Requirements

The use of a Catholic Bible is required.
The Scout should be a registered member of the Boy or Venturing Scouts of America, active in your troop for at least six months, and completed sixth grade before beginning the program
Regular participation in Sunday worship.
Involved in a formal religious education program.
Complete the requirements in the Ad Altare Dei Scout Manual.
Successfully complete an Ad Altare Dei Board of Review.

The Ad Altare Dei Scout Manual can be purchased directly from DCCS for $7.54 each which includes shipping, the Counselor’s Manual can also be purchased from DCCS for $11.99 each, send check payable to KDCCS for the number of books required to the below address or by contacting the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting.

Program Completion

After all, sections have been completed, the counselor will contact the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting to schedule the AAD Board of Review that will include a member of the DCCS committee.
The Scout will sit before the Board of Review to determine:
Does he/she have a better understanding of his/her Christian commitment?
Has he/she learned to understand, support, and apply Christian principles to the problems of our day?
Has he/she thought about his/her vocation in life: a vocation to the religious life, marriage, or single life?
How has his/her relationship with his/her Church grown?
What is his/her attitude toward Scouting and the ideals of the program?
How does his/her relationship between Scouting and the Church compare?
As a result of the program, has the Scout grown in his/her understanding and living out of his/her faith? (faith growth)

Complete the application and evaluation forms and mail it along with the application fee of $17.00 and make check payable to KDCCS. to Religious Awards Attn: Martin Vargas KDCCS 805 S. Northshore Drive Knoxville, TN 37919

Award Ceremony

The emblem will be presented to your Scout at a formal ceremony or Mass. Each scout will be given their emblem by there Parish Priest or Catholic Committee member during an Award Mass. Following the Mass, the Scouts will have an opportunity to have their picture taken to be placed in the ETC.

Counselor Attributes:

1. INTERESTED in youth and ready to be generous with time in helping others. Able to UNDERSTAND the Scout’s development process and therefore able to ACCEPT them at their level
2. OPEN enough to listen to youth to permit them to initiate, decide, try, and even fail, of their own accord. One who is not judgmental, but respectful of their feelings and views.
3. FLEXIBLE AND CREATIVE enough to be open to changes, who can adapt and understand rapid and continuous modification of youth ideas, modes, and cultures.
4. LIKABLE and acceptable by the youth. Not a stick in the mud!
5. Has a sensor of HUMOR, enjoys life, and can laugh at themselves and with others, especially youth.
6. KNOWLEDGEABLE understands and agrees with all of the teachings of the Catholic Church.
7. COMMUNICATE by relating the teachings of the Catholic Church to youth. Should be able to both speak and listen. Should also have the ability to get others to talk.
8. SPIRITUALLY firm in their faith life and had the ability to share their faith openly and easily with youth. Also be able to demonstrate, through their actions, the importance of their faith life to youth.
9. SENSITIVE to the youth’s family situation and his/her personal life, particularly in regards to the teachings of the Church.
10. OBSERVANT to interpret the signals youth project about their feelings on their faith and other issues.

Counselor’s Role

– Use the AAD Counselor Guide that you purchased directly from the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting
– Counsel the participants when required, and in general facilitate (keep moving and on track) the general discussion.
– Hold weekly meetings lasting 60-90 minutes.
– Guide the Scout through the religious emblems program by:
– Helping the Scouts experience Christ’s deep love for them as individuals.
– Helping the Scout go beyond the surface answers of childhood.
– Showing them that your caring for them is not dependent on their behavior, but rather because you accept them as Christ accepts each of us.
– Promote the Spiritual component of Scouting within the parish and unit. (A Scout is Reverent).
– Encourage greater participation of Catholic Scouts in the religious programs of the Church.
– Promote the Spiritual component of Scouting within the parish and unit. (A Scout is Reverent).
– Help create an atmosphere with the unit conductive to the development of religious vocations.
– Provide guidance and assistance to non-Catholic boys in the unit and in the neighboring units, urging them to participate in the religious emblem program of their own church or synagogue.

Scout’s Role

– Attend weekly meetings. If a Scout misses more than 2 meetings, it should be determined if the Scout should continue with the program.
– Work through the Ad Altare Dei Scout Manual with your counselor using a Bible where appropriate.
– Be prepared to share experiences at the Board of Review.
– Attend a Diocesan Scout retreat or Day of Recollection while working on the AAD program.

Parent’s Role

– Support the Religious Emblems Counselor in his/her role, BSA and DCCS require two-deep leadership.
– Support your scout as he/she shares lessons with the family.

Suggested Time Requirements:

The program is designed to be completed in 6-8 months.