The purpose of the
Faith in God guidebooks is to help boys and girls ages 8 through 11
live gospel principles, develop testimonies, and build friendships. The
program also helps boys to prepare to receive the Aaronic Priesthood and
girls to become righteous young women. The activities for the program
are outlined in two guidebooks: Faith in God for Boys and
Faith in God for Girls
Each Primary girl ages 8 to 11 should have a copy of
this guidebook. It outlines the requirements for earning
the Faith in God Award and contains instructions for
parents and leaders.
Each Primary boy ages 8 to 11 should have a copy of
this guidebook. It outlines the requirements for earning
the Faith in God Award and contains instructions for
parents and leaders.
Here is some stuff that
can be used for both boys' and girls
Each file has 3 different pages, one for
each area, these can be used for binders, I will be adding a Preparing for
YW and Preparing for the Priesthood soon.
Please
note that many Faith in God requirements are more in-depth than the Cub
Scout requirements; this should still help den leaders to plan activities
that will satisfy both Faith in God and Bear requirements. For example, one
Faith in God requirement is to learn budgeting and also learn about tithing,
read scriptures and pay tithing and begin saving for a mission, while the
Cub Scout requirements center mainly on budgeting and money management. What
that means is that if the child has completed the Faith in God requirement,
he has also completed the Cub Scout requirement, but completing the Cub
Scout requirement does not necessarily mean he has completed the Faith in
God requirement.
I have
"numbered" the listed potential requirements in the Faith in God for Boys
book even though they are not numbered in the book; it will require glancing
at a Faith in God book to decipher this, most likely.
This is a compilation of several sources that have tried to align the Faith
in God program with the Cub Scout program. Many Faith in God requirements
are more in-depth than the Cub Scout requirements. These sheets can help den
leaders and parents see where the two programs overlap to help plan
activities and pass off requirements for both the Faith in God and Cub Scout
programs. For example, one Faith in God requirement is to learn about
budgeting and tithing, read scriptures, pay tithing, and begin saving for a
mission; while the Cub Scout requirements center mainly on budgeting and
money management. This means that if a boy has completed the Faith in God
requirement, he has also completed the Cub Scout requirement, but completing
the Cub Scout requirement does not necessarily mean he has completed the
Faith in God requirement.
This list is intended as a starting point for ideas. It is not comprehensive
and does not include all possible ideas to complete Faith in God
requirements. Nor is this list intended to take away from the inspiration of
Scout leaders in planning activities.
To make the implementation of both programs easier, you could go through
your Scouting book and highlight and write in corresponding Faith in God
code words by it. Then if you have a choice between two requirements, you
will know that you can also pass off or almost pass off something in your
Faith in God book as well. If something further needs to be done for the
Faith in God requirement, you could talk about the connecting points or have
parents follow up to complete it. Hopefully, this helps to make the
connection between these two programs easier and more clear.
There are four other sheets with this packet. The first sheet looks at the
program from the Faith in God perspective with all Cub requirements
referenced back to the Faith in God program. The next sheets give the exact
same information only specific to one of the Cub years and from the Cub
perspective. That way you can turn to your Cub book and see how it overlaps
with the Faith in God program. This also makes it easier for marking your
books to show which requirements overlap.
I hope this helps you as you try to help your boys complete the Faith in God
program. It is a great program that will help create wonderful boys and then
incredible men. God bless!
Important Things to Remember
When Writing in a Journal
1.*Write regularly and keep the pages away from wet places, food spills, and
such.
2.*Write In dark ink when possible. Avoid using colored ink because it will
fade quickly.
3.*Include the names of other people and dates of events. Even some of the
days and people you are sure you could never ever forget, sometimes slip
from memory over time.
4.*Include some descriptions of places and activities.
5.*keep track of some everyday activities as well as the important events in
your life.
O.*Write down your thoughts and feelings and hopes and dreams.
7.*Write about your problems and disappointments. Someday there may be
another little girl with the same kinds of problems who will want to know
what you did and how things turned out.
8.*Write down your spiritual experiences and blessings. This will make your
journal a treasure to you as well as to your family in later years.
President Spencer W. Kimball was a great journal keeper and often admonished
the Church members to keep journals. lie said, *We may think there is little
of interest or importance in what we personally say or dobut it is
remarkable how many of our families, as we pass on down the line, are
interested in all that we say and do.... I promise you that if you will keep
your journals and records, they will indeed be a source of great inspiration
to your families, to your children, your grandchildren and others, on
through the generations.*
The One, the Eight, and the Ten were in the hall
a-talking.
When around the corner came Thirteen, right up to them a-walking.
The numbers stood there boasting,
about which one of them was best.
Each thought himself important,
much better than the rest.
The One said, *I*m superior,
more important than either of you.
There*s only one true God you know, and that you know is true.*
The Eight said, *But you*re wrong dear One, the Eight stands above all.
Children are baptized when they are eight, even though they*re still quite
small.
The Ten proudly puffed out his chest. He said with much conceit,
*I represent the Ten Commandments, and the Ten Tribes that we seek.*
The numbers all looked at poor Thirteen, in time to see a teardrop fall.
