Official online magazine of Scouting Ireland

The Phoenix and the Castle!European Scout Conference!Japanese Scouts!International Sea Scout Regatta!And lots lots more!

September 2013

Minister Hayes Visit P.21

Communications Commissioner Intro

Welcome to this month’s issue of Inside Out. August seen a very action packed month

for Scouting Ireland with many Events and Annual camps taking place. Our team were out and

about and have all the action from the various events. As the new Scout Year starts we hope that

this year will be another succesful year for your group and that maybe at some stage this year

you can share some of your adventures here in Inside Out.

This month as in every month we feature many articles and Pictures from all around the Country

from groups just like yours. So what are you waiting for get your group or county event featured.

We are making it easier for you to submit your article and pictures. We now have a

dedicated page set up to enable you to make a submission Just click here and fill in

the details.

If you have any Queries please contact us at communications@scouts.ie.

Please forward this month’s issue to all Scouters and Youth Members in your group. Don’t

presume they have got it. Deadline for next month’s issue is 30th September.

See you next month! - The Communications Team

Quote of the Month

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In this issue...Phoenix and CastleWorld Moot CanadaEuropean ConferenceVentact SouthAshbourne ScoutsEgyptian Camp

The Phoenix and the Castle

The 2013 Phoenix Scout took place this year in the wonderful surroundings

of Castle Saunderson International Scout Centre. The event was launched

with an opening ceremony on the lawn in front of the castle itself. Over

1,000 Scouts and Scouters came to the site and enjoyed the amazing

facilities that the centre had to offer.

The theme for this year’s camp was Peace and all four programme bases

were structured around the peace theme. This year a patrol of Scouts

from Scout Association Northern Ireland took part and we are delighted to

welcome them along.

Zone 1 - Building a Community – PioneeringThis is a subcamp challenge. The objectives of this project are for all patrols within thesubcamp to work together to complete a large scale pioneering project.

Zone 2 – Crossing Borders – WaterThis will involve activities on Lough Sarah. The objectives of the programme are to focus onwater activities and teamwork challenges built around the nautical programme.

Zone 3 – Castle Saunderson Peace ProgrammeThis Zone included Peace Training under the messengers of Peace programme and also the building of a Peace path as part of Service to Scouting.

Zone 4 – Lost in the Forest - BackwoodsThe programme zone took advantage of the remote forest areas surrounding Castle Saunderson. Patrols were tested in their ability to deal with the unforeseen.

Thursday Morning after the opening Ceremony was completed All the 71 patrols that took part this year started to build their sites . The standard of Camp craft on display was excellent with Some excellent gadget design and construction. You will see from the Library of Pictures that we took over the weekend the high quality of Camp craft that was on display. Friday saw the Patrols take part in the 4 Programme Zones and each of these was themed around peace.

Friday night saw the Intercultural Market Place (Trade Fair) take place and what a colourful Spectacle this turned out to be.

Saturday was another day of Programme and Saturday night saw the Campfire took place in front of the Castle. It is one hell of a backdrop to any campfire and when lit up provided a lovely stage for the Campfire. The patrols again excelled at the Sketches and Songs they brought to life in front of everyone.Sunday saw Patrols have some fun Bases before it was time to Take down the Sites and await the Results and Final Ceremony. The Standard was really high this year with nearly all Patrols achieving either Silver or Gold.

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must go down as one of the best Phoenix Challenges. Also major thanks to Tony and Finbar and all the team in Castle Saunderson. This was the first major camps to take place up there and you showcased what Castle Saunderson has to offer. Most groups on leaving have said they would be returning with their Groups for their own camps soon.

To View over 580 images of the Event click on the Scouting Ireland Gallery at the Link Below

Below is a rundown on the winners of the Various Trophies but to be real all the Patrols that took part were winners.Overall winners this year were 3/7/13 Waterford2nd Place went to 17/20 Waterford3rd Place went to 3/4/6 Louth Snow PatrolLog book went to 8th GalwayCooking and Eating to 46/92 CorkCamp craft winners 17/20 WaterfordBases Winners were 3/17/13 Waterford

Well done to all the patrols that took part. You are a credit to both your Group and Scouting Ireland. Big thank you to Camp Chief Conor Mc Keon and Programme Commissioner (Scouts ) Dave Shalloo and all their team for what

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Phoenix Log Books

This Year’s Log Books at the Phoenix Challenge were Digital Log Books.

