St George’s Day 2018
One of the most significant days in the scouting calendar is St Georges Day, as St George is not only the patron saint of England, but of Scouting, too. Lord Baden-Powell believed that he embodied the characteristics a Scout should have. He said in the book, Scouting for Boys,
‘He is also the Patron Saint of Scouts everywhere. Therefore all Scouts should know his story. St George was typical of what a Scout should be.
‘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, 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. Remember this when April 23 comes round again.’
This year we celebrated at Scout Adventures, Great Tower and for the first time, the South West Lakes District shared our celebrations with Kentdale District.
All in all there were around 400 children there from Beavers through to Explorer Scouts, and a huge amount of fun was had, going round various activities, ranging from the Leap of Faith to rifle shooting and archery to Splat the Rat and Code Breaking.
Although the day started off looking dull and wet, by the time we had had lunch the sun had come out, and we were able to renew our promises at the end of the day at Tower Rock in the sun, on dry grass.
Our Group had about 23 children there, 4 leaders running activities and a number of parents going round with small groups of Beavers and Cubs, as well other parents who helped out with a car share system. It was a hugely successful day, and a big thanks goes to Susie, our District Commissioner and all who helped her organise it, as well as to the parents for making sure the children were able to get there, well equipped and raring to go, despite the rather off putting rain we saw when we got out of bed that morning!