Laura Rebello of Girl Scout Troop 11987, in Hoschton, received the Year of Faith scouting badge.

Girl Scout Laura Rebello of Hoschton displays her Year of Faith badge. She is the first Scout in Georgia to receive the badge.

Laura is the only Scout, including both Girl and Boy Scouts, as of Aug. 29, to earn the Year of Faith badge in Georgia, according to a letter from the Scouting Committee of the Diocese of Dodge City, Kansas.

Different ages have different requirements to earn the patch. A requirement for Scouts up to fifth grade is to ask a parent or grandparent several questions, including, “What does your faith mean to you? What was the Second Vatican Council?” They also are asked to choose three actions, such as writing a short prayer asking Jesus for strong faith. For sixth- through 12th-graders, requirements include reading one church document, such as Pope Benedict’s homily for the Mass for the new evangelization, and doing three of five activities. One suggestion is to invite a friend to Mass, a religious education/youth group activity or a CYO social. And adult leaders have their own list of activities to complete to earn the patch.

Scouts from 11 states have earned the patch, reported the Southwest Kansas Register.

Laura’s mother, Joy, is the leader of the Hoschton Girl Scout troop and learned about the Year of Faith badge from a news item in The Georgia Bulletin.