Scout Awards

Adult Leader Recognition-Scouting and Camp Fire

Saint George Emblem: A national recognition approved by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. This may be presented to any adult who is working in the Boy Scout program, under Catholic auspices; to Catholics in Scout units not sponsored by the Church; and to those who have made a significant contribution to Scouting in the field of Catholic relationships. The purpose is to recognize the recipient’s outstanding contribution to the spiritual development of Catholic youth in the program of the Boy Scouts of America.

Bronze Pelican: An award of the Archdiocesan Catholic Committee on Boy Scouting, serving as recognition for adults in the early stages of their service to the Scout program, under Catholic auspices; to Catholics in Scout units not sponsored by the Catholic Church; and to those who have made a significant contribution to Scouting in the field of Catholic relationships. The purpose is to recognize and encourage the recipient to continue his/her outstanding contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youth in the program of the Boy Scouts of America. To receive the Bronze Pelican the nominated individual must have completed three full years as an active registered Scouter, provided support for units sponsored by a Catholic organization and actively participated in at least one of the activities of the Archdiocesan Catholic Committee on Boy Scouting. The Bronze Pelican MAY NOT be awarded to anyone who has already received the St. George Emblem.

St. Anne Medal: For adults working with Catholic members of national youth organizations. This award honors the outstanding service of adults contributing to the spiritual development of Catholic youth in these organizations and is to further Catholic adult leadership in youth ministry through these national organizations. It is the highest national award in this field.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal: Recognizes the significant contribution of persons serving the spiritual needs of Catholic members in youth organizations. This award is intended to recognize notable contributions to this field of youth ministry. At this time, these include Camp Fire Boys and Girls, Girl Scouts and 4-H clubs. Other may be authorized after review by the local and national Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Catholic Committees.

James Cardinal Hickey Award: Presented to individuals or units who/which have provided some significant service or support to any of the Catholic Committees or their individual programs. Nominations may be made by members of the committees or by any individual who believes recognition has been earned. The Cardinal Hickey Award may be presented to the same individual or unit multiple times for different activities. It, unlike other awards of the Catholic Committees, may be presented posthumously.

Nominations for St. George, Bronze Pelican or Cardinal Hickey awards may be submitted to Mike Gannon.

Recommendations for the St. Anne Medal and the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award may be made by completing the nomination form for Adult Religious Awards, available from Rosemary Pezzuto.

Religious Awards for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorers

The Light of Christ Award: This program helps the Tiger and Wolf develop a personal relationship with Jesus. With the parents’ active participation, the young Cub will see Jesus as a real person and friend. Age level: Designed for Tiger and Wolf Cubs

The Parvuli Dei Emblem: This program helps young boys explore a wide range of activities in order to discover the presence of God in their daily lives as members of their family and parish. Age level: Designed for Cub Scouts

The Ad Altare Dei Emblem: In a series of steps, the Scout grows spiritually as a young Catholic by reading Scripture and doing projects that are designed to help him understand the meaning of the Sacraments. Age level: Designed for Boy Scouts

The Pope Pius XII Emblem: In this program, high schoolers in small groups study and discuss their role as young Catholics in today’s society. Guided by the Holy Spirit, this formation can make youth more aware of their potential of being future Christian leaders. Age level: Designed for high school-age Sr. Scouts and Venturers

Special Notes: Potential recipients for Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII Emblems must arrange for an Archdiocesan Board Review by contacting Frank Rossomondo at 301-770-7455.

Religious Awards for Catholic Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Boys & Girls

Family of God: This award for ages 7-9 is a series developed to help children, as members of their family and parish, explore a wide range of activities to discover the presence of God in their daily lives. Age Level: Brownie Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Starflights, in grades 2 and 3.

I Live My Faith: This award for youth ages 9-11 is planned to help youth appreciate more deeply the place of God and religion in their life. Parental involvement is part of the program. Age Level: Junior Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Adventures in grades 4, 5 and 6.

Marian Medal: This award for youth ages 12-15 involves participants in an understanding of Mary as a model of openness and spirituality, a woman of the Church. Age Level: Cadette Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Discovery Club members in grades 7, 8 and 9.

The Spirit Alive: This award for youth ages 15-17 helps them to discover the Holy Spirit acting in their lives through a program of research, dialogue and activities. Age Level: Senior Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Horizon Club members in grades 10, 11 and 12.

Information:
Girl Scouts: Brenda Murtha
Camp Fire Boys and Girls: Rosemary Pezzuto

The Cardinal's Honor Guard

The Cardinal's Honor Guard was established in 1993 for Cadette and Senior Catholic Girl Scouts and Camp Fire in Grades 7-12 in the Archdiocese of Washington. Based on a strong conviction about the value of the Girl Scout and Camp Fire Programs in promoting spiritual growth, service to God and country, and leadership abilities of these young women, the award is given annually to help stimulate more participation in Catholic Scouting through the Archdiocesan Committees on Girl Scouting and Camp Fire.

Requirements include:

Earning the Mary the First Disciple or The Spirit Alive Recognition;
Attendance at the Girl Scout Catholic Retreat
Four hours of service
Participation in an Archdiocesan event
Developing a workshop for the GS Retreat or helping a younger GS earn her religious emblem
Participation in the Scout Sunday Mass

To receive an application, please contact Brenda Murtha at 301-349-4312.

Cardinal’s Honor Troop Award

In 1984, at the request of the then-Archbishop, James Cardinal Hickey, the Honor Troop Award for Boy Scouts was re-instituted in the Archdiocese of Washington. Based on a strong conviction in the value of the Scouting program and in promoting the spiritual and physical growth of Catholic youth, the award is given annually to help stimulate more participation and excellence in Catholic Scouting in the Archdiocese.

The selection of the winning troop is usually made at the time of the Annual Scout Retreat. The criteria for selection is based on the following seven categories of religious activity:

Number of scouts earning a religious emblem during the year.*
Number of scouts and adults attending the annual retreat.*
Number of scouts and adults attending the annual pilgrimage.*
Number of adults participating in the Scouter Development Program during the year.
Unit’s participation in a church service on Scout Sunday.
A unit service project for a Catholic institution.
Number of scouts participating in the Mattaponi Service Project.*

* Scores weighted by percentage of eligible who participate

For more information, contact Richard Stevick at 301-490-7855.

Annual Archdiocesan Emblems Presentation
and Adult Recognition Day

This prayer service and presentation involves presentation of Religious Emblem Awards earned during the year by Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts and Camp Fire youth, and recognition of selected adults in the Boy Scout, Girl Scout and Camp Fire programs.

Youth awards include the Ad Altare Dei, Pope Pius XII, I Live My Faith, the Marian Medal and The Spirit Alive Emblem. The Light of Christ, Parvuli Dei and Family of God will be recognized. St. George, Bronze Pelican, Cardinal Hickey, St. Anne and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton awards will be presented to adults.

Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts and Camp Fire youth should be in full uniform, and carry their troop/unit/club and national flags during the youth procession into the church. The Cardinal’s Honor Troop Award is given to the outstanding Boy Scout Troop of the year; Girl Scouts and Camp Fire youth who have earned the Cardinal’s Honor Guard Award are recognized. All youth receiving emblems must pre-register.

For more information, contact Brenda Murtha (youth) or Richard Stevick (adults).