Duty to God

The Religious Relationships Committee, being comprised of various faith organizations, promise to promote the spiritual development and growth of all Scouts and Scouters in our Council.

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 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.

Program Brochure | Download

Catholic Committee on Scouting

nccs logoThe Buffalo Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting is a committee affiliated with the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministry serving Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts USA within the 8 counties of Western New York.
 
The Committee is dedicated to promoting “Duty to God” at each level of Scouting. The purpose of the Buffalo Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting (the Committee) is to give guidance, vitality and leadership in the Spiritual phase of Scouting to all Catholic Scouts and Scouters in the Diocese of Buffalo.
 
The Committee endeavors to make the entire Scouting program available to increasing numbers of youth in Parish Units and Units operated by Catholic organizations.
 
Read past and present editions of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting’s newsletter:  The Bridge.
 
For a description of the various Catholic youth awards please view the following document: Catholic Religious Emblems

2023-2024 Catholic Committee on Scouting Dates | Download

Request an Eagle Congratulation Letter from Bishop Mike | Download

Nomination form for Bronze Pelican | Download

Nomination form for St George Emblem | Download

How to Purchase Religious Emblems | Download

Religious Activities

There are Five Series of Religious Activities and two International Activities, to which interested youth and adults will find fun and easy ways to learn more about their faith, Catholic role models and become more aware of the faith community and cultures around the world.

[ Click here for a single page listing of all current Religious Activities ]

Eligibility: All youth and adults—Scouts or non-Scouts, Catholic or non-Catholic, male or female—are welcome to participate in the Religious Activities provided by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting®. The Five Series of Religious Activities, include: Rosary Series, Marian Series, American Saint Series, Modern Saint Series and Faith Series. The International Activities include International Awareness and Blessed Are Merciful - Keep The Lamp Burning Activities. All of these activities may be used by groups, families, schools, or any Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturer, Girl Scout, American Heritage Girl, or Campfire USA.

For more information on being a Religious Emblems Coordinator for your Pack, Troop or Crew please Contact:  Jim Smyczynski

Religious Emblems Coordinator Application | Download

 


Jewish Committee on Scouting

NJCOS-Logo-CircleR-300x291The mission of the National Jewish Committee on Scouting (NJCOS) is to prepare young Jews to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of Judaism as expressed in the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Visit our local website to be kept up to date on upcoming events | Click

Like us on Facebook | facebook.com/wnyjcos

National Jewish Committee on Scouting»

For more information:

Committee Co-Chairs: Leah Romeo dancerimma@yahoo.com and Susan Beiter susanemb@yahoo.com

Religious Emblems Coordinator for Jewish Awards: Leah Romeo dancerimma@yahoo.com 

 


 

Protestant Committee on Scouting

pcosMajor Duties of the Committee:

  1. To promote the Religious Awards Program administered by the various denominational institutions under the coordination of P.R.A.Y (Programs of Religious Activities with Youth) in conjunction with the National Scouting Movement.
  2. To furnish Protestant Scout Chaplains for the various Boy Scout Camps (long term) and Scouting events (short term camping and special occasions).
  3. To conduct religious conferences for the Boy Scouts and to act as an intermediary between the churches of Buffalo and the local Boy Scout Council.

Learn more about PRAY Emblems and Awards, and how to get started. »

PRAY Brochure & Frequently Asked Questions »


Unit Religious Emblem Coordinator Responsibilities | Download

Council Religious Emblems Coordinators

Gerald Hodgson
(716) 694-8364
gmhodgson@roadrunner.com

Jim Smyczynski
(716) 689-2804
jimsmyczynski@att.net

District Religious Emblems Coordinators

Onondaga District
Jim Smyczynski
689-2804
jimsmyczynski@att.net

Red Jacket District
Jim Heinrich
(716) 866-1942
jeheinrich@aol.com

Polaris District
Katrina Overbeck
(716) 282-0347
greenbloodedgirlscout@roadrunner.com

Staff Advisor
Bob Blatz
(716) 512-6215