P.R.A.Y. is once again sponsoring the FBI Conference at the Philmont Training Center. The workshop is offered during Week 10, August 9-15, 2015. It is designed for professionals and volunteers and is presented from an interfaith perspective. Make your plans now to attend!

The following position codes for Religious Emblems Coordinators took effect March 1:

Unit Position

REU - Unit Religious Emblems Coordinator

Non-Unit Positions

RED - District Religious Emblems Coordinator

REC - Council Religious Emblems Coordinator

Spotlight on Unit Religious Emblems Coordinator "UREC"

Pack 1879 chartered by St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Midlothian, VA recently announced its new Unit Religious Emblems Coordinator. Laura Russell not only has the benefit of having participated in a God and Me course with her son, but she is also a member of the Charter Partner (St. Marks). Pack 1879 sees the Unit REC as their "religious interface." Not only will Laura track their use of religious emblems, but the Pack hopes to make religious understanding and training a greater part of the Scouting program. 

Resources for training

Don't forget that committee members need to be trained. Here are some resources

Responsibilities of the UREC:

http://www.praypub.org/pdf_docs/UREC_handout.pdf

So you're a Unit REC, now what? View this recorded webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/51468485307722752

P.R.A.Y. hosted its annual Denomination Agency Conference March 17-18, 2015 in Columbia, IL. The Conference is part of P.R.A.Y.'s mission to encourage collaborations between denominations and youth agencies in order to benefit children, youth, and families. Participants include national representatives from the denominations and the youth agencies, as well as the P.R.A.Y. Board of Directors.

The Conference opened with keynote speaker Praheme Praphet, the writer, director, and producer of Troop 491: The Adventures of the Muddy Lions (see related article below). P.R.A.Y. CEO Mark Hazlewood wanted the national church representatives to meet Praheme and preview the movie because the message that communities can be strengthened through scouting and churches is important for all to hear.

Presentations were made by P.R.A.Y. and the youth agencies followed by a round-robin session to give participants the opportunity to dialogue with each other and start building plans for collaboration. According to CEO Mark Hazlewood, "This time of networking is one of the most valuable aspects of our Conference.  Think about it...Where else can a denomination meet with multiple youth agencies at a single event?  This Conference is an important part of our mission."

Praheme Praphet spoke at the P.R.A.Y. Conference March 17, 2015 prior to the showing of his movie Troop 491: The Adventures of the Muddy Lions. Praheme told how he lost a friend to violence, and how he realized he could either be part of the problem (sit back and not do anything) or be part of the solution. His movie Troop 491 is his response.

Chip Turner, Chairman of BSA Religious Relationships and former Director of Communication and Training for P.R.A.Y., was recognized at the P.R.A.Y. Conference on March 17, 2015. CEO Mark Hazlewood presented Chip with an Appreciation Award for his outstanding service to P.R.A.Y. "Chip has been working tirelessly and passionately for P.R.A.Y. for more than 30 years. He has done everything - from being a Director on the P.R.A.Y. Board, to serving as President, to being part of the P.R.A.Y. staff. Besides that, Chip is a great friend." Please join P.R.A.Y. in thanking Chip for his excellent work and all that he does for children, youth, and families!