Religion and Life Scoutcraft Badge

The Religion and Life Scoutcraft Badge gives you the opportunity to learn more about your own faith, understand how it shapes your values, and discover how it connects to your life as a Scout.

By earning this badge, you will deepen your understanding of your religion's history, teachings, and practices; explore how faith guides your actions and choices; reflect on the importance of duty to God and service to others, as expressed in the Scout Promise; and take part in meaningful activities that help you live your faith in your daily life.

Badge Requirements

Religion and Life

1. Understanding the History of Your Faith
   Explain briefly to the examiner:
   1. How and when your faith was founded, and how it has grown or changed over time.
   2. Three key historical figures from your faith, each from a different era. Say why you chose them and what they did that inspires you.
2. Exploring Your Faith's Sacred Texts
   Tell the examiner about:
   1. Where your faith's holy texts came from and how they were passed down.
   2. How these texts are organised (e.g. books, chapters, sections), and name the main parts.
   3. Two characters you like, from different parts of the texts, and what you admire about them.
3. Knowing About Your Faith
   Explain to the examiner:
   1. What someone needs to do or believe to be part of your faith community.
   2. Three of the most important holy days in your religion, and what they mean to you and your community.
   3. What prayer means in your faith, and how you usually pray (including words, gestures, or rituals if applicable).
   4. What symbols or objects are important in your faith, and what do they mean?
4. Living Your Faith
   1. Show that you take part regularly in activities or gatherings of your faith community (for example, attending services, group meetings, or religious education).
   2. Explain why your faith matters to you personally, and how it helps you keep your Scout Promise and live by the Scout Law.
   3. Prepare and say a short, personal prayer or reflection based on a theme given by the examiner (e.g. gratitude, peace, service, forgiveness).
5. Growing Your Faith
   With your Examiner's guidance, choose one of the following options that suits your age and level of understanding:
   1. Answer three age-appropriate questions about your faith that show what you've learned and how it relates to your personal beliefs and daily life. The examiner will choose the age-appropriate questions.
      OR
   2. Complete a simple, practical task that helps you live out your faith — such as helping at a place of worship, preparing for a religious event, or doing an act of kindness or service inspired by your beliefs.
6. Reflection
   After completing the requirements for this badge, share one thing with your Examiner that you will do differently in your life because of what you have learned. You may write about it (about 50–100 words) or talk about it for 1–2 minutes.

Age Recommendation: This badge is most suitable for Scouts aged 11 to 13 years, when they are beginning to explore their personal beliefs and understand the role of faith in their lives.

Badge Examiner: Training and examination for this badge should be conducted by a suitably qualified individual who has relevant experience or formal training in the specific field of expertise being assessed. The ideal Examiner should be a recognised religious leader from your place of worship (e.g. Minister, Priest, Imam, Rabbi, etc), OR Someone officially appointed by your religious community.

Safe From Harm: Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances. All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults. Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

Badge Requirements in printable PDF format

• Religion and Life Scoutcraft Badge (PDF)

Next Steps - Where This Badge Leads

Completion of this badge is required for the following Scoutcraft and/or Interest Badges:

• Religion and Life Scout Interest Badge

Last Update

August 2025

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