You are receiving this newsletter because you have expressed an interest in P.R.A.Y. and promoting faith-based programs to Girl Scouts. P.R.A.Y. handles the Protestant Christian program but also provides interfaith resources and links to other religious emblems programs to support both Girl Scout professionals and volunteers.
P.R.A.Y. Update to Members of GSUSA
April 2019
Spotlight on the P.R.A.Y. Board of Directors
Roni Luckenbill, CEO of Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, was elected President of the P.R.A.Y. Board of Directors at the October 2018 P.R.A.Y. Annual Meeting. Roni has served on the P.R.A.Y. Board since 2014. Not only does Roni bring exceptional skills and leadership qualities to P.R.A.Y., she also brings her passion for working with the faith communities. P.R.A.Y. looks to expand its Faith Based Initiatives and strengthen its partnerships under her leadership.
Joy Wheeler, Chief Executive Officer for the Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri, was elected to the P.R.A.Y. Board of Directors and is serving her first two-year term. Mrs. Wheeler's experience in public, private, government, and nonprofit organizations suits her passion for young people to achieve their highest potential. In addition to lending her talents to P.R.A.Y., she also leads her Girl Scout Council in the areas of STEAM, Entrepreneurship, Outdoor Experiences, and Civic Engagement.
The P.R.A.Y. Board of Directors is responsible for the oversight and development of the P.R.A.Y. Program (the Protestant religious emblems series) and the resources to promote Faith Based Initiatives. Click here to learn more about the P.R.A.Y. organization.
Girl Scout Speaks at Girl Scout Sunday Celebration
Over 30 Girl Scouts gathered to lead worship and celebrate Girl Scout Sunday on March 10, 2019 at Mount Zion United Methodist Church in the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Council. This annual event is girl-led, including the flag ceremony, call to worship, scripture reading, and even the message.
Four Star Recipient Samantha T. delivered the message and told how the P.R.A.Y. religious awards have impacted her: “Not only did my Faith grow through this program but so did my confidence in myself. I grew closer to God and was finally able to open up to the people and world around me.” Samantha went on to explain what she learned at each program level and how “the colors red, yellow, blue, and green mean so much to me” (referring to the four-color cross on the P.R.A.Y. awards displayed proudly on her uniform). Not only did Samantha earn all four levels, she also assisted with the younger classes. 
Girl Scouts were recognized by the Christian Protestant Girl Scout Committee for earning the My Promise, My Faith pin. Girl Scouts who earned a P.R.A.Y. award received a special patch. All Girl Scouts in attendance received a Girl Scout Sunday patch.
Thank you to Rev. Kyle Butler and Mount Zion United Methodist Church for hosting the event. Thank you to Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri for their support!

Photo: Four Star Recipient Samantha T. is pictured with Kathy Dabrowski from the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Council.
Girl Scouts Among First to Earn New Jesus and Me Award
Lottie from Harker Heights, TX and Emma from St Louis, MO have something in common: Both are Girl Scouts and both were among the first to earn the new Jesus and Me award for kindergarteners and first-graders.
Jesus and Me introduces Jesus as a Storyteller, Teacher, Friend, and Healer, and as children learn about Jesus, they make a scroll to illustrate Bible stories and important lessons in a fun, interactive way.

Lottie loved working through her Jesus and Me book and especially making the scroll and adding to it. According to her mother Amanda, “This workbook is perfect for kindergarten age students.”


Emma is a first grader and thinks “everybody should make a scroll!” She was surprised (and pleased!) with how long her scroll turned out, and she especially enjoyed the final review with the pastor.
 Jesus and Me is a brand new program for kindergarteners and first-graders and was launched in October 2018. Visit the PRAY website for more information on this new program and for the PRAY brochure .
2018 P.R.A.Y. Usage Available Online
P.R.A.Y. posted the 2018 usage figures online. 822 Girl Scouts earned a P.R.A.Y. award last year (a decline of -7%). Click here to see usage by council.

Congratulations to the following councils on the P.R.A.Y. honor roll who had more than 25 recipients and a 10% increase over the prior year:






Please note: PRAY sends detailed reports directly to each Girl Scout Council with recipient and congregation information. Only the usage numbers are available online.
Religious Awards Make Great Summer Projects
Promote the religious awards programs as a summer project. Challenge your Girl Scouts to earn this important award this summer. Here are some resources for making a presentation:
For more resources, visit www.praypub.org/gsusa
Encourage Girl Scouts To Serve God ... share this newsletter with others!

P.R.A.Y.
Building Faith in Youth
www.praypub.org