Buddhist Religious Scouting Award Programs

Welcome to the Buddhist Scouting Religious Awards Program.
The National Buddhist Committee on Scouting is authorized to offer the official Buddhist religious awards for Scouting America

Buddhist Youth Recognition

Buddhist Youth Recognition

Adult Recognition

Purpose

The purpose of the Bodhi Award is to recognize an adult who has demonstrated the highest level of dedication and commitment to the youth members of Scouting America to further their understanding of the Buddhist Teachings.  This award is not intended to honor individuals for their personal accomplishments or achievements, but rather their self-sacrifice to promote Buddhism.

The Bodhi Award is administered by the National Buddhist Committee on Scouting and is officially recognized by Scouting America.

Requirements

• The award is presented to an adult who has made an outstanding contribution to the Buddhist Scouting
• The nominee may be an ordained Buddhist clergy or a layperson who has contributed to the propagation of Buddhism and/or performed dedicated service to the temple/church and the youth program.
• It is recommended that the nominee have at least five or more years of outstanding service.
• The nominee does not have to be a registered by the Scouting or Camp Fire organizations.
• A support letter from the leader of the nominating organization must accompany the submission.
• Self-nomination or nomination by spouse/significant other will not be allowed.
• If the nominee is accepted as a recipient of the Bodhi Award, a $25.00 fee will be required. The recipient will receive the official Bodhi Award lapel pin and a certificate of recognition.

*Note:  The nomination process is confidential to avoid possible disappointment of non-acceptance.  Do not inform nominee of your actions.

Nominee’s Qualifications: (Provide accurate and detailed descriptions of the following items)

1. Assistance given to Scouts or Cub Scouts youths to earn Buddhist Religious awards
2. What important and meaningful contributions has the candidate made to the propagation of Buddhism?
3. Describe participation and promotion of the Buddhist Scouting programs.
4. Adult leadership positions (not mandatory)
5. Adult leadership training (not mandatory)
6. Nominee’s temple/church participation (if any)
7. Other community activities or services relating to Buddhism.

The Committee selection process is primarily based on your depiction of the candidate’s qualifications.  Be as accurate and detailed as possible.

More information, applications, and/or submissions to:

 bcascoutinginfo@gmail.com

Purpose

The National Buddhist Committee on Scouting is comprised of laypersons and ministerial advisors sponsored by the Buddhist Churches of America*.  The responsibilities of the committee are to maintain the integrity of the awards by creating requirements for the Buddhist religious award programs, approve certified instructors and present certificates and medals to participants who have completed the program.

Authority

The National Buddhist Committee on Scouting is recognized by Scouting America, the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, and the Camp Fire USA as the sole administrator of Buddhist religious awards for each organization.  It serves the youth of all denominations and sects of Buddhism in America.

*Buddhist Churches of America

• Founded in 1899, Buddhist Churches of America is an incorporated religious organization.
  • The BCA administers the religious emblems program for all Buddhist denominations in America.
  • The BCA is affiliated with Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha in Kyoto, Japan
• Buddhist Churches of America is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of:
  • Bishop
  • Board President
  • Ministerial Association Chairperson
  • District-level board members
  • Board members-at-large
  • Representatives from the recognized Buddhist Churches of America affiliated organization

• National Buddhist Committee on Scouting works with the community Buddhist religious leaders to develop the Buddhist religious program.

Religious Principles and Key Terms

Goal 

Enlightenment through practicing various Dharma (Universal Truth) Teachings

Essential elements

Awareness of impermanence, interdependence, balancing one’s life (Middle Path), and compassion towards others

Fundamental doctrine of Buddhism is the Four Noble Truths, which are:

• Noble Truth of Duhkha is the life of uncontrollability, or unpredictability is the universal truth
• Noble Truth of the Cause of Duhkha is our emotion and personal attachment
• Nobel Truth of the Cessation Duhkha is completed by reaching the state of Nirvana
• Noble Truth of the Eightfold Path leads to managing our emotion and personal attachment for accepting Noble Truth of Duhkha

The last of the Four Noble Truths is also referred to as the Noble Eightfold Path, and includes the practice of:

1. Right  View
2. Right  Thought
3. Right  Speech
4. Right  Conduct
5. Right  Livelihood
6. Right  Effort
7. Right  Mindfulness
8. Right  Meditation

Buddhism in America

Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in the United States behind Christianity, Judaism and Islam. (source:  2014 U.S. Religious Landscape Survey, Pew Forum)

Approximately 2.1 million people practice Buddhism in the United States. Of those, 75-80% are of Asian descent and inherited Buddhism as a family tradition, 20-25% are non-Asians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the applicant  have to be a practicing Buddhist or in a Buddhist sponsored Troop or Crew?