*I*m not a very important number.
There*s nothing special about me at all.
*Most folks think I*m unlucky.
I*m only used to scare.
You all represent such special things,
but I have nothing to share.*
The numbers were surprised at this. f They couldn*t believe their ears.
*Why we have looked up to you, Thirteen, for years and years and years.*
*There are thirteen original colonies,* said One. *And thirteen stripes on
old Red, White, and Blue.
President Benson is our thirteenth prophet, and everything he says is true.*
Then the Ten spoke up both loud and clear. He said with wisdom in his voice,
*The most important thirteen ever written, were the Articles of Faith of
course.
Then Thirteen wiped away his tears,
and a smile spread across his face.
*I guess I*m lucky after all,
I*m important to the human race.*
A long time ago, there lived a little worm. Like many worms,
he liked to eat apples. There was one thing he liked to eat even more than
apples, and that was books.
In the home where he lived, there were lots of books sitting around. Books
sat on tables, in drawers, on shelves, and in boxes. These were the kind of
books the little worm liked best * the ones that nobody ever picked up to
read.
Thus he became known as a bookworm. Not because he liked to read books
(although he did enjoy reading a little now and then) but because he loved
to nibble and chew and chomp on the pages.
The bookworm*s favorite book to eat was the scriptures. The pages were nice
and thin and easy to eat, and their taste was heavenly. He could always find
a book of scriptures laying around the house unused.
Soon there were lots and lots of bookworms. They were in houses all over
town, eating everyone*s books * especially scriptures. The people were
annoyed by these bookworms. They were tired of finding little holes in all
the pages of their books, and they wanted to get rid of the little pests.
They tried lots of different things, but nothing seemed to work.
One day, a young man was very tired of trying to get rid of the bookworms.
He had just about given up hope of ever being rid of them. He decided to
take a break. He sat down in a chair, picked up his set of scriptures, and
began to read. Much to his surprise, he enjoyed reading very much. It gave
him such a warm feeling inside. So good, in fact, that he decided to read
from the scriptures every day and, as often as possible, read other good
books.
f
As this young man read his scriptures every day, he noticed something
wonderful happening*all the bookworms left. The man told all his friends,
and they started reading too. Soon, everyone in town was reading and
learning from all the good books. They all found that they were much happier
too.
Everyone was happier except the bookworms that is. They had to go back to
eating apples.
The Articles of Faith
~Thirteen Statements Summarizing Our Faith
In 1842, the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote 13 brief statements summarizing some
of the basic doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He then delivered the statements to Mr. John Wentworth, publisher of the
Chicago Democrat, for publication. However, the statements were never
published in the Chicago Democrat. They were instead published in the March
edition of the Church newspaper, Times and Seasons.
Then, in 1851, the articles were published in the first edition of the Pearl
of Great Price and became official doctrine of the Church in 1880 when the
Pearl of Great Price was cannonized.
While the Articles of Faith provide an excellent summary of the basic
doctrines of the Church, they are not meant to be comprehensive. Speaking on
this Bruce R. McConkie stated:
These articles, of course, do not attempt to summarize all of the basic
doctrines of the gospel. For example, the Articles of Faith are silent on
such things as celestiral marriage, salvation for the dead, temple work in
all its phases, the resurrection, and degrees of glory in the eternal
worlds.
The Articles of Faith are as follows:
We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in
the Holy Ghost.
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's
transgression.
We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved,
by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are:
first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by
immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift
of the Holy Ghost.
We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying
on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and
administer in the ordinances thereof.
We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church,
namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing,
interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated
correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we
believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining
to the Kingdom of God.
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the
Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American
continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the
earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates
of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them
worship how, where, or what they may.
We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates,
in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing
good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of
Paul--We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many
things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything
virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these
things.
THE ARTICLES OF FAITH
Below find the first letters of each word in the 13 Articles of Faith of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is a helpful tool for
memorization. You may want to cut and paste these into a software program
and make flashcards or posters to use for memorization.
Article*First Letters*
#1*W B I G T E F A I H S J C A I T H G*
#2*W B T M W B P F T O S A N F A T*
#3*W B T T T A O C A M M B S B O T T L A O O T G*
#4*W B T T F P A O O T G A F F I T L J C S R T B B I F T R O S F L O O H F T
G O T H G*
#5*W B T A M M B C O G B P A B T L O O H B T W A I A T P T G A A I T O T*
#6*W B I T S O T E I T P C N A P P T E A S F*
#7*W B I T G O T P R V H I O T A S F*
#8*W B T B T B T W O G A F A I I T C W A B T B O M T B T W O G*
#9*W B A T G H R A T H D N R A W B T H W Y R M G A I T P T T K O G*
#10*W B I T L G O I A I T R O T T T T Z T N J W B B U T A C T C W R P U T E
A T T E W B R A R I P G*
#11*W C T P O W A G A T T D O O O C A A A M T S P L T W H W O W T M*
#12*W B I B S T K P R A M I O H A S T L*
#13*W B I B H T C B V A I D G T A M I W M S T W F T A O P W B A T W H A T W
H E M T A H T B A T E A T I T I A V L O O G R O P W S A T T*
A - Joseph Smith wrote 13 statements called The
__________ of Faith.
B - The second word in twelve of the Articles of Faith is:_______________
C - In the eleventh Article of Faith the second word is different than the
rest. What is it? ____________
D - We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the
______ of our own conscience.
E - We believe God is our _________ Father.
