Staff report

“A Scout Is reverent.”

As one part of the twelve points of the Scout Law, since 1910, Boy Scouts, and later Cub Scouts and Venturing Crew members, take the vow to be faithful to God, and to respect the beliefs of others.

On Feb. 8, the BSA will turn 98. As the largest youth organization in the world gears up for it’s centennial in 2010, the Cubs and Scouts in uniform observe it’s anniversary month with Blue and Gold banquets, Courts of Honor and Scout Sunday.

The Boy Scouts of America celebrate annually in the month of February the anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scout program by Lord Baden Powell in England.

Scout Sunday was added to the scout celebration around the middle 1940s. Scouting’s anniversary is celebrated on Feb. 8. The Saturday following Feb. 8 is Scout Sabbath.

The Scout Sunday tradition was started to make people in church aware of Scouting, and to allow Scouts to live out parts of what is pledged each week. Scouts are encouraged to attend services in uniform.

The Scout Law says that a “Scout is Reverent” and the Scouts of all ages promise to do their “Duty to God”. These values strengthen youth character in their family, community and faith.

The Boy Scouts recognize all faiths and every known religion is invited to have active programs to reward youth members of their belief and adults for their dedication to the youth.

Mark Shaffer, of Troop 12 recently received the Ad Altare Dei Catholic Boy Scout Award. It was presented to him in Columbus by Bishop Frederick Campbell.

Local Scouting volunteer Rich Applegate will receive the ‘God and Service Award’ at the Evangelical Church of Christ in Portsmouth

Feb. 10.

You may well see scouts in uniform at services this morning in many local churches. In or out of uniform, a Scout is reverent.