The God and Country Program ...

... is an Interdenominational series of Christian Education resources for church groups in the ministries with youth. The series is approved for use by the Boy Scouts of America, Camp Fire Boys and Girls and Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.

God and Me (grades 1-3) encourages children to tell the story of their lives, think about the life and teachings of Jesus, and see how God is present in their lives today. Parents or other adults are encouraged to work side by side with the child, serving in the role of counselor.

God and Family (grades 4-5) The God and Family unit is "home-centered," with parents or guardians directly involved under the supervision of the pastor. This unit promotes Christian nurturing in the home and in the church, and encourages individuals to grow in the understanding of their faith as it relates to their homes, their family relationships to the church, and their own identities in society.

God and Church (grades 6-8) The God and Church unit provides individuals with an opportunity to know their pastor and counselor more intimately, to understand the church's structures, and objectives, and to participate in services and projects that will give them a better understanding of the mission of the church.

God and Life (grades 9-12) The God and Life unit is a series of self-guidance and developmental exercises for students seeking to increase their faith, make responsible choices, to find identity in family, church and country. A counselor or minister is designated by the church and works with this age level.

Adult Mentor Program is designed for an adult to work with a young person who is enrolled in the God and Country series. The focus is on preparing adults to share their faith with young people. Adults are asked to do exercises and activities that help them remember what it was like to be the same age as their young partner, and then to reflect on their own faith and how it has been an important part of their lives. The main thing is that the adult must work side by side with the young person as they each do the student resource packet. This will say to the child that even as an adult it is important to learn about one's faith and find ways to share it.

To find out more about the God and Country awards, go to www.praypub.org.