Friends of Shomer Shabbat Scouting

Friends of Shomer Shabbat Scouting is a United States-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) programs tailored specifically for Jewish youth who observe the Sabbath (Shabbat). It operates as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity with the mission to facilitate the delivery of scouting experiences that align with Jewish Sabbath observance and values.

Mission and Activities

The organization's core mission is to promote and assist Jewish Sabbath-observant groups and settings in participating in the Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America. This includes ensuring that the scouting activities respect the religious practices of observant Jewish youth, enabling them to fully engage in Scouting without compromising their faith commitments.

Friends of Shomer Shabbat Scouting facilitates a variety of programs, such as:

• Regular summer camps adapted for Sabbath observance
• Training programs including National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE), and Wood Badge courses adapted for observant participants
• Opportunities for Jewish Scouts and Scouters to participate in major Scouting events while observing Shabbat

These programs aim to foster leadership, community, and character development within the framework of Jewish religious life[1][2][4].

Community Impact

The organization supports the formation and sustenance of Shomer Shabbat Scout troops. Starting a troop requires five boys, three adults, and a charter organization, with the Boy Scouts of America providing all necessary training for adult leaders. This has made it feasible for Jewish communities to maintain active and growing Scouting groups that cater to their specific religious and cultural needs.

This approach has helped many Jewish youths engage deeply with both their faith and the broader Scouting movement, with some parents crediting Shomer Shabbat Scouting for their children’s continued religious observance through adolescence[5].

Organizational Information

Friends of Shomer Shabbat Scouting is identified by the Employer Identification Number (EIN) 47-3844407 and operates through its website as a platform for resources, program coordination, and donation support[1][3]. It serves as a unique intersection between faith-based community values and the recognized youth development framework of the Boy Scouts of America.

This organization represents a significant effort to make Scouting accessible and meaningful to a population that balances religious observance with participation in mainstream youth programs.

[1] https://shomershabbatscouting.org [2] https://shomershabbatscouting.org/about/ [3] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/47-3844407 [4] https://www.jewishscouting.org/friends-of-shomer-shabbat-scouting-summer-activities/ [5] https://jewishaction.com/family/parenting/shomer-shabbat-boy-scouting-why-orthodox-kids-become-boy-scouts/