F - In the fourth Article of Faith, there are four words that start with F
what are they? ________,_________,____________,_____________
F. What are they
G - We believe in doing _______ to all men.
H - The thirteenth Article of Faith states "We believe in being ________.
I - We believe in the literal gathering of ___________.
J - The New ___________ will be built upon the american Continent.
K - We believe that God will yet reveal many important things pertaining
to the __________ of God.
L - How do we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost?
M - We believe in doing good to all ___________.
N - We believe all that God does __________ reveal.
O - We believe in the same ___________ that existed in the primitive church.
P - We believe a man must be called of God by ____________.
Q - According to the footnotes in the new edition of the scriptures, what
does the word called mean in the fifth Article of Faith?
R - How does Heavenly Father communicate with our prophets?
S - We believe in ___________ the law.
T - We believe the bible as far as it is ______________ correctly.
U - We believe that Christ will reign personally ___________ the earth.
V - In the seventh Article of Faith it says we may see Heavenly Father,
Jesus or a messenger. When you see a Heavenly messenger, it is called what?
W - What is the name of the letter in which Joseph Smith wrote the Articles
of Faith called?
Y - Got has revealed, he does now reveal and he will _______ reveal many
great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
Z - Another word for the New Jerusalem is?
Answers:
Articles
Believe
Claim
Dictates
Eternal
First, Faith, Four, Fourth
Good
Honest
Israel
Jerusalem
Kingdom
Laying on of Hands
Men
Now
Organization
Prophecy
Qualifications for
Revelation
Sustaining
Translated
Upon
Vision
Wentworth
Yet
Zion
“That they might know thee the only true God, and
Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
John 17:3
My name is
____________________________________________
I AM A CHILD OF GOD I know Heavenly Father loves me, and I love
Him.
I can pray to Heavenly Father anytime, anywhere.
I am trying to remember and follow Jesus Christ.
Our Dear Young Friend,
You are a child of God. He is your Heavenly Father. He
loves you and cares about you. He wants you to have faith in
Him and pray to Him often—anytime, anywhere.
He hopes you will keep the covenant you made when you
were baptized and follow the teachings and example of Jesus
Christ. He has given you the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide
you, a family to love and teach you, and Primary leaders and
teachers to help you.
You are now preparing to receive the Aaronic Priesthood.
Use these years to learn about the priesthood and to be
worthy and ready to receive it.
We encourage you to learn and live the gospel, serve
others, and use the talents Heavenly Father has given you to
learn and do many good things. Earning the Faith in God
Award will help you become the kind of person you would like
to be and the person Heavenly Father knows you can become.
We love you and pray for you.
The First Presidency
My Baptismal Covenant
When I was baptized I made a covenant to take upon me the
name of Jesus Christ and to serve Him and be obedient.
Heavenly Father has given me the Holy Ghost. Through the
Atonement of Jesus Christ, I can be forgiven of my sins when
I repent. If I keep my baptismal covenant, I can return to
live with Him.
When I take the sacrament, I renew my covenant to take
upon me the name of Jesus Christ, to always remember Him,
and to obey His commandments. When I do this, I can feel the
Holy Ghost guiding me.
You may begin to work on the Faith in God Award when you
turn eight years old. To earn the award, complete the
requirements in this guidebook before your twelfth birthday.
Your parents and Primary leaders can help you with the
activities.
Basic Requirements
An important part of faith in God is keeping your
baptismal covenant and staying spiritually strong. To help
you develop faith and resist temptation, do the following
things:
Pray daily to Heavenly Father.
Read the scriptures regularly.
Keep the commandments and live “My Gospel Standards”
(see back cover).
Honor your parents and be kind to your family.
Pay your tithing and attend tithing settlement.
Attend sacrament meetings and Primary regularly.
Other Requirements
Doing the following activities will help your
understanding and testimony of the gospel grow:
Write your testimony.
Memorize the Articles of Faith and explain what they
mean.
Complete activities in the guidebook for:
Learning and Living the Gospel
Serving Others
Developing Talents
Preparing for the Priesthood
Have an interview with a member of your bishopric or
branch presidency.
Some ideas for activities to earn the Faith in God Award
are listed in this guidebook. With help from your parents or
Primary leader, you can also plan and do other activities.
Use the chart on page 20 to track your progress.
If you are a Cub Scout, you can also earn the Scouting
Religious Square Knot patch. To do this, complete all the
activities with the Πnext to them.
Learning and Living the Gospel
“Learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth
to keep the commandments of God.”Alma
37:35
Complete at least two of the following activities each
year:
Explain how taking the sacrament helps you renew your
baptismal covenant. In a family home evening, teach others
about things we can do to remain faithful.