No.  Any registered Scout may apply to earn a Buddhist religious award.

Is there an official website for all religious awards offered by the Scouting America?

Yes: https://www.scouting.org/awards/religious-awards/

Is there a registration fee?

Yes.  A $35.00 fee to cover the cost of material and overhead as well a personalized certificate and a medal.

How do I apply?

Three basic steps:

1. Email the National Buddhist Committee on Scouting at bcascoutinginfo@gmail.com  with a request for information about the Sangha Award.
2. Once the inquiry is received by the Committee, it will return an “Application to Teach” form. The prospective teacher should fill out the application and submit to the Committee for approval.  Only after the instructor is approved will the course material be sent to the instructor and an application form will be sent back to you.
3. Mail back the application with the registration fee and you may begin the course.

Who can teach the courses?

The instructor must be an ordained Buddhist minister, monk or a layperson recommended by an ordained clergy and must be approved by the Committee BEFORE instruction commences.  The Committee will send the instructor the basic requirements that are to be covered.  The Committee encourages all instructors to include traditions and practices specific to their own sect or denomination.  We realize that in many areas in the United States that finding an instructor might not be easy.  We will try our best to assist you, but it is ultimately the applicant’s responsibility to find a qualified instructor.

How long does it take to earn an award?

The minimum suggested time for the Sangha Award is 72 hours over a 2 year period.

Are all denominations and sects of Buddhism administered by the National Buddhist Committee on Scouting?

Yes.  The Committee is the official administrator for all Buddhist religious awards for Scouting America.  The requirements for each award may be modified by the individual instructor to conform to the specific practices and traditions of each sect or denomination.

More information, applications, and/or submissions to:

 bcascoutinginfo@gmail.com

Buddhist Youth Recognition

Purpose

Nurture Cub Scouts to relate to all things with loving kindness and goodwill

Eligibility

Any Cub Scout interested in Buddhism, with parental permission and has been involved in Cub Scouts at least three months.

Requirements

Completion of 12 hours of instruction, normally meeting once a week for an hour over three months

Religious Principles and Key Terms

Goal 

Enlightenment through practicing various Dharma (Universal Truth) Teachings

Essential elements

Awareness of impermanence, interdependence, balancing one’s life (Middle Path), and compassion towards others

Fundamental doctrine of Buddhism is the Four Noble Truths, which are:

• Noble Truth of Duhkha is the life of uncontrollability, or unpredictability is the universal truth
• Noble Truth of the Cause of Duhkha is our emotion and personal attachment
• Nobel Truth of the Cessation Duhkha is completed by reaching the state of Nirvana
• Noble Truth of the Eightfold Path leads to managing our emotion and personal attachment for accepting Noble Truth of Duhkha

The last of the Four Noble Truths is also referred to as the Noble Eightfold Path, and includes the practice of:

1. Right  View
2. Right  Thought
3. Right  Speech
4. Right  Conduct
5. Right  Livelihood
6. Right  Effort
7. Right  Mindfulness
8. Right  Meditation

Buddhism in America

Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in the United States behind Christianity, Judaism and Islam. (source:  2014 U.S. Religious Landscape Survey, Pew Forum)

Approximately 2.1 million people practice Buddhism in the United States. Of those, 75-80% are of Asian descent and inherited Buddhism as a family tradition, 20-25% are non-Asians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the applicant have to be a practicing Buddhist or in a Buddhist sponsored Pack?

No.  Any registered Scout may apply to earn a Buddhist religious award.  (Note:  There is no award for Tiger Scouts at this time)

Is there an official website for all religious awards offered by Scouting America

Yes: https://www.scouting.org/awards/religious-awards/

Is there a registration fee?

Yes.  A $35.00 fee to cover the cost of material and overhead as well a personalized certificate and a medal.

How do I apply?

