Archdiocese of New York
Catholic Committee on Scouting

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National Youth Religious Emblems

Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers
There are five Youth Religious Emblems available through the NCCS for boys. Two can be earned by Cub Scouts, one of two can be earned by Boy Scouts, and one can be earned by Boy Scouts and Venturing crew members (both male and female members).

CUBS SCOUTS

The Light of Christ emblem can be earned by Tiger and Wolf Cub Scouts. 

The Parvuli Dei emblem can be earned by Bear and Webelos Cub Scouts. 

Cub Scout emblems are completed in a family setting with assistance of a trained Religious Emblems coordinator from your /local parish. 

These programs take approximately two months to complete. 

Cub Scouts receive their square knots and emblems (medals) in their local parishes and Cub Scout packs.

To Get Started
Emblem Books may be obtained most economically and quickly from your local BSA Council Service Center Scout Shops. Alternatively, they can be obtained directly from St. Mary's Press online at http://scouting.smp.org   Most local scout Catholic committees have a stock of the books available so check with your local parish or Scout council committee about obtaining the workbooks.  Books may also be ordered from our Office of Scouting by using this form.  Order_Form.pdf

Upon Completion
The trained Religious Emblems coordinator you have been working with will submit the completed application found in the workbook to our Archdiocesan Catholic Committee through the local Boy Scout Catholic Relationship Committee. This coordinator is your contact to obtain the religious emblem. 

If you have previously earned a religious emblem and lost or damaged it, contact the national office for replacement options.

BOY SCOUTS / VENTURERS

The Ad Altare Dei emblem can be earned by Roman Catholic Boy Scouts. 

The Light is Life emblem can be earned by Eastern Catholic Boy Scouts. 

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 Pope Pius XII emblem can be earned by older Boy Scouts and Venturing crew members. 

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.

Upon completion, each candidate will meet with a Board of Review to discuss what the Scout/Venturer has learned.

After this review, the Scout/Venturer will receive a BSA religious square knot at an appropriate unit presentation (Unit Meeting, Court of Honor), and the religious emblem (medal) at the next annual Emblems Ceremony at St. Patrick's Cathedral, which is usually held on a Sunday in the spring after Easter.

To Get Started
Emblem Books may be obtained most economically and quickly from your local BSA Council Service Center Scout Shops. Alternatively, they can be obtained directly from St. Mary's Press online at http://scouting.smp.org   Most local scout Catholic committees have a stock of the books available so check with your local parish or Scout council committee about obtaining the workbooks.  The Light is Life book for Boy Scouts belonging to the Eastern Catholic Churches can generally be obtained only from your Eparchial Catholic Committee on Scouting or directly from NCCS at NCCS@netbsa.org.   Books may also be ordered from our Office of Scouting by using this form.  Order_Form.pdf

Upon Completion
The trained Religious Emblems Counselor/Moderator you have been working with will submit the completed application found in the workbook to our Archdiocesan Catholic Committee through the local Boy Scout Catholic Relationship Committee. This coordinator is your contact to obtain the religious emblem.