Give a family home evening lesson on Joseph Smith’s
First Vision (see
Joseph Smith—History 1:1–20). Discuss how Heavenly
Father answers our sincere prayers.
Read a recent conference address given by the prophet.
Decide what you can do to follow the prophet, and do it.
Give an opening and a closing prayer in family home
evening or at Primary. Share your feelings about how
prayer protects us and helps us to stay close to Heavenly
Father and the Savior.
Tell a story from the Book of Mormon that teaches
about faith in Jesus Christ. Share your testimony of the
Savior.
Read
D&C 89. Discuss how Heavenly Father blesses us when we
faithfully live the Word of Wisdom. Help plan and conduct
an activity to teach the Word of Wisdom to others.
Prepare a pedigree chart with your name and your
parents’ and grandparents’ names. Prepare a family group
record for your family and share a family story. Discuss
how performing temple work blesses families.
Learn to sing “Choose
the Right” (Hymns, no. 239). Explain what
agency is and what it means to be responsible for your
choices. Discuss how making good choices has helped you
develop greater faith.
Plan and complete your own activity that will help you
learn and live the gospel (write the activity below).
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Serving Others
“And behold, I tell you these things that ye may
learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the
service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of
your God.”Mosiah
2:17
Complete at least two of the following activities each
year:
Read and discuss the parable of the good Samaritan
(see
Luke 10:30–37). Plan and complete a service project
that helps a family member or neighbor. After completing
the project, discuss how it helped your faith grow
stronger.
Write a letter to a teacher, your parents, or your
grandparents telling them what you appreciate and respect
about them.
Make a list of the qualities you like in a person.
Choose one quality to develop in yourself. Discuss how
showing respect and kindness strengthens you, your family,
and others.
Plan, prepare, and serve a nutritious meal.
Entertain young children with songs or games you have
learned or made yourself. Show that you know how to care
for and protect a young child.
Learn about and practice good manners and courtesy.
Plan and hold a parent-child activity, such as a
dinner, picnic, hike, day trip, or service project.
Read the twelfth article of faith. Discuss what it
means to be a good citizen and how your actions can affect
others.
Help your Primary leaders plan and carry out an
upcoming quarterly activity.
Plan and complete your own activity to serve others
(write the activity below).
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Developing Talents
“For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many
gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of
God.”Doctrine and Covenants
D&C 46:11
Complete at least two of the following activities each
year:
Learn how to budget and save money. Discuss why it is
important to faithfully pay our tithing and how Heavenly
Father blesses us when we do (see
3 Nephi 24:10–11).
Pay your tithing and begin saving for a mission.
Learn to sing, play, or lead a song from the
Children’s Songbook. Teach or share the song in a
family home evening or at Primary. Discuss how developing
talents helps prepare us for service to Heavenly Father
and others.
Write a poem, story, or short play that teaches a
principle of the gospel or is about Heavenly Father’s
creations.
Make an item from wood, metal, fabric, or other
material, or draw, paint, or sculpt a piece of art.
Display your finished work for others to see.
Visit an art museum or attend a concert, play, or
other cultural event. Share your experience with your
family or activity day group.
Read
D&C 88:118. Discuss what it means to “seek learning,
even by study and also by faith.” Improve your personal
study habits by doing such things as learning how to
choose and read good books or being prepared for school
each day.
List five things you can do to help around your home.
Discuss the importance of obeying and honoring your
parents and learning how to work
Plan a physical fitness program for yourself that may
include learning to play a sport or game. Participate in
the program for one month.
Learn about and practice good nutrition, good health,
and good grooming, including modest dress.
Plan and complete your own activity that will help you
develop your talents (write the activity below).
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Preparing for Young Women
“Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the
day of the Lord come.”Doctrine and Covenants
D&C 87:8
Complete the following activities while you are 11 years
old. They will help you prepare to become a righteous young
woman and to participate in the Young Women Personal
Progress program.
After studying the thirteenth article of faith, make a
list of things that are uplifting and virtuous. Discuss
with a parent or leader how you can seek after these
things.
Talk with the Beehive class presidency or a member of
the Young Women presidency about the purpose and
importance of the Young Women program.
Write in your journal how you can serve the Lord as
you stand for truth and righteousness.
Read
D&C 88:77–80,
D&C 88:118 and
D&C 130:19. Discuss with a parent or Primary leader
how important a good education is and how it can help you
strengthen your home and family and the Church.
Read “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” Make a
list of things you can do to help strengthen your family
and make a happy home. Share the list with your parents or
Primary leader.
My Testimony
As you learn and live the gospel, your testimony will
continue to grow. Use these pages to write your testimony
about Heavenly Father and the Savior. Also write what the
baptismal covenant means to you. You may also want to add to
your written testimony in your personal journal.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
The Articles of Faith of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
WE BELIEVE in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son,
Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
WE BELIEVE that men will be punished for their own
sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
WE BELIEVE that through the Atonement of Christ, all
mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and
ordinances of the Gospel.
WE BELIEVE that the first principles and ordinances of
the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ;
second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the
remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift
of the Holy Ghost.
