As well as
being the patron Saint of England (as well as Georgia, Portugal, Ethiopia,
Lithuania and others), St George is also the patron Saint of Scouting!
Baden
Powell (the founder of the Scout movement) chose St George because he felt the
qualities of the legendary soldier were the same qualities that reflect a good
Scout:
When he
was faced by a difficulty or danger, however great it appeared, even in the
shape of a dragon – he did not avoid it or fear it but went at it with all the
power he could… That is exactly the way a Scout should face a difficulty or
danger, no matter how great or how terrifying it may appear. They should go at
it boldly and confidently, using every power that they can to try and overcome
it, and the probability is that they will succeed.
St George’s Day is April 23, and on that day (or a Saturday
close to it), Scouts remind themselves of their Promise and Scout Law. Not that
a Scout ever forgets either but, on St George’s Day, they make a special point
of thinking about them
Ealing and Hanwell Scouts St George’s Day Parade
The ‘district’ of Ealing and Hanwell is the next level up
organisationally from 1st Ealing North, our Scout Group. Above the
district is the county (Greater London Middlesex West), then the nation
(Scouting UK).
Scout groups across the UK and indeed the world all celebrate St
George’s day – Baden Powell hoped that celebrating St George’s day would ‘bring
all Scouts the more in touch throughout the world’. We come together with our
district community of Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Squirrels, not forgetting the district Explorer unit to
celebrate Scouting and promote the movement in our community.
The event consists of a parade of all our groups with their
flags around Walpole Park or Elthorne Park, as a large space is needed to accommodate us
all, with a marching band as well. We then come together to celebrate the year
gone by, and any big achievements and badges such as Chief Scout’s Awards and
long service awards from across the district. There might be updates on more
adventurous or international activities from those in the district, or even some singing of Scout songs!
Although it is Saint George’s day, the event is
non-religious, and the aim is to be as inclusive and accessible to all, as with all Scouting activities. The event is out in public so everyone can see us, and our
young people get a chance to see their friends in other groups in their
different coloured neckers – but all the same uniforms! Looking your best is
important, and full uniform should be worn. It’s also really important for our
younger members to see what the older sections do, the adventures they go on and
the achievements they reach through Scouting. An inspiring day for everyone!
All the assembled Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Squirrels,
Explorers and Leaders renew their promises, and think about the fundamentals of
Scouts and what that means to them. St George’s Day is the time of the year
when we get to come together as a community and reflect on the principles that
underpin our movement. This is why it is one of the most important days in the
Scouting calendar.