Each Patrol were given one hour a day to upload their daily Log Which

this year was to include 4 Photos. Inside out have got the Kind Permission

of the Programme Commissioner Scouts to share all the Log Books with

you all. And what a resource it is all 70 Patrol Logs are included for you

to view and read. They really give a great feel to what happened over the

weekend.

Big thank you to Peter Roche and his team for the work they put in over the weekend in developing this resource. And a big congratulations to all the Scout Scribes who produced very interesting and colorful accounts of the Competition.

Click on the logo below to give you access to all the Log.Just click on any of the logbook links to view that log

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Ireland’s Chief Scout urges a return to the great outdoors for young people

Ireland’s Chief Scout urges young people to enjoy the experience of scouting and benefit from the great outdoors!

Being Ireland’s Chief Scout is a busy job. Just ask Fermoy man Michael John Shinnick who has been doing it for five years now and is in his second term.The highest elected member of Scouting Ireland, he heads up a national team, his work taking him across the country, doing everything from meeting with Government ministers as he did last week to having discussions with other upper level officials. He travelled to the UK recently for a meeting with the Scouting Association there and this weekend will see him in Cavan on scouting business. A director of local company Micro Bio, the married father of two daughters is passionate about his scouting work and says he gets a great sense of achievement from it.

The official aim of Scouting Ireland is to encourage the physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual development of young people so they can achieve their full potential and, as responsible citizens, improve society. Michael John thinks it’s time our young people got back to the great outdoors. “The health benefits of spending quality time in the outdoors is enormous. Witness the growth in the number of people running, hillwalking and cycling as we seek to counteract the stress of living in ‘austerity Ireland’,” he points out.With obesity in children becoming a significant issue, he believes its never been more important to enable young people to experience the fun, as well as the health benefits, of the great outdoors. And, he says, scouting provides the perfect place for young people to experience that in a safe and exciting way. Every year over 40,000 young people in scouting get to camp in some of Ireland’s most scenic locations as well as further afield. “They experience the

outdoors, make friends and create their own adventures,” Michael John says. This year a group of 18 to 21 year olds is going to Canada, and a group of 10 adults were in Japan recently, checking it out ahead of a trip by an Irish group for a major jamboree taking place there in 2015. Working together in small groups, scouts develop practical skills they can be justifiably proud of. It also helps them develop great life skills, Michael John says “and resonates with where they are in their lives. It is,” he explains, “Ireland’s largest non-formal education movement.”

Despite the lure of so many other different pursuits, scouting in Ireland has held its own with membership up from 32,000 ten years ago to its present 45,000. Michael John Shinnick, who was one of the first members of the Fermoy 18th troop back in 1967 and who went on to form a troop in Glanworth and reopen others in Buttevant and Doneraile. He has served in many positions with Scouting Ireland since and is credited with playing a big part in the development of scouting in Ireland. The Clancy Street native wants as many other boys and girls as possible to enjoy the experience of scouting, including the benefits of the great outdoors!

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Chief Scouts AreaThe Following Interview Piece appeared in the Avondhu Press

Chief Scout Meets Grand Daughter of Baden Powell

On a recent Trip to Gilwell in London the Chief Scout Michael John Shinnick had the pleasure to have a meeting with Gill Clay granddaughter of Baden Powell. Gill was most interested in how Scouting Ireland was progressing and showed a deep understanding of how we are situated in terms of youth leadership and in terms of how the Legacy of B.P. continues to flourish here. She was most complimentary of our work and wished us continued success.Baden Powell came to Ireland on three occasions, in the Army, to visit the Scout Association and to fish.

A New Way to Submit Your Articles for Inside out

Because of the Volume of Articles we are getting from Groups and Counties each month we have decided to make it easier for Groups and Counties to submit their Articles and Photos each month. And we love to get them all.

We now have designed a dedicated page where you can upload your Article and your Photos with no hassle and get a message back straight away to let you know that your article has been received.