WE BELIEVE that a man must be called of God, by
prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are
in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the
ordinances thereof.
WE BELIEVE in the same organization that existed in
the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors,
teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
WE BELIEVE in the gift of tongues, prophecy,
revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues,
and so forth.
WE BELIEVE the Bible to be the word of God as far as
it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of
Mormon to be the word of God.
WE BELIEVE all that God has revealed, all that He does
now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many
great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of
God.
WE BELIEVE in the literal gathering of Israel and in
the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New
Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that
Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the
earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
WE CLAIM the privilege of worshiping Almighty God
according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow
all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where,
or what they may.
WE BELIEVE in being subject to kings, presidents,
rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and
sustaining the law.
WE BELIEVE in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent,
virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say
that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all
things, we hope all things, we have endured many things,
and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is
anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or
praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
Joseph Smith
Information for Parents
and Leaders
Parents have the responsibility to help their children
learn and live the gospel. Primary leaders and teachers
assist parents in this important responsibility. This Faith
in God guidebook is a resource to help boys and girls
achieve their great potential as children of God.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Faith in God guidebooks is to help
boys and girls ages 8 through 11 live gospel principles,
develop testimonies, build friendships, and prepare to
receive the Aaronic Priesthood or become a righteous young
woman. Children who complete the requirements in the
guidebook can earn the Faith in God Award.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
Children participate in activities that help them develop
gospel habits such as praying, reading the scriptures, and
living “My Gospel Standards” (see back cover). They also
participate in a variety of activities in the following
areas: (1) learning and living the gospel, (2) serving
others, (3) developing talents, and (4) preparing for the
priesthood or for Young Women.
The activities for the program are outlined in two
guidebooks: Faith in God for Boys and Faith in
God for Girls. Children may work on the activities at
home, with their family, or at Primary activity days.
In countries where Scouting is part of the Church
program, boys work on Faith in God along with Cub Scouting.
Many of the Cub Scout activities can fulfill requirements
for the Faith in God Award. Completion of all activities in
this guidebook marked with aqualifies a
boy for the Scouting Religious Square Knot patch.
PRIMARY ACTIVITY DAYS
Primary activity days are designed to provide boys and
girls ages 8 through 11 with opportunities to work on
activities in the Faith in God program. Activity days are
usually held twice a month in a home or at the meetinghouse.
The local budget allowance should cover expenses for Primary
activity days. Activity days should open and close with
prayer. Depending on local needs and circumstances, an
activity day may be held at the same time as other Church
activities on days other than Sunday.
Occasionally, leaders may wish to invite younger Primary
children to participate with the 8- through 11-year-olds in
an activity day. This should occur no more than once each
quarter. Activity days involving all the children are
planned by the Primary presidency. Many of the ideas in this
guidebook could be used to plan these activity days. The
presidency may wish to invite the activity days leader and
children ages 8 through 11 to assist in planning and
carrying out the activity.
PRIMARY LEADERS AND TEACHERS
Under the direction of the Primary presidency, a Primary
teacher or other worthy adult serves as the activity days
leader. Activity days for girls should be led by an adult
woman. Where Scouting is authorized, it is used in place of
activity days for boys. When planning activities, leaders
should consider ideas from this guidebook, “My Gospel
Standards,” the Friend, and the children
themselves. Parents and others with specific skills may be
invited to help.
Parents may help their sons and daughters complete the
activities in the guidebooks, especially where it is
difficult for children to gather for Primary activity days
ORIENTATION AND RECOGNITION
When a boy or girl turns eight years of age, a member of
the Primary presidency and the activity days leader give the
child and parents a copy of the guidebook and explain the
purpose of activity days and how the Faith in God Award is
earned.
Recognition for accomplishments should be ongoing, as
follows:
As children complete activities, they can track their
progress by marking the chart on page 20 of this
guidebook.
At least twice a year, a Primary activity day (or a
Cub Scout Pack meeting) should include opportunities for
the children to share what they have learned and
accomplished.
When all required activities are completed, the
Primary president and the bishop or branch president sign
the Faith in God Award certificate on the last page of
this guidebook. A member of the bishopric, branch
presidency, or Primary presidency recognizes the child’s
accomplishment in Primary.
Parents and leaders should help the children understand
that the joy of living the gospel is the most important
reward.
Faith in God Achievement
Record
Use this page to track your progress toward earning the
Faith in God Award. Each time you complete an activity, mark
one of the boxes under the correct heading. When you have
completed all the requirements, review your activities and
what you have learned with your leader.
“That they might know thee the only true God, and
Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
John 17:3
My name is
____________________________________________
I AM A CHILD OF GOD I know Heavenly Father loves me, and I love
Him.
I can pray to Heavenly Father anytime, anywhere.
I am trying to remember and follow Jesus Christ.
Our Dear Young Friend,
You are a child of God. He is your Heavenly Father. He
loves you and cares about you. He wants you to have faith in
Him and pray to Him often—anytime, anywhere.
He hopes you will keep the covenant you made when you
were baptized and follow the teachings and example of Jesus
Christ. He has given you the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide
you, a family to love and teach you, and Primary leaders and
teachers to help you.
