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Religious Emblem Awards and Activities
- Information and Instructions
- American Heritage Girls Catholic Faith Awards
- Adult Awards
- Cub Scout, Scouts BSA and Venture Crew Religious Emblems
- Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Programs and Awards
- Religious Activity Series
- Unit Awards
- NCCS-BSA Scholarships
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Information and Instructions
The Religious Emblem Awards and Activity programs target a specific age range to help scouts learn about their Catholic faith. All programs are designed to support and complement the catechetical efforts of Catholic parishes and schools. Religious emblem programs have a specific workbook to assist the scout and a minimum time period assigned. Please see below for specific program requirements. Please note that some programs must be taught by a certified Religious Emblem Counselor. Click here for more information on becoming a Religious Emblem Counselor.
Please see the Application Instructions and the Intent to Begin forms below before beginning any program instruction.
When a scout has completed the requirements for a religious emblem, award or activity, please click here to complete submit a request for the award. To complete the request, scouts must also email their completed application to [email protected].
Questions? See our Leadership page. | Click here to return to the Scouting home page
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AHG Catholic Faith Awards
Through the Eucharistic Revival Patch and the guidance of a trusted adult, American Heritage Girls will learn more about the source and summit of the Catholic faith and grow in a deeper relationship with Jesus. Click here for program requirements
The AHG Catholic Faith Awards were created for Catholic American Heritage Girls to learn more about their faith and develop a stronger relationship with Christ. The Catholic Faith Awards were developed for each of the AHG Program Levels. In each Level girls will gain a greater understanding of the AHG Oath, Mission, and Creed. The materials for these awards will be available late summer. Each AHG Catholic Faith Award Program is divided into Segments: one Segment for each year of the Level.Click here for more information on the program or visit the AHG National Catholic Committee site.
Upon completion of a Faith Award, please click here for further instructions on how to submit payment and the completed application form.Application Instructions for American Heritage Girls
Religious Programs(Required for God and My Community
and Women of Integrity)Tenderheart | ages 6-9Guides Catholic Tenderhearts through an awareness of who they are as children of God in the family of the Catholic Church. Girls will learn about the Holy Mass, sacraments, traditions, and history of the Catholic Church with fun hands-on activities.Explorer | ages 9-12Catholic Explorers learn more about the various saints representing the United States of America. Explorers enrich their faith by exploring Catholic elements that are most important to those saints, including the Eucharist, Corporal Works of Mercy, and missionary work.
Pioneer | ages 12-14Guides Catholic Pioneers to examine service in their community through the Sacred Scripture and Church Tradition. Youth work as a group with the guidance of a mentor.Patriot | ages 14-18Encourages Catholic Patriots to internalize and immerse themselves in what it means to be a Catholic Woman of Integrity. Youth work as a group with the guidance of a mentor.This video will help AHG girls learn more about religious vocations while completing some of the requirements of the AHG NCC Religious Vocations Patch Program. The video features five American Heritage Girls interviewing four religious sisters from across the country with questions from the AHG NCC Religious Vocations Patch Program. Girls will need to complete the additional requirements at home with a parent or with their AHG Troop. Girls who complete all the requirements for the AHG NCC Religious Vocations Patch may purchase the patch for their vests or sashes in the AHGstore. Special thanks to the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious for allowing the AHG NCC to use the For Love Alone video.
Questions? See our Leadership page. | Click here to return to the Scouting home page
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Local DCCS Adult Awards (by nomination)
Bronze Pelican
Recognize individuals for their significant contributions to Catholic Youth Ministry at the local level.
St. George
Recognizes individuals for their significant contributions and many years of support for the Catholic Youth Ministry at the local level.St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Recognizes the significant contributions of persons serving the spiritual needs of Catholic members in organizations serving girls. It is intended to recognize notable contributions to this field of youth ministry.
