Every point of the Scout Law helps guide young people to make ethical and moral decisions over the course of their lives. Ideally, they remind themselves of the tenets that follow the words “A Scout is…” every day.
But we can all use a reminder. Each February, around the time of the BSA’s birthday, we ask Scouts to focus on the 12th point of the Scout Law: reverent.
Through the celebrations known as Scout Sunday, Scout Sabbath and Scout Jumuah, Scouts can reflect on their faith. Every unit can celebrate these days as they choose — you can attend a worship service wearing a full field uniform, participate in a worship service or conduct a service project for a religious organization.
This year, the three observances will fall around the same weekend, corresponding with the BSA’s anniversary week. However, any weekend this month is appropriate for celebrating.
When is Scout Sunday 2023?
Scout Sunday this year is Feb. 12, according to the BSA’s Calendar of Religious Observances. However, units and chartered organizations are free to schedule their Scout Sunday on any Sunday in February. Check with your local religious leaders before making any further plans.
You can buy official Scout Sunday gear, including the Scout Sunday 2023 patch, at scoutshop.org.
When is Scout Sabbath 2023?
This year, Scout Sabbath is Feb. 10 and 11, according to the BSA’s Calendar of Religious Observances. Scout Sabbath (also called Scout Shabbat) is the Jewish observance of the significance of religion in Scouting. It begins at sundown that Friday and continues into the next day.
Jewish Scouts are invited to attend their local Jewish Committee on Scouting-sponsored Scout Sabbath or their regular worship services in their field uniforms. If Scouts have earned any religious emblems, they should wear them to the service.
Some councils or units will celebrate the occasion on other days. Be sure to check with your council or local Jewish Committee on Scouting to verify the date.
When is Scout Jumuah 2023?
Scout Jumuah is Feb. 10 this year, but units may adjust this date to best meet their needs. Scout Jumuah (sometimes stylized as Scout Jumu’ah) is the Islamic observance of the significance of religion in Scouting. It offers a chance to recognize the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting within the Muslim community.
A Scout Jumuah program might include recognition by the chartered organization representative, a service project or a display that explains the benefits of Scouting.
Text for a Scout Sunday, Scout Sabbath or Scout Jumuah program
The BSA has prepared this text you can add to a worship service program (digital or print) on the day of your congregation’s celebration. You are welcome to copy and paste — or adapt it however you’d like.
The Scouting program at (name of congregation) is more than just an activity for our youth to learn about the outdoors. Scouting provides fun, fellowship, and training to our youth as well as youth in our community. It emphasizes honesty, self-reliance, and respect. Through a year-round program, it affects character, citizenship, and personal fitness. But the success of our Scouting depends on our volunteers, who serve in a variety of leadership roles so that our young people may benefit from our Scouting ministry. As the Boy Scouts of America celebrates its anniversary, we salute the splendid volunteers who serve as Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, Sea Scout Skippers and Venturing Advisors, and in other positions of leadership. Our Scout unit(s) would like to invite you and your family to be a part of their program. (Unit contact person/information)
Suggested services
The BSA’s National Religious Relationships Committee has prepared this helpful Word document containing suggested services for an inter-religious celebration, an Islamic celebration, a Jewish celebration and a Christian celebration.
Scouts and unit leaders can pick one of the Scouting anniversary celebrations within or combine pieces in a way that works best for them. You’ll find a suggested program that includes prayers, poems, songs, worship messages, sermons, scripture readings and much more.
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