Scores of cubs, scouts, scout leaders and former Island Commissioners were joined by family and friends for the annual St George’s Day service at Wesley Methodist Church on Sunday April 22.St George's, the patron saint of Scouting, is a model of chivalry and honour for all young men.As the notes in the order of service explained, the manner in which St George's faced his adversary “is exactly the way in which a Scout should face a difficulty or danger, no matter how great or terrifying it may appear to him or how ill-equipped he may be for the struggle”.“He should go at it boldly and confidently, using every power that he can to try to overcome it, and the probability is that he will succeed.”The service, led by Rev Calvin Stone, himself a former Scout, began with the presentation of Colours and Bermuda’s National Song.Dorian Frith of the 19th Bermuda Scout Troop read a short extract from Matthew Chapter 5 before Vladmir Focke of the 18th Bermuda Scout Troop read the Scouting Prayer.Newly appointed Chief Commissioner Dr Geoffrey Rothwell gave a short speech reminding the young men that what set Scouts apart from other groups who went camping was the promise they made — a promise they take quite seriously: “I will do my best to do my duty to God and the Queen, to help other people and to keep the Scout law.”The recitation of the promise and the Scout Law was led by Scouter Stephen Barton of the 19th Bermuda troop and was followed by the Girl Guide promise led by Guider JoAnne Raynor representing Girl Guiding Bermuda.The service concluded with a hymn, Lord’s Prayer and the National Anthem, following which the Colour Party retired and led the assembly on a short march to the steps of City Hall where the companies were dismissed.Reflecting on the service, Colour Party member Justin Simons of the 18th Scout Troop from Southampton noted: “It lets people know who we are: [young men] who do good, set an example and make a difference.”William Campbell, of the 22nd Scout Troop observed: “Today we were able to raise awareness and take pride in being a Scout.”A Scout for a total of five years, he noted that the service, “encouraged young people to join the Scouts, building a healthy future with the skills they learned”.The Scouts are looking forward to the visit of the International Commissioner and the National Jamboree May 11 to 13 on Paget Island, where the young men, as Dr Rothwell pointed out, will be too busy abseiling down high walls to be sitting on the wall.www.bermudascoutassociation.org