This weekend, on St George’s Day, Isaac celebrated his 8th birthday.
Over the last 3 months he has suddenly matured before our very eyes, although he will forever be the family clown. When our car broke down he stayed calm and helped me look after Eliza and Sebastian, keeping them safe away from the road when I needed to talk to the Recovery Driver.
His role as a Lodge Leader at Beavers has also seen him thrive and I was really proud watching him organise his Lodge at the end of a few Beavers sessions, and were often the only ones behaving and standing still whilst listening to instructions for the following week.
Last week was his final session as a Beaver Scout as at the age of 8 they move up to Cubs and as he was presented with his 2 year service badge he was invited to be a flag bearer at the St George’s Day parade, his final act as a Beaver Scout and at the biggest event of the year.
Baden-Powell chose Saint George to be the Patron Saint of The Scout Association as he felt that the Saint George legend set a good example of faith, courage and perseverance for future generations so it is something they look forward to every year.
Locally, all the Scout Association which consist of Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Adventure Scouts take part in a St George’s Day Parade and as Isaac belongs to the 21st Bournemouth Scout group, he got to take part in the Bournemouth Parade that travelled from Durley Chine, down to Bournemouth Gardens and the Bandstand.
We gathered at a very chilly Durley Chine at 9.30am but were very thankful it was dry after our previous year’s attempt was rained off. We were a little early so that gave the kids a chance to burn off some energy before it got busy.
By 10am most of the groups were there and all lined up by their respective signs ready for the parade to start, it was quite a spectacular sight to see everyone in their uniform. The numbers were bolstered by two marching bands, the parents and families of children who are part of the Scouting Association and members of the public who came to watch.
As they marched past the Mayor, Scouting Leaders and St George’s flag they were ordered to look left before continuing on their journey to the gardens. Once they reached the gardens, Isaac had to branch off from his group and walk with the other flag bearers to present their flag by the bandstand.
Our scout group led the parade last year, so this year we were at the back and Isaac was the very last person to present his flag. I had worried he would be nervous, but he took it all in his stride and waited patiently for his turn.
After Isaac presented his flag, Cllr Adams thanked all those who had attended and told everyone “The way you turned out today is exceptional,” , before joking: “The sun was ordered and it has come on time.”
The Scout Law and promise for the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts were then each read aloud which the children had to join in with, which encourages members to be loyal, courageous and respectful of themselves and others and then awards were handed out to some children for exceptional achievements before we all stood to sing the national anthem.
It was certainly a very busy birthday weekend for Isaac with his Science Party on Saturday and then a very proud moment for all of us on Sunday, plus he made the local paper too. Being the age of 8 has certainly started very well and we wish him lots of luck for starting Cubs on Thursday.
lovely to see your little man enjoying his responsibility. My boy was carrying the flag for his cub pack on Sunday too, and it was so lovely to see them all in uniform. I was told by our leader that she was very pleased as it was nearly 100% turn out from the pack. My son looked so series with his duties, but we don’t get to see them present the flag, as they go into church to do this and it cant hold more than the scout packs. Hope you boy has fun at cubs, and enjoys the coming years as a cub.
Aww happy birthday Isaac!
My daughter’s just turned 8 too and it seems to be such a milestone age, they suddenly seem so much more grown up and responsible.
Happy birthday Isaac! Can’t believe you are 8 years old already!
Happy Birthday Issac, What a lovely way to spend ones birthday.
This is so cute! You must be really proud of your little man.
aw I have such fond memories of doing this when I was a brownie and girl guide. I got to be the flag bearer once too 😉 Hope you all enjoyed a lovely 8th birthday x
Aww happy birthday to Isaac he looks so handsome in his uniform. You must’ve been so proud x
Happy birthday and what a special task to be given!! My 7 year old is still very immature which is worrying.
Ella was in beavers and recently moved up to cubs. Unfortunately, she couldn’t make the St George’s day parade this year because it was Aiden’s 16th birthday and she wanted to be here for the party we had for him.
She was a bit sad leaving beavers but she’s settled well into cubs and loves it 🙂
Maxi marched as a scout on Sunday – it was very cold here! He has done it since Beavers, but they ask that we do not take pictures!
My son was 8 last week, it seems to fly by doesn’t it, you must have been so proud that he was part of the parade and by the looks of it so was he, fab bright pictures.
Oh wow, he just looks so proud and happy in the photos, seems like an incredible experience for him and what a fun way to spend his birthday!
Hope he had a fab birthday, what a special treat! Looks like a brilliant day x
Hope Isaac had a very happy birthday! He looks so smart in his uniform! xx
Awww I hope he had an amazing birthday and love that he got to carry the flag, i remember doing in when i was little too! He really is growing up, such a lovely boy x
Ohh what a great parade walk, I used to live in Alum Chine and walk down to the BIC for work many morning, so I remember it well. Well done to your Isaac for being the flag bearer. Mich x
What a great way to spend his birthday! Looks like a lot of fun 🙂
What an amazing honour for Isaac, sounds like he took it all in his stride though. I can’t believe how smart and grown up he looks in his uniform, you must have been so super proud! Awesome photos too, what a great day. Hope he loved his birthday too 🙂