Catholic Scouting

Scouting and Catholic Youth Ministry:
Ministering to young people is a vital aspect of the Catholic Church’s life and mission. In their pastoral framework, the U.S. Bishops state: “Ministry with adolescents (is) a concern for the entire church community, especially for leaders in parishes, schools, and dioceses."  The Church endeavors to minister to young people in a variety of ways, among which are: Catholic education and religious formation, youth ministry, and boys’ and girls’ scouting programs. All of these are excellent opportunities for the Church to pass on the Gospel of Jesus Christ to children and youth through her life and rich tradition of faith, morals, leadership development, pastoral care, prayer and worship, and service. Over the years, the Catholic youth ministry community and scouting programs have enjoyed a shared mission and a collaborative relationship, one that continues to this day.  There are various Catholic organizations and committees that work with scouting and that provide resources for parishes, parents, and young people in the Church.  At the national level, these include the National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NSSC).  Various scouting arrangements have developed over the past century, all with the purpose of forming and empowering young people as they mature. Within the Catholic Church, each diocesan bishop oversees arrangements with scouting organizations in his diocese.

What is the National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS)?
The National Catholic Committee on Scouting® (NCCS) is a church committee of concerned Catholic lay people and clergy who see as their mission the constructive use of the program of the Boy Scouts of America as a viable form of youth ministry with the Catholic youth of our nation.  The committee, which is advisory to the Boy Scouts of America, seeks to sustain and strengthen the relationship between BSA and the Catholic Church in the United States.  Through interaction and dialogue with the Secretariat on the Laity and Family Life (the formal connection between youth ministry in the United States and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops), NCCS works cooperatively with various other groups involved in youth ministry in the United States.

What is the Purpose of the NCCS? 
The purpose of the NCCS is to utilize and ensure the constructive use of the program of the BSA as a viable form of youth ministry with the Catholic Youth of our nation. The NCCS seeks to sustain and strengthen the relationship between the BSA and the Catholic Church and to work cooperatively with the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) and various other groups involved in youth ministry in the United States.

NCCS website: https://www.nccs-bsa.org/

Diocesan CCS Information: https://www.nccs-bsa.org/index.php/diocesan-ccs

NCCS Awards and Activities:

Diocese of Bridgeport (DoB) Catholic Scouting:

Questions?
Please contact Steve Prostor at sprostor.dccsct@gmail.com