Scouting Organizations

Last modified: 2009-06-06 by rob raeside
Keywords: scouts | fleur-de-lis | knot |
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• World Organization of the Scouting Movement
• World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
• Scouting flags

See also:

• Union Internationale des Guides et Scouts d´Europe (or "Féderation du Scoutisme Européen")
• Bleimor (1946-62)
• UK Sea Scouts
• UK Scout Organizations
• Scouts de France
• Scouts and Guides Flanders
• Scouting in the United States
  
  Other scout-like youth organizations
• Hitler Jugend
• East Germany's Young Pioneers
• Boys Brigade
• Cuban “José Martí” Young Pioneers
• Young Pioneers of USSR

by Giuseppe Bottasini

The flag is actually royal purple with the white fleur-de-lis and rope is the flag for the World Organization of Scouting Movements (WOSM), headquartered in Switzerland. The flag represents all member organizations of the WOSM in a like manner as the United Nations flag represents all member nations of the UN.

The flag is taken from the fleur-de-lis, or lily of the flower, which as the previous poster wrote, is found as part of the Scout emblem of every other nations' Scouting organizations. It is also found frequently on compasses and pointing devices and points in the true direction, as Scouts should also be moving positively toward.

The two stars on the flag allude to truth and knowledge, the two most important elements found in the creeds, promises and oaths of all member organizations. They also remind us of the stars in the sky and the outdoor element of Scouting.

The rope encircles the fleur-de-lis and a reminder of the true brotherhood of all WOSM members. The rope is tied at the bottom in the reef knot (we Americans call it the square knot), which is the most useful of all rope knots if tied properly and reminds all of our obligations to be of service to one another as well as to be useful.

Note that this flag, is NOT the flag of the Boy Scouts of America nor any other country's Scouting association....it represents ALL Scouting associations.

Organization website states the WOSM is an international, non-governmental organization composed of its recognized national Scout organizations. Its governing body is the World Conference, which meets every three years, and its executive is the World Committee composed of elected volunteers.

There are more than 28 million Scouts, young people and adults, male and female, in 216 countries and territories.
(MAJ) Mike L. Walton, 3 March 2000 

Troop flags also may have a an indicating near the fleur-de-lis how old the troop is. I believe this starts with 25, then 50, 55 etc.
Yaphankeagle, 20 November 2003

Organization website states the WAGGGS, with more than 10 million members worldwide, is the largest voluntary, educational organization for girls and young women. Dedicated to fostering character development and leadership skills, The World Association is committed to its mission "to enable girls and young women to develop to their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world."

Website at www.wagggsworld.org/about/signs_symbols.html has the meaning of the flag of WAGGGS.

Ole Andersen, 10 July 2000

Scouting Flags

In terms of vexillology, there is very little uniformity among Scouts in various countries.
Miles Li, 18 April 2005