Scouting has a badge called “Religion in Life” (Go to Scouts Canada Volunteer Support Toolkit– RIL is in the third line). Guiding, it seems, has ended its affiliation with the program (update – May 2015). If you have girls who are doing the program you can get crests at the Scout shop.
It is a badge that grows with the child and is tailored to each girl’s faith or religion. There is a large list with program associated to each. And if yours isn’t listed, it looks like you can have the program adjusted to suit you.
The Religion in Life program is in four progressive stages, colour coded and adapted to the age groups concerned.
Stage 1 — Yellow Border (about 7–8–9)
Stage 2 — Green Border (about 10–11–12)
Stage 3 — Blue Border (about 13–14–15)
Stage 4 — Red Border (15+)
To note, the Stage 1 program for Roman Catholic children (my experience) can mostly be accomplished through the child’s First Communion preparation.
See also this post about sung Graces/Thank you for non-denominational and faith based options.
I like that there is still a way to honour faiths and religions in Guiding. We refer to “my beliefs” in the promise – and I like that too. Each girl and Guider can define beliefs on their own without infringing on the other person’s definition.
Well, we have a Discovering Faith Brownie badge but in 6 years of being a Brownie leader only two girls in my unit have done it.
Hi,
We would like to introduce this badge to our girls; as the majority are going to do their first communion this year and I think it would be nice to have them earn their badge in the process.
Can you tell me where I can find all the requirements for this badge (all faiths)?
Your blog helps me get through every week – you have great ideas and I can not wait to have as much Guiding experience as you.
Nathalie
Hi Nathalie – I’ve updated the links (still to the Scouts Canada link but that’s ok.. it is the same program for Scouts and Guides) just click on the link to Religion in Life. The link sends you to a list which provides pamphlets for the various Religions and Faiths and the associated requirements. And I’m just thrilled that you like my blog… and you’ll get there too. How did your first meeting(s) go as a Brownie Guider?
Is this emblem still available? Is the adult version still available? I thought it might be a cool thing for my niece who will be a brownie starting in September and I to work together on.
I think it is still available but take a look at the Scout site for details. It would be a nice project to work on together.
This is available but it is administered by Scouts Canada. I get the requirments from their web site and the badges from the Scout store ( theres a store in my community- much easier) Both my kids did their badges up to Level 4 (one Guide one Scout) our church and school were really helpful (Catholic School) in helping them earn these. As well one year my whole Brownie Unit all went to the same Catholic School ( it was a bit weird that year – never happened sense) so we incorporated it into the prep for First Communion. Since I’ve had a couple do it some Catholic and a Hindu girl. We offer the info at parent night each year.
Is there a link on a guiding website? I have my RIL badge from my guiding days and I’d like to offer parents the same option now. Sending them to a scout site is fine I guess but if there was a guiding one that anyone could find, I’d love to know it.
Thanks!
It’s unfortunate but there is no link to the badge on the Girl Guide website, it is administered by Scouts Canada and that’s where I got the badges in the past . It is recognized by Guides Canada and there is a spot on the sash for it. I have cut and pasted the information from the Scout site and use it in a parent night PowerPoint I use every year , along with the list of specific religions that have a badge. There is also a Spirtuality Award for those girls that do not prescribe to an organized religion or who’s religion doesn’t have a set of requirements.