St. Anne
Recognizes adults working with Catholic members of national organizations serving girls, that contribute to their spiritual development. It is the highest national award in this field.
National NCCS Adult Awards (by nomination)National recognition for long and meritorious service.Recognition is given to any adult who financially supports, in a significant way, the promotion of Saint George.A fund used to directly support the ministry of our priest chaplains who serve on the Executive Board. Significant contributions of $2,500 or more are recognized by a special medal.The St. Brendan Award is used to recognize Diocesan Committee Development participants who return to their dioceses and complete a mission project benefiting the Catholic youth of their community.Recognizes Scouting in the Catholic Church participants who return to their dioceses and complete a mission project benefiting Catholic youth of their community.National recognition for the hard work and diligent hours supporting the Catholic Youth Ministry at the national level.
Questions? See our Leadership page. | Click here to return to the Scouting home page
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Cub Scout, Scouts BSA and Venture Crew Religious Emblems
In support of the National Eucharistic Revival, the National Catholic Committee on Scouting is offering the Eucharistic Revival Activity Program.
The Eucharistic Revival is a 3-year initiative sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The revival was launched in 2022 and continues until Pentecost in 2025.
The goal of this program is to help all Catholics, young and old, revive their faith and love of Jesus through prayer and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
It is hoped that while earning the main central patch and auxiliary patches, each individual will grow in knowledge of the Eucharist and, more importantly, grow in a desire to have a personal experience of Jesus in the Eucharist. Click here for program requirements.
Designed for 6-7 year old Cub Scouts, working with the guidance of a parent/guardian.Designed for 8-10 year old Cub Scouts working with the guidance of a parent/guardian.Now available via e-book; click here for more information. Designed for youth 13-14 years old and up of the Roman Rite Catholic Church. Youth work as a group with the guidance of a counselor.Designed for youth 15 years old and up. Youth work as a group with the guidance of a counselor
Click here for Religious Emblem completion exceptions due to the COVID-19 pandemicWorkbooks for these emblems are available for purchase online at the NCCS-BSA Shop or in person at the
Steve Matthews Scout Shop:12500 N IH 35, Austin, TX 78753
(512) 617-8630
When a scout has completed the requirements for a religious emblem, award, or activity, please click here to complete submit a request for the award. To complete the request, scouts must also email their completed application to [email protected].
Questions? See our Leadership page. | Click here to return to the Scouting home page
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Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Programs and Awards
The Catholic religious recognition programs administered by the National Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts and Camp Fire (NCCGSCF), under the auspices of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), allow young people to explore and become more involved in their Catholic faith.
All programs are designed to support and complement the catechetical efforts of Catholic parishes and schools. In particular, the Family of God is an excellent supplement for children preparing for the reception of their First Eucharist. The Spirit Alive provides substantial and creative activities to augment preparation for the sacrament of confirmation.Application Instructions for Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Religious Programs and Awards (Required for Mary, the First Disciple,
Spirit Alive and Misso)
Upon completion of a Religious Award or Activity, please click here for further instructions on how to submit the completed application and payment.
Grades K-1Students discover an appreciation that God created, cares for and loves us all.Grades 2-3Youth discover the presence of God in their daily lives as members of their family and parish. A leader’s guide is included.Grades 4-5Designed around the themes of belief, sacraments, Catholic Christian living, and prayer. Each theme provides a variety of opportunities for youth to explore areas spanning from art to technology and from research to drama. A leader’s guide is included.Grades 6-8Youth learn more about Mary and more about themselves. Youth will meet Mary in Scripture as a young teenager, follow her journeys, and watch her grow into the woman known as the Mother of God. Youth work as a group with the guidance of a counselor.Grades 9-10Youth discover how the Holy Spirit moves in their lives, calling them to greater participation in the church’s ministry. Youth work as a group with the guidance of a counselor.Grades 11-12The program invites young people to explore discipleship and their own religious identity. Youth work as a group with the guidance of a counselor.Grades K-12The 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 faith since the very beginning of Jesus' ministry.Grades K-12Throughout 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.Grades K-12
Learn more about the appearance and miracles of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico almost 500 years ago. Youth will also learn about Our Ladys' powerful meaning to people of Mexican heritage and about her love and compassion for the whole world.In honor of the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima, the NCCGSCF presents this patch to help youth learn more about this amazing event!
