“Watching my sons’ journeys through Catholic Scouting was watching them grow deeper in their faith and in their love for the Lord, and it strengthened their desire to give back to their community. No other activity provided that for them.”
Sharon A., Mother of Four Eagle Scouts
It has been said that nothing forms future leaders better than Scouting.
It could also be said that nothing forms future Catholic leaders better than Catholic Scouting.
Catholic Scouting exists to give young men and women opportunities to grow in their faith, to deepen relationships within families, and to experience adventures of a lifetime.
How is this possible?
Today, there are more than 5,000 Catholic Scouting Units across the United States, sponsored by Catholic parishes and schools. They are fully aligned with the rich traditions and opportunities offered through the Boy Scouts of America, and they are recognized and supported by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Leaders are approved by school and parish leadership, Packs and Troops are formed, and the fun begins!
From the smallest to the tallest, Scouts are formed in faith. There are religious emblems to be earned, service projects to be organized, trails to be discovered, and rock walls to be climbed. Confidence grows, relationships are established, and leaders emerge.
So, what are Catholic Scouts doing this summer?
The youngest Scouts might be working on their Pinewood Derby cars or learning to shoot a bow and arrow for the first time at Scout camp. Older Scouts might be scuba diving at a Sea Base camp in Florida or summiting a mountain at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
No matter the adventure, Catholic Scouts will experience these adventures in the context of their Catholic faith. They pray with their Troops, they learn Catholic virtues as they grow strong in mind and body, and they celebrate the sacraments with their families and fellow Scouts.
Catholic Scouting is an ideal form of youth ministry in Catholic schools and parishes.
Look around and you will see. Well-formed Catholic Scouts stand out among their peers, in their homes, classrooms, parishes and communities. They are our future leaders.