Introduction to Interfaith Skills

for Scouts BSA Troop

Chaplains’ Aides
Jacob Perkins
Unit Chaplain | Scouts BSA Troop 4019
Old North State Council
S7-70-20
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this training program is “to equip Chaplains’ Aides to
provide a religious tone in all troop meetings and activities, and should
be used whenever there is a new Chaplain’s Aide or if the current
Chaplain’s Aide has not been trained. This training will include a
classroom portion, a practical portion, and an outline for ongoing
reflections with the Chaplain.”
Learning Objectives
Following the successful completion of this training, participants should possess the
knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill the following objectives:
• Learning Objective 1: Participants will possess an understanding and grasp of interfaith
and religious language, suitable for the dexterous handling of a variety of situations a
Chaplain’s Aide might find themself in. They should also be familiar with and have the
desire to work in the spirit of the BSA’s Declaration of Religious Principles to best serve
their Scouts.
• Learning Objective 2: Participants will be comfortable in fulfilling their role in “setting a
religious tone during all troop meetings and activities.”
• Learning Objective 3: Participants will have the skills necessary to carefully craft a “Scouts’
Own” or other interfaith worship service in a Scouting setting. They will also gain
knowledge of the resources available to them, as well as the opportunity and assistance
needed to create their own resources.
Part 1: Language
BSA’s Declaration of Religious Principles
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.
Language: what, how, when, who?
• What “God words” do you use?
• How, when, and with whom should we use which words?
• Why does it matter which words you choose?

• Mini-activity: write down as many “God words” as you can in 60 seconds!

• Compare lists
 Almighty
G-d/God Father, Heavenly Father

Jesus, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, etc.

Trinity The Most Merciful, Gracious, etc.

Mother

Great Spirit
Adonai
Savior

Allah
Holy Spirit
Creator Alpha and Omega, Aleph and Tov,
Beginning and the End, etc.
Scriptural Language

• Using scriptural language (eg. Arabic, Hebrew, etc.) during services

• Authority to translate

• If in doubt, don’t do it!

Selected Vocabulary: “Talk of the Trade”

• Intersectionality and Identities

• Interfaith/Multifaith/Nondenominational/Multireligious
• Multiple truths
• Lifeways, Walks, Journeys
• Spiritual but not Religious/Nones
• Dialogue, “Connecting Conversations”
Activity: Putting it into Practice

• In partners/small groups, write one of each of the following,

using some of the languages and tools we just discussed.
• Grace before meal
• Pre-meeting prayer/Invocation
• Prayer for a camping trip
• General prayer/other purpose
Setting the Tone
Setting the Tone: Troop Meetings & Outings
Troop Meetings Outings
• Opening • Pre-Trip
• Grace before Meals
• Closing
• Occasional (weather, loss, etc.)
• Program?
• Vespers
• Other? • Scouts’ Own
Other • Time and space to practice
• Holidays individually
• Program?
• Religious Emblems
• Other?
Activity: Holidays
• Create a calendar/list of the current year’s major religious holidays.
• Sources: Internet Research, Multifaith Calendar, Religious organizations,
University DEI/Campus Ministry/Chaplaincy websites, etc.
• Each participant can take one major faith. Add any others present in the unit.
• Protestant Christianity
• (Roman) Catholic Christianity
• Judaism
• Islam
• Buddhism
• Hinduism
• (Greek) Orthodox Christianity
Interfaith Services
Structure

• The structure of interfaith services can change depending on the

situation and the needs of the group.

• The example provided includes many sections; Chaplains and

Chaplains’ Aides can add or remove section as needed.
Interfaith Considerations
• Participation by all who wish – participation/attendance can not be
required
• Planned and rehearsed…be prepared!
• A Scout is…Courteous, Kind, and Reverent
• Timing – appropriate and not obstructive of personal religious
obligations
• Texts – interfaith, variety of faiths, non-religious sources, etc.
Resources

• See handout

• What other resources can you think of?

Activity: See it, do it

• Watch recording/participate in live interfaith service

• Work together to plan and execute an interfaith service

Going forward

• Regular meetings with Chaplain and Chaplain’s Aide

• Youth Protection

• Checking in

• Progress update

• Planning

• Training
Conclusion

• Questions?

• Putting it into practice

• Share best practices

• Feedback for instructor/content