Atlanta Area Council, Boy Scouts of America
Religious Relationships Committee
Scouts' Own
“Scouts’ Own” is a phrase that goes back to the founding of the Boy Scouts in England. It refers to a worship service held at a Scout camp. Whenever Scouts are in camp on a regular day of worship, they should have a worship service.
If all Scouts in the unit are from one faith tradition, the worship service can follow the theology and practice of that faith tradition. Otherwise, the worship service should be non denominational and non sectarian. In other words, it should be a worship service that honors God and speaks to the religious needs of Scouts in such a way that all Scouts may participate in good conscience.
Some writers have said that “Scouts’ Own” is not a worship service. They are wrong. In the broadest sense of the term, “Scouts’ Own” is a worship service. Some writers have said that the focus of “Scouts’ Own” is on the feelings of the Scouts who participate. This is incorrect. Although participants in a worship service should “feel good” as a result of participating, the focus of any worship service is God.
Some writers have said that there can be no true interfaith worship, because each faith group sees God differently. This is a short-sighted view. Even though each faith group has its own theological perspective and its own traditions, there are many religious truths which are common to all faith groups.
Generally scholars identify these common religious truths as “wisdom” and “morality.” One of the many examples of “wisdom” is the “Book of Proverbs” found in the Jewish and Christian scriptures. There are many other examples of wisdom writings in the Bible and among the sacred writings of the various world religions. There is no fixed definition for “wisdom,” and some “wisdom” writings are more appropriate for Scouts than other “wisdom” writings. However, the “wise” worship leader will find appropriate lessons for Scouts in wisdom writings.
One of the many examples of “morality” is the “Ten Commandments.” Even though there has been much legal dispute about the “Ten Commandments,” most, if not all, faith groups affirm most of the “Ten Commandments.” It is appropriate in a multi-faith Scout group to reinforce basic morality which is affirmed by all faith groups and also affirmed by the Scout Law.
Another item of faith affirmed by all faith groups is the “Golden Rule,” treat others as you would want to be treated. For a discussion the “Golden Rule," go to this link.
“Scouts’ Own” can be entirely Scout led if the unit has a Scout who has obvious abilities to lead such worship. However, in most cases, worship should be coordinated and led by an adult, such as a Scoutmaster. The adult leader should seek Scout help in planning the worship, and should use Scout participation in helping lead the worship.
Here are two links to resources that can help in planning a “Scouts’ Own”:
MacScouter Big Book of Resources
Metzloff's Big Book of Resources
Report of a Survey of Religious Leaders about "Scouts' Own"
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