The motivating force in Girl Scouting is a spiritual one. Each girl pursues her own religious or spiritual beliefs and is expected to respect the beliefs and practices of others. Religious recognition programs are created by religious groups (not by GSUSA or GSSNE) to encourage girls to grow stronger in their faith. A girl works with her own family and religious leaders to complete the requirements for these awards.

Recognitions have been approved by GSUSA and may be worn on the official uniform. Booklets for girls of Protestant faiths, Jewish and some Eastern religions can be purchased in our Girl Scout shops.

A troop with girls of different religions may work together on activities that are similar and then meet individually with their priest, minister or rabbi to complete the award. The troop leader does not have to be the mentor for awards. Any parent may be the award mentor.

Religious awards may not be worked on during meeting times. An additional time must be set aside to work on awards. Meeting prior to or after a regular meeting is acceptable.

Awards are presented to girls by their own minister, priest, rabbi, etc. at a ceremony planned by/at the girl’s house of worship.

Interfaith Quick Reference Chart

Catholic Awards

The Program Guide for Catholic Scouting (available at GSSNE and the Office of Youth Ministry) details all of the girl and adult awards available. Catholic Cadette & Senior religious awards are presented by the Bishop at a formal Scout Sunday Mass in March.

Procedure for Catholic Awards:

1. Obtain permission from the girls parent/guardian to work on award
2. Purchase workbook through a member of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting.
3. Contact a counselor/mentor within the religion for assistance.
4. Obtain required signatures on workbooks.
5. Send pre-applications for all awards as soon as possible, and final application as soon as award is completed to Diocese of Providence, Office of Youth Ministry, One Cathedral Square, Providence, RI 02903.
6. Receive pin or award from Catholic Committee on Scouting for presentation to girl.
7. Submit information on girls and adults earning religious awards to GSRI for recognition in various publications. Forms are available, but not necessary, in the service unit resource box.

2014 Diocese Celebration

Congratulations to these Girl Scouts and adult volunteers who were recognized on Sunday, March 2 at the Diocese of Providence Catholic Youth Ministry and Scout Awards Celebration at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence, RI. The Most Reverend Thomas J. Tobin, D.D., Bishop of Providence, was the celegrant and homilist.

2014 I Live My Faith Medal Recipients

This national award program enables the recipient to grow as a Christian person and to take her place as an active and responsible member of her family, parish, troop and community.

• Cumberland Troop #66: Alexandra Egan and Victoria Egan.
• Cumberland Troop #196: Meghan Lambert, Hannah Moyen & Kelsey Nichols.
• Cumberland Troop #373: Caitlyn Reynolds.
• Michele Smith was the adult moderator for these girls from Cumberland.
• Riverside Troop #505: Caitlin Lonergan and Isabella Narciso. Tamara Primmer was their adult moderator.

2014 Marian Medal Recipients

The purpose of this national award program is to provide the recipient with a unique opportunity to develop new insights into herself, friends, family and the world around her.

• North Smithfield Troop #4812: Kaleigh Poirier. Adult advisor: Sr. M. Diane Russo.
• Warwick Troop #233: Mackenzie Fraser, Audrey Johnston and Alexandria Williams. Adult advisor: Norma Malachowski.

2014 Spirit Alive Medal Recipients

This program assists Catholic high school aged girls in discovering how the Holy Spirit moves in their lives, calling them to greater participation in the Church's ministry.

• Cumberland Troop #671: Jillian Barnabe, Olivia Gould. Adult moderator: Michele Smith.
• Woonsocket Troop #587: Tia-Rose Earnest. Adult moderator: Michele Smith.
• Riverside Troop #490: Casey Duckworth. Adult moderator: Tamara Primmer.
• Barrington Troop #900: Kendra Maille. Adult moderator: Tamara Primmer.

Service to God Award Recipients

Girl Scouts who have earned the Family of God, I Live My Faith, the Marian, and the Spirit Alive Medals.

• Cumberland Troop #671: Jillian Barnabe
• Barrington Troop #900: Kendra Maille

A special mention to Norma Malachowski (pictured right), service unit manager for Warwick, who was awarded the Bronze Pelican Award from the Boy Scouts in honor of her commitment to fostering spiritual growth through living a good Christian life.

Congratulations, one and all!

Click here to view or order photographs from the day's celebration.