The purpose of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS) is to utilize and ensure the constructive use of the program of Scouting America as a viable form of youth ministry with the Catholic Youth of our nation. The NCCS seeks to sustain and strengthen the relationship between Scouting America and the Catholic Church and to work cooperatively with the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) and various other groups involved in youth ministry in the United States.
NCCS Adult Catholic Leadership Training
Visit the NCCS website for links to Fast Start Training
Updates
The Saint George Trek, a high adventure leadership and vocation retreat for Scouts will take place July 1-18, 2026 at the Philmont Scout Ranch. Applications for the 2024 Saint George Trek are being accepted. Visit the NCCS website to learn more about the requirements for applying.
The National Catholic Committee on Scouting has several scholarship options available for those seeking financial support to continue their education in college. Learn more about the scholarships available and eligibility requirements on the NCCS website.
Scout Emblem Books
The Catholic Scout Emblem programs are designed to learn more about the faith and develop a stronger relationship with Christ. Emblems are awarded for the successful completion of the particular program.
Catholic Scout Emblem books: Light of Christ, Parvuli Dei, and Ad Altare Dei may be ordered online as detailed below. The Light is Life and the Pope Pius XII Scout Manuals may be downloaded as noted below.
NCCS Religious Recognition Emblems
Requests to receive the NCCS Emblems may be placed through the downloadable form AMS Order Form for Scouting Ministry. Members of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, may mail to completed order form indicating the mailing address that they would like the emblem sent to. Note that the original signed copy of the emblem completion form found at the back of the Emblem workbook must accompany the order form.
Light of Christ
For 6-7 year old Tiger or Wolf Scout
The purpose of the Light of Christ emblem is to help the Cub Scout develop a personal relationship with Jesus. With the parents’ active assistance and participation in this program, it is hoped that the Cub will come to see Jesus as a real person and his friend.
- Information to get started with the Light of Christ Emblem Program
- The Light of Christ Activity Book may be ordered online.
- Parent Guide
Parvuli Dei
For 8-10 year old Bear or Webelos
The purpose of the Parvuli Dei (Children of God) emblem is to help young people explore a wide range of activities in order to discover the presence of God in their daily lives as members of their families and parishes, and also to develop a good, positive self-image through the contributions they can make to the group or community.
- Information to get started with the Parvuli Dei Emblem Program
- The Parvuli Dei Activity Book may be ordered online.
- Parent Guide
Ad Altare Dei
For 13-14 year old Scouts, older youth may use this program
The purpose of the Ad Altare Dei ( to the altar of God) program is to help Catholic Youth of the Roman Rite develop a fully Christian way of life in the faith community. The program is organized in chapters based on the seven sacraments. The seven Sacraments are a primary means toward spiritual growth.
- Information to get started with the Ad Altare Dei Emblem Program
- The Ad Altare Dei Youth Manual may be ordered online.
- Ad Altare Dei Counselor’s Guide may be ordered online.
- An electronic version of the Ad Altare Dei Youth Manual and the Counselor’s Guide is also available.
Light is Life
For 12-13 year old Scouts, older Scouts may use this program
The “Light is Life” is a program developed for scouts of the Eastern-rite Catholic Churches. Light is Life respects the cultural and ritual differences among the various Eastern Catholic Churches. The overall goal of the Light is Life religious emblem program is to bring about in the Scout, through their Eastern Catholic Scouting experience, a deeper awareness of their share in faith-life. Then going forth, they will witness this life through maturity in communal worship and in Christian formation of their world. This program is to be used by the Eastern Catholic Scouts rather than the Ad Altare Dei program. It is not appropriate to work on both programs.- Getting started with the Light is Life Emblem Program
- The Light is Life Program Workbook may be downloaded.
- The Light is Life Program Counselor’s Guide may be downloaded.
Pope Pius XII
For 15-16 year old Scouts, but older Scouts may use this program
Pope Pius XII is Catholic Scouting’s church-related ministries and vocation program. The program deals with different life choices (single, married, religious, ordained), occupations and ministries in the church as calls from God. It includes youth led discussions on current issues facing the church and society, which are normally included as part of a Pius XII retreat or day of recollection.
- The Pope Pius XII Participant Manual may be ordered online.
- The Pope Pius XII Facilitator Manual may be ordered online.
Congratulatory Letters for Eagle Scouts
Religious Activities – Faith Series Patches
Learn about additional religious activities and the faith series patches. Complete the requirements of the associated patch(es) and then order patches directly from the National Catholic Committee on Scouting website.
In conjunction with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops the National
Catholic Committee on Scouting offers the Jubilee 2025 Activity. By offering this
program the NCCS is lending support to the Jubilee Year.
