Catholic Scouting
Scouting is Youth Ministry
The values taught in Scouting are the same found in the Gospels. Scouting is an effective way to help Catholic youth to do their duty to God and to their country. Scouting builds character and teaches devotion to God in an environment that provides wholesome fun under the guidance of strong adult role models. The Scouting program provides a wonderful channel to involve youth in the life of Catholic parishes.
Young people experience Scouting as a growth into personal maturity and social responsibility. They learn to assume their role in life with a high degree of commitment and to care for others who are less fortunate. They develop a strong desire to build a culture of goodwill, respect for the environment, acceptance of duties, including the most fundamental of all duties — love of God and obedience to His will.
For more information on Catholic Scouting programs for members of Boy Scouts of America, please contact Ann Resch.
For more information on Catholic Scouting programs for members of Girl Scouts, American Heritage Girls, Camp Fire and youth serving organizations, please contact Moira Delumpa.
To order the Catholic Scouting patch for the Diocese of San Jose (seen above), please click here.
Religious Activity Program
All youth and adults—Scouts or non-Scouts, Catholic or non-Catholic, male or female—are welcome to participate in the Religious Activity Programs.
The following Patch requirements and ordering may be found at the National Catholic Committee for Girl
Scouts USA and Camp Fire USA.
Women in Scripture
The Women in Scripture series focus on individuals who lived lives of courage and faithfulness. These women often fanned the flame of faith in their families and communities and were the backbone of the church and faith since the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Learn more about these strong faith-filled women.
Models of Faith
Throughout the long tradition of the Catholic Church, women and men have been inspired by the Holy Spirit to stand up for the faith in the midst of great trials and at deep personal risk. Learn more about these great Models of Faith.
The following Patch requirements and ordering may be found at the National Catholic Committee on Scouting.
The Rosary Series
The Rosary Series will focus on a different set of Mysteries of the Holy Rosary and an activity describing how to pray the rosary. This is an opportunity for the youth and adults alike to learn more about their faith. There are 5 activities in all. They are the Joyful Mysteries, Luminous Mysteries, Sorrowful Mysteries, Glorious Mysteries and Pray the Rosary. A beautiful 5″ diameter patch is available with each activity.
The Footsteps of American Saints
The Footsteps of American Saints program is a series of religious activities that encourages youth to learn about several individuals who have shaped the landscape of Catholicism in America. Through a knowledge of the lives of these Saints and Blesseds it is hoped that participants will be inspired to imitate their heroic virtues and follow in their footsteps. A patch with the saint’s likeness is available for each activity.
The Marian Activity Series
Each activity in this series examines one of the nineteen Marian Feasts Commemorated in the United States, focusing on how and why the Church has honored Mary for more than 2,000 years.
International Catholic Awareness
This activity is being offered by The International Catholic Conference of Scouting (ICCS) in recognition of demonstrated awareness of Scouting in the Catholic Church throughout the world. It contributes to the complete education of young people through Scouting from the perspective of the Catholic faith. It develops and enhances the spiritual dimension of Scouting in the World Scout Movement. Depending on age, the Scout may earn a pin or medallion.
Catholic Emblems for Youth
Religious programs are available to Catholic youth. Age appropriate activities are done from workbooks, with the guidance of a religious program counselor. The activities help young people grow in their faith, and allow them to explore their role in their family life, parish community and local communities. A scout may participate in one or more religious program during their scouting/Camp Fire career.
GETTING STARTED
All young people who are interested in participating in a religious program can follow the guidelines below.
- Decide which program is appropriate. See the descriptions of the programs below.
- Purchase the workbook for the program. Each participant will require his/her own workbook. Workbooks may NOT be copied.
- Contact the CCS member listed below for further assistance in the programs. Some programs require that the participant work with a registered religious program counselor. Parents and Leaders may apply as counselor.
- Complete all requirements in the workbook by the deadline to qualify for the recognition ceremony. Emblems for BSA/Venture/Explorers may also require completing a board of review.
- The Cub Scout and younger Girl Scout/Camp Fire/AHG programs typically take 3-4 months to complete. The Scouts BSA and older Girl Scout/Camp Fire/AHG programs can take from 5-6 months to complete.
- Complete the application form in the workbook, which requires the signatures of the participant, a parent, and the pastor. Send the completed application form, and the required fees for the medals, to the contact person listed below. The contact person will know the current cost of the medals.
- There is a diocesan fee for each applicant. This fee covers all Religious Medals, Religious Program Patches, certificate, and ceremony. Contact the CCS member listed below for current fee. Program booklets fees are the responsibility of each applicant.
Who to contact regarding Scouting in the Diocese of San Jose
For more information on Catholic Scouting programs for members of Boy Scouts of America, please contact Ann Resch.
For more information on Catholic Scouting programs for members of Girl Scouts, American Heritage Girls, Camp Fire and other youth serving organizations, please contact Moira Delumpa.
