Bible Patch Series: Separate from Religious Emblems
But Same Great Learning Opportunities

“Bible Basics RP3” is a patch series that offers Bible-based instruction and encourages hands-on learning much the same as the religious emblems, but it is completely separate from God and Me, God and Family, God and Church, and God and Life.

Here are the features that make the Bible patches unique:
  • The curriculum is free.
  • Lessons are discussion-based (there are no workbooks for students to purchase).
  • All ages are included (there are questions for younger children, older youth, and adults).
  • Lessons are shorter (each patch requires only 3 Bible stories)
  • Patches can be ordered any time (they do not require an application/registration form)
  • Parents and leaders may facilitate the lessons (the pastor’s signature is not required).

The Bible patches provide new options and greater flexibility to leaders and churches interested in emphasizing Duty to God: smaller programs can combine ages together; parents can be encouraged to participate and earn patches; lessons can be adapted for weekend camps; older youth can help teach younger children; chaplain aides can take leadership roles; and churches have new ways to do community outreach and evangelism.

Click here for a side-by-side comparison between the P.R.A.Y. awards and the RP3 patches.  
EXPLORE THE FLEXIBILITY OF RP3 CURRICULUM
Compare Two Completely Different, Yet Perfectly Valid Programs 

The reading and studying of Bible stories is the focal point of the Bible Basics RP3 curriculum. How you set up the program, who you invite to participate, how often you meet - these are all secondary matters to be decided at your own discretion for your own particular needs. It’s okay to be creative! Try something different. We have heard of Girl Scouts doing a patch while preparing a pot-luck meal, Boy Scouts earning a patch while at a Protestant Committee weekend retreat, families working together at a church picnic, Sunday school classes doing one lesson every week, AHG Troop Shepherds using the patches as opening devotions at Troop meetings, and Boy Scout Chaplain Aides leading lessons at summer camp. Impressive list!

Here are two examples of polar opposites: one a church program for kids (and parents); the other a scouting program strictly for adults. Both are effective ministries. Both uphold the integrity of the RP3 curriculum. We hope you are inspired to find your own creative way to use the RP3 program to reach children, youth, and families.

Church Teaches RP3 to Cub Scouts

Lauren Grant, Director of Children’s Ministry at Bonner Springs United Methodist Church, taught “The Good Book” patch to a group of Cub Scouts who had already earned their age appropriate P.R.A.Y. religious emblems (i.e. God and Me, and God and Family). The boys wanted to continue their faith walk, and so Lauren offered The Good Book patch. The boys ranged in grade from 2nd grade to 5th grade, but since the RP3 program is for all ages so they were able to come together in one combined class. According to Lauren, “The kids and attending parents thoroughly enjoyed the class and are already asking me when I will teach another class from the RP3 series. I am hoping to try and teach more classes and expand the age range. It was a great class and I know that many of the boys and their parents have been spreading the word about the class within our chartered organization. Thank you for providing this additional program to compliment the P.R.A.Y. program.”

 

REC Offers RP3 to Adult Scouters

Cheryl Routh, Religious Emblems Coordinator for Troop 848 at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, NV, uses the RP3 series as a way for the adults to live out their oath to fulfill their “Duty to God.” Cheryl explains that the youth are expected to earn religious emblems, so the RP3 series is directed only to the adults. The outdoor theme of the RP3 patches makes it easier for Scouters to relate to. The program is offered to adults as an independent study. All work is done at home, and then they come together for one gathering to discuss their work and sign it off. Their program is low key, and they invite all people to the gathering, whether or not they have completed the curriculum or know anything about the Bible. They allow people to “come where you are” and sample the study. By making it low key, they feel that the RP3 helps the unchurched feel more comfortable delving into the Bible. About 10 adults complete the RP3 series each year and are recognized on Scout Sunday or at a Court of Honor.


Whether the RP3 series is used to “fill in the gaps” between the youth awards, or whether it is used for adults to fulfill their Duty to God, thank you for creating opportunities for children, youth and families to explore and grow stronger in Christian faith!

 

Click here to request your free curriculum.

Visit P.R.A.Y.’s webstore to order patches.