About the Emblem
The purpose of the Parvuli Dei (Children of God) emblem program is to help Cub Scouts explore a wide range of activities in order to discover the presence of God in their daily lives as members of their families and parishes, and also to develop a good, positive self-image through the contributions they can make to their family, pack and community.
Program Objectives
- To help the Scout develop an awareness of God’s love for each one of His special, unique created beings
- To help the Scout become aware and understand his/her identity as an important member of his/her family, his/her community, and as a member of the Family of God
- To continue to develop an awareness as members of the parish and the Body of Christ
- To aid the Scout in his awareness of the responsibilities that grow out of God’s love for us
Eligibility
- Registered 8 to 10 year old (Bear or Webelos) who are Catholic
Requirements
- Each Cub should have his/her own Parvuli Dei Activity Book (Publication Date 2003)
- The book is designed for the Cub and his/her parent or guardian to work on together
- The Cub will make a banner as part of the Religious Emblem requirements
- Diocesan/eparchial safe environment and BSA Youth Protection policies must be followed
Getting Started
- The Parvuli Dei Activity Book, which contains activities in both English and Spanish, may be obtained from the BSA Scout Shop or from the NCCS Online Store.
- Although the book could be completed in four to six hours, the goal of earning the Parvuli Dei Religious Emblem is to help the Cub develop a personal relationship with Jesus, so it is suggested that steps be spread over several weeks. This will help the Cub understand that this is a long-term commitment, not a one-time project.
Scout’s Role
- Actively work on the activities in the Parvuli Dei Activity Book with his/her parents or guardians
Parent’s Role
- Actively work on the activities in the Parvuli Dei Activity Book with their Cub
- Help their Cub with Bible readings and researching information
- Keep the Religious Emblems Coordinator informed of the Cub’s progress
- Utilize the Parent Guide
Program Completion
- When the Cub completes all steps in the Parvuli Dei Activity Book, he/she is to present the book to his/her pastor’s or the pastor’s representative and the book is reviewed with the Cub.
- After the pastor or his representative signs the book and the application form included in the Parvuli Dei Activity Book, the application form only is sent to your Diocesan/Eparchial Catholic Committee on Scouting Chaplain for final approval.
- Contact your Diocesan/Eparchial Catholic Committee on Scouting Chaplain for further instructions on how to obtain the Religious Emblem. The Chaplain will order the Religious Emblem and let you know the details about its presentation.
- Scouts who earn this Religious Emblem are also entitled to wear a BSA Religious Knot over their left pocket. Please consult with your Diocesan/Eparchial Catholic Committee on Scouting to determine how knots are presented in your area. If the BSA Religious Knot is not presented with the Religious Emblems, then they can be purchased at your local BSA Council Service Center Scout Shop with proof that the Scout received the emblem.
Ordering of Emblems
Each diocese has one or two individuals who are designated to purchase Religious Emblems. Only these NCCS authorized submitters are allowed to order Religious Emblems for their diocese.
Presentation
- The first rule in preparing recognition ceremonies is to keep them simple but impressive. The second is to remember that the ceremony is for the young people who earned the Religious Emblem. Many dioceses present their Religious Emblems in their cathedral, either in the context of a liturgy or a prayer service. The key is to make it special and memorable. View the Religious Emblems Reference Manual for presentation information to share with your Diocese.
- Please consult with your Diocesan/Eparchial Catholic Committee on Scouting to determine when and where the next award ceremony will be held.
- The Religious Knot should be presented at a Pack Meeting. However, it can be presented along with the Religious Emblem.