Questions? See our Leadership page. | Click here to return to the Scouting home page
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Religious Activities Series
Eucharistic Revival Activity Programs
In support of the National Eucharistic Revival, the National Catholic Committee on Scouting is offering the Eucharistic Revival Activity Program.
The Eucharistic Revival is a 3-year initiative sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The revival was launched in 2022 and continues until Pentecost in 2025.
The goal of this program is to help all Catholics, young and old, revive their faith and love of Jesus through prayer and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
It is hoped that while earning the main central patch and auxiliary patches, each individual will grow in knowledge of the Eucharist and, more importantly, grow in a desire to have a personal experience of Jesus in the Eucharist. Click here for program requirements.
Through the Eucharistic Revival Patch and the guidance of a trusted adult, American Heritage Girls will learn more about the source and summit of the Catholic faith and grow in a deeper relationship with Jesus. Click here for program requirements
Open to all youth and adults—Scouts or non-Scouts, Catholic or non-Catholic, the NCCS-BSA also offers a Series of seven Religious Activities: the Rosary Series, Marian Series, American Saint Series, Modern Saint Series, Faith Series, International Awareness, and Heritage Series.
All of these activities may be used by groups, families, schools, or any Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Venturer, Girl Scout, American Heritage Girl, or Campfire USA. Scouts, as well as adults, will find fun and easy ways to learn more about their faith, and Catholic role models and become more aware of the faith community and cultures around the world. More information can be found here.
Many of these activities are now available as Virtual Lessons. Click here for more information.Upon completion of a Religious Activity, you may order the patch through either NCCS-BSA or NFCYM. Please contact Tressi Breecher at 512-949-2464 for additional help.
Questions? See our Leadership page. | Click here to return to the Scouting home page
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Unit Awards
Pope Paul VI Unit Excellence
BSA packs, troops, crews, or ships chartered to Catholic parishes may earn this award. Requirement areas cover adult training and leadership, service by the unit, religious emblems, religious activities, vocation awareness, relationships, and membership.Congratulations to Troop 345, St. William Parish, Round Rock for achieving the 2022 Pope Paul VI Unit Excellence Award
Questions? See our Leadership page. | Click here to return to the Scouting home page
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Scholarship Programs
3rd Annual Edition/Fall 2023 
Applicants Now Apply Online
NCCS Scholarship applicants will submit their applications online this year. Letters of recommendation will also be requested and sent through the online process. This will make it easier for Catholic Scouts to apply, recommenders to return their responses and for scholarship committee members to evaluate the applications. Click the button below to connect to the NCCS website for information about the scholarships and the 2024 application. Interested Catholic Scouts complete one application to be considered for any of the scholarship awards. Deadline is March 1st.
TEN NCCS SCHOLARSHIPS TOTALING $27,000 in 2024 - Seven Emmett J Doerr Memorial Scout Scholarships Totaling $20,000
- $2,000 Bill and Kay Davies Scholarship
- $3,000 NCCS Francis Parater Scholarship
- $2,000 Tony & Patrice Steenkolk Scholarship
NCCS Scholarships are based on the Scout's volunteer service to the Catholic church, the community, school and Scouting. Every Scout who applies is outstanding and has achieved top honors in ScoutsBSA, Sea Scouts and/or Venturing. These outstanding Catholic Scouts should all be congratulated because they have volunteered countless hours to become NCCS Scholarship applicants and recipients.
