Scouting and Youth Ministry

The Queens Federation of Churches has been active over many decades in supporting the work of the Boy Scouts and the Girls Scouts as valuable ministries to the youth of our community. Present day activities include leadership training and workshops, an annual Ten Commandments Hike, the recognition of leadership and achievement in Scouting.

The Federation's Ecumenical Committee on Scouting and Youth Ministry meets monthly and welcomes new members eager to assist in the varied programs with scouts. Contact Bob Maeurer, Committee Vice Chair, for additional information.

Religious Awards in Scouting

Each part of scouting (Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Brownies, etc.) has an array of merit badges and other recognition which the scout can earn based on study and the life and work of his or her own religious faith. Each year, we sponsor a Recognition Luncheon for scouts who have earned badges during the year, as well as training workshops for scouting leaders to make them aware of the programs and how to promote them in the local units. The various support manuals are available at these workshops and can otherwise be ordered through Scouting or P.R.A.Y. Click for information on the God and Me Day for Cub Scouts, and the Boy Scout Day of Remembrance. A list of all awards and denominational contact information is available here.

Ten Commandments Hike

On the Friday after Thanksgiving each year, hundreds of young people from all over Queens gather to take a hike to ten different places of worship, representing different Christian denominations and different Faiths. At each place, the concept of one of the Ten Commandments is discussed by the clergy of that house of worship, together with a short explanation of that particular Faith and its denominational traditions. A Kosher lunch is provided at one of the stops. Click for information and registration for the Ten Commandments Hike.

Recognition Certificates for Eagle Scout, Gold Award and Silver Award

The Queens Federation of Churches provides Certificates and letters to recognize Boy Scouts who achieve Eagle Scout, Girl Scouts earning the Gold Award, and members of Venturing Crews who earn the Silver Award. To apply for the Certificates, which are intended for presentation at the awards ceremony, Click to Download a copy of the application and submit it to the QFC at least 4 weeks prior to the ceremony.

Shepherd Emblem • Interfaith Leadership Award • Lifetime Achievement Award

The Queens Federation of Churches annually recognizes men and women who have led children and youth through Scouting in their spiritual, social and physical development. Each recipient is a mature adult and active member of his or her congregation who has also served in Scouting as a leader or helper for at least ten years.

The Shepherd Emblem is presented to a member of a Christian church who has demonstrated leadership and service to the Church.

The Interfaith Leadership Award is presented to a member of another Faith who has demonstrated leadership and service in their own Faith Community.

The John W. Jerome Lifetime Achievement Award, named in honor of the long-time Chair of the Federation’s Committee on Scouting and Youth Ministry, is given to a Boy Scout or Girl Scout Leader who, over many decades, has given devoted and effective service to the children and youth of the community through Scouting programs.

The Shepherd Emblem, the Interfaith Leadership Award, and the John W. Jerome Lifetime Achievement Award are each presented at the annual Scout Awards Recognition Dinner in November. Click for a list of those having received the Shepherd Emblem, the Interfaith Leadership Award, and the John W. Jerome Lifetime Achievement Award.

Click to Download a copy of the application for either the Shepherd Emblem or the Interfaith Leadership Award.

Adult Scout Leaders of the Year Award

An adult leader with Girl Scouts and an adult leader with Boy Scouts are each recognized in January at the annual Celebration of Ecumenical Ministry in Queens. The Girl Scout award is made in cooperation with the Queens Coordinating Committee of Church Women United. A list of recent Scout Leaders of the Year is available.

Other Religious Committees on Scouting

You can follow these links to to the Catholic Committee on Scouting or to the Jewish Committee on Scouting.