All Religious Program Advisors are required to attend a Training session prior to beginning these programs with your unit. Training is also available online. Email for questions concerning training and for program materials and medals. Send email to girlscouting@hbgdiocese.org.
Youth Religious Recognition
God is Love
Kindergarten & 1st grade
The program helps students discover an appreciation that God created, cares for, and loves us all.
The activity workbook contains some of the activity choices for each chapter along with space to write, draw and paste pictures. There are 3 chapters; each contains a choice of activities. You and the children choose 3 activities in each chapter. A total of 9 activities must be completed. This program has been written for use over a period of a few months. The parent and adult advisor guide is part of the activity workbook.
Family of God
2nd & 3rd grade
The Family of God is an activity series developed to complement both the catechetical efforts of the parish and families with children in 2nd and 3rd grades, and also the First Eucharist Program. The purpose of this program is to help children learn about themselves and about God’s love for them, and their families and the world. The program book is used to write the child’s story of their place in the Family of God.
The activity workbook contains some of the activity choices for each chapter along with space to write, draw and paste pictures. This will be the child’s story, an opportunity to share their thoughts with friends and families, and the opportunity to get closer to God through prayer. There are 6 chapters; each contains a choice of activities. You and the children choose 3 activities in each chapter. A total of 18 activities must be completed. This program has been written for use over a period of 4-6 months. The parent and adult advisor guide is part of the activity workbook.
I Live My Faith
4th through 6th grade
This program is designed for youth to become more aware of the place that God and religion hold in their daily lives. The activities focus on developing awareness within the individuals of their potential as a growing person, a friend, a member of his or her family, a citizen and a participant in their community of faith. The program is divided into three chapters, “Stretching,” “Seeking” and ” Finding,” each of which blends the dimensions of discovery, prayer, service and sacraments into a unified whole. This is an action-oriented program, combined with opportunities for reflection and sharing. It complements and supports the more formal religious education provided by the Catholic schools and parish programs, especially the Confirmation Program. It accents the experiential dimensions of faith life. An important part of the program is the involvement of parents in this process of faith sharing; notes specifically for parents are included in the program book. An Adult Guide is included in the newer books. Completed work and medal applications must be signed by a pastor or other religious and sent into the office with final paper work. The program takes between 3-6 months to complete the 18 activities and a closing composition. The parent and adult advisor guide is part of the project book.
Mary, The First Disciple
7th through 10th grade
This was originally called the Marian Medal. It is written for young women, to help them learn more about Mary, and more about themselves. They will meet Mary in Scripture as a young teenager, follow her journeys and watch her grow into the woman known as the Mother of God. The church recognizes Mary as a saint –a person who closely follows Christ. There is much they can learn from Mary, things that will make their lives more responsive to God. During this program they will spend time getting to know her better. Through interviews, role-plays, service programs, reflection questions, and prayer, the Marian Medal program will help them learn more about themselves. There are four chapters and 39 requirements to be completed. The final requirement is to finish with a Eucharistic Celebration or Prayer Service. The project book and leader’s guide are separate books.
The Spirit Alive
9th through 12th grade
As a young Catholic, this program will help the young person grow in their awareness of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. You will examine the revelation of the Holy Spirit through sacred Scriptures, how the Holy Spirit has manifested itself in the history of the people of God, and ways the Holy Spirit enlivens your own spirituality; open your heart and invite the Holy Spirit to work through you to transform the world with the life and truth of Jesus. You are asked to keep a journal, either written or electronic, of your work. At the end of each of the chapters there are questions to answer. You are asked to record your thoughts on these questions and how it pertains to you. The project book and mentor hand book are separate books.
Note: All National Religious Recognition scout’s and adult’s books are copyrighted.
Missio
11th & 12th grade
The program invites young people to explore missionary discipleship and their own religious identity. Missio was jointly created by the Pontifical Mission Society in the United States and NFCYM. This detailed guide contains detailed instructions for aiding students through the program.
You are asked to keep a journal, either written or electronic, of your work and will need a bible to use. At the end of each of the 5 chapters there are questions to answer. You are asked to record your thoughts on these questions. The project book includes the mentor instructions. The program is meant to be completed over a period of months.
Angel on My Shoulder
Kindergarten through 2nd grade
This is a fun and interesting religious experience designed to give these children a taste of God in their lives by showing how God has given each of us a special protector, who helps us to do the right thing. It also helps increase their knowledge of the Bible. The simplicity of the program will give you the opportunity to discover and grow with your group through a new awareness and appreciation for the spiritual world that surrounds all of us. The program takes a minimum of two months and can take as long as five months to complete. The program consists of an advisor’s guide and a workbook for each youth may be copied.
Child of Mary I
1st & 2rd grade
The purpose of the program is to help children to see Mary as a real and believable person, not just as the Mother of God. The program, which has five sections, helps them learn about Section 1. Mary as a child; Section 2. Mary through prayer & devotion; Section 3. Mary’s love for children; Section 4. Mary, Mother and friend; and Section 5. how they can follow Mary. The program is accomplished through readings, prayers, visiting shrines, learning about the Rosary, Bible readings, service programs and how we can follow Mary in our daily lives. The program consists of an advisor’s guide and a workbook for each youth may be copied. The program takes a minimum of two months and as long as five months to complete.