CATHOLIC EMBLEMS FOR MEMBERS OF BSA
GOD IS LOVE (Lion Cubs) Students discover an appreciation that God created, cares for, and loves us all. (NOTE: GOD IS LOVE Activity Books must be purchased at the NFCYM Online Store.)
LIGHT OF CHRIST
(Tiger Cubs & Wolf Cub Scouts)
This program helps younger boys and girls develop a personal relationship with Jesus. He comes to see Jesus as a person and his friend.
PARVULI DEI
(Bear Cub Scouts & Webelos Scouts)
Young boys and girls explore a wide range of activities in which they discover the presence of God in their daily lives as members of their families and parishes. Parvuli Dei is latin for Children of God.
AD ALTARE DEI
(Scouts BSA 7th grade and older; young men and women in Venturing program)
This program studies the Sacraments. Scouts grow to recognize that sacramental encounters with Christ help them to develop a fuller Christian way of life. Ad Altare Dei is latin for to the altar of God.
POPE PIUS XII
(High School age Scouts BSA; young men and women in Venturing program)
Participants examine Christian daily life and are challenged to explore church ministries and vocations. Young adults are encouraged to share their faith with peers through discussion and reflection. During World War II, 1939—45, and for nearly twenty years after, Pope Pius XII was almost universally regarded as a saintly man, a scholar, a man of peace, a tower of strength, and a compassionate defender and protector of all victims of the war and genocide that had drowned Europe in blood for six years. At the end of the war Western nations paid tribute to his steadfast efforts on behalf of the oppressed. Jews heaped praise on him for his help in their darkest hour and, at his death thirteen years later, they were among the first to express sorrow and gratitude for his solicitude for Jews during the Holocaust.
Activity Books for the above may be purchased at your local BSA store or online at www.scoutshop.org.
CATHOLIC EMBLEMS FOR MEMBERS OF GIRL SCOUTS, CAMP FIRE BOYS & GIRLS, AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS, LITTLE FLOWERS, OTHER YOUTH SERVING ORGANIZATIONS, & PARISH GROUPS
GOD IS LOVE (Kinder & 1st grades)
Students discover an appreciation that God created, cares for, and loves us all.
FAMILY OF GOD (2nd & 3rd grades)
Children explore a wide range of family and parish activities in order to discover the presence of God in their daily lives.
I LIVE MY FAITH (Grade 4-6)
This program focuses activities around the participant’s developing awareness of her/his growth as a person, friend, family member, citizen and believer of faith.
MARIAN MEDAL (Grade 7-10)
Program participants gain an understanding of Mary as the model of openness and spirituality. The program helps young people develop a Christian spirit of hope and faith through projects, discussion and liturgical celebrations.
SPIRIT ALIVE (Grade 9-12)
This program assists participants in discovering how the Holy Spirit moves in their lives, calling them to greater participating in Church ministry.
MISSIO (Grade 11-12)
This program invites young people to explore discipleship and their own religious identity.
Activity Books for the above may be purchased at the NFCYM Online Store.
Adult and Group Recognition
The Bronze Pelican Award
The Catholic Committee on Scouting for the Diocese of San Jose provides the Bronze Pelican Award to men and women as recognition for contributing directly to the spiritual nourishment of Catholic boys and girls in the Scouting movement. The Pelican has been used as a liturgical symbol since the early days of Christianity. It denotes the tender care of the young by the parent and by the Church. As such, it is an appropriate symbol for those who give of themselves to the spiritual development of boys and girls in the formation as Christian leaders. | Nomination Form
The St. George Emblem
The St. George Emblem is awarded to members of the laity and clergy, Scouters and non-Scouters alike, who have made significant and outstanding contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youths through Scouting. | Nomination Form
The Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Award
The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton recognition was inaugurated in 1980 to recognize the meritorious contributions of adults who serve Catholic youth through Girl Scouts and Camp Fire. This medal affirms the work of those who help youth develop their spiritual lives within the context of these organizations. It is ordinarily received before the St. Anne Medal is earned, but is not a requirement for receiving the St. Anne Medal. | Nomination Form
The Saint Anne Medal
The St. Anne Medal is the highest national recognition for adults who serve Catholic youth through Girl Scouts and Camp Fire. The recognition was inaugurated in 1957. The purposes of the St. Anne recognition are to honor the outstanding services of adults who contribute to the spiritual development of Catholic young people in these organizations and to further Catholic adult leadership in youth ministry through these national youth-serving organizations. | Nomination Form
The National Catholic Unit Excellence Award
Cooperation, development, and program are the key words in the recognition of BSA Catholic chartered units in earning the National Catholic Unit Excellence Award – Pope Paul VI. The adult leadership responds to training not only in Scouting lores, but training in Catholic Scouter Development, and religious counseling. The Scouts in each Pack, Troop, Team, and Crew/Ship respond by participating in the religious emblems program respective of their status in Scouting. | Nomination Form
Useful Links for Catholic Scouting
The Catholic Committee on Scouting, Diocese of San Jose
Who we are
We support and promote Catholic youth ministry in the Boy Scout, Girl Scout and Camp Fire programs. We primarily serve the scouting and camp fire units in the Santa Clara county. Our group organizes the annual Catholic awards recognition ceremony, and co-sponsors the annual Retreat-O-Ree. We also provide training and fellowship for leaders, counselors and youth ministers.
