Scout Sunday is almost here, and February is the month when families and communities across the country pause to honor the tradition. Whether your celebration takes place on the first Sunday of the month or later in February, Scout Sunday is a meaningful time to come together in faith and fellowship.

Since the earliest days of Scouting more than a century ago, this moment has reminded us to reflect on the beliefs that guide us. A Scout is reverent. Scouts respect the faiths of others, stay true to their own, and carry those values into every meeting, campout, and service project.

If you are preparing your unit for Scout Sunday, here are a few simple tips to help your celebration run smoothly and ensure every Scout can take part in this important day.

Scout Sunday, Scout Sabbath, and Scout Jumuah are special observances that help Scouts honor their faith and celebrate one of the core values of the Scouts BSA program. These days also offer an important opportunity to share the mission of Scouting America with families and community members who may not yet know the impact Scouting can have on a young person’s life. Before your pack or troop visits a house of worship, take a moment to prepare so your celebration is meaningful, respectful, and memorable.

Most packs and troops select their date early, but if yours has not, remember that Scout Sunday can be observed on any Sunday in February. Many units also recognize Scout Sabbath or Scout Jumuah based on their community’s needs. For additional guidance, review the Scouts BSA Calendar of Religious Observances to see key dates throughout the year.

Many houses of worship invite Scouts to take part by leading a prayer, reading a passage, or supporting a portion of the service. Participation shows that Scouts value their community and understand that a Scout is reverent. It also opens the door for conversations after the service. When members of the congregation ask questions about Scouting, it means your commitment and enthusiasm have inspired interest in joining the Scouts BSA program.

Make sure families know when and where your observance will take place. Social media is one of the best ways to spread the word about Scout Sunday, Scout Sabbath, or Scout Jumuah. Share details early so families can plan ahead and participate.

Extra tip: After the service, thank the congregation on social media. A simple message of gratitude helps strengthen community partnerships and highlights the positive impact of Scouting in your area.

To help leaders make that critical announcement, here’s a template you can use that’s also available on Scouting.org:

The Scouting program at (name of the congregation) is more than just an activity for our youth to learn about the outdoors. Scouting provides fun, fellowship, and training to our youth and our community. It emphasizes honesty, self-reliance, and respect. A year-round program affects character, citizenship, and personal fitness. However, the success of our scouting depends on our volunteers, who serve in a variety of leadership roles to enable our young people to benefit from our scouting ministry. As Scouting America celebrates its anniversary, we salute the splendid volunteers serving as Cubmasters, Venturing Advisors, and other leadership positions. Our Scout unit(s) would like to invite you and your family to participate in their program.

(Unit contact person/information)

We love Scouting.org because it’s easy and convenient, with all the resources you need at your fingertips. With the help of this template, you can spread the message in your congregation’s newsletter or bulletin.

Whether it’s your first or fourth year, making sure your Scout Sunday experience runs as smoothly as possible can feel like a big ordeal.

• Lead a prayer
• Serve as greeters or ushers.
• Present the religious emblems to youth and awards to adults.
• Commit to some act of service to the congregation in advance of the celebration.
• Recite the Scout Oath and Law.
• Presentation of religious emblems.
• Do a PowerPoint presentation of Scouts in action or having fun and show it to the congregation during worship, after service, or social media.
• Have the Scouts and their leaders pre-record a video and stream it to the congregation.
• Incorporate your message into your faith-based organization’s virtual bulletin.
• Invite community members to join or volunteer.
• Create opportunities for service to the congregation on Saturday or Sunday.

Got some great Scout Sunday ideas? Share them on our social channels using #ScoutShopBSA!

Now that you have a few ideas for your Scout Sunday ceremony, make sure you have the right materials ready for your congregation. Scout Shop offers the official handbooks, pamphlets, and emblems you need to support a meaningful celebration and help every Scout honor the day with pride.

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