The Bronze Pelican award is a diocesan recognition given to adults who have made a significant and outstanding contribution to the spiritual development of Catholic youth in the Boy Scouts of America. It may be presented to any adult, Scouter or non-Scouter, member of the laity or religious, or a member of another faith in recognition of consistent support of the Scouting program under Catholic auspices, either within a Catholic chartered unit, or to Catholic youth in Scout units not chartered by the Church. Recipients of the award must be exemplary adults and members in good standing in their respective positions in Scouting and in their faith communities, and have the approval of their pastor(s) before the award is given. The Bronze Pelican is not earned; rather, suitable candidates are sought out by others and nominated for this award. No honorary awards are given.

Historical Significance of the Pelican as a symbol.

The pelican has been used since the earliest days of the Church as a symbol of Christ’s self-sacrificial giving of himself to his people. The pelican was often believed to pierce its own breast to provide life-giving blood to its young, just as Christ shed his own lifeblood to give His children life. Although this belief actually occurs because of the appearance of the pelican’s pouch-like bill during the mother’s feeding of the young, the pelican remains an excellent symbol of adult leaders who give of themselves to nurture youth.

Guide for nomination and selection for the Bronze Pelican Award

The following are general guidelines for appropriate candidates for the Bronze Pelican. Candidates should be noteworthy in the following three areas. General Scouting achievements alone do not qualify a person to receive the Bronze Pelican. Although accomplishment and sustained dedication are more significant than a specific number of years in Scouting, it is expected that most candidates will have a record of 3 or more years of commitment, and that the Bronze Pelican will be presented before a candidate is nominated for the St. George emblem.

1. Promotes Catholic scouting by:
Promoting Catholic Scout events such as Scout Sundays, Scout retreats, and the May Day for Catholic Scouts. Establishing new Catholic chartered units or encouraging growth of existing units. Helping units earn BSA quality unit awards and the Pope Paul VI award. Utilizing the Golden Bow initiative program. Participate as a member of the Catholic Committee on Scouting.

2. Promotes faith development of youth and adults by:
Promoting the religious emblems programs or serving as a counselor, moderator, or coordinator. Modeling behavior that reflects the Gospel values and the values of BSA. Providing for youth and adults to meet their Sunday Mass obligations while on campouts.

3. Demonstrates personal emphasis on growth and development
Has received BSA training for position(s). Attends scouter formation and/or retreat days and Catholic scout events. Has been involved in adult catechesis, RCIA or study in the Catholic Faith, or in own faith community. Has taken religious emblems counselor training. Is a religious emblems counselor.

Each unit, council, parish and/or individuals working within the Scouting organization is requested to submit the name and supporting information about possible candidates to the Diocese of Peoria Catholic Committee on Scouting for review prior to December 1 of each calendar year. All applications will be reviewed by a subcommittee of the DCCS for possible reception of the award. All nominations to the committee MUST BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL. The number of awards given each year will be limited with an emphasis on being selective. Nominees who are not selected for this award will be notified so that appropriate arrangements can be made for presentation, hopefully without the advance knowledge of the recipient.

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Received on ___________________

Reviewed on ___________________

Diocesan Approval

The selection committee of the Diocese of Peoria Catholic Committee on Scouting has reviewed this recommendation and found that the nominee meets the standards for this award as set forth by the committee. Therefore the above nominee is selected for reception of the Bronze Pelican.

________________________________________chairman DCCS date_________________

________________________________________Diocesan Chaplain date ________________

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1. List service to and positions held in the spiritual development of Catholic youth in Scouting. Is candidate a member of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting or local committee on scouting? Is candidate a parish coordinator for scouting, if so for how many years? List involvement with any activities or groups under the auspices of Catholic scouting or in service to Catholic scouting.

2. List current position(s) in Scouting and number of years of service in the position. Please also list past Scouting experience and positions of responsibility and years of service given. Is the candidate currently a registered adult in the Boy Scouts of America, and in which council? List training courses, wood badge, or scouter development taken and when.

3. List positions held or service to the parish and/or diocese or to the faith community of the candidate.

4. List service to or positions held in other organizations; include length of service and description of involvement.