“Be Not Afraid” is a new activity developed by the Scouting America National Catholic Committee on Scouting in conjunction with the 26th World Scout Jamboree that will take place in Poland in 2027. All young people and adults—Scouts or non-Scouts, Catholic or non-Catholic—can work on and earn a badge for completion. The activity can be worked on individually or as a group
Be not Afraid was the central message of the papacy of Saint John Paul II. In his first homily after becoming pope in 1978 he said,
“Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to welcome Christ and accept his power. Do not be afraid to open wide the doors for Christ. To his saving power, open the boundaries of States, economic and political systems, the vast fields of culture, civilization and development. Do not be afraid.”
At World Youth Day in 1989 in Spain, he urged young people,
“Do not be afraid to be saints! This is the liberty with which Christ has set us free.”
When he addressed young people gathered in Santiago de Compostela, Spain in 1999, he encouraged them with these words,
“Do not be afraid to be holy! Have the courage and humility to present yourselves to the world determined to be holy, since full, true freedom is born from holiness.”
In preparation for World Jamboree in Poland in 2027, learn from the Polish saints who exemplify Be Not Afraid! We encourage all participants to learn from Saint John Paul II, Saint Maximilian Kolbe and Saint Faustina Kowalska.
This recognition activity is a special project of the International Committee of the NCCS. Proceeds from the sale of the badges aim to further the work of the ICCS. For more information, go to https://nccs-bsa.org/download/be-not-afraid.