Scouting

Mission Statement

The RCDA Catholic Committee on Scouting works to engage scouting youth of all faiths in developing a deeper understanding of their relationship with God, through the Committee’s programs and emblem awards programs to fulfill the 12th point of the Scout Law, "A Scout is Reverent."

The Committee partners with other religious organizations as well as with the National Catholic Committee for Girl Scout and Camp Fire, which oversees religious recognition programs and training opportunities for diocesean and parish leadership and for Catholic leaders in Girl Scouting and Camp Fire — as belief in God and acknowledgment of one's responsibility to God are values inherent in both the Girl Scout Promise and the Camp Fire Oath.

Scouting is Youth Ministry.

Along with physical and mental fitness and character development Scouting promotes "Duty to God" and plays an important part of youth faith development. Duty to God enables Scouts to learn more about their religious creeds and “creds,” and the importance these tenets have in their daily lives. Through various activities and religious emblem awards programs sponsored by the Committee, Scouts can deepen their faith, strengthen their ties to family and community and show to the world their Duty to God.

Interested in joining the Committee? New members are always welcome! Contact us at Scouting@rcda.org.

Award programs for Catholic Girl Scouts, registered leaders, and troops

Family of God, ages 7-9
I Live My Faith, ages 9-11
Marian Medal, ages 12-15
Spirit Alive, Senior Scouts
International Catholic Neighbor, all ages
Saint Anne Medal, a National Adult Recognition Award
Letters of congratulations and certificates for Gold Award
More information can be found here.

Award programs for Catholic Cub and Boy Scouts, registered leaders, and troops

Light of Christ, grades 1-2
Parvuli Dei, grades 3- 5
Ad Altare Dei, grades 7-12
Pope Pius XII, grades 9 to college
Light is Life (Eastern Rite), ages 12 - 13
International Awareness Activity, all ages
Pope Paul VI National Catholic Unit Excellence Award
Bronze Pelican Medal, diocesan adult award
St. George Medal, national recognition for adults
Letters of congratulations and certificates of achievement for Eagle Scouts

Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany Awards for Girl Scouts

Child Jesus, grade 3
Kateri Tekakwitha, grades 5-6
Christian Heritage, grades 5-6
Christian Heritage, grades 7-10
Annual Bishop’s Award, diocesan award for outstanding troops
Saint Elizabeth Seton Medal, a diocesan adult award