Go on a Faith Hike

A faith hike is a special activity where Scouts visit places of worship to learn about different beliefs. In Scouting, we believe in “Duty to God.” This means we participate in our own faiths, and we respect and honor each other’s beliefs, even if they are different from our own. A faith hike lets Scouts learn about these beliefs in a positive way. It encourages respect and builds understanding.

On a faith hike, Scouts go to churches, temples, mosques, and other places of worship. Sometimes, a leader from each faith is there to give a short tour and explain a few key points. The goal is not to go into deep detail but to learn the basics. This helps Scouts see how others practice their faith and what is important to them.

Learning about different beliefs helps Scouts become more open-minded and respectful. It teaches them to look at things from other people’s perspectives. Understanding different faiths can also help Scouts find common ground, even if they have different beliefs. When Scouts understand each other, it helps create a stronger sense of community.

The faith hike isn’t about promoting one faith over another. Instead, it is a chance for Scouts to appreciate diversity and recognize the importance of faith in many people’s lives. By visiting different places of worship together, Scouts learn to respect others, making the troop stronger and more united.

See more ideas related to “A Scout Is Reverent” here

The first step in planning a faith hike is finding places of worship that are close together. Look for churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, and other locations that represent different faiths. Use a map to see which ones are within walking distance of each other. Aim to choose a few that are close enough for Scouts to visit in one day.

Once you have a list of places, reach out to leaders at each location. Call or email to explain what a faith hike is and ask if they would be willing to host a brief visit. Many leaders, like priests, rabbis, ministers, and imams, will be happy to help Scouts learn about their faith. Let them know the visit will only take a few minutes, and ask if they can share a couple of interesting details about their place of worship.

If a leader can’t meet with you, consider stopping by the outside of the location instead. Some places of worship have unique architecture, statues, or symbols on the outside. You can use these as talking points to give Scouts a sense of the faith’s traditions or values. Research ahead of time to find interesting details to share with the Scouts at each stop. Even without going inside, Scouts can learn a lot just by observing from outside.

In some cases, you may not find a place of worship for every faith in your group. If that happens, plan a stop at a park or another quiet spot. Ask a Scout or parent to share a short explanation or prayer from that faith. This way, all Scouts feel included and can still learn about each other’s beliefs.

When introducing each faith on the hike, keep things simple and respectful. Start with a brief description that covers the basics. For example, say something like, “This is a [church, synagogue, mosque, etc.], a place where people of the [faith name] faith come to worship.” Explain one or two core beliefs, but avoid making any faith seem better or more important than the others. The goal is for Scouts to learn, not to compare.

You can include faiths even if no one in the group practices them. Adding different faiths shows that all beliefs deserve respect and interest. If your group doesn’t have someone from a certain faith, you can still visit a place of worship from that tradition or share some information about it. This helps Scouts see a full picture of faiths in their community and lets everyone learn something new.

While on the hike, use respectful and neutral language. Speak about each place of worship and faith with equal interest. For example, use phrases like “In this faith, people believe…” or “Followers of this tradition value…” This way, Scouts can learn without feeling that one faith is being presented as better or more correct. Showing respect in language sets a positive example for the Scouts.

Encourage Scouts to show interest at each location by listening and asking questions politely. Remind them that each place of worship is important to the people who attend there. Explain that everyone has different beliefs and traditions, and that’s okay. By treating every location and tradition with respect, Scouts learn to value the diversity of their community.

A faith hike helps Scouts live out the values of respect, understanding, and community. By visiting different places of worship, Scouts see that every faith has meaning for its followers. They learn that each tradition is important to someone, even if it is different from their own. This teaches respect and helps Scouts appreciate the diversity in their community.

Many Scouts and leaders have shared positive experiences from past faith hikes. Some have said it was their first time visiting a place of worship outside of their own faith. They learned new things and saw how others find meaning and guidance.

The hike also encourages Scouts to ask questions in a safe and open environment. Leaders and faith guides are there to help answer questions about each belief. This lets Scouts explore their curiosity and learn without judgment. Asking questions and learning directly from each place of worship helps Scouts build understanding and removes any fear of the unknown.

By the end of the faith hike, Scouts often feel more connected to each other and their community. They see that differences in belief do not need to divide people. Instead, they learn that understanding and respect bring people closer. A faith hike shows Scouts that being open-minded and respectful is part of being a good citizen and a good Scout.

At the end of the faith hike, take time for the Scouts to reflect on what they saw and learned. Gather the group in a quiet spot and invite each Scout to share one thing that surprised or interested them. This group reflection lets them hear each other’s thoughts and connect on a deeper level. It helps Scouts realize how much they’ve learned about others’ beliefs and their own values.

