Religious Emblems

A Scout is Reverent…

A Scout is faithful in religious duties and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion.

Events of the Religious Emblems Committee:

 SWC Religious Emblems Brochure

For Scouts BSA, Venturing, Exploring and Adult Scouters

Journey of Faith: a 5 Mile Urban Faith Hike held annually in April. Participants will walk to several faith houses to learn about different faiths and their Religious Emblems

For Cub Scouts

Footsteps of Faith: a station rotation event to teach Cubs about different faiths and the Religious Emblems offered. Details TBD, but anticipated to be held concurrently with the Journey of Faith

 Fun Facts:

  • The purple knot is the only knot that can be earned as a Cub Scout and can be worn at ANY Scouting level — even as an adult!
  • For each new award earned by the Scout, a device will be pinned to the knot. There are different devices for the different levels of Scouting—Cub, Webelos/AOL and Scouts BSA/Venturing/Sea Scouts.
  • ANYONE can earn the Protestant Religious Emblems – Scouts, non-Scouts, church-goer OR not. Have your friends earn it with you!
  • Catholic Cub & AOL awards can be earned with the help of just your parent! However, you must be a registered member of a Catholic parish.

Scouts, Venturers & Explorers

  • Scouts, Venturers and Explorers of all levels can earn Religious Emblems.
  • Medals are worn on the uniform on the left pocket flap.
  • Purple knots are worn over the left pocket.

How do I get started?

  • Workbooks for many of the Religious Emblems are available at the Strong Scout Shop, www.scoutstuff.org or through your faith’s Scouting website.
  • Counselors are approved based on your faith. You can check with your Scout leader, religious leader or contact the SWC Religious Emblems Committee to help you find a counselor.
  • Early Fall is the best time to start your program to be able to earn your award by Scout Sunday/Scout Sabbath in February.

Adult Awards

Even adults can earn religious emblems for their service to their faith through Scouting.

Community

Get local faith leaders, lay ministers, parents, grandparents and others involved!  Adults can act as mentors and some requirements involve the community.

Religious Emblems Committee –

If you have questions or would like to discuss with someone local please review the list below.

Committee Email: religiousemblems@senecawaterways.org 

Committee Chair

Jeff Walent, jeffalope397@gmail.com or 585-415-5627

District Religious Emblems Coordinators

  1. Bay Waters – Vacant 
  2. Black Creek—
    1. Valerie Polachak, thriftyscouter@gmail.com 585-694-2418 or
    2. Bill Redman, vinitor@gmail.com 585-359-4845
  3. Genesee Crossroads – Vacant
  4. Lighthouse—Annette Thompson, athompson.bsa@gmail.com 585-621-5507
  5. Mohawk—
    1. Jenn Clancy, mrsclancy411@gmail.com  315-694-0918 or
    2. Jim Wilck, jhwlck@aol.com 315-576-6282
  6. Seneca—Nicky Kirsch, nakirsch@gmail.com 585-269-8971
  7. Towpath—Paula Popper, ppopper1@gmail.com 585-662-5310

IMPORTANT LINKS: