How Do We Get Started on These Programs?

Youth members must obtain the specific booklet for their religion.

• Check with your council store or contact the religious organization directly (see the chart on this site).
• Each youth member needs his or her own booklet to document progress.
• Some religions offer adult manuals for counselors and mentors.

Parents must review the program guidelines.

• Some programs require participants to be official "members" of the religious institution.
• Age/grade requirements vary from program to program.
• Each program 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.

Families should talk to their religious leaders and show them the booklet before beginning any program.

• Most programs require that they be completed under the auspices of that religious organization.
• Many programs require the signature of the local religious leader.

The youth member needs to complete the requirements, obtain the proper signatures, and follow the instructions to order the emblem.

• These emblems are not available from your local council store (follow the instructions in your booklet).
• The emblem should be presented in a meaningful ceremony, preferably in the member's religious institution.