Re: AFS Scouts
Michael F. Bowman (mfbowman@CAP.GWU.EDU)
Wed, 7 Sep 1994 00:42:10 -0400
Keith,
In our area, National Capital, you can imagine that we have a number of
Scouts from other countries here with diplomatic corps, business and
visiting families. I ran across this situation when I was a Cubmaster.
We promptly registered the visiting Scout into the Pack.
One parent was concerned whether the Scout could say the Cub Scout
promise. We pointed out that the Scout is promising (as in the Scout
Oath) to do his duty to HIS country - no conflict.
Another was worried about flag ceremonies. We resolved this by requesting
the Scout to simply stand at attention without requiring a salute and
without reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Reciting the Pledge is not a
required condition for participation in Scouting. The reasoning was this.
Our own flag ettiquette is that the U.S. Flag is not dipped in salute to
any other flag except onboard a naval vessel to return a salute (dipped
flag) when initiated by another naval vessel. Similarly, it is not
customary for us to salute another national flag. This custom at one time
was peculiar to the U.S. In the Munich Olympics in the 1930s the only
flag not to be dipped in front of the reviewing stand was ours. At the
last Olympic Games many of the flags of other nations were not dipped.
Similarly some nations do not consider it appropriate to salute the ensign
of another nation. Instead of saluting the custom is to stand
respectfully at attention. We decided to adopt that custom.
What to do with these valuable Scouting resources? A JASM assignment may
be the best thing, allowing a lot of flexibility. It seems like a great
opportunity to have some advisors to the PLC to encourage Scouting with an
international flavor, helping the Scouts to realize that they are part of
World Brotherhood of Scouting. Then too, their own experiences and
Scouting backgrounds could be resources to help plan activities that focus
on international themes, some of which could be shared with other units at
a camporee or Scout Show.
Yours in Scouting, Michael F. Bowman, a/k/a Professor Beaver
Deputy District Commissioner Exploring, GW Dist., NCAC, BSA
Speaking only for myself, but with Scouting Spirit . . .
____ mfbowman@CAP.GWU.EDU ____
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
