ARCHIVE – New Birth of Freedom Council, BSA Website for the New Birth of Freedom Council, BSA
When it comes to the Scout Law, last is certainly not least.
Being “reverent” is a year-round part of a Scout’s life, but there’s one time each year when the connection between Scouting and faith takes on even more significance.
It’s Scout Sunday, held every February. The annual celebration gives Scouts a highly visible way to show their appreciation for their faith-based chartered organization.
On Scout Sunday, at places of worship across the country, Scouts wear their uniforms to worship services. Sometimes they’ll help with the service by conducting a flag ceremony, collecting the offering plate or reading scripture. Other times they’ll receive religious emblems earned over the previous year.
In still other packs, troops, crews and ships, Scout Sunday is a chance to perform an act of service for the chartered organization — often consisting of an afternoon of pre-spring cleaning inside or outside the place of worship.
But Scout Sunday isn’t the only time when Scouts show their appreciation for a faith-based chartered organization. Keep reading to learn about Scout Sabbath 2020 for Jewish Scouts and Scout Jumuah 2020 for Muslim Scouts.
When is Scout Sunday 2020?
Scout Sunday 2020 is Feb. 9, 2020, according to the BSA’s Calendar of Religious Observances. But units and chartered organizations are free to schedule Scout Sunday on any Sunday in February.
The BSA says a local church may celebrate “on the Sunday most acceptable to the pastor and congregation.” So check with your chartered organization representative or faith leader before making your Scout Sunday plans.
Depending on your faith organization, Scout Sunday 2020 could be held Feb. 2, Feb. 9, Feb. 16 or Feb. 23.
Longtime Bryan on Scouting readers may remember that in past years the BSA used a simple formula to determine Scout Sunday: it was to be held on the Sunday before the birthday of the BSA on Feb. 8. Recognizing that each chartered organization has a unique schedule of worship, the BSA no longer uses that guideline.
Looking for Scout Sunday stuff? Shop here for the official gear.
When is Scout Sabbath 2020?
Scout Sabbath 2020 is Feb. 7 and 8, 2020, according to the BSA’s Calendar of Religious Observances and National Jewish Committee on Scouting.
Scout Sabbath (also called Scout Shabbat), for Jewish Scout units, begins at sundown on Friday, Feb. 7, and continues into the next day, Feb. 8, which also happens to be the BSA’s 110th birthday.
Jewish Scouts are invited to attend their local Jewish Committee on Scouting-sponsored Scout Sabbath or their regular worship services in their field uniforms. If Scouts have earned any religious emblems, they should wear them to the service.
Though the National Jewish Committee on Scouting has designated Feb. 7–8 as Scout Sabbath for 2020, some councils or units will celebrate the occasion on other days. Be sure to check with your council or local Jewish Committee on Scouting to verify the date.
Look for the official patch soon on this site.
When is Scout Jumuah 2020?
Scout Jumuah is Feb. 7, 2020, but units may adjust this date to best meet their needs.
Scout Jumuah offers a chance to recognize the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting within the Muslim community.
A Scout Jumuah program might include recognition by the chartered organization representative, a service project or a display (a model campsite, perhaps?) that explains the benefits of Scouting.
Find more Scout Jumuah program ideas on this page about Scout Jumuah, published by the National Association of Muslim Americans on Scouting (NAMAS).
