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July 2020 Newsletter

Special Religious Award Edition
When asked where religion came into Scouting, Baden-Powell replied, "It does not come in at all.  It is already there.  It is a fundamental factor underlying Scouting."
 
from an address by Lord Baden-Powell in 1926
NEW RELIGIOUS AWARDS
FOR LATTER-DAY SAINTS
Light and Truth Award for Cub Scouts

Vanguard Award for Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, Explorers

On May 15, 2020, the Vanguard International Scouting Association (VISA) released the requirements for the new Scouting Religious Awards Program for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and friends of the Church who are registered with Boy Scouts of America.  Later this program will be released to Scouting bodies in other countries recognized by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM).

These exciting awards are available to Cub Scouts as the Light and Truth Award, and to older Scouts and registered adults as the Vanguard Award. These awards are symbolized by the medals and ribbons shown above and are represented on the uniform by the purple background with silver knot for youth and the silver background with purple knot for adults.  

To earn the awards, one must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America (or another WOSM-approved National Scouting Organization (“NSO”)) but do not have to be a member of VISA or the Church.  

Note that these awards replace the Faith in God and On My Honor Awards, which were recently retired when the Church discontinued its partnership with the BSA.  Scouts and leaders who earned the Faith in God and/or On My Honor Awards are encouraged to work on and earn these new awards.  Registered boys and girls (and men and women) can earn the awards.  

These awards are great to work on in the summer when youth are out of school or as part of Family Home Evening or Sunday family activities.

Completion of the rigorous requirements of this award will help children, youth and adults learn and develop in the following areas:
  • Building Faith and Testimony
  • Living the Gospel
  • Developing Family Relationships and Learning about Family History
  • Preparing for a Mission
  • Learning about Church History and Church Organization
  • Providing Service
The requirements for each award can be found at:
 
LIGHT & TRUTH AWARD
VANGUARD AWARD (Youth/Adult)

Completing the Award

While completion of each requirement or elective is verified by a parent or Scouting leader, once the Scout or leader has fulfilled all requirements and the appropriate number of electives for the appropriate award, the Scout contacts his/her Scouting leader to confirm that all requirements have been met.  

Instructions are then provided for ordering the award on the vanguardscouting.org website.The award is ordered through the Vanguard website and is to be presented at a Scout event or meeting, including a Court of Honor.
Vanguard Award for Adults
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q: What are the specific requirements for each award?
A: The specific requirements can be found here:
      Light and Truth Award
      Vanguard Award

Q: Who signs off the requirements for youth and adults?
A: Requirements can be signed off by a Pack, Troop, Crew, Ship or Unit leader or by a family member.  Yes, parents, you children can sign off your requirements.  These requirements are designed so that families can complete them without church oversight.

Q: Who can earn the religious awards?  Do they need to be registered in Scouting?
A:
Any child, youth or adult registered in a Scouting program recognized by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) can participate in this religious awards program. To see a list of recognized Scouting programs, please click here.

Q: How do I submit the paperwork when I have completed the award requirements?
A:
When you have completed all requirements and the selected electives for the Light and Truth Award, please go to VanguardScouting.org and complete the appropriate application for your award. If you have questions about ordering the award, please contact Vanguard Scouting at info@vanguardscouting.org.  

Q: How and when is the religious award presented?
A:
The religious award should be presented at a Pack meeting, or Troop Court of Honor, or other appropriate unit ceremony.  This award is not designed to be presented at Church.

Q: The adult award is the same as the youth award, how should adults complete requirements to earn a merit badge?
A:
Adults are encourage to either complete the merit badge requirements or register as a merit badge counselor for that specific merit badge.

Q: Can my child's friend earn the religious award?  Are the requirements specific to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
A:
Any registered scout can earn this religious award, regardless of religion.  The requirements are specific to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and substitutions for the requirements should not be made.

