Girl Scouts of North East Ohio > Programs > Girl Awards & Recognition > Religious Recognition

REQUIREMENTS

Participating in a religious recognition program involves four basic steps.

Obtain the specific booklet for the girl’s religion.
This booklet contains information on all the lessons and service projects that she will need to complete. Some religions also offer adult manuals for counselors and mentors. Parents or guardians will have to purchase books directly from the religious organization. The “Interfaith Quick Reference Chart for Girls and Adults in Girl Scouting” (available from the Council Service Center or on www.praypub.org) lists the addresses, phone numbers, and web addresses for the different religious organizations.
Review the specific guidelines for their particular program.
Some programs require that the girl be an official “member” of the local religious institution, other programs may not. Age/grade requirements also vary from program to program. In addition, each faith group sets its own guidelines as to who may serve as counselor. Some programs require clergy to serve as counselors, other programs allow parents or other family members to serve as counselors. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to check the specific guidelines for their particular program.
Talk to religious leaders.
In addition, if possible, show them the booklet before beginning a program. Many of the religious recognition programs require that they be completed under the auspices of that religious organization, and many require the signature of the local religious leader.
Complete the requirements, obtain the proper signatures, and follow the instructions to order the recognition.
The recognition should be presented in a meaningful ceremony, preferably in the girl’s religious institution, and can be presented at any time of the year. Remember: Girl Scout Sunday/Sabbath is in March. This would be a perfect time to recognize recipients of the religious recognitions.