WHAT IS SCOUT SABBATH/SUNDAY?

	The Scout Sabbath/Sunday program is a church (or synagogue or mosque, etc.) worship service, and the 

pastor (or other congregational leader) is in charge. The Scouts work with the pastor and congregation.  It is not a 

Boy Scout event, it is a congregational event. 

 The purpose of this event is twofold.  It allows the Scout unit to worship together in the congregation that is the 

unit’s charter partner. This can have a profound and good impact on the youth. The event also reminds the 

congregation of its role as a charter partner. 

 WHAT HAPPENS AT A SCOUT SABBATH/SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE?

 	At a minimum, the Scouts attend worship in uniform and sit as a group. Beyond that, some Scouts may 

participate in leading worship by reading scripture, leading in prayer, etc. (If the Scouts are going to participate in 

leadership, there must be a rehearsal one or two days beforehand!). Depending on the congregation, there might be 

a presentation of flags as part of the worship service, but Scouts must realize that some congregations feel that this 

is highly inappropriate while other congregations will welcome it.

 	The Scout Sabbath/Sunday worship service is an appropriate time to give religious awards to Scouts who 

have earned them. Unit leaders should also think about nominating deserving adults for honorary adult religious awards.

	If a congregation worships on a Sunday, as most Christian congregations do, the event is called “Scout 

Sunday.” If a congregation worships on a Saturday, the event is called “Scout Sabbath.” There is no official 

designation for recognition events that fall on a day other than Saturday or Sunday.

 WHEN IS THE SCOUT SABBATH/SUNDAY WORSHIP HELD?

	The official BSA date for this event is the first weekend in February, because BSA was founded in the 

month of February. (One denomination, the United Methodist Church, has decided to designate the second Sunday 

of February on its official calendar. The official Girl Scout date for Girl Scout Sabbath/Sunday is the first weekend in 

March, because Girl Scouts were founded in that month. It is not unusual for congregations to hold the Scout 

recognition on a date in late February, recognizing Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts at the same time.

	Religious observances also can influence when a congregation will recognize Scouts.  For example, the 

Christian season of Lent is sometimes during this period of time. (Ash Wednesday, which begins Lent, can be as 

early as February 5th.) Some congregations do not feel it is appropriate to hold recognitions during Lent.

	Scouts must remember that Scout Sabbath/Sunday is a congregational event, and decisions about the date 

and Scout participation are congregational decisions, even though the congregation may appreciate suggestions from 

the Scout leaders.

WHAT OTHER ACTIVITIES ARE APPROPRIATE FOR SCOUT SABBATH/SUNDAY?

	In addition to the worship service, some Scout units will do other things on Scout Sabbath/Sunday that 

help the congregation understand scouting.  For example, units may hold a food drive to stock the congregation’s 

charitable pantry and bring the food in on Scout Sabbath/Sunday. Units may set up a demonstration campsite on the 

church lawn. Such possibilities are limited only by imagination.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

 Click on one or both of these links to see official BSA suggestions:

Scout Sabbath

Scout Sunday

Return to the Welcome Page.