Scouts' Day
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Scouts' Day is a generic term for special days observed by members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement throughout the year. Some of these days have religious significance, while others may be a simple celebration of Scouting. Typically, it is a day when all members of Scouting will re-affirm the Scout Promise.
Contents |
[edit] Founders' Days
Worldwide in nearly all Scout associations, Founders' Day is celebrated on 22 February, the anniversary of Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell (born in 1857), the founder of Scouting, and coincidentally also of his wife Olave Baden-Powell (born in 1889).
Individual Groups and Councils also celebrate their own Founding at various times of the year, although these are generally restricted to "major" anniversaries, such as a decennial.
[edit] St. George's Day
St. George is the patron saint of The Scout Association in the United Kingdom, and the nearest Sunday to April 23 is observed as a celebration by UK Scouts.
Until recently, Scouting Districts would celebrate the day with a parade of the groups and sections to a church where a service is held where the Scouts re-affirm the Scout Promise.
However, it is becoming more difficult to encourage participation by the youth membership, so many Districts forego the parade and church service in place of a more family oriented day. The focus of the day is still the affirmation of the Promise by all members.
Windsor and Queen Scouts
Each St. George's Day is also marked by a service in St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, which is open to all recipients of the Queen's Scout Award in the previous year.
[edit] Scout Sunday or Scout Sabbath
The Boy Scouts of America have designated the Sunday preceding February 8 as Scout Sunday and the following Saturday is designated as Scout Sabbath.
The day is meant to mark the founding of the Scouts in the United States. Observation varies by unit and locale. Scouts go to their places of worship in uniform and help with the service.
In the United States, Scouting has been used by synagogues, churches, and many other religious organizations as part of their youth ministries. Approximately 50 percent of all Scouting units are chartered to religious groups. These observances offer an opportunity for congregations to honor Scouts and Scouters, as well as to learn more themselves about the value of Scouting as a youth program. [1]
[edit] See also
- Scout Law - A Scout is reverent.
- Scouting 2007 Centenary - celebrations for 100 years of Scouting
