2. Using an example, describe the flag of the United States. What do the various features represent.

3. Using an example, describe the flag of your state or other similar political subdivision*. If you live abroad describe the flag of the country where you live.

4. Draw by hand and to approximate scale the flags of any five nations, states or provinces. Color appropriately or use a legend. Describe orally or in writing each flag to your counselor.

5. Do one of the following: a) Design a personal flag. Make this flag using any appropriate materials or draw the design neatly on a standard sheet of paper. Write a description of this flag explaining the meaning of the colors and any symbols contained on your flag. b) Working with your patrol or troop design and make a patrol or troop flag. Write a description of this flag explaining the meaning of the colors and any symbols contained on this flag. Show this flag to your counselor.

6. Prepare notes to define orally the following flag related terms: badge, banner, becket, bicolor, break unfurling, canton, civil flag, clip, colors, defaced, dimensions, ensign, field, fimbriated, flag, fly, guidon, government flag, half-staff, halyard, hoist, merchant flag, national flag, naval jack, pennant, proportions, quartered, toggle, tricolor, vexillology.

7. With a partner do the following using the United States** flag: a) prepare and raise the flag to full-staff; b) lower the flag; c) correctly raise the flag to half-staff; d) lower the flag; e) correctly fold the flag.

8. Read Mr. Flag Maker by Franklin K. Lane. Discuss the meaning of this address in your own words with your counselor.

9. With a partner correctly prepare a flag, other than the United States** flag, for raising using the breaking method. After preparing this flag do the following: a) hoist the flag; b) break (unfurl) the flag; c) lower the flag; d) fold the flag in preparation for breaking.

10. Describe three methods of signaling using flags. Why do you think that these systems are less used now than in former times.

11. Do one of the following: a) Draw your name using the International Code of Signals. b) Draw your name using stick figures and semaphore code. c) Draw your name using Morse code.

12. On a sheet of paper list the 28 official versions of the United States flag, including the Grand Union Flag. List the years of use, the number of stars, and the number of stripes. Indicate which version has been the longest in use.#

13. Describe the correct ways to dispose of a worn National flag.

14. Participate in or observe a formal National flag retirement. If this is not possible, describe what should take place.

15. Discuss with your counselor what you have learned about flags. What was the most interesting task or fact learned.

*District of Columbia, territory, commonwealth or other possession not part of a state.

** If desirable, the actual hoisting may be performed indoors using any appropriate hoisting mechanism. If living abroad any appropriate flag may be used. Demonstrate the correct folding of any American flag. Use the alternative flag for hoisting.

# Note that until 1912 there was no official arrangement for the stars and the proportions were unfixed. There were over 50 different sized flags in use by the federal government and the military.

Link to Mr. Flag Maker by Franklin K. Lane.
International Code of Signals References: flags, and translator.
Semaphore Code References: Flag Code and translator.