Celebrating 20 Years of the Ten Commandments Hike: Scouts Walk for Religious Unity

The annual Ten Commandments Hike is a favorite of Scouts, parents, and siblings alike. The approximately 3-mile Ten Commandments Hike aims to provide an opportunity for young Scouts to learn that the Ten Commandments play an important role not only in their lives but in the fabric of our country; they serve as a foundation for Scouts in living their faith. 

Additionally, the Ten Commandments Hike emphasizes that despite their differences, many religious faiths (Christian, Jewish, and Islam) consider the Ten Commandments God’s will for humanity. It provides Scouts and their families a unique opportunity for an interfaith experience and the chance to witness firsthand the blessings of living in a community that honors and recognizes religious freedom. 

The purpose of the hike is “to expose people to other people’s faiths, not to proselytize,” said CW Kreimer, the event’s original organizer. According to the Jewish Chronicle, by entering sanctuaries and engaging with clergy, participants get exposure to other faith traditions and understand that “they have to accept the fact that people have a right to believe what they want to believe.” The hike is based on the 12th point of “The Scout’s Law,” which notes: “Be reverent toward God. Be faithful in your religious duties. Respect the beliefs of others.”

This year was a milestone year, as it was the 20th annual 10 Commandments Hike in Lewisville. On April 20th, despite rainy spring weather, Scouts and their families walked from one sanctuary to another to learn about each of the Ten Commandments. They received religious instruction from speakers from Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Muslim, Baptist, Jewish, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints faiths. The Church of Jesus Christ also provided lunch for the attendees at the conclusion of the 3-hour hike. 

Jamie Langston, interfaith liaison for the Church of Jesus Christ in Lewisville concluded: “Hosting The Boy Scouts of America’s Ten Commandments Hike was an honor and a true testament to the spirit of interfaith collaboration. Lord Robert Baden-Powell’s wisdom in placing “respect” at the end of the Scout Law resonates deeply in this yearly activity as Scouts, parents, and leaders come together to foster a culture of understanding, kindness, and mutual regard. We look forward to a clear sky as we continue this wonderful tradition next year.”