Three basic steps:

1. Email the National Buddhist Committee on Scouting at bcascoutinginfo@gmail.com  with a request for information about the Metta Award program.
2. Once the inquiry is received by the Committee, it will return an “Application to Teach” form. The prospective teacher should fill out the application and submit to the Committee for approval.  Only after the instructor is approved will the course material be sent to the instructor and an application form will be sent back to you.
3. Mail back the application with the registration fee and you may begin the course.

Who can teach the courses?

The instructor must be an ordained Buddhist minister, monk or a layperson recommended by an ordained clergy and must be approved by the Committee BEFORE instruction commences.  The Committee will send the instructor the basic requirements that are to be covered.  The Committee encourages all instructors to include traditions and practices specific to their own sect or denomination.  We realize that in many areas in the United States that finding an instructor might not be easy.  We will try our best to assist you, but it is ultimately the applicant’s responsibility to find a qualified instructor.

For those that do not have easy access to a Buddhist clergy, we offer an online Facebook course administered by a minister of the NBCS.

How long does it take to earn an award?

The minimum suggested time for the Metta emblem is at least 12 hours of curriculum.

Are all denominations and sects of Buddhism administered by the National Buddhist Committee on Scouting?

Yes.  The Committee is the official administrator for all Buddhist religious awards for Scouting America.  The requirements for each award may be modified by the individual instructor to conform to the specific practices and traditions of each sect or denomination.

More information, applications, and/or submissions to:

 bcascoutinginfo@gmail.com

Purpose

The purpose of the Bodhi Award is to recognize an adult who has demonstrated the highest level of dedication and commitment to the youth members of the Scouting America to further their understanding of the Buddhist Teachings.  This award is not intended to honor individuals for their personal accomplishments or achievements, but rather their self-sacrifice to promote Buddhism.

The Bodhi Award is administered by the National Buddhist Committee on Scouting and is officially recognized by Scouting America.

Requirements

• The award is presented to an adult who has made an outstanding contribution to the Buddhist Scouting
• The nominee may be an ordained Buddhist clergy or a layperson who has contributed to the propagation of Buddhism and/or performed dedicated service to the temple/church and the youth program.
• It is recommended that the nominee have at least five or more years of outstanding service.
• The nominee does not have to be a registered by the Scouting or Camp Fire organizations.
• A support letter from the leader of the nominating organization must accompany the submission.
• Self-nomination or nomination by spouse/significant other will not be allowed.
• If the nominee is accepted as a recipient of the Bodhi Award, a $25.00 fee will be required. The recipient will receive the official Bodhi Award lapel pin and a certificate of recognition.

*Note:  The nomination process is confidential to avoid possible disappointment of non-acceptance.  Do not inform nominee of your actions.

Nominee’s Qualifications: (Provide accurate and detailed descriptions of the following items)

1. Assistance given to Scouts or Cub Scouts youths to earn Buddhist Religious awards
2. What important and meaningful contributions has the candidate made to the propagation of Buddhism?
3. Describe participation and promotion of the Buddhist Scouting programs.
4. Adult leadership positions (not mandatory)
5. Adult leadership training (not mandatory)
6. Nominee’s temple/church participation (if any)
7. Other community activities or services relating to Buddhism.

The Committee selection process is primarily based on your depiction of the candidate’s qualifications.  Be as accurate and detailed as possible.

More information, applications, and/or submissions to:

 bcascoutinginfo@gmail.com

Purpose

The National Buddhist Committee on Scouting is comprised of laypersons and ministerial advisors sponsored by the Buddhist Churches of America*.  The responsibilities of the committee are to maintain the integrity of the awards by creating requirements for the Buddhist religious award programs, approve certified instructors and present certificates and medals to participants who have completed the program.

Authority

The National Buddhist Committee on Scouting is recognized by Scouting America, the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, and the Camp Fire USA as the sole administrator of Buddhist religious awards for each organization.  It serves the youth of all denominations and sects of Buddhism in America.

*Buddhist Churches of America

• Founded in 1899, Buddhist Churches of America is an incorporated religious organization.
  • The BCA administers the religious emblems program for all Buddhist denominations in America.
  • The BCA is affiliated with Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha in Kyoto, Japan
• Buddhist Churches of America is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of:
  • Bishop
  • Board President
  • Ministerial Association Chairperson
  • District-level board members
  • Board members-at-large
  • Representatives from the recognized Buddhist Churches of America affiliated organization

• National Buddhist Committee on Scouting works with the community Buddhist religious leaders to develop the Buddhist religious program.