Scouting Anniversary Month

Scouting Anniversary Month: Honoring Faith, Service, and Scouting Values

Each February, Scouts around the world celebrate Scout Week, a special time set aside to recognize Scouting’s anniversary and to reflect on the importance of faith, service, and duty to others.

Scouting’s Anniversary is February 8, marking the founding of Scouting in the United States. The weekend before February 8 is when units are encouraged to take part in faith-based observances that highlight the Scout Oath’s commitment to Duty to God and respect for others.

For the Transatlantic Council, serving Scouts and families across Europe, Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East, Scouting Anniversary Month is a meaningful opportunity to celebrate Scouting’s values in diverse faith communities around the globe.

Scouts can reflect on their faith during the entire month of February through celebrations known as Scout Sunday, Scout Sabbath and Scout Jumuah. Any weekend in February is appropriate for reminding your Scouts to focus on reverence; however, many units choose to reflect on the 12th point of the Scout Law on the nationally suggested day.

Scouting America’s 2026 Calendar of Religious Observances suggests having Scout Sunday on Feb. 8; Scout Sabbath, the Jewish observance, on Feb. 6 and 7; and Scout Jumuah, the Islamic observance, on Feb. 5 and 6.

There are great resources to help units plan for their Scouting Anniversary celebration within the walls of faith-based chartered partners or partner facilities. Please share the links and information below to help them prepare for the events in 2026.

Scout Sunday, Scout Shabbat, and Scout Jumuah

Scouting Anniversary Month includes three primary faith observances, each aligned with religious traditions:

Scout Jumuah
Observed by Muslim Scouts from Thursday at sundown through Friday at sundown, often in connection with Friday prayers. Units may participate by attending prayers in uniform, assisting with service projects at their mosque, or recognizing Scouts who have earned religious emblems.
Scout Shabbat
Observed by Jewish Scouts from Friday at sundown through Saturday at sundown. Scout Shabbat may take place during a regular synagogue service, with Scouts helping lead parts of the service, sharing how Scouting reflects Jewish values, or being recognized for religious achievements.
Scout Sunday
Observed by many Christian denominations on Sunday, typically the Sunday before February 8. Some faiths choose a different date, such as the second Sunday in February. Scout Sunday often includes Scouts attending worship in uniform, participating in readings or prayers, and receiving recognition for religious awards.

While these observances traditionally fall on Scouting Anniversary Month, each faith community may choose the date that works best for them, in consultation with their religious leaders.

What Scouts Do During Scouting Anniversary Month

Scouting Anniversary Month is not only about attendance; it’s about visible service and gratitude. Units may choose to:

Attend worship services in full uniform
Assist with service projects benefiting their faith community
Help lead prayers, readings, or reflections
Present or receive religious emblems and awards
Share how Scouting supports character development, leadership, and service

These moments strengthen the partnership between Scouting units and their chartered organizations while showing appreciation for the adults and faith communities that support Scouting.

Planning an Observance in Your Unit

Units may celebrate Scout Sunday, Scout Shabbat, Scout Jumu’ah (or a combination) depending on their chartered organization and community. Interfaith services are also encouraged where appropriate, especially in international or diverse settings common within the Transatlantic Council.

Scouting provides suggested service outlines and planning resources for: