Worldwide each year Scouts celebrate St. George’s Day on April 23

St George is the Patron Saint of Scouting

Who is St George?

The legend goes that George was a son of a nobleman in the Roman army, and became a cavalry officer. George became a Christian and decided to leave the army and travel to the palace of the Emperor, Diocletian, to plead with him to stop his cruel persecution of Christians. As he rode on his horse through Sylene (in present-day Libya), he found that one of the cities was plagued by an evil dragon that lurked in a swamp. This terrifying creature could only be pacified by feeding it with human bodies, and every day one of the citizens was chosen by drawing lots and was sacrificed.

The King’s own daughter, Cleolinda, was going to be the victim on the day that George arrived. He hurried to help her, even though his only weapon was a spear. With awesome courage he charged on his horse, knowing that he had only one shot at killing the fire-breathing dragon. He succeeded and saved the princess’s life.

After talking to George, the grateful King, the princess, and many of the people decided to become Christians. George continued to the Emperor’s palace, but Diocletian had him put to death on 23rd April AD303 for his Christian faith.

Why St George?

Baden Powell choose St George to be the movement’s Patron Saint because he felt the qualities of the legendary Roman soldier; were the same qualities that reflect a good Scout

When he was faced with 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.

The Centenary of Scouting in Belize took place in 2011 and in connection with the celebration numerous events were held to commemorate the 100 years of Belize’s Scouting. On this occasion, I would like to share the Chief Scout’s message delivered at the Annual General Meeting of the National Scout Assembly which is as relevant today as it was back then when Dr. Erasmo Franklin delivered his message.

Chief Scout Message at the 25th Annual General Meeting of the National Scout Assembly 2011
The extraordinary battle for the hearts and minds of our Belizean youth sector continued unabatedly throughout the year 2011. There were several social groups involved in this competition and much positive progress was undoubtedly achieved but much more needs to be done. The counterproductive strides made by socially undesirable cliques/ gangs are formidable, seemingly attractive, and even lucrative. The risks (including death, maim) involved in belonging are apparently well worth taking. A very strong sense of bonding is central to membership in the clique. However, entry into the fraternity generally occurs during the teen years.

Alternatively, Scouting is a non-formal educational Movement that provides an environment for exciting adventure in the outdoors. It also makes available to its membership (Packs, Units, Groups, Association, worldwide Movement) a general sense of belonging. It also provides, through structured programming, an opportunity for individual growth and development that addresses the spiritual, emotional, social, physical, and emotional needs of the membership in a setting conducive to having fun, at the same time providing internalization of positive attitudes. All this is done through the Scout Law and Promise as of the age of 8 years (Cubs) throughout the life of the member.

“I promise to do my best to love God, serve my country, work for peace and be true to the Scout Law.”
This is a solemn pledge made by all Scouts, including Leaders, and all who utter these words are urged to reflect upon the all-encompassing significance of the Promise. The Scout investiture is the initial formal mechanism through which the Scout Group/Association and its Leaders initiate a pact whereby the Sponsoring Authority (school, church, Village Council, etc.) ideally agree to work hand in hand with each other and parents to guide and aid the Scout to do his/her best to become a model citizen, Operationally, the guiding and enabling principles are embodied in the Scout Law:

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, shares with everyone, is kind, protects life and nature, is organized, takes life cheerfully, takes care of his/her things and values work, is clean in thought word and deed.
Adequate and effective leadership and programming are the keys to the success of the program.
I take this opportunity to thank all Leaders (including paid staff), Sponsoring Authorities, and benefactors who have made the year 2011 the success it has been. May God bless you all.