If you just Click on this link Below it will take you to a form where you enter your details and then attach your article and photos. Then when you have all done press submit. If your article is received you will get an automatic reply to say we have received your article and a thank you.

See right a screen Shot of the Form.

If you need any help at all with this contact me at communications@scouts.ie and I will endeavour to help.

Now wouldn’t it be great if we got a small article from every group in the country just to let everyone know that you are there!

Communications Team

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Japanese Rover Scouts interns

working with Scouting Ireland

Six Japanese Rover Scout interns arrived in Dublin Airport on a month

long work placement with Scouting Ireland. They attended the Phoenix

Challenge on Sunday Afternoon and met up briefly with the Chief Scout

and other members of Scouting Ireland. They were introduced to all the

Scouts at the Awards ceremony. It wasn’t long till they started to mix with

the scouts and Neckerchiefs were been Swapped very quickly.

The 6 Rover Scouts had a full itinerary Starting with a placement on Castle

Saunderson where they were working for the first week. But it is not all

by the local group there. Also they visited the national stud and Japanese gardens.

The 3rd week they traveled to FOTA campsite where they had a work Placement there. During their stay here they had a meeting with the Chief Scout.They then moved to Mt Mellary, Larch Hill and also Killaoe where they also had work placements.

During their stay they attended both open information meetings for anyone thinking of travelling to the World Scout Jamboree in Japan 2015.

work as during their stay they took in some of the Sites of Northern Ireland including Giants Causeway marble arch Caves and Belfast.

The 2nd week they stayed with Dollymount Scouts in Dublin and completed some work at group level there, in particular in the water activities area. Included in their stay there they took in a tour of Dublin including a trip to see River dance. Then it was off to Naas where they all availed of home hospitably organized

For their last week they will be back in Castle Saunderson helping getting ready for Scouting Ireland’s recharge event.

Then it is back to Fingal Scout County to meet the Mayor and then to airport for flight home.

So as you can see they are packing in a lot in their 4 week visit. The host and Scouting Irelands liaison for the visit is Ken Lacey.

So make sure you say Kon’nichiwa (hello in Japanese). If you happen to meet them.

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World Rover Scout Moot Canada

A big welcome home to the Scouting Ireland Rover Scout Contingent to

the World Moot in Canada, who have all now returned safe and sound. We

would like to thank Steve Cull contingent Lead and all the Rover Scouts

who represented Scouting Ireland so well. This was the biggest ever Rover

Scout Contingent that we have ever assembled to attend a World Rover

Scout Moot and they did us proud. We can’t wait to catch up with Steve to

get the full story of what went on but judging by looking at the images we

have got (and a big thank you to Dave Kenneally for a lot of these) it looked

like a brilliant experience.

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Scouting Ireland Gadgets

Here is a selection of some Scout Gadgets that were on show at this year’s

Phoenix Competition. Maybe they will give you some ideas of having a go

at building your own.

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Also are you following us on twitter over 5500 members are so why not follow us to get daily updates from Mark and the team.

Scouting Ireland Face book page has been really active lately.We now have over 3,500 likes on the page from all over the world.The team update it weekly with loads of images and updates from various events.

Why now join in? Click on the link below and Like us.

Scouting Ireland Social Media Sites

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Facebook PageTwitter

September is looming large and with all excitement of the summer over it’s time to get things moving again at Group Level. This month our article focuses on some of the jobs which need to be carried out by the Group Leader and Group Council during September and October.The first thing you need to do is set a date for and hold a Group Council in September, you should consider including items below.• Review Annual Camps (including accounts) and summer programme with all sections.• Review Group Development Plan and amend if necessary to meet your ongoing needs as a Group.• Prepare a Group Budget for presentation at the AGM. Don’t forget to include training, awards ceremonies, any maintenance work required to your premises as well as your day to day running costs. In light of your budget outcomes discuss annual membership fees, do they remain the same, if an increase and why. Does the current method /system of payment (weekly, term or annually) suit both you and the families .

As Group Leader you will need to carry out a Scouter Audit. This will be greatly assisted by ensuring that all Adult Members undertake Mutual Agreements. This should include training needs, further development, commitment and support required. Distribute Training Calendar to all Scouters.

