About the Emblem
The Light of Christ (Lumen Christi) emblem helps young Catholic Cub Scouts grow in their relationship with Jesus. With the active help of a parent or guardian, the Scout learns to recognize Jesus as a real person, a loving friend, and the center of Christian life.
This program is designed to be completed at home with the family. It also helps parents
and guardians live more fully as the first teachers of the faith for their children.
Program Objectives
- Support parents and guardians in their role as the primary catechists of their children
- Help the Scout to come to know Jesus as a real person and friend
- Encourage early family involvement in the life of the Church
- Serve as a stepping stone toward Parvuli Dei and the other Catholic religious emblems
- Invite the whole family into deeper participation in the Church through the Scout’s experience
Eligibility
The Light of Christ emblem is for Catholic Cub Scouts (Tiger or Wolf) who are 6 or 7 years old.
Requirements
Each Scout should have their own Light of Christ Activity Book. The book is designed for the Scout and a parent or guardian to complete together.
When the program is completed in a parish, pack, or group setting, all diocesan or eparchial safe environment requirements and Scouting America Youth Protection policies must be followed.
Getting Started
- The Light of Christ Activity Book, which contains activities in both English and Spanish, may be obtained from the Scouting America Scout Shop or from the NCCS Online Store.
- Although the book could be completed in four to six hours, the goal of earning the Light of Christ Religious Emblem is to help the Cub develop a personal relationship with Jesus, so it is suggested that steps be spread over several weeks. This will help the Cub understand that this is a long-term commitment, not a one-time project.
Scout’s Role
The Scout should actively participate in the activities in the Light of Christ Activity Book
with a parent or guardian.
Parent’s Role
- Work with their Scout on the activities in the Light of Christ Activity Book
- Help their Scout with Bible readings and other activities
- Encourage prayer, conversation, and family participation in the life of the Church
- Use the Parent Guide as they work through the program.
Families may supplement the Activity Book with appropriate Catholic resources from FORMED.
Program Completion
When the Scout has completed all steps, the Light of Christ Activity Book should be presented to the pastor or the pastor’s designated representative for review with the Scout.
After the pastor or designated representative signs the Activity Book and the application form included in the book, the application form should be sent to the Diocesan or Eparchial Catholic Committee on Scouting for final approval. If no committee exists in the diocese or eparchy, contact the Catholic Scouting America/NCCS Religious Emblems Committee Chair for guidance.
Families should contact their local Catholic Committee on Scouting for instructions on how the emblem is ordered and presented. The local committee will order the emblem and provide details about the presentation.
Scouts who earn this emblem are also eligible to wear the Scouting America religious emblem square knot on their uniform. Families should check with their Diocesan or Eparchial Catholic Committee on Scouting to learn how knots are presented locally. If the square knot is not presented with the emblem, it may be purchased at a local Scouting America Council Service Center Scout Shop with proof that the Scout received the emblem.
Ordering of Emblems
Each diocese or eparchy has one or more authorized individuals who may order
Catholic religious emblems. Only authorized diocesan or eparchial submitters may order
emblems.
Families, packs, and parishes should not order emblems directly unless instructed to do
so by their Diocesan or Eparchial Catholic Committee on Scouting.
Presentation
Recognition ceremonies should be simple, meaningful, and focused on the young
people who earned the emblem.
Many dioceses and eparchies present religious emblems at a cathedral, parish church,
Scout Award Mass, prayer service, or other Catholic Scouting celebration. The
important thing is to make the presentation special and memorable for the Scout and
family.
Please contact your Diocesan or Eparchial Catholic Committee on Scouting to learn
when and where the next award ceremony will be held.
The religious emblem square knot may be presented at a pack meeting or together with
the emblem, according to local practice.
