Symbols, initiation ceremonies and rites of passage in Argentine catholic scouting

Abstract: Scouting is created in the early twentieth century in Argentina to train children and youth in religious, moral and civil values. The current validity of scouting is due to its social recognition as na institution of non-formal education based on attractive scout symbologies and activities for children and youth, the appropriation of scouts from different spaces of participation and the permanent transformation of Movement Scout. Based on na ethnographic study carried out in catholic groups of Scouts de Argentina Asociación Civil (SAAC) and analysis of institutional materials, the article approach the origin, values and beliefs of the members of contemporary argentine catholic scouting and analyzes symbols, initiation ceremonies and rites of passage that make up the mystical scout and that configure frames of interpretation and action for its members.

Keywords:
scouting; catholicism; symbols; initiation ceremonies; rites of passage