February 8 - National Kite Flying Day

 

Happy National Kite Flying Day! Observed annually on February 8th, today encourages exploring kite flying and making. 

Enthusiasts across the country mark the day by launching their kites or making plans to attend festivals.Kites date back to China in 470 B.C. China is full of lore and histories of the origins of the kite. 

Many are related to the way wind affects the leaves on the trees, the shelters they lived in, blowing away the sails on their ships, and the hats they wore upon their heads. The stories also tell of kites invented to spy on their enemies or to send messages. 

Evidence also shows the people of the South Sea Islands were using kites for fishing around the same time as the people of China. 

Early kites were constructed from bamboo or sturdy reeds for framing. Leaves, silk, or paper made ideal sails. Vines or braided fibers completed the line or tether.  

While people initially used kites as tools, they also used them for ceremonial reasons as well. Whether they sent messages into the heavens or to lift offerings up to the gods, kites had a symbolic place in the culture. 

Today, kites are popular both as hobbies and for outdoor fun. They range from a simple diamond kite to more complicated box kites and giant sled kites. Stunt kites, also known as sport kites, are designed so the operator can maneuver the kite into dips, twists, and dives with dramatic effect. 

Tips for Getting Your Kite Up in the Air and Keeping it There 

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  • Be sure the kite is assembled correctly. 
• • Check the wind.  Some kites require more wind and others less. Picking the right day for your kite is key. A light breeze (5-20 mph) is generally optimal. 
• • Be safe. Don’t fly a kite near power lines, trees, or other sky-high obstacles. Wide-open spaces are best. 
• • Be safer. Don’t fly in the rain. 
• • When launching the kite, be sure to have your back to the wind. If the wind is light, have a friend hold the kite downwind and hold your line taught, reeling in slowly until the kite launches. 
• • Don’t let the line out too quickly. Let the line out at the same pace the kite is gaining altitude. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Go outside and fly a kite if weather permits. If not, make one inside.  In some parts of the country, the time of year may make it difficult to fly a kite. 

There are kite festivals at various periods of the year. Use today to scout out those festivals and make a plan to join in. Use #NationalKiteFlyingDay to post on social media. 

HISTORY 

National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this high-flying holiday. 

#NationalKiteFlyingDay 

@nichecinema 

  

February 8 - National Boy Scouts Day

Happy National Boy Scouts Day! On February 8th, today annually recognizes any and all Boy Scouts across the United States. Since 1910, boys across America have been doing good deeds, learning survival skills and developing moral foundations through the Boy Scout of America. 

The Boy Scouts of America has roots in the British Boy Scouts organization which was created in 1908 after the success of the book Scouting for Boys by British Army officer, writer Lieutenant General Robert Baden-Powell. 

On a foggy day in London, an American newspaperman, American newspaper man, entrepreneur, magazine publisher, and explorer William Dickson Boyce, became lost when a Boy Scout came to his assistance. 

With the boy’s guidance, Boyce arrived at his destination. When Boyce offered payment for the assistance, the Boy Scout refused explaining it was a good deed. 

Boyce was inspired to organize similar youth groups into one organization. On February 8, 1910, Boyce filed papers of incorporation, and the Boy Scouts of America was born. 

Boy Scouts have had a profound impact on the United States.  Many presidents and other dignitaries have been Boy Scouts.  A total of one hundred and eighty-one astronauts have also been a part of the Boy Scout program. 

Boy Scouting Facts 

Timeline  

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  • Boy Scouts of America incorporated in 1910 
• • First Boy Scout Handbook published in 1911 
• • Boys’ Life premiered in 1911 
• • First Eagle Scout, Arthur R. Eldred in 1912 
• • Scouting magazine premiered in 1913 
• • Registration of Scouts began, 25¢ annual fee was 1913 
• • Order of the Arrow began in 1915 
• • Federal charter granted by Congress in 1916 
• • The first season at what would become Northern Tier High Adventure Base started in 1923 
• • Boy Scout membership tops one million in 1925 
• • Cub Scout program began in 1930 
• • Philmont donated to the BSA in 1938 
• • First BSA Wood Badge course taught in 1948 
• • First Pinewood Derby® held in 1953 
• • Webelos program added to Cub Scouting in 1954 
• • Exploring program began in 1959 
• • Florida National High Adventure Sea Base officially opened in 1980 
• • Tiger Cubs program added to Cub Scouting in 1982 
• • Alexander M Holsinger became the 1 millionth Eagle Scout in 1982 
• • Learning for Life program began in 1991 
• • Venturing program began in 1998 
• • One hundred millionth member registered in 2000 
• • Anthony Thomas became the 2 millionth Eagle Scout in 2009 

Membership* 

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  • Cub Scouts  62,226,396 
• • Boy Scouts/Venturers  52,077,933 
• • Total Youth Served  114,304,329 
• • Total Adult Volunteers  33,364,261 

Statistics provided by National Boy Scouts of America – http://www.scouting.org/About/FactSheets/100_years.aspx 

  

HOW TO OBSERVE 

  

With so many Boy Scouts across the nation, celebrate the day. Share your experiences and skills. Learn more about the Boy Scouts and what they have to offer. Share the benefits of Boy Scouts and use #NationalBoyScoutsDay to post on social media. 

  

HISTORY 

  

February 8th recognizes the anniversary of the date Boyce filed the letters of incorporation. February is also Boy Scout Month. 

  

#NationalBoyScoutsDay 

@boyscouts 

@nichecinema