The Unitarian Universalist Faith and Being a Scout in Adventure Scouts USA Print

The Scout Programs of Adventure Scouts USA encourage our Scouts to have a spiritual approach to life, though we do not define the meaning of a spiritual approach to life. We provide the leadership to support the growth and character development of our co-ed membership and the greater community.  We accomplish this by providing contemporary skill-oriented activities that enrich individuals on a non-discriminatory basis.  We put principles of mutual respect into practice through FUN social activities, enhancing character as instilled by parents, personal achievement, learning by doing, and related educational programs promoting good character in our members and the greater community.

We enable our Scouts to understand and live their life by the six pillars of CHARACTER COUNTS!, and we expect our Scouts to be as good as their word.

Our teams may be sponsored by Unitarian Universalist churches and organizations.  Our Team Sponsors are those who work for the benefit of youth.
 
Through a yearly renewable agreement, Team Sponsors use our Scout Programs as part of their effort to benefit the youth in their congregation and other youth in the community.  Team Sponsors may control program content, membership in their team, and religious responsibilities. 

Together, the Scout Programs of Adventure Scouts USA along with Unitarian Universalist Churches and organizations can increase participation by Unitarian Universalist families, and strengthen Unitarian Universalist values through character education, our policy of non-discrimination, and a sense of belonging.

We welcome Unitarian Universalist Scouts and members and enable fulfillment of their religious responsibilities.

We assist our Unitarian Universalist Scouts and members to integrate their faith into everyday life and help families to share their faith on their child’s journey of faith.

Unitarian Universalists give importance to reason, thinking and freedom, and provide a moral grounding for their children, based on good deeds.  We too draw strength from diversity and shared values in a community of tolerance, mutual support, and service to others. 

Unitarian Universalists have long been leaders in freedom and justice, such as in the establishment of public schools and mental hospitals.  This interest in freedom and justice is shared by the Scout Programs of Adventure Scouts USA.
 
The following seven Unitarian Universalist principles are also shared with our Scout Programs:
 
The Inherent Worth and Dignity of Every Person -- we are the only fully nondiscriminatory Scout Progam in the United States, and we believe in the inherent worth of all people.
 
Justice, Equity, and Compassion in Human Relations – our Scout Programs value every person on an equal and individual basis.  We encourage our Scouts to be compassionate and understanding of the circumstances of others.
 
Acceptance of One Another and Encouragement to Spiritual Growth – we welcome Scouts of all faiths and worldviews, and our Scout Programs feature a spiritual approach to life. We offer our Scouts the opportunity to participate in the Religious Appreciation Program or the Ethics Appreciation Program. The Religious Awards approved by the Unitarian Universalist Association are those recognized by the Scout Programs of Adventure Scouts USA.
 
A Free and Responsible Search for Truth and Meaning -- we encourage our Scouts to have a spiritual approach to life and to appreciate the wonder and awe that is around every corner.
 
The Right of Conscience and Use of the Democratic Process – choice is an essential part of our Scouts Programs.  Our teams are run democratically, and our Scouts vote and make decisions via consensus.

The Goal of World Community of Peace, Justice, and Liberty for Everyone – our Scout Programs employ democratic principles of justice and liberty, and value service to the greater community.

Our Scouts regularly adopt comprehensive projects of service which they choose, organize, and lead.  Our highest award, the Challenger Award, is a comprehensive undertaking which results in a substantial change for their communities, and must be sustainable without them.

Respect for the Interdependent Web of All Existence of Which We Are a Part— The principles embraced by all our Scouts are a desire to improve life-long, service to others, and a belief in something greater than oneself.  These principles are the basis for our Scouts’ appreciating the interdependence of all life. Our Scouts demonstrate their sense of community by their participation in service to the greater community and contribution to efforts to eliminate homelessness, and eradicate hunger and poverty.
 
See what our Scout Programs can offer!