Every Scout has the opportunity to earn their faith’s religious emblem, which can be worn on their uniform as a youth or an adult. Religious emblems will fulfill Duty to God adventure requirements for Cub Scouts, Scout Spirit requirements for Scouts BSA, and the TRUST award for Venturing.
Click on the faiths listed below for a map of congregations participating in the Religious Emblems program:
For more information on Jewish Scouting, visit our Jewish Scouting page.
Here are the 5 steps to earn a religious emblem in Scouting:
Bronze Pelican Emblem
The Bronze Pelican Emblem is a diocesan recognition defined by the Catholic Committee on Scouting. The purpose of this emblem is to recognize outstanding contribution to the spiritual development of Catholic youth in Scouting, with an emphasis on developing Christian ideals and awareness of God in all Scouting activities. This emblem is presented at the recipient’s local church, or a ceremony designated by the applicant.
St. George Emblem
The St. George Emblem is a national recognition defined by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. The purpose of this emblem is to recognize members of the laity, clergy, Scouters, and non-Scouters alike, who have made significant and outstanding contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youths through Scouting. This emblem is presented by the Archbishop or Bishop at the Scout Sunday Service held annually at the local (Arch)Diocesan Cathedral.
(Arch)Bishop’s and Chaplain’s Awards
These competitive awards give recognition to Catholic sponsored units that exemplify Scouting’s ideals. There are three levels of recognition for both awards: Merit, Honor and Outstanding. Awardees are selected on a competitive basis utilizing the following criteria: Training, Leadership, Service, Spiritual Growth, Religious Activities, Vocational Awareness, Relationships, and Membership. These awards are presented by the Archbishop or Bishop at the Scout Sunday Service held annually at the local (Arch)Diocesan Cathedral.
Click HERE for St. Louis Catholic Archdiocese Adult and Unit Awards. Applications are due December 1 to jaclynlafflueur@archstl.org.
The Council Duty to God Award was created to recognize registered Scouters who have demonstrated an exemplary history of transformational leadership in supporting and promoting the spiritual foundation of Scouting at the local Council level. It acknowledges the unswerving dedication to faith, fellowship, and service of those whose character embodies the moral principles and shared ideals of Scouting. The award distinguishes Scouters who selflessly work to prepare youth for life by perpetuating the merit and legacy of a Scout’s duty to their Creator. Nominations are open to candidates from all faiths and religious groups.
Completed nomination forms to be emailed to Jim Marchbank at jimmarchbank@gmail.com.
Duty to God is a central part of Scouting America.
The Scout Oath: On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
The Scout Law: A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
Looking for a resource for your Scouts or unit leaders to share a Duty to God moment at a unit meeting?
Youth Read Sacred Texts Worldwide. Our first Scouts Read Sacred Texts Worldwide event greatly exceeded everyone’s expectations. On May 3, 2025, on the National Day of Prayer, we had over 3,600 youth from 177 councils participate, reading their sacred texts for over 800 hours, with nearly 3,900 patches ordered. We are repeating this event in May 2026 and expanding participation to other youth organizations and all faiths. A commemorative patch will be available to purchase, and participating could help Scouts satisfy the Duty to God requirement necessary for advancement.
