History of Duty to God
A Scout is reverent. He is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion. To encourage members to grow stronger in their faith, religious groups have developed the following religious emblems programs. The Boy Scouts of America has approved of these programs and allows the emblems to be worn on the official uniform. The various religious groups administer the programs. Check with your local council service center or contact the religious organization directly to obtain the curriculum booklets.
The Scout, in his promise, undertakes to do his duty to his king and country only in the second place; his first duty is to God. It is with this idea before us and recognizing that God is the one Father of us all, that we Scouts count ourselves a brotherhood despite the difference among us of country, creed, or class. We realize that in addition to the interests of our particular country, there is a higher mission before us, namely the promotion of the Kingdom of God; That is, the rule of Peace and Goodwill on earth. In the Scouts each form of religion is respected and its active practice encouraged and through the spread of our brotherhood in all countries, we have the opportunity in developing the spirit of mutual good will and understanding.
There is no religious “side” of the movement. The whole of it is based on religion, that is, on the realization and service of God.
Let us, therefore, in training our Scouts, keep the higher aims in the forefront, not let ourselves get too absorbed in the steps. Don’t let the technical outweigh the moral. Field efficiency, back woodsmanship, camping, hiking, Good Turns, jamboree comradeship are all means, not the end. The end is CHARACTER with a purpose.
Our objective in the Scouting movement is to give such help as we can in bringing about God’s Kingdom on earth by including among youth the spirit and the daily practice in their lives of unselfish goodwill and cooperation.
-Lord Baden Powell
For more information about Religious Emblems Programs
- Duty to God Program Information
- Review the Frequently Asked Questions about Religious Emblems Programs
- Learn How to Get Started on these programs
- See our chart of Religious Emblems Programs
- Watch the Religious Emblems Coodinator informational video
- Additional resources available for the Religious Emblems Coordinator
Religions that support the BSA in the Ocotillo District
- Christ Lutheran Church
- Desert Grace Community Church of Nazarene
- First United Methodist Church
- Gloria de Cristo
- Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
- Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church
- St Francis School
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS-BSA Relationships) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS)