Scouting America's current flag offers a fresh, clean look that features a small image of an eagle and the colors of our country. It symbolizes the morals, commitment and tradition that Scouting America stands for.

In this particular instance, the passing, raising and lowering of that Scouting America flag represents the role that Scouting has played in the history of our nation.

"There are pride and meaning attached to all flags, and I think that's true of the Scouting America flag," said Logan Ginder, the marketing and membership coordinator of Scouting America's Pennsylvania Dutch Council. "It represents Scouting and the state of Pennsylvania. I think it's important just because we are Scouting America, and we're one of the largest youth programs across the country. Scouting America has been present for a long time, and the mission hasn't changed: for youths to become leaders and members of communities and for instilling ethics into our youths."

By all accounts, Scouting America's recent Flags Across the Commonwealth event celebrating this year's 250th anniversary of the United States of America's independence was a success. The local Pennsylvania Dutch Council of Scouting America, which serves youths in Lancaster and Lebanon counties, participated in the celebration during a 45-minute ceremony at the Lancaster County Courthouse, 50 N. Duke St., Lancaster, on Feb. 17.

"It was designed to unite the 67 counties in Pennsylvania," said Ginder, "and celebrate America's 250th anniversary and Scouting's commitment to our community. Community pride was the vibe, and it came at a time when it may be more important than ever to show community pride. There was also a little bit of national pride involved."

During the ceremony, members of the Pennsylvania Dutch Council raised and lowered the Scouting America flag at the flagpole at the Lancaster County Courthouse. The celebration also included addresses and remarks from local dignitaries and government officials.

About 30 individuals attended the Flags Across the Commonwealth ceremony, including members of Scouting units Pack 93 of Lititz, Troop and Pack 76 from Quarryville and Troop 56 of Strasburg.

"It was definitely a special event for the 250th anniversary of our country," said Ginder, a resident of Elizabethtown. "It's not something we do every year. What it should mean to the Scouts is a sense of pride in their organization."

As part of the Flags Across the Commonwealth program, the Scouting America flag's journey began in Philadelphia on Feb. 8, the birthday of Scouting America, formerly known as Boy Scouts of America. After it was received in Lancaster and signed by participants at the local ceremony, the Scouting America flag was passed on to Pennsylvania Dutch Council members in Lebanon, who conducted a similar local service at the Lebanon County Courthouse on Feb. 18.

"What we're hoping for with the whole event across the state is to celebrate our enduring ideals of freedom and civic pride," said Ginder. "We're reaffirming values that continue to strengthen the United States. Hopefully, the takeaway from the Scouts is that it's important for them to be a part of their communities. It's a celebration throughout the state, so we hope they felt like they were part of something larger."

In 1776, the United States was established when 13 original colonies broke from British rule. In 1910, Boy Scouts of America was formed in Washington, D.C.

"We provide Scouting programs to any and all youths in Lancaster and Lebanon counties," said Ginder. "We're preparing youths to make ethical decisions through Scouting values."

One of 20 in the state, the Pennsylvania Dutch Council was chartered in 1971. Currently, more than 2,000 youths - boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 17 - are involved with Scouting America in the Pennsylvania Dutch Council.

"They're members of our community," said Ginder. "They're youths we strive to serve through our programs. They're our Scouting family."

"Scouting is alive and active in our communities," he added. "Some people don't realize we're still out there. We haven't fallen by the wayside. We're still a very prominent program."

The Pennsylvania Dutch Council, which is headquartered at 245 Bloomfield Drive, Suite 212-218, Lititz, is funded through the generosity of donors, partners and business sponsors. The local council employs 11 workers, some of whom are part time, and benefits from contributions from 1,200 volunteers, many of whom work directly with Scouts.

"(Scouting is) constantly growing and changing," said Ginder. "They're adding more programs and more merit badges. Our facilities are being updated on a regular basis. They're more effective programs for our youths. Our end goal is to provide quality programs to the youths in our council."