Winds of change: Updating our section flags
We carry our flags with pride. Along with what we wear, they make us highly visible and help show others who we are. This autumn, we’re launching new some updated section flag designs and updating POR to reflect the changes.
Flags are an important part of our identity and heritage. Carrying a flag at Remembrance Day or St George’s Day is still a great honour for a young person.
That being said, many of our section flags have not been updated for many decades and no longer reflect our current Scout brand or section identities. That’s why we’ve updated the designs of our Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorer, Network, Sea and Air Scout flags.
The pre-2018 fleur de lis/arrowhead in the purple circle is now retired and the new flag designs no longer have the words ‘Be Prepared' on the flags themselves. While the designs have changed, the core background colours and sizes remain the same.
Our key points on the updates
- No immediate replacement needed. Please note there is no need for section flags to be replaced immediately. They only need to be purchased by new sections, or when they naturally come up for renewal due to damage or wear and tear.
- The new flags are durable. The flags, available from Scout Store, are made from high wearing MOD grade heavy woven polyester with a material weight of 155gsm.
- Personalisation options. All flags can be bought blank or personalised, with space for the name of the section to be added either above or below the fleur de lis (arrowhead).
Squirrels flag
There are no changes to the Squirrels flag. It shows the Squirrels logo in white on a red background along with the post 2018 fleur de lis.
Beavers flag
The Beavers flag now shows the Beavers logo in white, along with the post-2018 fleur de lis (arrowhead). This is shown against the familiar Beavers blue.
Cubs flag
The Cubs flag shows the Cubs logo in green on a yellow background, along with the post-2018 fleur de lis (arrowhead) also in green.
Scouts flag
The Scouts flag shows the white post 2018 fleur de lis (arrowhead) against a dark green background.
Explorers flag
The Explorers flag shows the white post 2018 fleur de lis (arrowhead) against an olive green background.
Network flag
The Network flag shows the white post 2018 fleur de lis (arrowhead) against a cool grey background.
Sea Scouts flag
The Sea Scouts flag shows a white post 2018 fleur de lis (arrowhead) against a navy blue background.
Air Scouts flag
The Air Scouts flag shows a white post 2018 fleur de lis (arrowhead) against a sky blue background.
A new flag topper
We’re also launching an updated metal-finish flag topper. It features the post 2018 fleur de lis (arrowhead), along with the words ‘Be Prepared,’ our Scout motto. The topper is made from hard wearing brass with a chrome finish and attaches easily to existing flag poles.
How to order
The new flags are available from Scout Store from 8 November 2024 and the flag topper is available to pre-order on the same date.
The life expectancy of a flag is hard to predict. A flag left out in all weathers will not last as well as one flown only in fine weather.
Your flag should be taken down in winds exceeding Beaufort scale 6 (31 mph or 27 knots). Remember if it’s windy at ground level, it is far windier up a flagpole. Heavy rain will increase the weight of your flag which will cause wear, especially in high winds. The dyes used in the manufacturing process are all tested for UV stability, however, salt and direct sunlight can have adverse effects on colour over time. The dyes used are colourfast so colours will not run when wet.
Flags are often damaged by objects the flag flaps against in windy conditions or by old wooden flag staffs that may not have a smooth finish. To reduce this risk, make sure that the halyard is always taught, to prevent your flag snagging and that your flag flies clear of obstacles.
Air pollution will cause white parts of your flag to turn grey with time. Flags can be washed in a normal washing machine setting at 40 degrees and using normal detergents. Avoid using soda or bleaching alkali, as these will damage your flag. Even the best-made flags will wear over time and the flying edge is usually the first place in
which damage occurs. If your flag starts to fray along the flying edge, it can sometimes be trimmed back a little and re-hemmed.
Your flag is best stored in a dry, ventilated place. Never store when wet, so allow time to fully dry before folding and packing away.