The Catholic religious recognition programs allow young people to explore and become more involved in their Catholic faith. These programs are provided by the National Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts and Camp Fire (NCCGSCF), affiliated with the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), and the National Committee of Catholic Scouting (NCCS), affiliated with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). There are five Religious Emblems that those in the Girl Scouts of the USA can earn and four Religious Emblems that those in Scouting America can earn. Click on the emblem names below for more information.

God is Love:
For Daisies in Grades K-1. The God is Love program helps students discover an appreciation that God created, cares for, and loves us all.

Light of Christ:
The Light of Christ emblem (grades 1-2) encourages Tiger Cubs and Wolf Cub Scouts to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. With active participation of the parent(s), the Scout comes to see Jesus as a real person and friend.

Family of God:
For Brownies in Grades 2-3. The Family of God is an excellent for children preparing for the reception of their first Eucharist.

Parvuli Dei (Children of God):
The Parvuli Dei emblem (grades 3-5) is designed to help Bear and Webelo Cub Scouts become more aware of God’s presence in their daily lives, especially in their homes and communities. The program is performed with the assistance of the Scout’s parent(s).

I Live My Faith:
For Girl Scouts in Grades 4-6. The I Live My Faith program is multi-disciplinary and designed to promote growth in faith by teaching youth about the Nicene Creed, sacraments, service, and prayer.

Ad Altare Dei (To the Altar of God):
The Ad Altare Dei emblem (grades 7-8) assists youth in Scouting to develop a fully Christian way of life in their faith communities. The program is organized in steps based on the seven sacraments. Adherence to these sacraments is a primary means of developing spiritual growth. The Scout is assisted in the program by an approved religious emblem counselor. (See Religious Emblem Counselor Training Course; and the Counselor’s Guide for the Ad Altare Dei (AAD) Religious Emblem Program.)

Mary, the First Disciple:
For Girl Scouts in Grades 7-10. The Marian Medal program is written for young Catholics to enable them to “proclaim the greatness of the Lord.” This is accomplished by actively involving the participants in an understanding of Mary as a model of openness and spirituality—a woman of the church.

Pope Pius XII:
The Pope Pius XII emblem (grades 9 through age 20) is for those in Scouting, Ventures, and Explorers. The program deals with church related ministries and vocations – avenues through which baptized persons commit themselves to serve humanity in obedience to God’s call within our Catholic faith community. Scouts, Ventures, and Explorers are assisted by an approved counselor or moderator.

The Spirit Alive:
For Girl Scouts in Grades 9-12 who have completed the Marian Medal Program. The Spirit Alive assists the Girl Scout in discovering how the Holy Spirit moves in their lives, calling them to greater participation in the church’s ministry.