Looking for ways to involve youth and their families in your worship community? Scouting has developed unique collaborative efforts with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and may offer some inroads. More than 145,000 youth members are currently involved in more than 4,000 Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, and Venturing crews.

The National Association of Presbyterian Scouters (NAPS) was formed in 1986 to encourage and support Presbyterian congregations and their ministries with youth in using the program of the Boy Scouts of America, in particular to assist and encourage congregations in becoming chartered organizations, in presenting the entire Scouting program, and in promoting the religious growth programs, as well as to serve as a liaison between Scouting and the church. In 1988, NAPS became officially linked through a covenant with the Congregational Ministries Division of the PC(USA) and established a regional structure that coincides with the church’s synod boundaries. NAPS also has representation on the Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.) board in St. Louis, Missouri.

Presbyterian congregations have used the Scouting program in conjunction with the other aspects of youth ministry for nearly 80 years. Since 1920, Presbyterian congregations have recognized that Scouting not only renders a service to youth but also is extremely beneficial to the congregations that act as chartered organizations. The program serves as a catalyst for strengthening relationships among youth, family, and congregations.

The God and Country religious growth program is provided for Presbyterian youth in Scouting and includes the following recognitions:
God and Me: Grades 1–3
God and Family: Grades 4–5
God and Church: Grades 6–8
God and Life: Grades 9–12
God and Service Award: Presented to Presbyterian adults by P.R.A.Y. upon nomination by the church and the related youth agency.
Adult Mentor Program: For adults working with a young person enrolled in the God and Country program.
Celtic Cross Award: Presented to leaders of children in Christian education programs who have given countless hours to prepare and teach values to acknowledge their service to God and the church and to affirm how much they mean to us and to our children.

Martha L. Moore-Keish, author, is Associate for Worship, Office of Theology and Worship. Contact her at (888) 728-7228, ext. 5332, or send e-mail to mmooreke@ctr.pcusa.org.

The National Association of Presbyterian Scouters and the BSA have developed resources to show how Presbyterian Scouting works in local congregations: the brochure “Presbyterians and Scouting, Building Values Together” (No. 5-975) and the New Unit Organization Kit (No. 5-976). A short videotape, Presbyterians and Scouting, Building Values Together, offers examples of how congregations use Scouting as part of their youth ministry program. All resources are available through both the local Scout councils and the Presbytery resource centers, or contact the Relationships Division of the Boy Scouts of America at (972) 580-2191.

Information and materials concerning the religious growth programs or the God and Service nomination may be obtained from P.R.A.Y., 8520 Mackenzie Road, St. Louis, MO 63123-3433; call (800) 933-PRAY; or go to www.presbyterianscouters.org.

For additional information about the National Association of Presbyterian Scouters, contact NAPS president in care of P.R.A.Y. at the above address.