Scouting in the Catholic Church

Sign up this winter: Please plan to attend the training conference in the summer of 2013. Tentative weekly agenda 2013 Course information Message from Course Director Ben Feril If you need addtional information email us at: nccs@netbsa.org

Each year, the National Catholic Committee on Scouting® (NCCS) conducts the "Scouting in the Catholic Church" training conference at Philmont Training Center in Cimarron, NM as part of BSA Relationships Week. The conference brings together religious and lay participants with varying experience in Scouting and the Catholic faith. The goal of the conference is to help the participants understand how Scouting is a Youth Ministry and how to use the information in their dioceses when talking with Scouters, priests, and youth ministers.

The conference is structured to explore the four daily components - Leadership, Holiness, Conversion, and Worship - from several points of view. The NCCS' Scouter Development: Lay Apostolate Formation for Scouting format of bible readings, reflection, and small-group discussion gives the participants insight as to why a Catholic Scouter is called to the lay apostolate, and how to run a SD:LAfS program. The conference priest advisor facilitates the component discussion looking from a catechism point of view. Presentations and discussions explain how NCCS and Scouting views and fulfills its part of the component. Discussion, readings, and reflections using the Renewing the Vision booklet helps the participants gain knowledge from a Youth Minister's point of view.

Participants may attend Mass each evening at the Philmont Catholic Chapel with crews starting or ending their mountain treks, Philmont staff, and local residents.

Class is in session Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. If you would like to bring family members, Philmont has programs from infants to spouses so you can concentrate on your class experience. But you also have a chance to experience Philmont during the evening Sunday-Friday and all day Wednesday. PTC offers events and activities to keep you as busy as you like, or you can just relax and enjoy the scenery.

In addition to the knowledge gained and the experiences shared during the week, you will go home certified to facilitate the Scouter Development: Lay Apostolate for Scouters program and have the opportunity to earn the Jerusalem Cross Award for bringing what you learned back to your diocese.

The course is designed primarily for:

• Clergy and Religious
• Youth Ministers (diocesan and parish)
• NCCS Regional Chaplains and Chairmen
• Diocesan* and Council Chaplains and Chairmen
• Activity Chairpersons
• Members of diocesan* Catholic committees
• Religious Emblems Counselors
• Facilitators for the "Scouter Development: Lay Apostolate Formation for Scouting" course
• BSA staff advisers
• Anyone interested in working in Catholic Scouting