The committee meets at St. Joseph’s in Cupertino, Stevens Creek and De Anza Blvd.
4th Monday of January, March, May, August, and October
7:00pm
Membership
Rev. Paul Soukup, SJ
Committee Chaplain
psoukup@scu.edu
Ann Resch
Committee Chairman
a.resch@att.net
Catherine Murphy
BSA Religious Emblems Advisor, Cub Scouts
cmshearley@yahoo.com
Patricia Cuadros
BSA Religious Emblems Advisor, Boy Scout/Venturing
patricia-c@usa.net
Moira Delumpa
Girl Scout Religious Advisor
Webmaster
moiraann64@gmail.com
Donna Marcopulos
Pacific Skyline Religious Advisor
donna@marcopulos.com
Bill Jennings
bill@farmx.co
Bret Ganoung
bganoung@gmail.com
Thien Nguyen
SVMBC Religious Advisor, Coyote Creek District
thsquare@yahoo.com
Joan Schenck
SVMBC Religious Advisor, Pioneer District
jcschenck@att.net
Bob Wedig
SVMBC Religious Advisor, Polaris District
bob@wedig.com
Members at Large
Diana Cu
dianadcu@yahoo.com
David Donnelly
davids.donnelly@gmail.com
Ted Marcopulos
ted@marcopulos.com
Floyd Okada
floydokada@aol.com
Claudia Schussman
Claudia.olop@gmail.com
Angela Michael
angelateri@sbcglobal.net
Frank Diaz
frankmdiaz@gmail.com
Greg Schussman
greg.schussman@gmail.com
If you have any interest in serving on the Catholic Committee on Scouting, we would love to have you! Please contact Ann Resch for more information.
DSJ Catholic Scouting Patch
The Catholic Committee on Scouting has a patch available for Catholic scouts and leaders in the Diocese of San Jose. The purpose of this patch is to promote religious program participation. The 3” round patch features the diocesan crest centered on a Jerusalem cross. The logos of the Girls Scouts and Boy Scouts are placed on the outer ring.
No special requirements are needed to purchase this patch. Patch segments that can be sewn around the main patch are also available. The segments represent the religious award that the scout has completed.
To order the patch, please (CLICK HERE) print and complete order form and send a check for $3.00 per patch payable to Diocese of San Jose – CCS to: Thien Nguyen, CCS Patch, 2051 Piedmont Rd, San Jose, CA 95132. Contact Thien Nguyen for more information.
Check the Diocese of San Jose Catholic Scout for the latest news on Catholic Scouting in our Diocese.
Scouting Events
THE PRAYER SERVICE AND RECOGNITION CEREMONY
All Catholic Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturers, Brownies, Girl Scouts, American Heritage Girls, and Little Flowers youth who have completed a religious program will be recognized and receive their medals at the annual prayer service and recognition ceremony. Note: This is NOT a Mass. Expected attire is scout uniform.
Sunday, March 22, 2022 at 3:00 pm
Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
Note: Program completion date in order to receive recognition is February 1, 2022.
Catholic youth achieving the highest award for their organization are also recognized at the recognition ceremony:
Boy Scout – Eagle Scout
Venture – Silver Award
Girl Scout – Gold Award
Camp Fire – Wohelo Medallion
American Heritage Girls – Patriot Award
If you know youth who should be recognized, please contact Ann Resch for Boys Programs Moira Delumpa for Girls Programs.
Are any of your scouts interested in being a part of the Recognition Ceremony choir? Please contact Ann Resch. All are invited to participate.
Do you know adults who deserve recognition for outstanding service to the development of spiritual growth in youth? You may wish to nominate that person for an adult award. Nominations are due by February 15. Selection of awardees is made by the nominating committee of the Catholic Committee on Scouting. To nominate an adult, please click here.
CATHOLIC RETREAT-O-REE
An overnight retreat for Scouts BSA, Girl Scouts, Venturers, American Heritage Girls, and other Catholic Youth Groups (All youth must be 6th grade or higher). Sponsored by the Diocese of San Jose and the Catholic Committee on Scouting.
Saturday, 10/16/2021, 8:00 am – Sunday, 10/17/2021 10:30 am
For 2021 Retreat and more information, call Bob Wedig at 408-735-0408, email Bob@Wedig.com or Ann Resch at 408-227-8587, email a.resch@att.net.
RELIGIOUS EMBLEM TRAINING
Come meet the Committee on Catholic Scouting and learn how to implement Religious Emblems for Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturers, American Heritage Girls, and other youth serving organizations.
Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom
For more information on Religious Emblem Training, please contact Ann Resch at a.resch@att.net. | Download Flyer