NEW CHRISTUS VIVIT AWARD
NCCS Scholarship Donor Recognition Award
The National Catholic Committee on Scouting is proud to announce the new Christus Vivit Award to recognize NCCS Scholarship donors. The Latin name, meaning - Christ is Alive, is derived from Pope Francis' landmark exhortation on youth. The focal point of the awards' design is the compass cross symbolizing a person’s moral compass. When headed true north, toward Christ, individuals know they are on the right path by choosing to serve others. The cross is surrounded by an eternal circle inscribed with the words Christus Vivit and NCCS Scholarships. The blue and white ribbon symbolizes the colors of Mother Teresa’s sari habit.
To receive the award, donors must make a donation of $5,000 or more to the NCCS Scholarship Fund. Gifts may be made over a two-year period. This new award will be presented for the first time at the Biennial meeting in Albuquerque, NM in 2024. Make a difference in the lives of young Catholic Scouts by donating today!
Introducing the 2023 NCCS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Meet the First Recipient of the
Tony & Patrice Steenkolk Family Scholarship
NICHOLAS MAHONEY - $2,000
Hometown: Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
Home parish: Sacred Heart of Jesus, Lewisburg, PA
Home diocese/eparchy: Diocese of Harrisburg
Scout unit and Council: BSA Troop 538, Susquehanna Council
College: University of Notre Dame
Field of study: Pre-Med
When asked why volunteering is important to him, Nicholas responded, “My first-grade teacher made it clear that joy comes from serving ‘Jesus, Others, then Yourself.’ This message has stuck with me throughout my life. Serving Jesus and others before myself is how I strive to live each day, and volunteering my time and talent helps me to know that I am serving the Lord by caring for His people.”
READ MORE ABOUT NICHOLAS MAHONEY...Meet the Frank Parater Scholarship Recipient 
LUKE MOSCA - $3,000
Hometown: Paramus, New Jersey
Home parish: Our Lady of Mercy in Park Ridge, New Jersey
Home diocese/eparchy: Archdiocese of Newark
Scout unit and Council: BSA Troop 80, Northern NJ Council
College: Case Western Reserve
Field of study: Pre-Med
Luke says he volunteers because, “For as long as I can remember, volunteering has been central to all my lived experiences…As a devout lifelong Catholic and dedicated Eagle Scout, I value the importance of helping others and exerting a meaningful impact on the world… Volunteering is my way of showing God that I appreciate his blessings and seek to do His will.”
READ MORE ABOUT LUKE MOSCA...Meet the Bill and Kay Davies Scholarship Recipient 
ROBERT RIORDAN - $2,000
Hometown: Alpharetta, Georgia
Home parish: St. Ann in Alpharetta, Georgia
Home diocese/eparchy: Archdiocese of Atlanta
Scout unit and Council: BSA Troop 287, Atlanta Area Council
College: Mercer University
Field of study: TBD
When asked why he volunteers, Robert responded, “Volunteering is important to me because of the personal relationships created with the people I am serving. I believe we personally encounter God when we use our head, heart, and hands to help others.”
READ MORE ABOUT ROBERT RIORDAN...Meet the Emmett J Doerr Memorial Scout Scholarship Recipients 
JACK GROS - $5,000
Hometown: Oakland, California
Home parish: Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Piedmont, CA
Home diocese/eparchy: Dioceses of Oakland
Scout unit and Council: BSA Troop 6, Piedmont Council
College: University of Victoria
Field of study: Civil Engineering
When asked why volunteering is important to him, Jack responded, “One of the most integral things in my life is service and I credit Scouts for this awareness of the impact we can make through service to people, to our community, and to our environment.”
READ MORE ABOUT JACK GROS...
BRIDGET BRADY- $4,000
Hometown: Byrum, New Jersey
Home parish: St. Kateri Tekakwitha in Sparta, NJ
Home diocese/eparchy: Diocese of Paterson
Scout unit and Council: BSA Troop 1150, Patriots’ Path Council
College: Catholic University of America
Field of study: Psychology
Why does Bridget volunteer? She says, “Volunteering is important to me as it is a way to have an impact on people in my community and help them to live a better life…Volunteering sends a powerful message to those who benefit - it acknowledges their need and shows them that there are those who care.”