Your list of things to do for October should include the following;• Carry out a risk assessment on your meeting place, are any works required (have they been included in your annual budget).• Complete a stock take of all equipment and carry out a review of future equipment requirements with the Group Quartermaster.• Ensure Scouters are booked on relevant training courses

• Prepare your Group Calendar for the year, ensure you check out County, Provincial and National events first which may impact on dates you choose. Encourage each Section to compile their own calendar for main events such as Awards Ceremonies, Investitures etc.• Plan Section Links, how long, when, which Scouters are involved and responsible. Decide on in take of new members, how many youth members can each section take based on current numbers, Scouter ratios, space and resources.• Update the database accordingly.• SET A DATE FOR YOUR GROUP AGM

(including Parents & Friends Committee members where necessary)• Encourage Scouters to attend and participate County Programme meetings.• Review Group Calendar to ensure all dates have been included, in particular investiture dates for each Section.• Start discussions for next year’s Annual Camps, possible destinations, costs etc.• HOLD GROUP AGM – recruit members for Parents and Friends Committee – appoint 3 members to Group Council.• Meeting with Parents & Friends regarding Group budget and other needs (12 days of Christmas draw, other fund raising events).• Invite PSO/GSF to your next Group Council meeting.

1ST LARCH HILL SCOUT GROUPPARENTS & FRIENDS AGM - 18TH OCTOBER 2013

1. Welcome – Opening Thought or Reflection2. Section Reports3. Group Leader Report4. Treasurers Report5. Parents & Friends Report6. Recruitment of P&F members (if required)7. Appointment of 3 P & F members to Group Council8. Thank you’s 9. Meeting Close

are willing to do this and can provide invaluable information and insight.There are a few very important things to remember when dealing with any child with a Special Need• First and foremost remember that the child should be paramount in everything we do• Keep details of the condition confidential – only share relevant information with those who need to know.• Do not exclude the child – if doing an activity they cannot take part in give them a job, they could keep score, take photographs or ask them if there is something they could do to be involved. Do not exclude activities because they cannot do them as other may resent this. Keep a balance.• Do not be afraid to discuss the condition with the Young Person if they bring it up – they can offer insight into what they can and can’t do better than anyone else.• Be careful of “labels”. This can cause us to make assumptions regarding conditions. When we think of someone being “dyslexic” we generally assume they have problems with writing and spelling, this is not always the case, there are various different types of dyslexia

More and more Scouters are asking about Training in the area of Special Needs. The difficulty with providing this is that there are so many conditions and so many varying individual needs that it would be impossible to cover them all adequately in a Training session. Special Needs can range from special dietary requirements, to allergies, to physical disabilities and to some of the more challenging behavioural areas such as ADHD and Autism.The very best advice we can offer is to encourage parents to make full disclosures on Activities Consent forms regarding any conditions which may apply to their Children. Ensure them that this will discussed only with those who need to know and will be treated with the best interest of the Child in mind at all times. Once the parent has made you aware of a special need ask them if they would be willing to speak to the relevant Scouter Team to ensure they all have a full understanding of what is involved and how to deal with any issues which may arise. It has been found that most parents

Sample AgendaSpecial Needs

and they all have different effects some of which are physical.Scouting Ireland’s programme is based around a Personal Journey and we should always bear this in mind when dealing with any member of the association who has a special need. We have attached a link to Scouting Ireland’s “Supporting Special Needs” booklet which outlines some of the conditions we as Scouters might encounter and offers advice on how to deal or cope with some of these conditions. You could also visit the various websites that offer information on individual Special Needs, however as mentioned about the best source of information on a young person’s specific needs are the parents or if appropriate the young person themselves.Please use this book as a reference and not a bible.

Employee Assistance Programme

The EAP is a confidential member support service designed to support eligible staff and members resolve personal or work related concerns, through telephone support, specialist information and telephone or face to face counselling.

