Parvuli Dei

Parvuli Dei is a Catholic religious emblem for Cub Scouts in grades 3 through 5. It is for both boys and girls who are Bear, Webelos, or Arrow of Light Scouts. The name means “Children of God” in Latin. The emblem helps young Scouts grow in faith and learn about their place in the Church. It also helps them connect what they learn in religious education to their life in Scouting.

A Cub Scout can only earn Parvuli Dei once. It can be used to meet part of a religious adventure requirement, depending on the Scout’s rank. Bears can use it for the Fellowship and Duty to God Adventure. Webelos can use it for Duty to God and You. Arrow of Light Scouts can use it for Duty to God in Action. But it can only be counted once for advancement.

This emblem is for all Catholic Cub Scouts. They do not need to belong to a pack chartered by a Catholic parish. Any Catholic Bear, Webelos, or Arrow of Light Scout can earn it. The Scout should be working on religious education at their parish or Catholic school at the same time.

This program fits into the overall goal of Scouting. Scouts are called to grow in body, mind, and spirit. The Parvuli Dei emblem focuses on the spirit. It reminds Scouts that they are part of something bigger. They are loved by God and called to love others.

The Parvuli Dei emblem helps Scouts grow closer to God. It does this through simple activities and prayers. These are meant to show the Scout that God is always near. He is present in their family, their parish, and the world around them. The program gives Scouts a chance to notice that.

Each part of the workbook has activities that guide the Scout through different areas of life. These include creation, family, parish, and community. The Scout begins to see that their actions matter. Their gifts come from God. Their kindness and service reflect God’s love.

This is not a classroom program. It is not a replacement for parish religious education. Instead, it builds on what the Scout is already learning in religion class or at Catholic school. The Parvuli Dei emblem is about seeing those lessons in daily life and putting them into action.

This process helps Scouts feel like they belong. They see that they are children of God. They are part of His Church. They have something to give. That builds confidence. It helps them see how they can help others, even at a young age.

The Parvuli Dei program is meant to be done with family. Most of the activities take place at home. Parents or guardians help guide the Scout through the workbook. Some tasks involve prayer together. Others involve crafts, writing, or acts of kindness.

It’s okay if parents don’t have formal religious training. The guide is simple and easy to follow. Each step offers ideas to talk about faith. It gives families a reason to sit down together, pray, and talk about God. These shared moments build stronger faith and stronger families.

Many parts of the program will connect with things the family is already doing. This might include going to Mass, praying before meals, or helping others. These regular actions take on new meaning when they are part of the Scout’s path to the emblem.

Scouting wants families to be involved. Parvuli Dei is one way this happens. When parents take the time to do this program with their child, it shows that faith is important. The child learns that God is part of every part of life—including Scouting.

The Parvuli Dei workbook is divided into five main steps. These help the Scout move from thinking about God’s creation to thinking about how they treat others. Each step includes reading from Scripture, small projects, and reflections. The parent or guardian helps guide the Scout.

Step 1 is about God and His creation. The Scout looks at the beauty of the world. They learn that God made everything. They reflect on their own unique talents and how those gifts can help others. The Scout also writes a prayer and makes a craft.

Step 2 is about God the Father and Jesus. The Scout learns how God shows His love through Jesus. They read about Jesus’ birth. They think about ways to love others in everyday life, just like Jesus did. This step often includes lighting candles as a family and helping around the home.

Step 3 is about the Church. The Scout explores parish life and learns about ministries. They discover who serves in their parish and how they too can serve. The Scout also looks at how their talents can be used in the Church.

Step 4 is about people. The Scout hears the story of the Good Samaritan. They think about ways to care for others. They learn that everyone matters. Jesus wants us to love and help each other.

Step 5 is about being a child of God among other Cub Scouts. The Scout learns the story of Zaccheus and reflects on making good choices. They work on building friendship and kindness with other Scouts. They also make a stained-glass craft to show what they’ve learned.

After the workbook is complete, the Scout and parent fill out an application. This form is at the back of the workbook. The pastor of the Scout’s parish signs the form. Often, the pastor will meet with the Scout and ask about what they learned.

Once the form is signed, it is sent to the Catholic Scouting committee in the Scout’s council. They review and approve it. If everything is complete, the Scout receives two awards. One is the Parvuli Dei medal. The other is the religious knot patch.

The medal can be worn on formal Cub Scout uniforms. It is a visible reminder of their hard work and faith journey. The patch goes above the left pocket and can be worn even as they continue into Scouts BSA.