Reflecting on the hike also gives Scouts a chance to see how the experience ties into the Scout Law and the “Duty to God.” By learning to respect other beliefs, they are living out values like kindness, courtesy, and reverence. They are learning that “Duty to God” means respecting different paths people take to find meaning and guidance. This reflection time reinforces these values and helps Scouts understand that respect is at the heart of the Scouting spirit.

Encourage Scouts to share what they learned with their families. Talking about their experiences helps them remember the lessons and share their new understanding with others. Leaders can also encourage Scouts to discuss the hike at a troop or pack meeting. This lets them share insights with friends who may not have attended and can spark more interest in learning about others.

By ending with reflection, the faith hike becomes more than just a walk. It becomes a journey that opens Scouts’ minds and deepens their understanding of the world around them.

Scout Law Prayer

The Scout Law Prayer is a simple but powerful reminder of what it means to be a Scout. It combines the values of the Scout Law—like trustworthiness, loyalty, and kindness—with a call to live these values daily. This prayer isn’t just about words; it’s about action. It encourages Scouts to be people of character and integrity, using what they learn in Scouting to make a positive impact. By following these principles, Scouts can grow into leaders who help their communities and stand up for what is right. The prayer reminds them that true Scouting is about service and respect.

A Scout’s Prayer by Lord Baden-Powell

This prayer, attributed to Scouting founder Lord Baden-Powell, reflects his belief that faith is a key part of Scouting. Baden-Powell saw Scouting as more than just outdoor skills; he believed it was a way to build character and spiritual growth. The prayer is based on the Scout Law, which teaches values like kindness, honesty, and respect. While Scouting does not promote any one religion, it encourages Scouts to explore their own faith. This prayer can be shared with most groups of Scouts, as it speaks to common values and the spirit of duty to God and others.

How the Scout Law Compares to the Ten Commandments

What is a faith hike?

A faith hike is an activity where Scouts visit different places of worship to learn about various beliefs. Scouts meet with leaders from different faiths who share a little about their traditions. The goal is to help Scouts understand and respect other beliefs.

Why should Scouts go on a faith hike?

A faith hike helps Scouts learn about other beliefs and practice respect for everyone. It supports the Scouting value of “Duty to God” by showing that all faiths are important. Scouts also learn about their community and how to build understanding with others.

How do you choose which places of worship to visit?

Look for a few places of worship that are close together, so Scouts can walk between them. Try to choose places that represent different faiths, like churches, synagogues, temples, or mosques. This gives Scouts a chance to see a variety of beliefs in their community.

What if there isn’t a place of worship for a certain faith nearby?

If you can’t find a place for a certain faith, you can still include it by stopping at a quiet spot and having a Scout or parent talk about that faith. This way, Scouts can still learn about the faith, even if they don’t visit a building.

How can we make sure no one feels left out or uncomfortable?

Treat all faiths with equal respect, and don’t promote one over another. Explain that the hike is to learn, not to compare. Use respectful language and show interest in every place of worship. Encourage Scouts to listen and ask questions politely.

What should Scouts do after the faith hike?

Encourage Scouts to talk with their families about what they learned. They can also share their experiences at a troop or pack meeting. Reflecting on the hike helps Scouts remember the lessons and share them with others.

How does a faith hike relate to Scouting values?

The faith hike shows Scouts how to live out the Scout Law. It teaches them to be kind, courteous, and reverent. It also shows them what “Duty to God” can mean—respecting and understanding different beliefs.

A faith hike is more than just a walk between places of worship. It’s a journey of discovery that helps Scouts see their community through new eyes. By learning about different beliefs, Scouts learn to respect the values and traditions that are important to others. This respect strengthens their own sense of community and helps them see the value in diversity.

Through a faith hike, Scouts practice core values like kindness, courtesy, and reverence. They learn that “Duty to God” means more than their own beliefs; it also includes honoring the beliefs of others. This helps Scouts grow into understanding and respectful citizens, prepared to live in a world with many different ways of life.

Ending the hike with a group reflection gives Scouts time to think about what they learned. Talking with each other and their families about the experience keeps the lessons fresh. By sharing their thoughts and hearing others’ insights, they remember that understanding others is an important part of being a Scout—and a good neighbor.

A faith hike is a powerful way for Scouts to explore their values and deepen their connections. It helps them take small steps toward a bigger goal: a world where people respect and understand each other’s differences. This journey makes them stronger Scouts and kinder people.