ctgolfer

Thanks for the insight. Yes, I did read it wrong, I did not realize you only had to complete 12 of the 24 requirements for Bear rank (including one of requirement 1 or 2). Requirement 1 is straight forward enough for us to complete.

I guess I need to read forward on Weblos and Boy Scout requirements more closely. My first impression was it gets more religion-centric as we continue, but from the sound of it here there is room and alternatives for those not practicing a specific religion like us. Being in the northeast and chartered out of our public school PTA, I don't expect there will be any local level expectations that we can't achieve. Thanks again for the input!

Hi, I am new to this board, joined today so I could ask for some advice. First some background.

I am a leader in our Cub Scout pack and my son is now a Bear. Our family is not religious at all and are not practicing in any particular religion. I was "raised" Lutheran, my wife was raised Catholic and the kids we baptized the same, but otherwise our family has never actively practiced Catholicism or any other organized religion. My wife has a strong faith in God, just doesn't believe in the dogma of organized religion. I considered myself agnostic for a time when I was younger, but have come to believe in a higher power as I have gotten older, although I have no specific belief of what that higher power may be. We have discussed our beliefs with our children but have left it up to them to make their own choices, but lets face it, pre-teen kids rarely develop their own beliefs on the subject of God and religion and usually just parrot what their parents believe (or don't believe). As such, our kids have or at least express the same thoughts on God and religion. Really, the only expression of belief, reverence, and duty to God or higher power that we we ask of them is to respect and care for what has been created by God (themselves, other people, nature, etc.). Essentially the Golden Rule which I think most religions essentially boil down to once you get rid of all the dogma.

Anyway, for my specific question, we are working on the Bear requirements which includes earning your religious emblem, but since we don't consider ourselves affiliated with a particular religion, I'm a bit at a loss on how to fulfill this requirement. And as we move onto Weblos and eventually Boy Scouts, I know the requirements get more stringent and complex in the demonstration of faith. Although the BSA is non-denominational and only technically requires that member have faith in God or a higher power, it seems most of the associated requirements are still very focused on things you can do within your religious organization. I firmly believe that faith and religion are two entirely separate things (or at least can be), that you do not have to subscribe or be a part of a religion to have faith.

So I was wondering if there is anyone out there who has or has worked with someone in scouting with similar beliefs, and has some advice how to fulfill the various religious/faith based requirements in Cub and Boy Scouts.

Thanks!