READ MORE ABOUT BRIDGET BRADY...
SALVATORE ALOISIO - $3,000
Hometown: Mankato, Minnesota
Home parish: Ss Peter and Paul in Mankato, Minnesota
Home diocese/eparchy: Diocese of Winona-Rochester
Scout unit and Council: BSA Troop 3384, Northern Star Council
College: Minnesota State University – Mankato
Field of study: Pre-Law
Why volunteer? Sal says, “Volunteering has been important to me since I was little…it is a way of giving back to my community…I cannot express enough how much volunteering means to me. The satisfaction that comes with every minute of it is something that cannot be replicated doing anything else.”
READ MORE ABOUT SALVATORE ALOISIO...
SEAN CASTILLO - $2,000
Hometown: Liberty Township, Ohio
Home parish: St. Maximilian Kolbe in Liberty Township, Ohio
Home diocese/eparchy: Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Scout unit and Council: BSA Troop 914, Dan Beard Council
College: TBD
Field of study: Seminary
When asked why volunteering is important to him, Sean responded, “Growing up, my parents emphasized the importance of being a selfless servant to others…I started small as a preschool church usher helping my dad during Mass and grew my volunteer roles in my church, school and broader community. As a Scout, the element of doing a good deed daily has always been a focus for me.”
READ MORE ABOUT SEAN CASTILLO...
LUCIANO GRANDE - $2,000
Hometown: Lancaster, New York
Home parish: Our Lady of Pompeii in Lancaster, NY
Home diocese/eparchy: Diocese of Buffalo
Scout unit and Council: BSA Troop 601, Greater Niagara Frontier Council
College: St. Fisher University
Field of study: Childhood Education
Luciano volunteers because, “Being involved in the community has allowed me opportunities to help those that are in need. These opportunities are even more satisfying when they are completed alongside family and friends. Helping people alongside those that you care about is such a surreal and inspirational experience. Volunteering within a community truly helps develop a strong bond while working together.”
READ MORE ABOUT LUCIAN GRANDE...
ELI RAMTHUN - $2,000
Hometown: Hudson, Wisconsin
Home parish: St. Patrick in Hudson, Wisconsin
Home diocese/eparchy: Diocese of Superior
Scout unit and Council: BSA Troop 9148, Northern Star Council
College: University of WI-Madison
Field of study: Pre-Med
When asked why volunteering is important to him, he responded, “I have come to appreciate and learn the importance of the Scout Oath of ‘help other people at all times’... That along with my strong Catholic faith has taught me that volunteering and serving is a sign of God’s love, has made volunteering a foundation of who I am and who I strive to be.”
READ MORE ABOUT ELI RAMTHUN...
MARK ROWELL- $2,000
Hometown: Marietta, Georgia
Home parish: St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church, Roswell, GA
Home diocese/eparchy: Archdiocese of Atlanta,
Scout unit and council: BSA Troop 0008, Atlanta Area Council
College: Mercer University
Field of study: TBD
Mark thinks volunteering is important. He says, “Helping other people at all times’ is not only a phrase, it is a calling to be concerned with the challenges of our fellow citizens. Service to others, especially on behalf of the less fortunate, is a tangible way to minister to others and make them aware that God’s love and mercy are available to every person.”
READ MORE ABOUT MARK ROWELL...How can you help the scholarship program? - Help promote the scholarships. Share this email with your Scout Unit and others.
- Pray for the success of the NCCS Scholarship Program.
- Volunteer to be on the scholarship Committee.
- Donate any amount to the scholarship fund or start your own named scholarship.
[Phone: 214-714-6950] [ [email protected]] [https://www.nccs-bsa.org/]