Boy Scout Youth Recognition

All counselors and facilitators should be approved by their parish and the Boy Scouts of America. Counselors must submit their "Intent to Begin" forms prior to working with youth. This form is an integral part of our commitment to compliance with Archdiocesan "Safe Environment Policies".

National Youth Religious Emblems

Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing

There are five Youth Religious Emblems available through the NCCS. Two that can be earned by Cub Scouts, one of two that can be earned by Boy Scouts, and one that can be earned by Boy Scouts and Venturing crew members.

Cub Scouts
Light of Christ (Tiger & Wolf) - $8.00 and $4.00 for miniature
Parvuli Dei (Bear & Webelos) - $8.00 and $4.00 for miniature

Boy Scouts
Ad Altare Dei (7th - 12th Grade) - $11.00 and $4.00 for miniature
Pope Pius XII (Boys & Girls 14-20 (Venturing)) - $11.00 and $4.00 for miniature

Cub Scout Awards

Cub Scout emblems are completed in a family setting with assistance of a trained Religious Emblems coordinator. These programs take approximately two months to complete.

Light of Christ

The Light of Christ award is designed for younger Tiger and Wolf Cub Scouts. Parents may purchase the "Light of Christ' books at the scout shop and work on the program with the scouts. The program calls for parents to work with their scouts on the requirements. Parents may write answers in books if absolutely necessary, but the words should be the exact words of the Cub Scout with no editing or additions. After the program is complete the Cub Scout meets with a Parish priest to review the scout's progress and sign his book.

After the application is complete send the completed application and $7.00 to the BSA Religious Emblems Chairperson, Tommy Treat, 3372 Corral Drive, Marietta, GA 30066 at 770-973-2007. The application must have all required signatures. There is a Parent or Lapel Pin which is a small replica of the medal the scout earned which is $4.25 if you want one; they are strictly optional. So if they want both the medal and the pin the cost would be $11.25. Please make your check payable to The Catholic Committee On Scouting.

Emblems should be presented at a scout's home parish and at Pack court of honor.

Parvuli Dei

The Parvuli Dei is designed for older cub scouts, Bear and Webelo scouts. This award is also completed with a scout's parents and is then sent to the emblems chair. "The Parvuli, Dei" book is also available at the scout shop. The application and $7.00 fee should be sent to Emblems chair after completion as described for Light of Christ above. There is a Parent or Lapel Pin which is a small replica of the medal the scout earned which is $4.25 if you want one; they are strictly optional. So if they want both the medal and the pin the cost would be $11.25. Please make your check payable to The Catholic Committee On Scouting.

Boy Scout Awards

The Boy Scout award programs must be complete is a class setting with a counselor. All AAD and Pius counselors must complete training and Scouter Development. Adults interested in emblems training to become a counselor, please contact the Training Chairman, Mr. David Joyce 770-995-7239. Trained counselors, please two weeks prior to beginning an Ad Altare Dei or Pope Pius XII class with youth, then first contact the BSA Religious Emblems Chairperson, Tommy Treat - 770-973-2007 and send your Intent to Begin form with your pastor's signature.

Ad Altare Dei

The Ad Altare Dei and Light is Life emblems are completed during scheduled meetings led by a trained Religious Emblems Counselor, with outside homework, and take approximately 5-7 months to complete.

The Ad Altare Dei emblem program (boys grades 7—12) assists Boy Scouts to develop a fully Christian way of life in their faith communities. The program is organized in steps based on the seven sacraments. These sacraments are a primary means toward spiritual growth. The purpose of the Ad Altare Dei program is to help equip the scout to take his place in the world as a maturing Catholic. The requirements center on the Sacraments and concern themselves with action and knowledge. The scout is to live, and apply to his daily life, the teachings of the Church. It will become evident to the scout as he progresses through the program that there is a close connection between his life as a scout and his life as a Catholic. To really and truly earn and wear the medal, the scout will live up to every aspect of the Scouting Spirit. The program takes about 15 to 20 classes to complete /for most scouts. Plan to take 6-8 months for the program. Upon completion of the program scouts attend a Board of Review. The AAD is presented at the Archdiocese Scouting Mass in Spring.

Pope Pius XII

The Pope Pius XII emblem is completed at scheduled meetings led by the participants, and moderated by a trained Religious Emblems Moderator, with outside homework. It takes approximately 9-12 sessions (4-6 months) to complete.

Pope Pius XII religious emblems program is for boys and girls (ages 14 – 20) (14-20 for Venturing) who have started the ninth grade and who are not yet 21 years of age. Catholic Scouting’s Pope Pius XII religious emblem program deals with church-related ministries and vocations: these are the ways baptized persons commit themselves to serve humanity in obedience to God’s call within our Catholic church, a Christian community of faith. This program is presented in a series of five units, each containing an introduction; key words and phrases; presentation; dialogue; present commitment; and future involvement. This presentation is a logical conclusion of the Ad Altare Dei program and fitting prelude to Scouter Development whereby future involvement as a mature adult in Scouting and in church-related activities may be achieved. This award is complete in a group and challenges the teen to consider their call from God. This program is also extensive and requires several months to complete. Upon completion of the program scouts attend a Board of Review. The Poe Pius XII is presented at the Archdiocese Scouting Mass in Spring.

Board of Review:

Please contact Tommy Treat - 770-973-2007 for information.

Youth Recognition Ceremony

Each year, our diocese holds our annual Bishop's Scouting Mass & Youth Recognition ceremony to honor those Boy and Girl Scouts, Venturing Crew members, and Camp Fire USA boys and girls.