "Child Jesus Award" in which girls learn about Baptism and their parish history.

Junior Girl Scouts can earn the "I Live My Faith Award," the "Kateri Tekakwitha Award" and the "Star Heritage Award." Each builds on the next award and requires further knowledge about the Church.

Girl Scout Cadets can earn the "Marian Award," which requires community service and participation in a prayer group. Senior Scouts can earn the "Spirit Alive Award," which parallels Confirmation preparation.

Sense of self

Scouting "teaches family values and how to get along with other people," she said. "They learn leadership skills, work skills and get career experiences. If they have social problems at home, it helps them to see another way."

(06-17-99) [[In-content Ad]]