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International Scouting Organizations

Last modified: 2023-09-16 by zachary harden
Keywords: scouts | fleur-de-lis | knot | international organizations |
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See also:

Other scout-like youth organizations:

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World Organization of the Scout Movement

[Flag of World Org. of the Scout Movement]
image by Zoltan Horvath, 04 April 2014

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

Previously reported flag

[Flag of World Org. of the Scout Movement]
image by Giuseppe Bottasini


World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts

[Flag of World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts]
image by Zoltan Horvath, 04 April 2014

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

The location of their flag has moved: <http://www.wagggs-shop.org/en/products/flags/world-flag-for-carrying>
The WAGGS flag is blue (B) with a dark yellow (Y+) Trefoil encircled with its stem going clockwise around the trefoil. The trefoil is in the canton area and taking up 2/3 of hoist. In the lower fly quarter, three dark yellow (Y+) squares diagonally block off white area in the corner.
Steve Shumaker, 02 April 2014


Confederation of European Scouts (CES)

No flag found.
Steve Shumaker, 30 August 2012


World Federation of Independent Scouts (WFIS)

[Flag of World Federation of Independent Scouts]
image by Zoltan Horvath, 04 April 2014

Its flag is on page 2 of this document.
Steve Shumaker, 30 August 2012

The image of the World Federation of Independent Scouts' (WFIS) flag has been moved here.
The flag is very dark green (V++) with a centered light yellow (Y-) Fleur-de-lis with a red (R) stripe down the center pettel. A light yellow (Y-) scroll with red (R) letters WFIS, its initials. A light yellow (Y-) square knot symbol resides below the scroll.
Steve Shumaker, 02 April 2014


Order of World Scouts

Constitution
Part 9. Article 10. FLAGS.
"10.1 The BBS & BGS can use any of the following:-
(a) The National Flags, The Union Flag, commonly called 'The Union Jack'; or at sea The Red Ensign.
(b) The St George Flag.
(c) Scout Flags. Normal background colours; Junior Scouts-Yellow; Scouts-Green; Senior Scouts-Maroon; Rovers-Red; Group/Company-Green. Alternative background colours can be used. The Flags can bear any design i.e. The BBS or BGS Arrow Badge, The National Peace Scout's Fleur-de-lys, A Patron's Badge or Shield. In addition the flag may bear the name of the Group or Company.
(d) Patrol Flags.
10.2 If flags are dedicated they must be treated with the greatest reverence at all times. It should not be moved uncased without an escort. Such a flag should not be used on a Scout camp.
10.3 When large flags are carried, the flag-pole should be either sloped over the right shoulder, the flag gathered in, or, when marching past, held vertical in the carrier, the flag flying free.
10.4 All the Flags described above with the exception of the Patrol Flag, will be lowered to the Queen, members of the Royal Family entitled to the prefix 'Royal Highness', representatives of Her Majesty in Dominions and Colonies, foreign Monarchs and Presidents of Republics.
10.5 Such Flags will not be lowered during the playing of the National Anthem unless one of the above persons is present.
10.6 Scout Flags only will be lowered to the Grand Scoutmaster of the BBS, and to any Presiding Scout of other Scouting Associations (See Part 2, Rule 4.3)."
Steve Shumaker
, 30 August 2012


International Scout and Guide Fellowship

An affiliate group to WOSM and WAGGGS of former scouts & guides.
ISGF Constitution
"ARTICLE 4
Emblem and flag
1. Emblem
The ISGF Emblem is a red Scout fleur-de-lys bearing two white stars on a white Guide trefoil. A black keyline surrounds both fleur-de-lys and trefoil. All copyright and other intellectual property rights, together with any goodwill relating to it, belong to the ISGF. The Emblem forms part of the Constitution.
2. Flag
The ISGF flag consists of the Emblem, without key-line, on a field of blue."
Steve Shumaker, 30 August 2012


Rover Scouts International

[Flag of World Federation of Independent Scouts]
image by Zoltan Horvath, 04 April 2014

Image of flag. (On table to the left.)
Steve Shumaker
, 30 August 2012

The Rovers International flag is a St. George cross flag with a yellow Fleur-de-lis at the cross's center.
Steve Shumaker, 02 April 2014


Scouting Flags

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