Scouts Read Sacred Texts 2026

Sacred texts offer Scouts and their families a meaningful way to reflect on faith, values, and personal beliefs. Taking time to read these texts can deepen spiritual understanding and strengthen family connections, which is why Scouts Read Sacred Texts continues to be such a powerful experience.

Organized by Scouting America’s National Religious Relationships Committee, Scouts Read Sacred Texts is a worldwide invitation encouraging Scouts of all faiths to pause and spend time reading a sacred text from their own religious tradition.

The observance is held in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer, which in 2026 takes place on May 7. Scouts are encouraged to participate on May 7 or at any point during that week, choosing a time that best fits their family’s schedule.

How to Participate in 2026

Participants are encouraged to read a sacred text from their faith tradition at any time during the event week. Reading may be done individually, with family, or with a group. All participants will be part of a shared global experience of reflection and connection.

National Day of Prayer: May 7, 2026
Reading Week: May 7–13, 2026
Who’s Invited: Scouts, youth-serving organizations, and faith-based youth groups worldwide
Register here.

A Look Back at an Incredible 2025

Following the tremendous success of the 2025 event, Scouts and youth around the world will once again come together during the week of the National Day of Prayer to read sacred texts, reflect on their faith, and connect with a global community.

5,680 youth participants, up from 3,672 in 2024 (+ 54%)
2,365 hours of sacred text reading, compared to 855 the previous year ( +275%)

Most participants read at home with their families, making it a shared and meaningful experience.

A Truly Global and Interfaith Experience

In 2025, participants came from 43 U.S. states and 14 countries and territories, including Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Germany, Guam, India, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Nigeria, Okinawa, Puerto Rico, Uganda, and Palestine. Youth from a wide range of faith traditions participated, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Baháʼí, Native American traditions, and many others, making this a genuinely global and interfaith event.

Event Patch

A commemorative Scouts Read Sacred Texts 2026 patch will be available for registered participants. The patch serves as a meaningful reminder of each youth’s participation in this global week of faith and reflection and may be worn in accordance with each organization’s uniform guidelines. Additional details on patch ordering and distribution will be shared with registered participants.

Information for Volunteers and Leaders

Volunteers, unit leaders, faith leaders, and organization representatives are encouraged to help promote Scouts Read Sacred Texts 2026 within their units, congregations, and communities. Resources are available (see links below) and are designed to make it easy to share the event, encourage participation, and celebrate youth involvement.

Promotional resources (flyers, graphics, and toolkits) are available here.
Register your unit or organization here.
Purchase event patches and stickers.
Download the Transatlantic Council flyer.

Questions?
For additional information, please contact: youthreadsacredtexts@gmail.com