Embedded Files
For Adults & Parents
For Adults & Parents
What is the Youth Religious Emblem Knot?
The Youth Religious Emblem Knot is a square knot patch awarded to Scouts who complete a religious emblem program within their own faith tradition. It’s one of the few awards a Scout can wear for life—even as an adult leader—making it a lifelong recognition of spiritual growth.
Do parents need to be involved?
Yes! Most religious emblem programs are completed at home with the guidance of a parent or guardian. Parents are also encouraged to participate in the ceremony, whether by presenting the knot or offering a short reflection about their Scout’s journey.
Can our religious leader attend or participate?
Absolutely. If a family would like their pastor, priest, rabbi, imam, or other religious leader to attend or offer a blessing, the Pack will gladly include them in the ceremony.
My family isn’t religious. Can my Scout still participate?
Yes, if your Scout completed a program that aligns with their beliefs or values. The ceremony is interfaith and inclusive, honoring the individual growth of each Scout. If you’re unsure, talk with the Religious Emblems Coordinator to explore options.
What if our family’s faith tradition doesn’t have a recognized emblem program?
This sounds like the perfect inspiration for a Wood Badge project! While some faith traditions don’t have a formal emblem program, your Scout can still be recognized for their personal spiritual growth or by completing alternative interfaith activities. Reach out to the Religious Emblems Coordinator to explore a meaningful path tailored for your Scout.
What religious emblem programs are currently available for Cub Scouts?
Most faith traditions offer religious emblem programs tailored to different age levels. Based on a Pack survey, our families primarily participate in the PRAY program (Protestant) or Catholic Scouting. However, many other programs are available and can be found in Scouting America’s Chart of Religious Emblems.
Can my Scout earn more than one religious emblem?
Yes! Most programs offer multiple emblems based on age level. Scouts can also earn emblems from different faith traditions if their family participates in multiple religious communities or if the Scout transitions to a new faith tradition. Each emblem can be recognized at a Pack ceremony, but the Youth Religious Emblem Knot itself is awarded only once.
Can parents or siblings who helped with the program be recognized?
Yes, some Packs invite siblings or family members to stand with the Scout during the ceremony to acknowledge their support. You can also ask the MC to thank families
For Leaders
For Leaders
Who leads the ceremony?
Typically, the Religious Emblems Coordinator (REC) or Cubmaster serves as the Master of Ceremonies. Den Leaders and parents often assist by presenting knots or introducing Scouts.
How long does the ceremony take?
Most ceremonies take 2–5 minutes for small groups and up to 7 minutes for larger ones. The goal is to be meaningful but brief enough to fit into a Pack meeting.
How do I prepare if there are many Scouts to recognize?
When the group is large, you can bring all Scouts forward at once, have Den Leaders distribute the knots, and invite one or two Scouts to share reflections. A printed or digital list of Scouts’ names can ensure everyone is recognized without slowing down the ceremony.
What should I say during the ceremony?
We’ve created a Quick Ceremony Template to make it easy—just fill in the blanks and add any personal touches.
How do I make the ceremony feel inclusive for Scouts of all faiths?
Use neutral, interfaith-friendly language like “faith tradition” or “beliefs.” If a family requests a specific faith element (e.g., prayer), consider offering a moment of silence or reflection so everyone can participate in a way that feels comfortable.
What if a Scout earns their emblem after the main ceremony?
They can be recognized at the next ceremony, or you can honor them at the next Pack meeting with a brief 1–2 minute version of the ceremony. Every Scout deserves timely recognition, so don’t make them wait too long if it’s not necessary.
How do I handle a mix of Scouts who have completed different emblem programs?
Highlight that each Scout’s program is unique but all share the values of faith and reverence. You can briefly mention the types of programs (e.g., God and Me, Light of Christ) without going into detail about each one. for their role in guiding the Scout’s journey.
For Scouts
For Scouts
How do I earn a Religious Emblem?
Religious emblems are earned through your family’s faith tradition. Each program is different but typically involves learning, service, and reflection. Talk to your parents or the Pack Religious Emblems Coordinator to get started.
Why is this award special?
The Youth Religious Emblem Knot is one of the few Cub Scout awards you can continue to wear in Scouts BSA, Venturing, and even as an adult leader. It represents your spiritual growth and dedication to living the values of the Scout Law.
Do I have to speak at the ceremony?
No, you don’t have to. But if you’d like, you may share a short reflection about what you learned or what the award means to you.
Can I work on a religious emblem with friends from my Pack?
Yes! In some cases, churches may offer a class where you and your friends can work with a Counselor as a group on your religious emblem. Keep in mind, though, that each Scout’s work is individual. While you can share the experience, every Scout must complete the activities in their own workbook to earn the emblem.
Contact
Contact
For questions or guidance, contact our Key 3 leadership team or our Religious Emblems Coordinator (REC). Their contact information can be found on the About page.
Cubmaster
Committee Chairman
Chartered Organization Representative
Religious Emblems Coordinator
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