In the Cub Scout program, there are faith adventures required for each rank. These faith requirements are intentionally broad and do not mandate adherence to any specific religious belief. Instead, they encourage Cub Scouts to contemplate faith and engage in discussions about it. It’s important to note that the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) emphasizes the recognition of an obligation to God in the Scout Oath. However, this recognition does not prescribe a particular religious faith. The BSA’s stance is nonsectarian when it comes to religious training.
To address concerns related to faith requirements for Cub Scouts and agnostics, it’s helpful to reference the BSA Declaration of Religious Principle from the Charter and Bylaws. This declaration underscores the importance of recognizing God as a guiding force in citizenship and the acknowledgment of His blessings. It highlights the need for religious elements in a member’s training while maintaining a nonsectarian stance.
Article IX Section 1: The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God. In the first part of the Scout Oath the member declares, “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law.”
The recognition of God as the ruling and leading power in the universe and the grateful acknowledgment of His favors and blessings are necessary to the best type of citizenship and are wholesome precepts in the education of the growing members. No matter what the religious faith of the members may be, this fundamental need of good citizenship should be kept before them. The Boy Scouts of America, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but it is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Its policy is that the home and the organization or group with which the member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life.
Boy Scouts of America Charter and Bylaws
If you discuss the declaration of religious principle with them and you are still not sure what to do, I recommend you call your local council and seek advice from them. Your local Scouting professionals are there to help you sort through difficult questions like these. They are a valuable resource when you don’t know where else to turn.
Engage in open and honest discussions with parents who have reservations about the faith requirements. Encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas on how to fulfill these requirements in a manner that aligns with their beliefs. Emphasize that formal membership in a church or organized religion is not a prerequisite for completing these requirements.
It’s worth noting that faith requirements for Cub Scouts can be completed outside of regular meetings. Families can undertake these activities at home and then inform you when they’ve finished. This flexibility allows parents and Cub Scouts to work on these requirements in a way that suits their comfort level and beliefs.
See Should Duty To God Requirements Be Completed at Home or at a Meeting? for more information.
If you encounter challenges or uncertainties regarding faith requirements, consider reaching out to your local council for guidance. Local Scouting professionals are equipped to assist with complex questions and can provide valuable insights into addressing specific situations.
There is a lot of practical advice about how other Cub Scout leaders have handled Cub Scout faith requirements and agnostics or atheists in the comments below. If you read through them, you might find something which works in your situation.
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