The Scouts Read Sacred Texts event is perfect for the 2025 National Day of Prayer

Sacred texts provide an important way for Scouts and families to connect with their religious beliefs. That’s why Scouts Read Sacred Texts can be so valuable.

Scouts Read Sacred Texts, an initiative from Scouting America’s National Religious Relationships Committee, is a worldwide invitation to Scouts designed to inspire them to set aside some time to read a sacred text from their religion.

The event is held in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer, which in 2025 is scheduled for May 1. Scouts are encouraged to read their text on May 1 or anytime that week when it’s convenient.

“The Scouts Read Sacred Texts event gives Scouts the opportunity to practice their duty to God,” says National Religious Relationships Committee Chairman Bob Wedig. “While reading the sacred texts of their faith, Scouts will be part of a larger movement of other Scouts doing the same and, in the process, learn more about their faith traditions.

“Through the support of their fellow Scouts, and by understanding their faith better, Scouts can grow closer to God and learn what He wants them to do to become a better person.”

For last year’s event, nearly 4,000 youth read their sacred texts for more than 800 combined hours.

How can Scouts and families participate in the Scouts Read Sacred Texts event?

Most Scouts will set aside some time to read the sacred text of their religion at home with their families on the evening of May 1. You can also do it at your place of worship or wherever else you please.

Now is a good time to consult with your religious leader or have a family discussion about which portion of the text might be good to read on that day. The National Religious Relationships Committee is suggesting that everyone read for around 15 minutes, but that is up to each family or individual who participates.

Scouts from all over the world are invited to take part. Scouts from Kenya, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Belgium, Bangladesh, Chile, Singapore, Okinawa and the Philippines participated in the 2024 event.

Scouts and families who will be participating in the Scouts Read Sacred Texts event are asked to fill out this form.

Is the event open to youth and families who are not members of Scouting America?

Yes!

The National Religious Relationships Committee has invited dozens of youth organizations to take part. You can participate with your family, friends, fellow Scouts, fellow members of your place of worship and anyone else who is interested in participating.

“Our worldwide sacred texts event is much more than the reading that will occur the week of May 1, 2025,” says Jim Marchbank, chair of the council support subcommittee of the National Religious Relationships Committee. “Each youth that participates will have engaged in a discussion with their Scout leader, faith leader, family or friend about their duty to God.

“For some, it may be the first time they have read their sacred texts. Our hope is it will not be the last. We are encouraging a practice that will continue to change lives.”

Is there a patch?

Yes!

Click here to order your patch. You can order patches or stickers for Scouts, and you can also order stickers for non-Scouting youth who choose to participate.

The National Religious Relationships Committee is encouraging participants to order their materials now so they arrive by May 1.

How can I volunteer to help the Scouts Read Sacred Texts event?

The National Religious Relationships Committee needs volunteers to help organize and promote the event in their council, community or place of worship. Volunteers are also encouraged to spread the word on social media and to make sure the event is posted on their local council calendar.

Click here to register as a Scouts Read Sacred Texts volunteer.

Click here to learn more about the Scouts Read Sacred Texts event.

Photo courtesy of Jim Marchbank