You are receiving this newsletter because you have expressed an interest in P.R.A.Y. and promoting Duty to God through religious emblems programs. P.R.A.Y. handles the Protestant Christian program but also provides interfaith resources and links to other religious emblems programs to support both scouting professionals and volunteers.
P.R.A.Y. Update to Members of BSA
August 2019

PRAY ANNOUNCES REVISION SCHEDULE
GOD AND ME CURRICULUM TO BE REVISED
After the successful launch of the new Jesus and Me curriculum for K-1 last fall, P.R.A.Y. is announcing a revision schedule for its core programs. Starting with God and Me for grades 1-3, P.R.A.Y. will evaluate and revise one program a year. The cooperative writing process utilized in Jesus and Me was so successful that P.R.A.Y. will again engage a volunteer team.

God and Me was first launched in 1983. The GAMEBox was added in 2002. It is time to take a close look at the curriculum, implement changes, and improve the experience not only for the children but also for the counselors and volunteers who are offering the program. All three booklets will be revised, i.e. Student Workbook, Counselor Manual, and Adult Mentor Workbook. The revision team will be charged with ensuring that the selection of Bible stories are relevant and appropriate for this grade level, that the activities are interactive and utilize multiple strategies including music, art, movement (not just paper and pencil exercises), that the Counselor Manual provides comprehensive lesson plans along with corresponding handouts, as well as adding value to the Adult Mentor component as a key resource for strengthening the parent-child relationship.

WANTED: VOLUNTEER WRITERS
P.R.A.Y. is looking for experienced writers. A God and Me Revision Team will be assembled to analyze feedback, evaluate the curriculum, and produce a revised program. This team will model a denominational cooperative venture. Volunteers with experience in Christian Education and curriculum development (as well as teaching experience with the God and Me program) are encouraged to apply for this position. P.R.A.Y. has created an “ Application Form for Writers ” which must be submitted by August 27, 2019 to be considered. Final selections will be made by September 5, 2019 and writers will complete their assignments by November 15, 2019.
GET READY TO PROMOTE RELIGIOUS EMBLEMS IN THE FALL:
SET TARGET GOALS
Do you know how many religious emblems are earned in your council each year?
Is your usage increasing or decreasing?
Has your council appeared on the P.R.A.Y. Honor Roll?
Do you know how many adults have been recognized with an adult religious recognition?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions, shouldn’t you? Isn’t Duty to God an integral part of the Scouting program?

P.R.A.Y. recently posted the usage figures for the first half of 2019. Although the P.R.A.Y. usage figures only report the number of Protestant awards earned by a council, this number can serve as a barometer indicating how well your council promotes Duty to God. And Duty to God can be the linchpin connecting Scouting with the faith community. Having a strong Faith Based Initiative can increase your council’s membership growth and retention.

Interested in increasing membership and retention? Then set a goal for increasing the number of religious emblems earned in your council. Click here to find what you have done in the past , and then set your goal. 
GET READY TO PROMOTE RELIGIOUS EMBLEMS IN THE FALL:
CHECK OUT THESE HANDY RESOURCES
2018 Duty to God Religious Emblems Brochure
The Duty to God Brochure which pictures and lists the religious emblems programs available to youth and adults was updated in 2018. Find the 2018 DTG brochure on the P.R.A.Y. website. Be sure to share this link with your Scouting families. 
DIY TABLETOP DISPLAY
There’s no easier way to promote religious emblems than a do-it-yourself TABLETOP DISPLAY BOARD. Start with something as easy as a tri-fold display board (you can find them at the dollar store or office supplies store). Use this link to access the Tabletop Resources and print the key points on color paper, then arrange them on your board. The challenge? Resolve to bring your Tabletop Display to every scouting event!
P.R.A.Y. AWARDS DISPLAY CASE
These awards are “ready to go” and come assembled in a 12x16” hinged display case. The case is easy to transport. Every Religious Emblems Coordinator should be equipped with one! Note: The P.R.A.Y. Awards Display Case includes only the Protestant Christian awards for the four core program levels. Click for more details . 
GET READY TO PROMOTE RELIGIOUS EMBLEMS IN THE FALL:
NATIONAL SCOUTING ASSOCIATIONS
P.R.A.Y. and its denominational/Scouting Association partners have developed resources to help potential chartered partners connect faith to youth through Scouting. When Scouting is viewed as youth ministry, congregations experience outreach, leadership development, and growth. Use the specific or general Protestant flyers below to help clergy expand their programs by highlighting a Scout’s “Duty to God." More denominations will be added as material is approved.

GET READY TO PROMOTE RELIGIOUS EMBLEMS IN THE FALL:
UTILIZE THE CHAPLAIN AND CHAPLAIN AIDE POSITIONS
A Scout is Reverent, and the need for adult and youth leadership supporting the 12th point is often overlooked in troop operations. The  Troop Chaplain  is appointed by the committee chairman to provide spiritual tone, guide the  chaplain aide , give spiritual counseling, and promote the regular religious participation of each member. This can be filled by clergy in your chartered organization (especially if the charter is held by a church) or from outside as an approved leader. The  Chaplain Aide  works with the  unit chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts. She or he also works to promote the religious emblems program. Serving as a Chaplain Aide meets position of responsibility requirements for Star, Life, and Eagle ranks.

While nonsectarian in approach, the BSA encourages all units to fill these roles in support of the Declaration of Religious Principle and one's own
"duty to God."

Online position basic training at my.scouting.org is available along with a multitude of other online resources for youth and adults alike:

GET READY TO PROMOTE RELIGIOUS EMBLEMS IN THE FALL:
SEE WHAT OTHERS HAVE DONE
Virginia Conference Promotes P.R.A.Y. Awards
The Roanoke District of the United Methodist Virginia Conference is working to promote faith journey in the church through the P.R.A.Y. Program. Barbara Duerk and Bill Chaffin, Virginia Scouting Ministry Coordinator, are pictured at their exhibit at the Virginia United Methodist Conference.
Their Scouting Ministry is targeting the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., and Big Brothers Big Sisters. In addition to exhibits, they also provide district trainings and work directly with congregations and youth agency offices. The goal in the Roanoke District is to increase usage of the P.R.A.Y recognitions by 100% this year 2019 -2020. P.R.A.Y. is working with the Roanoke District to provide reports to help identify congregations and clergy who may be prospects for growing the program. P.R.A.Y. is thankful for the many volunteers who faithfully promote religious growth opportunities to children and families!

Note: P.R.A.Y. is eager to support our partner organizations. Please contact  P.R.A.Y.  to discuss how recipient reports may facilitate your efforts to promote the P.R.A.Y. awards.
Stories to Inspire
Become a Friend of P.R.A.Y.
If you or your Scout group benefited from the many resources on the P.R.A.Y. website, please consider a financial gift to P.R.A.Y. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and your gifts are tax deductible. Gifts of $25 and over will be acknowledged in the P.R.A.Y. Annual Report. Click here to make a financial gift and become a Friend of P.R.A.Y.
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