2. The symbolic framework in Scouting
© WSB Inc. / World Scouting
“The language we use to communicate with each other, for example, is a system of symbols. The words represent realities and enable us to identify, understand and relate them, but they are not realities in themselves. Our ability to function on the basis of a symbolic system enables us to mentally construct or represent reality, even when the content to which the signifier refers is not actually present. The fleur-de-lys is the symbol of Scouting. Its design varies from one NSO to another, and derives from the ancient maps in which it figured in the compass rose pointing North. In the words of Baden-Powell, it represents the “good path that all Scouts should follow”.1
A symbol is an image or a figure with a certain feature that enables it to represent an object, situation, concept or process. A symbol becomes a symbol through agreement; in this agreement a meaning, in addition to the one obvious through every-day experience, is given to the symbol. Thus a symbol such as the fleur-de-lis is both a beautiful picture of a white flower on purple background and for us, who know it, WOSM - and all WOSM entails. A symbolic framework includes elements with a meaning (symbols), e.g. the name of a section (Cub Scout, Scout, Rover Scout), and identification marks, such as the uniform, badges, songs, stories and ceremonies. All these elements help to form a setting, an atmosphere, which bears the values and proposal of the Movement, and makes them more accessible to the young adults in a way that abstract explanations could never do. The symbolic framework is not an insignificant or imaginary element of the Scout Method. In order for it to be meaningful, in other words to transmit the Movement’s educational proposal, it has to correspond to the deeply rooted needs of young people at each age and to arouse their interest and enthusiasm.
2.1 An educational tool The symbolic framework in the Rover Scout section should convey a vision of our final objectives and provides young adults with motivation and energy for growth. Rover Scouting’s aim is to help young adults to develop as happy, healthy and useful citizens of the world. In “Rovering to Success”, BP wrote:
“Rover Scouts are a brotherhood of open air and service. They are hikers on the open road and campers of the woods, able to shift for themselves, but equally able and ready to be of service to others. They are in point of fact a senior branch of the Boy Scout Movement - young men of over seventeen years of age.
Since it is a Brotherhood of wanderers, you can, as a member of it, extend your travels to foreign countries and there make your friendships with Brother Rover Scouts of other nationalities.
This side of our Movement is not only interesting and educative but must make a real step in ensuring the future peace of the world through mutual good will.”
By identifying with a model whose qualities the young adult wants to acquire, he or she becomes motivated to surpass him or herself and grow. Notice how B-P also used symbolism here: “brotherhood of open air and service.”... “hikers on the open road and campers of the woods” ... “able to shift for themselves, but equally able and ready to be of service to others”... “travels to foreign countries and there make your friendships with Brother Rover Scouts of other nationalities” ... “ ensuring the future peace of the world through mutual good will”.
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