You are now preparing to receive the Aaronic Priesthood.
Use these years to learn about the priesthood and to be
worthy and ready to receive it.
We encourage you to learn and live the gospel, serve
others, and use the talents Heavenly Father has given you to
learn and do many good things. Earning the Faith in God
Award will help you become the kind of person you would like
to be and the person Heavenly Father knows you can become.
We love you and pray for you.
The First Presidency
My Baptismal Covenant
When I was baptized I made a covenant to take upon me the
name of Jesus Christ and to serve Him and be obedient.
Heavenly Father has given me the Holy Ghost. Through the
Atonement of Jesus Christ, I can be forgiven of my sins when
I repent. If I keep my baptismal covenant, I can return to
live with Him.
When I take the sacrament, I renew my covenant to take
upon me the name of Jesus Christ, to always remember Him,
and to obey His commandments. When I do this, I can feel the
Holy Ghost guiding me.
You may begin to work on the Faith in God Award when you
turn eight years old. To earn the award, complete the
requirements in this guidebook before your twelfth birthday.
Your parents and Primary leaders can help you with the
activities.
Basic Requirements
An important part of faith in God is keeping your
baptismal covenant and staying spiritually strong. To help
you develop faith and resist temptation, do the following
things:
Pray daily to Heavenly Father.
Read the scriptures regularly.
Keep the commandments and live “My Gospel Standards”
(see back cover).
Honor your parents and be kind to your family.
Pay your tithing and attend tithing settlement.
Attend sacrament meetings and Primary regularly.
Other Requirements
Doing the following activities will help your
understanding and testimony of the gospel grow:
Write your testimony.
Memorize the Articles of Faith and explain what they
mean.
Complete activities in the guidebook for:
Learning and Living the Gospel
Serving Others
Developing Talents
Preparing for the Priesthood
Have an interview with a member of your bishopric or
branch presidency.
Some ideas for activities to earn the Faith in God Award
are listed in this guidebook. With help from your parents or
Primary leader, you can also plan and do other activities.
Use the chart on page 20 to track your progress.
If you are a Cub Scout, you can also earn the Scouting
Religious Square Knot patch. To do this, complete all the
activities with the
next to them.
Learning and Living the Gospel
“Learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth
to keep the commandments of God.”Alma
37:35
Complete at least two of the following activities each
year:
Explain how taking the sacrament helps you renew your
baptismal covenant. In a family home evening, teach others
about things we can do to remain faithful.
Give a family home evening lesson on Joseph Smith’s
First Vision (see
Joseph Smith—History 1:1–20). Discuss how Heavenly
Father answers our sincere prayers.
Read a recent conference address given by the prophet.
Decide what you can do to follow the prophet, and do it.
Give an opening and a closing prayer in family home
evening or at Primary. Share your feelings about how
prayer protects us and helps us to stay close to Heavenly
Father and the Savior.
Tell a story from the Book of Mormon that teaches
about faith in Jesus Christ. Share your testimony of the
Savior.
Read
D&C 89. Discuss how Heavenly Father blesses us when we
faithfully live the Word of Wisdom. Help plan and conduct
an activity to teach the Word of Wisdom to others.
Prepare a pedigree chart with your name and your
parents’ and grandparents’ names. Prepare a family group
record for your family and share a family story. Discuss
how performing temple work blesses families.
Learn to sing “Choose
the Right” (Hymns, no. 239). Explain what
agency is and what it means to be responsible for your
choices. Discuss how making good choices has helped you
develop greater faith.
Plan and complete your own activity that will help you
learn and live the gospel (write the activity below).
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Serving Others
“And behold, I tell you these things that ye may
learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the
service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of
your God.”Mosiah
2:17
Complete at least two of the following activities each
year:
Read and discuss the parable of the good Samaritan
(see
Luke 10:30–37). Plan and complete a service project
that helps a family member or neighbor. After completing
the project, discuss how it helped your faith grow
stronger.
Write a letter to a teacher, your parents, or your
grandparents telling them what you appreciate and respect
about them.
Make a list of the qualities you like in a person.
Choose one quality to develop in yourself. Discuss how
showing respect and kindness strengthens you, your family,
and others.
Plan, prepare, and serve a nutritious meal.
Entertain young children with songs or games you have
learned or made yourself. Show that you know how to care
for and protect a young child.
Learn about and practice good manners and courtesy.
Plan and hold a parent-child activity, such as a
dinner, picnic, hike, day trip, or service project.
Read the twelfth article of faith. Discuss what it
means to be a good citizen and how your actions can affect
others.
Help your Primary leaders plan and carry out an
upcoming quarterly activity.
Plan and complete your own activity to serve others
(write the activity below).
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Developing Talents
“For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many
gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of
God.”Doctrine and Covenants
D&C 46:11
Complete at least two of the following activities each
year:
Learn how to budget and save money. Discuss why it is
important to faithfully pay our tithing and how Heavenly
Father blesses us when we do (see
3 Nephi 24:10–11).
Pay your tithing and begin saving for a mission.
