Happy Saint George’s Day -23 April

 
This day holds a very special place in the life of Guides and Scouts.

Lord Baden Powell was inspired by saint’s both moral and physical courage, chivalry and selflessness as those are some of the core values of Scouting and Guiding.

In that light he decided that St. George would be a great role model for the rising Scout Movement.


St. George’s slaying of the dragon is a symbol of good always triumphing over evil which Baden-Powell often uses in character building in Scouting, especially introducing the “Knighthood theme.” 

On 23 April many Guide and Scout organizations hold promise ceremonies for the new members, organize “Knighting ceremonies” and generally reflect about the movement, its core values, history and future through activities outdoors, welcoming the spring and enjoying the nature.

We would also like to share Baden Powell’s favorite rhyme about the patron saint:

My warmest good wishes I am sending to you And hoping that the winter is through You will start out afresh to follow the lead Of our Patron Saint George and his spirited steed; Not only to tackle whatever my befall, But also successfully to win through it all And then may you have an enjoyable spell Of hiking, and jolly good camping as well.

St. George is also the patron saint of:

Georgia, England, Egypt, Catalonia, Romania, Greece, India, Iraq, Russia, Serbia, Portugal and Palestine and many more.

Want to learn more about St. George? Here you go: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_George

Photo from the book "Scouting for Boys, Lord Baden Powell, 1907)