Last Sunday, St George’s Day, was an important date in the Scouting calendar. “Why?” you may ask! Firstly, as everyone knows, the Scouts love a church parade; well us Leaders do anyway ( 🙂 ) and it gives the District Commissioner a photo opportunity. Secondly – and most importantly – St George is the Patron Saint of scouting and was chosen by Baden-Powell (the Father of Scouting) for a very good reason. St George was picked because of the story that shows him overcoming adversity in the shape of a dragon or more accurately, religious persecution. Baden-Powell said at the time:
“All Scouts should know his story! St George was typical of what a Scout should be… faced by difficulty or danger, however great, 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 muster.”
This is, of course, what Cubs and Scouts aspire to – facing problems, analysing, improvising and finally overcoming them to succeed.
Getting reading for our St George’s Day march
Cubs and Scouts is a fantastic institution for children. They learn a lot of life skills. Very importantly, they also regularly get out and about in the fresh air. A recent report from the Scout Association shows that there is now more demand than ever for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts places. But a shortage of leaders has left thousands of children stuck on the waiting list. This is a huge shame.
I have been a Beaver and Cub Leader for nearly three years and it has been a fabulous and most enjoyable time; a bit like being a voluntary teacher (but more fun). But, within reason, the children get to set the curriculum and do so many fun, educational, supportive, challenging things.
Proud Flag Bearer
Everyone is busy these days, yet a couple of hours of your time each week might be all that is needed to enable more children to take part. You don’t have to make a long-term commitment – parent helpers are always welcomed with open arms. Volunteers with aspirations to become assistant Leaders then Leaders are desperately needed though, so please do get in touch with your local troop if you can spare some time. It is highly rewarding, a great deal of fun, and the children will thank you for it 🙂 For more information, and to find out your local Scout group, please visit here.
Cub Scouts always do their best
Think of others before themselves
And do a good turn every day.
The Cub Scout Law
