Scouting for Lutheran Youth
The Record
Lutheran congregations have used the Scouting program locally for more than
70 years. Scouting has been recommended at various times to constituent congregations
by their respective church bodies as a viable resource for ministry with
children, youth, and families. There are 147,824 Lutheran youth members in
more than 4,300 Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, and
Venturing crews.
National Liaison
Since 1926, Lutheran congregations have been apprised by their national
church bodies about the benefits to youth who participate in the Scouting
program and to the congregations that provide it. To assist congregations
in their ministry with youth in Scouting, the National Lutheran Committee
on Scouting was formed in 1941 with representation from the Lutheran Church
bodies, which encompassed approximately 95 percent of the nation's Lutherans.
In 1967, the work of the National Lutheran Committee on Scouting was incorporated
into the Lutheran Council in the U.S.A. (LCUSA). Since 1990, official liaison
with the Boy Scouts of America has continued through the Lutheran Committee
on Civic Youth Agency Relationships. This committee is formed by and responsible
to the youth ministry departments of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
(ELCA) and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).
In 1980, the National Lutheran Association of Scouters (NLAS) was formed.
Incorporated in 1982, the NLAS serves as a resource to local Lutheran associations
of Scouters and committees. The NLAS has a regional structure consistent
with that of the BSA and represents its membership on the BSA Religious Relationships
Committee.
Church Functions
The Lutheran Church bodies work with the Boy Scouts of America to
- Develop and strengthen mutually beneficial relationships with the
Boy Scouts of America
- Provide literature related to Scouting and the church's ministry with
children, youth, and families
- Provide and administer religious growth programs for Lutheran youth
in Scouting
- Emphasize the religious aspect of the Scouting program
- Promote religious worship at outdoor Scouting functions, BSA national
jamborees, and a chaplaincy program at Scout summer camps
- Foster among Lutheran congregations a regard for Scouting as a resource
for ministry and assist congregations with Scouting units to use those units
as effective ministry tools
- Help Lutheran adults in Scouting understand and carry out their ministry
roles and give recognition to those who faithfully serve children and youth
through the Scouting program
NLAS Mission
National Lutheran Association of Scouters fosters character and spiritual
development in youth and adults by linking the resources of Lutheran and
civic youth serving organizations.
NLAS Functions
The National Lutheran Association of Scouters was formed to
- Encourage Lutheran congregations to use the program and resources
of the Boy Scouts of America as a means of extending their ministry to children,
youth, and families, as well as for community outreach
- Encourage Lutheran youth to grow in knowledge of the Triune God and
in their relationship to the Lutheran Church through religious growth programs
- Publish a periodic newsletter, The Lutheran Scouter
- Foster the organization and growth of local Lutheran associations
of Scouters, committees on Scouting, and similar groups
- Sponsor national meetings and regional forums of the membership
- Promote the use of unit and camp chaplains and chaplain aides
- Foster such other relationships and programs as may be jointly approved
by its Executive Board
The NLAS also gives leadership to the Lutheran break-out sessions held in
conjunction with the Scouting in the Church's Ministry conference at Philmont
Scout Ranch. It also notifies local associations when a youth enrolls in
the religious growth program or receives the emblem.
Religious Growth Programs
Religious growth programs provided for Lutheran youth in Scouting include:
God and Me: For youth in grades one through three, this program
encourages children to tell the story of their lives, think about the life
and teachings of Jesus, and see how God is present in their lives today.
God and Family: For youth in grades four and five, this program
fosters growth in relationship to self, God, family, friends, neighbors,
community, and the future.
God and Church (Lutheran): For youth in grades six through eight,
this program provides children with an opportunity to understand the church's
structures and objectives, and to participate in service projects that will
give them a better understanding of the mission of the church.
God and Life: For youth in grades nine through 12, this program
helps young people grow as Christians by fostering in them a closer relationship
with their Lord, a heightened awareness of their worship experiences, an
eagerness and ability to be personal witnesses to their faith, and enthusiasm
for sharing in the outreach efforts of the congregations.
God and Country mentor program (adult curriculum): A mentor is
someone who serves as a living example for another person. This God and Country
mentor program is designed to help adults look directly at what it means
to serve as a Christian mentor, and it suggests how to have a positive, Christian
influence on a child. The mentor curriculum is designed for an adult working
with a young person who is enrolled in the God and Country program series.
Information
Information and materials concerning the religious growth programs, the
Lamb Award, or the Servant of Youth Award may be obtained from P.R.A.Y. (Programs
of Religious Activities with Youth), 8520 Mackenzie Road, St. Louis,
MO 63123-3433; telephone 800-933-PRAY. Information concerning NLASor the
locations and addresses of local Lutheran associations of Scouters or committees
on Scouting may be obtained from the NLAS secretary at the same address.
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