About the Emblem
The Parvuli Dei (Children of God) emblem, helps Catholic Cub Scouts recognize God’s presence in their daily lives as members of their families, parishes, packs, and communities.
Through a variety of age-appropriate activities, Scouts are invited to grow in their awareness of God’s love, develop a positive sense of self, and discover how they can share their gifts with others.
Program Objectives
- Help the Scout grow in awareness of God’s love for each person as a unique child of God
- Help the Scout understand their place in their family, community, parish, and the Family of God
- Encourage the Scout to participate more fully in parish life and the Body of Christ
- Help the Scout recognize the responsibilities that come from God’s love for us
- Strengthen family faith formation through shared activities, prayer, and conversation
Eligibility
The Parvuli Dei emblem is for Catholic Cub Scouts (Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light) who are 8 to 10 years old.
Requirements
Each Scout should have their own Parvuli Dei Activity Book. The current activity book was published in 2022 and is designed for the Scout and a parent or guardian to complete together.
A Catholic Bible is required for this program. A children’s Catholic Bible is especially appropriate, but any Catholic Bible may be used.
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 Parvuli Dei Activity Book, which includes activities in both English and Spanish, may be obtained from the Scouting America Scout Shop or from the Catholic Scouting America/NCCS Online Store.
Although the activities can be completed in four to six hours, families are encouraged to spread the program over several weeks. The goal is not simply to finish a workbook, but to help the Scout grow in faith, recognize God’s presence in daily life, and understand that living as a child of God is a lifelong commitment.
Scout’s Role
The Scout should actively participate in the activities in the Parvuli Dei Activity Book with a parent or guardian.
Parent’s Role
- Work with their Scout on the activities in the Parvuli Dei Activity Book
- Help their Scout with Bible readings and other activities
- Encourage prayer, conversation, and family participation in the life of the Church
- Keep the pack’s Religious Emblems Coordinator informed of the Scout’s progress, if applicable
- Use the Parent Guide as they work through the program
Families may also supplement the Activity Book with appropriate Catholic resources, including FORMED materials where available.
Program Completion
When the Scout has completed all steps in the Parvuli Dei Activity Book, the 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 Diocesan or Eparchial 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.