Learn to sing, play, or lead a song from the
Children’s Songbook. Teach or share the song in a
family home evening or at Primary. Discuss how developing
talents helps prepare us for service to Heavenly Father
and others.
Write a poem, story, or short play that teaches a
principle of the gospel or is about Heavenly Father’s
creations.
Make an item from wood, metal, fabric, or other
material, or draw, paint, or sculpt a piece of art.
Display your finished work for others to see.
Visit an art museum or attend a concert, play, or
other cultural event. Share your experience with your
family or activity day group.
Read
D&C 88:118. Discuss what it means to “seek learning,
even by study and also by faith.” Improve your personal
study habits by doing such things as learning how to
choose and read good books or being prepared for school
each day.
List five things you can do to help around your home.
Discuss the importance of obeying and honoring your
parents and learning how to work
Plan a physical fitness program for yourself that may
include learning to play a sport or game. Participate in
the program for one month.
Learn about and practice good nutrition, good health,
and good grooming, including modest dress.
Plan and complete your own activity that will help you
develop your talents (write the activity below).
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Preparing for the Priesthood
“The Priesthood of Aaron … is an appendage to the
greater, or the Melchizedek Priesthood, and has power in
administering outward ordinances.”Doctrine and
Covenants
D&C 107:13–14
Complete the following activities while you are 11 years
old. They will help you prepare to receive the Aaronic
Priesthood and become a righteous young man.
Read
D&C 20:57–60 and Aaronic Priesthood: Fulfilling
Our Duty to God [Deacon], page 7. Discuss with a
parent or leader the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood
and what it means to do your duty to God.
Talk with the deacons quorum presidency about the role
of the deacons quorum. Write in your journal how you can
serve the Lord as a member of a deacons quorum.
Read
D&C 88:77–80,
D&C 88:118 and
D&C 130:19. Discuss with a parent or Primary leader
how important a good education is and how it can help
strengthen you as a priesthood holder in your home and
family and in the Church.
Read “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” Make a
list of things you can do to help strengthen your family
and make a happy home. Share the list with your parents or
Primary leader.
My Testimony
As you learn and live the gospel, your testimony will
continue to grow. Use these pages to write your testimony
about Heavenly Father and the Savior. Also write what the
baptismal covenant means to you. You may also want to add to
your written testimony in your personal journal.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
The Articles of Faith of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
WE BELIEVE in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son,
Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
WE BELIEVE that men will be punished for their own
sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
WE BELIEVE that through the Atonement of Christ, all
mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and
ordinances of the Gospel.
WE BELIEVE that the first principles and ordinances of
the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ;
second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the
remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift
of the Holy Ghost.
WE BELIEVE that a man must be called of God, by
prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are
in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the
ordinances thereof.
WE BELIEVE in the same organization that existed in
the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors,
teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
WE BELIEVE in the gift of tongues, prophecy,
revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues,
and so forth.
WE BELIEVE the Bible to be the word of God as far as
it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of
Mormon to be the word of God.
WE BELIEVE all that God has revealed, all that He does
now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many
great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of
God.
WE BELIEVE in the literal gathering of Israel and in
the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New
Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that
Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the
earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
WE CLAIM the privilege of worshiping Almighty God
according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow
all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where,
or what they may.
WE BELIEVE in being subject to kings, presidents,
rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and
sustaining the law.
WE BELIEVE in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent,
virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say
that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all
things, we hope all things, we have endured many things,
and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is
anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or
praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
Joseph Smith
Information for Parents
and Leaders
Parents have the responsibility to help their children
learn and live the gospel. Primary leaders and teachers
assist parents in this important responsibility. This Faith
in God guidebook is a resource to help boys and girls
achieve their great potential as children of God.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Faith in God guidebooks is to help
boys and girls ages 8 through 11 live gospel principles,
develop testimonies, build friendships, and prepare to
receive the Aaronic Priesthood or become a righteous young
woman. Children who complete the requirements in the
guidebook can earn the Faith in God Award.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
Children participate in activities that help them develop
gospel habits such as praying, reading the scriptures, and
living “My Gospel Standards” (see back cover). They also
participate in a variety of activities in the following
areas: (1) learning and living the gospel, (2) serving
others, (3) developing talents, and (4) preparing for the
priesthood or for Young Women.
The activities for the program are outlined in two
guidebooks: Faith in God for Boys and Faith in
God for Girls. Children may work on the activities at
home, with their family, or at Primary activity days.
In countries where Scouting is part of the Church
program, boys work on Faith in God along with Cub Scouting.
Many of the Cub Scout activities can fulfill requirements
for the Faith in God Award. Completion of all activities in
this guidebook marked with aqualifies a
boy for the Scouting Religious Square Knot patch.
PRIMARY ACTIVITY DAYS
Primary activity days are designed to provide boys and
girls ages 8 through 11 with opportunities to work on
activities in the Faith in God program. Activity days are
usually held twice a month in a home or at the meetinghouse.
