For Scouts
While the Peace Light isn't exclusive to Scouting, Scouts around the world have adopted the program as their own because it fits so beautifully with Scouting principles and activities. Indeed, Scouts are the primary carriers of the Peace Light.
Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Scouters in the United Kingdom wanted to deliver a message of peace and friendship to the United States. They did so by sharing the Peace Light with Scouters at Ground Zero in New York City. The Peace Light initiative in the US has grown by leaps and bounds since that gift, and we are grateful to those UK Scouters for sharing it with us.
The Peace Light bridges differences. Its message is important and relevant regardless of religion, geography, gender, age, language, socioeconomic status, academic accomplishment, political beliefs, heritage, or culture. The use of light is very prominent in nearly every worldwide religion to represent redemption, truth, justice, peace, and even life itself.
With each recitation of the Scout Oath, Scouts promise to do their duty to God; with each recitation of the Scout Law, Scouts are reminded to be reverent. The Peace Light offers numerous meaningful and concrete ways for Scouts to meet both those obligations.
There are numerous ways to utilize the Peace Light in Scouting activities. These are just some suggestions and there are more ideas on our Resources and Scripts & Presentation pages; use your imagination, and please let us know how you're incorporating the Peace Light!
Messengers of Peace
The Peace Light is often incorporated into Messengers of Peace projects.
Administered by the World Scout Bureau, Messengers of Peace is a worldwide program aiming to inspire millions of Scouts to work toward peace. Boy Scouts of America offers a robust Messengers of Peace program with multiple levels of awards.
Cubs might welcome guests to a candlelight ceremony, hand out programs and candles, and/or be part of a procession bringing the Peace Light into the gathering. Older Scouts could help in planning and implementing the program, speak or lead a song during the ceremony, or perhaps create a display about the history of the Peace Light.
Council & District Activities
Maintain the Peace Light in a lobby or other common area of your Council Service Center so that it's available for pickup during business hours.
Coordinate with your religious relationships and/or international committees to hold an open candlelight ceremony.
Share the Peace Light with NYLT, Wood Badge, or Powder Horn courses, summer or winter camps, and other large events.
Use the Peace Light as the closing of a council or district recognition event.
Share the Peace Light at district roundtables.
Set up a display to teach about the Peace Light at University of Scouting or other large events.
Use the Peace Light to light a Spirit of Scouting candle at New Eagle Receptions.
Click here to read an endorsement from retired Council Scout Executive Bob Hopper.
For Cub Scouts
Incorporate the Peace Light into your Blue and Gold Banquet.
Have Cubs light a candle from the Peace Light at your holiday celebration.
Use the Peace Light at your bridging ceremony.
Cubs can serve as ushers or help hand out programs at candlelight ceremonies.
For Older Scouts
Scouts BSA, Venturing, & Sea Scouting
Include the Peace Light at your Court of Honor.
Have new Eagles use the Peace Light to light a Spirit of Scouting candle at their Eagle Court of Honor.
Enjoy this video of Jack Resetar and Will Dodson's Eagle Court of Honor incorporating the Peace Light.
Use or adapt our sample script.
The Peace Light offers numerous topics to cover during Scoutmaster's Minutes.
Bring the Peace Light to your unit's holiday celebration.
Older Scouts can help with candlelight ceremonies in numerous ways: help plan the event, lead the event or parts of it, organize the Cub Scouts who are participating, or create a display of any aspect of the Peace Light.
Other Opportunities
Use the Peace Light to start a campfire. Be sure to explain the history and significance of it. If you are distributing ashes, include the fact that it was lit from the Peace Light.
Incorporate the Peace Light into your Scout Sunday or Scout Sabbath activities.
For units chartered by a religious organization, share the Peace Light with your chartered organization.
Share the Peace Light with religious organizations, nursing homes, hospitals, government offices, and other organizations in your community.