October 25, 2023 at 9:50 a.m.

Catholic Committee on Scouting outlines upcoming dates and events

Committee’s programs and emblem awards programs help fulfill the 12th point of the Scout Law, ‘A Scout is Reverent.'

By Diocesan Committee on Scouting | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

The Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting (CCS) recently announced program dates as well as opportunities for youth interested in faith-based events to earn religious emblem awards.

“The CCS engages scouting youth of all faiths by developing a deeper understanding of their relationship with God — through the committee’s programs and emblem awards programs — that help fulfill the 12th point of the Scout Law, ‘A Scout is Reverent,’ ” said Committee Chair Greg Szczesny.

Emblem Awards

Boy Scouts of America (which includes Cub Scouts) and Girl Scouts of the USA have a number of awards that not only provide spiritual development for youth, but also for parents and other family members.

“Emblem award programs at the Cub-Scout level such as the Light of Christ and Parvuli Dei are family based,” said Mark Wilson, who oversees the Cub awards. “Parents and other family members help the scout complete workbook assignments that spark conversations and questions, supplementing the youth’s faith-formation experience.”

Boy Scout emblem awards include Ad Altare Dei, which focuses on the sacraments, and Pope Pius XII, where Scouts explore vocations (single, married, religious, ordained) and ministries in the Church as calls from God.

Counselors are available to instruct youth on all these awards (See contact information at the end of the story). Adult volunteers are also encouraged to train as emblem award counselors to assist youth in their areas. Also, adults who serve as Chartered Organizational Representatives (COR) of Catholic-sponsored Scout Troops throughout the Diocese are automatically considered members of the Catholic Committee on Scouting.

“We invite COR leaders to join our team and help further the committee’s work throughout the Diocese,” said Ron Derway, Chair of the National Catholic Committee’s Region II, encompassing all of New York State.

Girl Scout Programs and Awards

The Committee continues its partnership with organizations such as the National Catholic Committee for Girl Scout and Camp Fire (NCCGSCF), which oversees religious recognition programs and training opportunities for diocesan and parish leadership in Girl Scouting and Camp Fire.

Girl Scouts have religious emblems for each age and stage of Girl Scouting. Younger girls are able to earn the nationally recognized medals of God is Love, Family of God and I Live My Faith, along with the diocesan awards of Child of Jesus and Kateri Tekakwitha. Older girls are able to earn Mary, Mother of God, Spirit Alive and Missio, along with the diocesan award of Christian Heritage.

There are also adult recognitions of the Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal and the St. Ann Medal. NCCGSCF also offers patch programs on Women of the Bible and Women of Faith. Girl Scouts are also highly recommended to work on the My Promise, My Faith patch through the Girl Scout Council.

Mark Your Calendars

Below are upcoming events and programs sponsored or promoted by the CCS:

Scout Sunday, February and March 2024

It will be here before you know it. The Boy Scouts of America designates the Sunday before Feb. 8 — Scouting Anniversary Day — as Scout Sunday. In 2024, Scout Sunday is Feb. 4, but other Sundays that month are also acceptable to schedule a recognition of Scouting during Mass. Girl Scout Sunday is March 10.

National CCS College Scholarship Program, deadline March 30, 2024

The National Catholic Committee on Scouting provides 10 scholarships totaling $27,000. Scouts complete one application to be considered for any of the scholarship awards. NCCS scholarships are awarded to service-oriented, high-school seniors who are Catholic Scouts in a BSA Program and continuing their education in college.

Church Walk, April 2024

The committee is planning a Church Walk in several locations throughout the Diocese in mid-to-late April. The walks will provide an opportunity for Scouts to visit churches of different denominations and hear from religious leaders about their faiths and relationships to God.

Auriesville Retreat, May 11, 2024

The Auriesville Retreat for Scouts and for non-Scouts, who need to attend a retreat as a requirement to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, will provide a daylong series of sessions on spirituality and Scoutcraft, capped by a Mass and award ceremony in the Coliseum.

St. George’s Trek, July 3-18, 2024

Every two years, 70 Scouts from across the country ages 15-to-18 are selected for an 11-day, high-adventure leadership program and vocation retreat known as the St. George Trek, which takes place at the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. The Albany Diocese Catholic Committee on Scouting provides financial assistance to local applicants approved by the committee to attend the program. The deadline to submit an application is Nov. 30. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Also at Philmont Scout Ranch this summer are two Catholic-based programs: Scouting in the Catholic Church, July 9-15, and Catholic Scouting Wood Badge, Aug. 25-31. This is the first time this renowned leadership development program is being offered specifically to Catholic Scouters.

“We look forward to an active and fulfilling year working with youth and adults promoting the tenet of ‘Duty to God’ in scouting organizations,” said Szczesny.

Diocesan Committee on Scouting

Greg Szczesny, Chair

Phone: (518) 424-6329

Deacon Peter Quinn, Diocesan Chaplain

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (518) 794-0544

Grace Fay | Christina Angell, Coordinators for Girl Scout and Camp Fire and American Heritage Girls Awards

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (518) 424-6329

Ron Derway, Coordinator, Boy Scout Awards

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (518) 791-8105