The local budget allowance should cover expenses for Primary
activity days. Activity days should open and close with
prayer. Depending on local needs and circumstances, an
activity day may be held at the same time as other Church
activities on days other than Sunday.
Occasionally, leaders may wish to invite younger Primary
children to participate with the 8- through 11-year-olds in
an activity day. This should occur no more than once each
quarter. Activity days involving all the children are
planned by the Primary presidency. Many of the ideas in this
guidebook could be used to plan these activity days. The
presidency may wish to invite the activity days leader and
children ages 8 through 11 to assist in planning and
carrying out the activity.
PRIMARY LEADERS AND TEACHERS
Under the direction of the Primary presidency, a Primary
teacher or other worthy adult serves as the activity days
leader. Activity days for girls should be led by an adult
woman. Where Scouting is authorized, it is used in place of
activity days for boys. When planning activities, leaders
should consider ideas from this guidebook, “My Gospel
Standards,” the Friend, and the children
themselves. Parents and others with specific skills may be
invited to help.
Parents may help their sons and daughters complete the
activities in the guidebooks, especially where it is
difficult for children to gather for Primary activity days.
PRIESTHOOD PREVIEW
Each year, the bishopric meets with all 11-year-old boys
and their parents to help them understand the importance of
the priesthood and strengthen their commitment to prepare to
receive it. Members of the Primary presidency also attend
the meeting.
ORIENTATION AND RECOGNITION
When a boy or girl turns eight years of age, a member of
the Primary presidency and the activity days leader give the
child and parents a copy of the guidebook and explain the
purpose of activity days and how the Faith in God Award is
earned.
Recognition for accomplishments should be ongoing, as
follows:
As children complete activities, they can track their
progress by marking the chart on page 20 of this
guidebook.
At least twice a year, a Primary activity day (or a
Cub Scout Pack meeting) should include opportunities for
the children to share what they have learned and
accomplished.
When all required activities are completed, the
Primary president and the bishop or branch president sign
the Faith in God Award certificate on the last page of
this guidebook. A member of the bishopric, branch
presidency, or Primary presidency recognizes the child’s
accomplishment in Primary.
Parents and leaders should help the children understand
that the joy of living the gospel is the most important
reward.
Faith in God Achievement
Record
Use this page to track your progress toward earning the
Faith in God Award. Each time you complete an activity, mark
one of the boxes under the correct heading. When you have
completed all the requirements, review your activities and
what you have learned with your leader.
Faith in God
and Cub Scouting
Possible Activity Correlations
January 2004
Faith in God
Wolf
Bear
Webelos
Basic Requirements
Achievement 11
Achievement 1
Webelos Badge, Requirement 8
Learning and Living the Gospel
Give a family home evening lesson on
Joseph Smith’s First Vision . . .
Achievement 11a
Achievement 1
Webelos Badge, Requirement 8
Read D&C 89. Discuss how Heavenly
Father blesses us when we faithfully live the Word of Wisdom . . .
Achievement 11b, c
Achievement 9c, g
Activity Badge: Fitness
Prepare a pedigree chart . . .
Achievement 11
Achievement 8d
Webelos Badge, Requirement 8
Serving Others
Write a letter to a teacher, your
parents, or your grandparents . . .
Elective 21b
Achievement 18b
Communicator 11
Plan, prepare, and serve a nutritious
meal.
Achievement 8c, e
Achievement 9c, g
Family Member 11,
Fitness 3, Outdoorsman 8
Developing Talents
Learn to sing, play, or lead a song
from the Children’s Songbook . . .
Elective 11d,
e, f
Elective 8
Activity Badge: Showman 8, 9
Visit an art museum or attend a
concert, play, or other cultural event. . . .
Achievement 10c, f
Achievement 10a
Activity Badge: Showman 17, Naturalist 4
As you familiarize yourself with the Faith
in God for Boys guidebook you will find many opportunities to make it a
part of your regular Scouting program. Occasionally, you may want to devote
an activity day/den meeting exclusively to the Faith in God
activities. Cub Scouting prepares a boy to be “self reliant and dependable—a
person of worth, a caring individual.”1
Adding Faith in God prepares a boy to receive and honor the
priesthood of God.
Let us
create a memorable record of your photographs, commemorating
weddings, rehearsal dinners, new babies, memorials,
anniversaries, graduations, birthdays, vacations, or any
part of your life, with a photo montage set to your choice
of music.
Do you
need clip art, for newsletters, flyers or calendars? But
don't want to order and wait or don't want to go out to the
store? Check out or "instant" downloadable clip art.
Thanks to
many generous people for sharing their ideas and talents with us on this web
site, if you have an idea you would like to share, please email me with the
info and any printables you might have to go with it! Make sure you include
your name so I can give you full credit !Thanks
CLICK HERE TO EMAIL
Disclaimer:
This is NOT an
official site of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, Click here for the
Official Site Although this is NOT an official site of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have tried to
uphold the doctrine and standards of the church. Many of
the ideas on this web site are things I have used throughout the
years or things I have collected Some are ideas that
others have let me post. If you find something that is
copyrighted or you know who came up with the idea, please let me
know and I will give the proper credit or take it off.
next to them.