Parishes are encouraged to present the award during a parish Mass. Scout Sunday in February is a popular time, but it can be done any time of year. A parish celebration shows that Scouting and faith go together. It reminds the parish that young people are part of the Church today.

Scout leaders and coordinators play an important role in this program. They help families get started. They answer questions. They support the parent and child as they work through the booklet. Leaders do not need to be religious experts, but they should understand the basics of the program.

A good practice is to hold a short parent meeting before Scouts begin the program. The leader explains the purpose, walks through the workbook, and gives out the Parent Guide. This helps everyone understand how to support the Scout’s faith journey.

Leaders should also make sure girls and boys both feel welcome. The program is for all Catholic Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light Scouts. It is important to include everyone. Flexibility is helpful too. Families may move at different speeds. Some may need help finding their parish priest or setting up a meeting.

This emblem gives Scout leaders a way to support a child’s whole development. The program connects faith to Scouting. It reminds everyone that duty to God is more than a motto—it is part of life. When leaders work with families and parishes, the results can bless the whole community.

How the Scout Law Relates to the Ten Commandments

The activity on How the Scout Law Relates to the Ten Commandments can be a great addition to a Parvuli Dei program. It helps Scouts see how their faith connects to the Scout Law. This fits well with the workbook steps that focus on making good choices, respecting others, and serving God.

This kind of discussion also helps Scouts think more deeply about what they believe and how they act. It’s simple enough for older Cub Scouts to understand with help from a parent.

St. George, Patron Saint of Scouting

Saint George fits well with the Parvuli Dei program. It shows how faith and courage go together. Saint George followed Jesus even when it was hard. His story can help Cub Scouts see what it means to live their faith with strength.

Parvuli Dei helps Scouts learn about saints, faith, and service. Saint George is a great example of all three. His story could be part of a lesson or reflection during the program.

Who can earn the Parvuli Dei emblem?

Catholic Cub Scouts who are in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade can earn it. That includes both boys and girls. They need to be Bear, Webelos, or Arrow of Light Scouts.

Does my Cub Scout need to belong to a Catholic pack?

No. Any Catholic Cub Scout can earn Parvuli Dei. The pack does not have to be chartered by a Catholic parish.

Can a Scout earn this emblem more than once?

No. A Scout can only earn Parvuli Dei one time. It is a one-time award.

Does this count toward Cub Scout advancement?

Yes. It can count for one religious adventure requirement, depending on the Scout’s rank. But it can only be used once for advancement.

Is this the same as religion class at church or school?

No. This is a special Scouting program. It goes along with what the Scout is learning in religion class, but it does not replace it.

Do parents need to be Catholic to help their child with the program?

No. The Scout must be Catholic, but parents do not need to be. The program guide helps parents understand what to do.

How do we start the program?

Get the Parvuli Dei workbook and parent guide. Talk to your pack’s religious emblems coordinator, or ask your local BSA council for help.

Who signs the final application?

The pastor of the Scout’s parish signs it. The form is in the back of the workbook.

What does the Scout get for finishing?

The Scout gets a medal and a religious emblem patch. These are usually given during a special ceremony, often at Mass.

Can this be done at home, or does it need to be done with the pack?

It is a family-based program. Most of it is done at home with a parent or guardian. The pack may help, but it is not required.

When should we finish the program?

Many families try to finish by January so awards can be given out on Scout Sunday in February. But it can be done at any time during the year.

The Parvuli Dei emblem is a beautiful way for Cub Scouts to grow in their Catholic faith. It helps them learn that God is present in their family, parish, and community. By doing simple activities with their parents, Scouts begin to see how faith fits into everyday life. They learn that being a child of God means serving others, praying together, and living with kindness.

This emblem also helps families grow stronger in faith. Parents and children talk about God, read Scripture, and do activities together. These shared moments help build a connection between faith and home life. Families often find new ways to pray and serve together.

The Church welcomes young Scouts and encourages them to live out their faith. The Parvuli Dei program shows that children are part of the Church now, not just in the future. It invites them to take part in their parish and discover how they can help.

Through this journey, Scouts begin to understand their place in God’s plan. They see that their gifts matter. They are part of something bigger. Parvuli Dei is a reminder that even at a young age, children can live their faith in real and lasting ways.

If your Scout has worked on Parvuli Dei, we would love to hear your story. What did your child learn? What part of the program stood out to your family? Did you do something special at your parish to celebrate?

Share your thoughts in the comment section. Your story might help another family start their journey. Let’s help each other support faith and Scouting together.