The most famous Scouting grace comes from Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico: short, simple and easy for kids to learn. Catholic Cub Scouts can also earn religious emblems through the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, such as Light of Christ for younger Scouts and Parvuli Dei for older ones. The organization formerly called the Boy Scouts of America has been known as Scouting America since 2025.
Historical Context
A Cub Scout Prayer to Open a Den Meeting
Dear God, thank you for our den and our friends.
Help us do our best today:
to listen, to help each other, and to have fun.
Help us be kind, honest and brave,
and to do our duty to you and our country.
Amen.
The Philmont Grace
For food, for raiment,
for life, for opportunity,
for friendship and fellowship,
we thank thee, O Lord.
Amen.
A Campfire Prayer
God, thank you for the stars, the trees and the fire.
Thank you for today’s adventures.
Watch over us tonight in our tents,
and keep our families safe at home.
Amen.
A Leader’s Prayer
Lord, bless these Scouts and help me lead them well.
Give me patience, energy and a good sense of humour.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- At the start of den and pack meetings.
- Before meals at camp.
- Around the campfire at night.
- On Scout Sunday in February.
Scripture Connection
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” — 1 Timothy 4:12
Paul told the young Timothy he could be an example to adults. Cub Scouts can be too.
Related prayers
For the Scouts’ patron, see the Prayer to Saint George. For kids, the Morning Prayer for Kids. For grace, God Is Great.