The mission of the National Jewish Committee on Scouting (NJCOS) is to prepare young Jews to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of Judaism as expressed in the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
A committee of the BSA known as the National Jewish Committee on Scouting, NJCOS, was established in 1926. In 2020, the NJCOS was incorporated as an entity separate from BSA to carry on the functions of the BSA committee of the same name, solely in a manner allowable by an entity exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or by a corporation whose contributions are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The NJCOS shall have a maximum of fifty-four (54) voting members, inclusive of the members of the Board of Directors of the NJCOS. NJCOS members shall be elected by the membership of the NJCOS. All members of the NJCOS shall be registered members of the Boy Scouts of America.
Recognizing the positive difference Scouting makes in the lives of young people by enabling them to live the Scout Oath and Law, the NJCOS shall work to increase and enhance Jewish participation in Scouting.
This effort shall include, but not be limited to, promoting and guiding cooperative contacts between the Boy Scouts of America and people of the Jewish Faith through relationships with national Jewish organizations, rabbinical organizations, Jewish educational organizations, the International Forum of Jewish Scouts, other foreign national Jewish Scout organizations and other components of the Jewish community, with a goal of:
– Enhancing the ability of Jewish Scouts and leaders to observe the BSA 12th Point of the Scout Law, “A Scout is Reverent.”
– Supporting local councils of the BSA (“BSA Local Councils” or individually “BSA Local Council”) efforts in relation to:
– Jewish membership, unit growth and Scout retention;
– Promotion of Jewish religious emblems; and
– Facilitation of Scouting opportunities for Jewish youth.
– Developing and disseminating literature and support materials for Jewish Scouting.
– Recruiting chaplains for BSA National High Adventure Bases, Jamborees, Order of the Arrow functions and