After a year of reading, writing, researching, and studying Christian Science, Wilton High School ninth grader and member of Boy Scout Troop 20 Caleb Worley was presented with the God and Country Award from the Church of Christ, Scientist during his troop’s Winter Court of Honor at Zion’s Hill Church on March 29.
Starting as a Cub Scout in the first grade, Caleb has been a Boy Scout for four years, and he said he is proud to have earned the merit badge.
The God and Country Award is presented to Scouts who “show a knowledge [of] their religion and complete a list of requirements that test that knowledge … and require research in the holy books of the religion,” explained Caleb, a member of the Christian Science church, which was founded by Mary Baker Eddy.
A religious knot like God and Country is one of three types of scouting awards — the other two being the Arrow of Light and Eagle Scout — that a boy can earn and wear on his adult uniform.
To earn a religious emblem, a Scout must work with a religious unit and complete the requirements it sets for its program. According to Christian Science’s God and Country program, upon completion, Scouts should:
- Gain a deeper understanding of Christian Science.
- Have an opportunity to become more familiar with the pastor of the church, the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy.
- Feel, experience, and see the importance of prayer in their lives.
- Become more connected to their branch church community.
- Grow spiritually.
- Begin to understand the importance and effectiveness of prayer.
“I researched the Old and New Testaments of the King James version of the Bible as well as Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy,” said Caleb.
“I now have more knowledge in the details and beliefs of my religion.”
Caleb said Eric Olsen — a board member and Sunday school teacher and reader at the First Church of Christ, Scientist, 531 Danbury Road, in Wilton — helped him complete the list of God and Country requirements.
“I went to his house every Sunday for a year for the duration of completion,” said Caleb.
“I would encourage other Scouts to pursue this badge for the moral benefits and the knowledge gained in the undertaking of the God and Country pin.”
Click here to learn more about the God and Country Award.