Camping, Community, & Catholicism
Scouts Teddy Cordell and Baron Henry salute the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance at a Scout Troop 1099 meeting. (NTC/Rodger Mallison)
Order, discipline, integrity — these values are essential to a strong life of faith.
They also guide the growth of a young Scout working to earn merit badges.
Father Joseph Keating, Eagle scout and pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish, believes these values are why Scouting has “a synergy with our Catholic faith.”
“The discipline that you learn in Scouts helps you to follow through on your commitments and to be a man of integrity,” he said.
Fr. Keating has supported the growth of Scouting troops at his Aledo parish.
“God created the order of the universe,” he explained. “So, learning rules of order — whether it’s in the meetings or how to keep your campsite tidy or stay on schedule — all of these contribute to our contact with the God who is the God of order.”
This harmony between faith and Scouting isn’t accidental. Lord Baden Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts, included an oath in the program that states, in part, Scouts will do their duty to God.
According to Lee Sperry, chair of the Fort Worth Diocese Catholic Committee on Scouting, that oath comes to life daily in the Catholic Scouting programs he manages.
“The mission of Catholic Scouting is to have the young people encounter Christ through Catholic values, teachings, and the experiences they have in Scouting. What we do is provide them that Catholic avenue to learn more about their faith as it relates to their Scouting,” Sperry said.
Sperry points to several faith-based emblems available to Catholic Scouts. For Cub Scouts, the Light of Christ and the Parvuli Dei (Children of God) emblems help them develop a personal relationship with Jesus. For older Scouts, the Ad Altare Dei (to the altar of God) fosters spiritual growth, and the Pope Pius XII emblem explores vocations and ministries as calls from God.
Upon the completion of all four Catholic faith emblems, Scouts receive the Chi Rho award, a recognition which is unique to the diocese. Also, faith-based activities, such as a Ten Commandment Hike and a Scouts Read Sacred Texts activity, encourage youngsters to engage with Scripture.
Community leaders
At the heart of Scouting is community involvement and leadership. These values are inherent in the merit badge process where boys select a topic, complete relevant assignments to demonstrate proficiency, and present findings to family, friends, or community leaders.
The highest achievement in Scouting America is the Eagle Scout Award which incorporates all the leadership and learning opportunities of a merit badge plus an element that benefits the community.
Troop Committee Chair and Cub Master at Holy Redeemer Parish Chris Caggiano points to these types of activities as the benefits of scouting.
“There are so many things that can pull young men in a variety of directions,” Caggiano said. “I think Scouting provides just a wonderful opportunity to teach young men to grow in their faith and also in what the community expects from them.”
One of the ultimate challenges is the wilderness experience at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. The seven-to-12-day immersive trek includes camping, climbing, and more as Scouts hike trails that lace over 140,000 acres of wilderness.
“These big adventures [like Camp Philmont] teach young men how to lead and how to make mature decisions and be productive members of society. That is important to the Catholic Church, and it’s important to communities in general,” Caggiano said.
Scouting opportunities
For 16-year-old Douglas Johnson, Scouting has been part of his life since second grade. His Scouting resume includes 109 merit badges, a trip to Germany to convene with other Catholic Scouts, and an Ad Altare Dei emblem.
He is currently working toward his Eagle Scout award and the Pope Pius XII emblem. In July, he will be part of a select group of 70 Scouts from across the country who will participate in the St. George Trek at Camp Philmont. This 11-day high adventure leadership experience asks participants to make, per the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, “two commitments: to the ongoing discernment of their vocation and to engagement in their home parish and diocese.”
Johnson credits Scouting for skills that help him manage a challenging school schedule that includes advanced placement classes and marching band where he plays the mellophone.
“Scouting has helped me with my planning and organization skills, being able to plan out an event and the specifics behind it, as well as budgeting for meals whenever I’m a quartermaster.”
His advice to those considering Scouting is, “Just try it. You might meet some people that will be your Catholic friends and peers for life, especially since in some areas, it’s hard to find other Catholic friends in [public] school.”
According to Johnson, “finding Catholic peers that are your age that can give you advice and not just your parents is certainly helpful.”
Behind every good troop are the adults who volunteer their time. The diocese requires troop leaders to be part of their parish and complete Safe Environment training and Scouting America’s Youth Protection training.
Diocesan-chartered Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) troops are at Holy Redeemer, St. Andrew, St. Rita, and Holy Trinity Catholic School in Grapevine.