At the 2021 Virtual Interfaith 5K, grow closer to your faith and help a good cause

When you walk, run or hike with faith, you’ll never walk, run or hike alone.

At the second annual Virtual Interfaith 5K, hosted by the National Religious Relationships Committee, Scouts and Scouters from across the country will unite to get active, grow closer to their faith and connect with members of other faith groups around a message of positivity and hope.

All funds raised will support future virtual events hosted by the National Religious Relationships Committee and grow a scholarship fund for faith-based training conferences at the Philmont Training Center, Sea Base and Summit Bechtel Reserve.

The Virtual Interfaith 5K started last year as a way to get families physically active during the pandemic. That race helped some Scouts complete BSA advancement requirements or started them on track toward requirements that involve traveling longer distances.

The 2021 edition, presented by SymbolArts and the BSA’s National Religious Relationships Committee, is a welcome sequel.

Registration is open now and runs through Oct. 15, 2021. The race itself can be completed on your schedule any time during the month of October.

Anyone can complete the 5K, but if you want some race goodies, you can choose between the $15 “Shirt Bundle,” which includes a shirt and print-at-home race bib, and the $30 “Runners Bundle,” which gets you the shirt, bib and a 3-inch race medal. 

Medals and shirts ship in late November.

Whichever bundle you choose, you’ll be able to complete your 3.1 miles in whatever format suits you best. That could be running or walking or hiking — or even swimming, biking or rolling in a wheelchair. 

“We encourage units to create a route near their home and participate in this event while checking off physical fitness requirements for different advancement items,” says Amanda Vogt, who chairs the social media subcommittee for the National Religious Relationships Committee.

But the 5K is only the beginning.

Oct. 10: ‘Faith Is Believing’ program

In addition to the Virtual Interfaith 5K, the National Religious Relationships Committee is presenting “Faith Is Believing,” an Oct. 10 conversation and gathering over Zoom that will bring together six faith groups to talk about themes like invisible kindness, stories of the “Mustard Seed faith,” the concept of faith moving mountains and more.

The event runs from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. CDT on Sunday, Oct. 10. 

“We’ll share stories, have craft projects and enjoy an afternoon of fellowship,” says Susan Lawyer, chair of the training & events subcommittee. “Join for the full time or just for sections.”

Starting in mid-October: Virtual Protestant religious emblems classes

This fall, Protestant members of the National Religious Relationships Committee are offering virtual classes for the Protestant religious emblems. Classes will be conducted via Zoom and include 10 to 15 students each. 

The schedule for this fall is:

Jesus & Me: Kindergarten & First Grade (Parent Participation Required)

Oct. 17, Oct. 24, Nov. 7, Nov. 14

4–4:50 p.m. CT

God & Me: Second Grade & Third Grade (Parent Participation Required)

Oct. 17, Oct. 24, Nov. 7, Nov. 14

6–6:50 p.m. CT

God & Family: Fourth Grade & Fifth Grade (Parent Participation Required)

Oct. 17, Oct. 24, Nov. 7, Nov. 14, Nov. 21, Nov. 28

6–6:50 p.m. CT

God & Church: Sixth, Seventh & Eighth Grade (Parent Participation Required)

Oct. 17, Oct. 24, Nov. 7, Nov. 14, Nov. 21, Nov. 28, Dec. 5

4–5:30 p.m. CT

God & Life: Ninth, 10th, 11th & 12th Grade (Parent Participation Suggested)

Oct. 10, Oct. 17, Oct. 30 (Saturday), Nov. 7, Nov. 21, Nov. 28, Dec. 5, Dec. 26, Jan. 9

3–3:50 p.m. CT

To register, complete this Google form.

Interested in teaching one of these classes? Wondering how other faiths can start a similar program to teach religious emblem classes virtually? Contact Amanda Vogt at dutytogodbsa@gmail.com to learn more.


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.