Planning an Inclusive Interfaith Worship Service for Fall Camporees

Gathering hundreds of Scouts under an open autumn canopy for Sunday morning worship is one of the most memorable traditions of a district or council camporee. However, organizing a worship service for a diverse group of participants requires intentional planning.

A common challenge for event chairs and chaplains is understanding the difference between a non-denominational service and a true interfaith service.

Understanding this distinction—along with implementing a structured service template—helps ensure your camporee worship honors every Scout’s faith while reinforcing the Scout Law.

Non-Denominational vs. Interfaith: What’s the Difference?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, they represent two distinct approaches to worship:

• Non-Denominational Worship: Typically refers to a generic Protestant Christian service that avoids specific denominational doctrine. While well-intentioned, it relies on Christian scripture and prayer traditions, which can unintentionally exclude Catholic, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, or Latter-day Saint Scouts.
• Interfaith Worship (Scouting Ideal): A service specifically designed to be inclusive of all faith backgrounds represented in your district or council. It avoids sectarian language, highlights shared values (such as reverence, creation, gratitude, and community service), and allows Scouts of various traditions to participate comfortably together.

Key Guidelines for Camporee Chaplains & Event Chairs

1. Focus on Universal Themes: Structure the service around central themes like gratitude for nature, living the Scout Oath and Law, leadership, or helping others.
2. Use Inclusive Language: Avoid faith-specific titles or closing phrases (e.g., “In Jesus’ name, Amen”). Instead, invite Scouts to reflect or pray “according to your own faith tradition.”
3. Involve Youth Leaders: Assign Chaplain’s Aides and youth from different troops to read scripture passages, offer prayers, or lead responsive readings.
4. Provide Alternative Options when Possible: If your camporee has a large representation of specific faith groups requiring distinct observances (e.g., Catholic Mass or Jewish Shabbat services), schedule dedicated spaces or times for those alongside the general interfaith service.

Resource 1: Turn-Key 20-Minute Camporee Worship Template

Theme: Gratitude in Creation & Service to Others

• Gathering Song / Instrumental (3 mins): Outdoor gathering song (e.g., “America the Beautiful” or a quiet moment of instrumental music).
• Call to Worship (2 mins): Led by the Event Chaplain or Youth Chaplain’s Aide.“We gather this morning under the open sky to give thanks for the fellowship of Scouting, the beauty of nature around us, and the shared commitment to serve our communities.”
• Opening Responsive Reading (3 mins): Alternating between Leader and Scouts (see Resource 2 below).
• Interfaith Readings / Reflections (5 mins): Short selections from diverse faith traditions or historical figures emphasizing nature and service.
• Chaplain’s Minute / Message (4 mins): A brief, non-sectarian message connecting the weekend’s camporee activities to living “A Scout is Reverent.”
• Moment of Silent Reflection & Prayer (2 mins):“Let us observe a moment of quiet reflection or prayer, each in the manner of our own faith, giving thanks for our safe camporee and asking for strength to serve others.”
• Closing Benediction / Dismissal (1 min):“May we leave this campsite with renewed spirit, treating all people with kindness and carrying the light of Scouting into our homes.”

Resource 2: Interfaith Responsive Reading & Prayers

Responsive Reading: Living the Scout Law

• Leader: We gather in the spirit of Scouting, bound by a common promise to help other people at all times.
• Scouts: We give thanks for the opportunity to serve.
• Leader: In the beauty of the outdoors, we see the majesty of creation and our duty to preserve it.
• Scouts: We promise to be good stewards of the earth.
• Leader: Respecting the dignity and beliefs of every person, we walk together as friends and neighbors.
• Scouts: A Scout is helpful, friendly, courteous, and reverent.

Sample Interfaith Opening Prayer

“Creator and Sustainer of the universe, we thank you for the crisp autumn air, the warmth of our campfires, and the bonds of friendship formed this weekend. Guide our steps as we return home, that our actions may reflect kindness, truth, and service to all humanity. Amen.”

Planning a District or Council Event?

Access complete interfaith service scripts, chaplain training guides, and worship resources tailored for Scouting events.

👉 Download Interfaith Event Resources or contact your council’s Religious Relationships Committee for event support!