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha
3rd through 5th grade
The Kateri program acquaints youth with Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha’s life and how they can follow her Christian example. The program is done using a workbook, story book, and special programs, which reinforce what is learned throughout the program. This program gives each youth an opportunity to strengthen his or her commitment to a Christian lifestyle. The task of the advisor is to share with the youth an understanding of Kateri’s life of faith. The group investigates life in an early Christian Native American Society, and comes to understand their culture and customs, and the beauty of Kateri’s innocence. The program consists of an advisor’s guide and a workbook for each youth may be copied. The program may be completed within 2 – 4 months.
Holy Family
4th through 6th grade
The Holy Family program promotes advancement in religious knowledge and spiritual formation. The youth become more aware of God’s presence in their lives through home and community experiences. It consists of five chapters, each involving parts of the Bible, discussions with parents, advisors and their group, visits to Shrines or Special Churches, attendance at Mass, community service, and prayer. The program has an advisor’s guide and a workbook for each youth may be copied. The program takes between 2-6 months to complete.
Child of Mary II
4th through 6th grade
This is the second level program for youth. The purpose of the program is to help children to see Mary as a real and believable person, not just as the Mother of God. The program, which has five sections, helps them learn about 1. Mary as a child, 2. Mary through prayer & devotion, 3. Mary’s love for children, 4. Mary, Mother and friend, and 5. how they can follow Mary. The program is accomplished through readings, prayers, visiting shrines, learning Mysteries of the Rosary, Bible readings, service programs and how they can follow Mary in our daily lives. The program consists of an advisor’s guide and a workbook for each youth may be copied. The program takes a minimum of two months and as long as five months to complete.
A Woman of Courage
6th through 8th grade
The program was written to enable youth to strengthen their commitment to a Christian lifestyle and to learn to listen for God’s will for them. Based on the life of Saint Katharine Drexel, the youth develop a deeper spiritual appreciation for the sacrifices one makes in order to accomplish God’s will. The youth explore the devotedness of Saint Katharine to follow God’s will and work with the Native American and African American. The Advisor will be guiding the youth through Katharine’s childhood, family background, her life as a young woman and leader, her faith journey, her work with the Black and Native American cultures and service to others as well as her devotion to the Eucharist and the founding of an Order of Sisters. The workbook covers 15 pages, 11 activities and a major service program. The entire program takes a minimum of 5 months + to complete. The program consists of an advisor’s guide and a workbook for each youth may be copied.
The Rosary Patch Series Program
1st grade through Adults
This Rosary patch series is a new program designed to encourage youth to learn more about their faith and pray the rosary. The requirements are divided into age levels 1st thru 5th graders and 6th thru Adults. Once the requirements are completed you can place an ordered with the Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts & Camp Fire for that patch section. It is not necessary to send in the completed form. This Rosary Patch series consists of a 5 section Patch. The center patch depicts Our Lady of Fatima and is earned by doing the Praying the Rosary section. For each of the Mysteries there is a rocker which goes around the center patch. For application go to http://www.region3nccgscf.org then select tab Programs Regional Patch
Women in Scripture
1st grade through Adults
The Women in Scripture series focus on individuals who lived lives of courage and faithfulness. These women often fanned the flame of faith in their families and communities and were the backbone of the church and faith since the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Learn more about these strong faith-filled women in this patch series.
- Sarah: The Mother of a Nation
- Elizabeth: A Woman of Hope
For application and materials email us at: girlscouting@hbgdiocese.org
Models of Faith
1st grade through Adults
Throughout the long tradition of the Catholic Church, women and men have been inspired by the Holy Spirit to stand up for the faith in the midst of great trials and at deep personal risk. Learn more about these great Models of Faith.
- Mother Theresa
- Saint Anne
For application and materials email us at: girlscouting@hbgdiocese.org
Recognitions are not just for youth! Adults who work tirelessly and without pay to mentor young people deserve special acknowledgment as well.
Diocesan St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award
The Diocese of Harrisburg St. Elizabeth Ann Seton recognition, inaugurated in 1977, recognizes the work of adults who have shown significant effort toward the promotion of Catholic Girl Scouting. The applicant must have at least three years of active service and must be nominated by another adult. The recognition, presented annually, should be awarded in parish liturgy or special event. The cost of the award is responsibility of the parish or sponsoring organization. For the St. Elizabeth Ann Award application, email us at girlscouting@hbgdiocese.org.
Two medals are specially designed with the adult religious recognition moderator in mind. The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal recognizes any adult who serves Catholic youth through national organizations like Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. and Camp Fire USA. The St. Anne Medal is the highest recognition for adults. These recognitions are not given based upon completion of a program, but are awarded by the diocese to adults who model the highest ideals for young people.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal
The national NCCS – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton recognition, inaugurated in 1980, recognizes the meritorious contributions of adults who serve Catholic youth through Girl Scouts and Camp Fire. This medal affirms the work of those who help youth develop their spiritual lives within the context of these organizations. Nominee has given a minimum of five years active service to youth as an adult member. It is ordinarily received before the St. Anne Medal is earned, but is not a requirement for receiving the St. Anne Medal. For the St. Elizabeth Ann Award application, email us at girlscouting@hbgdiocese.org.
St. Anne Medal
The national NCCS – St. Anne Medal is the highest national recognition for adults who serve Catholic youth through Girl Scouts and Camp Fire. The recognition was inaugurated in 1957. St. Anne recognition honors the outstanding services of adults who contribute to the spiritual development of Catholic young people in these organizations and to who further Catholic adult leadership in youth ministry through these national youth-serving organizations. Nominee has given a minimum of ten years active service to youth as an adult member. For the St. Ann Medal application, email us at girlscouting@hbgdiocese.org.