IRVING, TX (March 19, 2026) – Scouting America announced its continued support of Scouts Read Sacred Texts, a nationwide and worldwide event encouraging Scouts and their families to set aside time for reflective reading in conjunction with the 2026 National Day of Prayer, observed on May 7, 2026.
Developed by Scouting America’s National Religious Relationships Committee, Scouts Read Sacred Texts Invites Scouts to read a sacred or foundational text from their own faith tradition anytime between now and May 7. The initiative supports Scouting’s long‑standing emphasis on character development, literacy, and the Scout Oath’s commitment to “duty to God,” while fully respecting the personal beliefs and traditions of each Scout and family.
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“The Scouts Read Sacred Texts event offers Scouts a meaningful opportunity to live out their duty to God,” explained Roger Krone, president & CEO of Scouting America. “By reading the sacred texts of their own faith traditions, Scouts join a shared experience with peers across communities and around the world – deepening their understanding while reflecting on enduring values. At its heart, the event encourages lifelong habits of reflection, respect, and growth.”
Most Scouts read at home with their families, though units and families may also choose to participate at places of worship or other appropriate settings. The committee recommends about 15 minutes of reading, with families or faith leaders deciding which passages are most meaningful.
Key goals of Scouts Read Sacred Texts include:
- Encouraging reading and thoughtful reflection
- Supporting ethical and character development
- Strengthening family and community engagement
The event has seen strong and growing engagement. Last year, nearly 6000 youth collectively logged more than 1400 hours of reading, far exceeding initial expectations. Scouts from across the United States and countries/territories including Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Germany, Guam, India, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Nigeria, Okinawa, Palestine, Puerto Rico and Uganda took part, underscoring the initiative’s global reach.
Although rooted in Scouting, Scouts Read Sacred Texts is open beyond Scouting America membership. The National Religious Relationships Committee has extended invitations to every faith and many youth‑serving organizations worldwide, encouraging families, faith communities, and youth groups to participate together in a shared moment of reflection and respect.
For more information about Scouts Read Sacred Texts and to register, visit https://www.scoutsreadsacredtextsworldwide.org.
About Scouting America
Scouting America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®”
Scouting America welcomes all of America’s youth into its programs. Our goal is to give them fantastic experiences in the outdoors, and elsewhere, where they can grow with us in a safe environment. More than 130 million Americans have been through our programs since our founding, and currently almost one million youth are served by 500,000 adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country.
To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, or to sign your child up for Scouting, visit www.BeAScout.org.
This content was originally published by United Methodist Men; republished with permission on ResourceUMC.org on March 25, 2026.