The Story Behind the Name Change
For the past several years, it has been our profound privilege to serve alongside you in the Vanguard International Scouting Association. Together, we have built a remarkable global community dedicated to helping Latter-day Saint youth honor their Duty to God through the adventure of Scouting.
Today, under the direction of our President, Charles Dahlquist, we are thrilled to announce the next chapter of our journey.
Vanguard is officially changing its name to Saints in Scouting.
As our fellowship has grown across the globe, we recognized the need for a name that provides immediate clarity. “Saints in Scouting” requires no explanation. It clearly identifies who we serve and acts as a welcoming, unmistakable banner for families and local leaders looking for a community that shares their standards.
What isn’t changing? Everything else. We remain the exact same independent, non-profit organization. Our mission, our leadership team, and our commitment to providing you with gospel-centric resources remain entirely unchanged.
Crucially, Saints in Scouting will continue to develop, administer, and deliver the official Scouting religious awards for Latter-day Saint Scouts and Scouters. We know these awards are a vital part of your youth’s Scouting journey, so we want to ensure this transition is completely seamless for your local unit:
- Continuity of Progress: Any progress your youth have made using the previous “Vanguard” requirements remains 100% valid. No one needs to start over!
- Earned Awards: All previously earned Vanguard religious knots and medallions remain fully recognized and approved for uniform wear.
- Updated Resources: New online resources reflecting the “Saints in Scouting” name are now available on our website, but the core “Duty to God” requirements remain exactly the same.
We know you might have a few other practical questions right now—such as what to do with your older Vanguard patches and apparel—so we have put together a Transition FAQ below to answer them
Thank you for your continued dedication to the Scouting movement and for being a vital part of this fellowship. We are so excited to step into this next chapter with you.
– FAQ –
The Name Change & Membership
Q: Why did Vanguard change its name to Saints in Scouting? A: As our community of Latter-day Saint Scouters has grown across the globe, we realized we needed a name that provided immediate clarity. “Saints in Scouting” requires no explanation. It clearly identifies who we are, who we serve, and acts as a welcoming banner for families and leaders looking for a community that shares their standards.
Q: Is the mission or leadership of the organization changing? A: Not at all. We are the exact same independent, non-profit organization, led by President Charles Dahlquist and our dedicated Board. Our mission remains completely unchanged: to equip leaders and families with the resources and spiritual support needed to build character in the rising generation and help them honor their Duty to God.
Q: Does my Vanguard membership automatically transfer? A: Yes! If you were a member of Vanguard, you are officially a member of Saints in Scouting. There are no new forms to fill out, no additional fees to pay, and no interruptions to your access to our resources.
Religious Awards & Advancement
Q: Will Saints in Scouting continue to offer the religious awards? A: Absolutely. Saints in Scouting will continue to develop, administer, and deliver the official Scouting religious awards for Latter-day Saint Scouts and Scouters. Helping you and your youth learn and apply your “Duty to God” remains at the very heart of our mission.
Q: What if my youth is halfway through their Vanguard religious award requirements? Do they have to start over? A: No, they do not need to start over! Continuity of progress is guaranteed. Any progress your youth have made using the previous “Vanguard” requirements remains 100% valid.
Q: Are my previously earned Vanguard religious knots and medallions still valid? A: Yes. All previously earned Vanguard religious knots and medallions remain fully recognized and are approved for official uniform wear.
Q: Are the requirements for the religious awards changing? A: The core “Duty to God” requirements remain exactly the same. We have simply updated the requirements and online resources to reflect the new “Saints in Scouting” name and logo. These updated resources are now available for download on our Religious Awards page.
Apparel & Staying Connected
Q: What should I do with my Vanguard patches, neckerchiefs, and apparel? A: Wear them with pride! Your Vanguard gear represents the foundational history of our organization and is now considered “heritage” apparel. You are entirely welcome to continue wearing these items at Scouting events, Wood Badge courses, Jamborees, and roundtable meetings.
Q: When will new “Saints in Scouting” merchandise (patches, neckerchiefs) be available? A: We are currently designing a new line of Saints in Scouting patches and apparel featuring our updated logo. We will announce the launch of our new online store through our Beacon email newsletter and social media channels in the coming weeks.
Q: Has the website or social media changed? A: Yes. Our new digital home is SaintsInScouting.org. If you have our old website bookmarked, it will automatically redirect you here. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube under our new handle, @SaintsInScouting.
Q: How can I help spread the word to other Latter-day Saint Scouters? A: The best way to help is to share our new website and social media pages with the other Latter-day Saint families in your local troop, pack, or council. Let them know that they have a dedicated support network standing right behind them!
Still have questions?
We are here to help. Please reach out to our support team at info@saintsinscouting.org, and we will be happy to assist you.