Patron Saint of Scouting

St. George and Scouting

Prepared and alert a Scot follows the lead, Of our Patron Saint George and his spirited steed" - Baden-Powell in Scouting for Boys

St. George is the Patron Saint of Scouting in many lands as well as England. In the Ukraine he is revered because the Ukranian Scouting movement believes that St. George symbolizes purity of spirit, slefless devotion to the protection of his country and boundless courage and valor.

One weekend in May each year the scouts in the Ukraine celebrate their Sviato Vesny - their Spring Festival. As with scouts in many other parts of the world they set up their tents, organise camp fires, hold competitions and other activities.

They hold a number of traditional dances called the vesnianky and the hahilky customary in Springtime. St. George is honored in a number of ceremonies.