Revolutionary Trails Council ~ Boy Scouts of America
Diamond District
Ten Commandment Hike

Intended as a five mile hike through the village of Herkimer, turned out to be a drive. Dark clouds, threatening wind, and heavy downpour visited us at the first stop at Oak Ridge Free Methodist Church. The local boy scout troop visited ten different houses of worship. At each stop the meaning and lesson of a particular commandment was discussed in some detail by a church leader or representative.

Cub scouts, boy scouts and their families learned about the history or practice of each church denomination. Even from the same text of Exodus Chapter 20, each Faith had a different interpretation of the Ten Commandments. Good moral lessons were taught at each church. Implicitly taught, too, was the value of religious tolerance.

The scouts were warmly received in all churches; some provided refreshments. All were invited to attend a regular church service. At the Jewish synagogue the troop was part of the Sabbath service. A member of the Temple Beth Joseph remarked on the “infectious enthusiasm” the scout troop brought to the synagogue.