Q: I have already completed some of the requirements, can I count those towards the completion of this award?
A:
Any work that was done prior to May 15, 2020 cannot be used to fulfill the religious award requirements.
 
Looking for more information about the New Religious Awards? 

Check out the following video from
Vanguard Scouting's Little Philmont Training, held May 15-16, 2020.
Click here to see the Vanguard Scouting Channel on Youtube

NEW Vanguard International Scouting Association

"Vanguard is defined as an adventurer in a new territory or an unconquered place. We are truly embarking on an adventure as Latter-day Saint Scouters begin a new era of Scouting. The Vanguard name has historical significance within the Church. In the early years of Scouting in the Church, Church leaders emphasized affiliation with national Scouting organizations all over the world. The Vanguard program was initiated for Church units outside of the United States where no national Scouting program was available. Membership was open to all youth ages twelve to fourteen, including those who were not Church members. Curriculum included activities, advancement, achievement, and spiritual growth.

The purposes of Vanguard International Scouting Association are to:

1. Represent Scouting by members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), other National Scouting Organizations (NSOs) and to the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM).

2. Encourage membership in and affiliation with Scouting organizations by members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide.

3. Develop a Religious Emblems Award to help Latter-day Saint Scouts and Scouting leaders learn and apply their Duty to God.

4. Perform those other functions that will encourage active involvement in the Scouting programs of the BSA, and other NSOs worldwide by members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

Visit Vanguard International Scouting Association for more information.

Join the Vanguard International Scouting Association Today!


Annual Membership $25 Includes:
Certificate
Vanguard Patch
Subscription to "The Bridge Builder,” a publication for Latter-day Saint Scouters


Lifetime Membership $250 Includes:
Certificate
Vanguard Patch and a limited edition “Lifetime Membership” patch
“Be Prepared,” 106 years of Scouting – a collection of talks and quotes concerning Latter-day Saint Scouting
“Lifetime Membership” Scouting Neckerchief, with friendship knot
Subscription to "The Bridge Builder,” a publication for Latter-day Saint Scouters


Charter Membership $500 (available only in 2020) Includes:
Certificate
Vanguard Patch, limited edition “Lifetime Membership” patch and limited edition “Charter Membership” patch
“Be Prepared,” 106 years of Scouting – a collection of talks and quotes concerning Latter-day Saint Scouting
“Charter Membership” and “Lifetime Membership” Scouting Neckerchief, with friendship knot
Commemorative bolo tie
Subscription to "The Bridge Builder,” a publication for Latter-day Saint Scouters

 
Click HERE to join!

Legacy Units Near You!

Clairemont Mesa - Pack 277 - Claire Smith
Chula Vista - Pack 886 - Sharon Shorey
Poway - Pack 1820 - David Odenwalder
Vista - Pack 702 - Rob Gleason
Oceanside - Troop 701 - Richard Eason
Chula Vista - Troop 886 - Sharon Shorey
Penasquitos - Troop 1820 - Derek & Jennifer Hunsaker
Vista - Troop 702 - Eric Gemmell
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Service & Transition Team or the San Diego-Imperial Council Representative. 
Trevor Bender
619-346-8786
trevor.bender@cox.net

Serving the North Stakes:
Carlsbad
Del Mar
Escondido
Penasquitos
Poway 
Vista
 
Amy Tadlock
619-616-8767
tadlock_family@yahoo.com

Serving the South Stakes:
Chula Vista
El Cajon
Imperial
San Diego
San Diego East
San Diego North
Santee
Need more information?

Please contact
KARL SHELTON
Deputy Scout Executive, Field Service and Program
karl.shelton@scouting.org
619-298-6121 ext. 253

 

Visit us online!

The Latter-day Saint Scouting Service and Transition Team has a website, Facebook, and Instagram.  Follow us for the latest updates. 

We are here to serve you.

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For those who want to make 2019 the best year yet and continue the adventure in 2020, we want to help you find the right program to meet the needs of your family.

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