The EAP is provided by EAP Consultants, who are an independent company, and is available through a designated 24/7 Freephone helpline, with access to support covering a wide range of issues, including but not limited to:

The EAP is completely confidential and voluntary, and Scouting Ireland recommends anyone requiring support to use this worthwhile service. Invoicing is by PIN only. Our standard contract includes Group Leaders, Commissioners, Child Protection Trainers, Designated Liaison Persons, National Management Committee and Staff. It can be temporarily extended to some / all of a particular Group in case of an incident. Although designed for adults, local counsellors can recommend youth services if needed.

HELPLINE:- 1800 201 346 (RoI) / 0808 234 5183 (NI)

You’ll need your member number from the database to verify the call.

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European Scout and Guide Conference

The Irish delegation have just returned from the European Scout and

Guide Conference which was held in Berlin. Our team of Christy Mc Cann

(International Commissioner) John Lawlor (CEO) Tom Clarke, Glenn

Webster, Cathal Healy Claire Mc Aroe and Kate Cowan took a full part in

the conference and attended various breakout sessions. They also voted

on behalf of Scouting Ireland in all issues including the New European

Scout Committee.

We would like to wish the new European Scout Committee all the Best as

they start their work.

A number of resolutions asked the Region to take appropriate actions to facilitate a better inclusion of migrant youth in the Scout Movement in Europe and to provide more publicity to the Erascout Programmes already existing in a number of NSOs in Europe. The strengthening of networking, cooperation and interconnectivity of NSOs of the Region was the theme

A record total of ten resolutions tabled by National Scout Organizations were adopted and addressed a variety of issues, including two resolutions concerning the current reorganization and relocation of the World Scout Bureau. Other issues addressed related to the cost of Regional events, the financial crisis affecting countries in the Region in general, and the climate change and the relevance of Scouting’s role as a valuable lobbying partner in intergovernmental for a concerning this issue.

of another resolution, while another one shared the Region’s concerns with regards to recent developments in the middle east and their impact on young people in that region.Resolutions of the 21st European Scout Conference and other Information including a list of the new European Scout Committee can be Found here.

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Cometh they all from far and

wide to “The Gathering” 2013

Cometh they all from far and wide to “The Gathering” 2013 at the

International Sea Scout Regatta on Broadmeadow waters in North County

Dublin. Our overseas guests started to arrive at Dublin Airport from late

Thursday night through to early Friday morning.

Back in late 2012 and after a visit to the National Scout forum in Belgium,

two scout leaders Kate O’Farrell and Colum McCaffrey of the Malahide

Sea Scout group came up with the idea to have an International Sea Scout

Regatta as part of “The Gathering” 2013.

The day started early on Saturday 24th August as the first crews meeting

gun and then followed by the starter’s gun. The four group races drawn for the regatta were a team race, BP”18” race, a leaders race and finally the qualifier for the Koch Cup. The Qualifier from this race get to represent Sea Scouting from Ireland in next year’s Koch Cup held on Long Beach, California USA. The winners of the regatta race were 9th Port Malahide (Friday) , leaders race Vinnie Varley 9th Port Malahide(Friday) and finally qualifiers for Koch Cup Gemma McDowell and Sarah McKernan 9th Port Malahide (Neala).The regatta was a great success that will have long lasting memories from our fellow sea scouts from abroad. Thank you Commodore Bob Sugrue, Vice Commodore Graham Smith and race officer of

takes place.58 sailors from home and abroad checked in. Race officer of the day Alan Johns of Malahide Yacht Club gave briefings on the schedule courses and local rules. The forecast was for light winds but Broadmeadow waters with its low hinterland gave a very competitive force 4 and the crews had to work harder to find the best wind and keep up with the fleet. The 16 Topaz dinghies’ slipped into the water and all races began with a 3 minute warning

the day Alan Johns of the Malahide Yacht Club for use of their club house on the beautiful Broad meadow. To our many helpers and sponsors Irish Sailing Association ,Marie and Seamus O’Farrell, The Gathering 2013 , Scouting Ireland ,Shiels of Yellow Walls, the Scout Shop , Stephanie Mc Cann ,Gearoid O’Riain,and Kevin Rowan of the Sea Scout Team, our home and overseas sailors from Belgium, Denmark, our International Commissioner Christy McCann and Chief Scout Michael J Shennick.

To see all the images from the weekend check out the Scouting Ireland Gallery at the link.

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Minister Hayes Visits Camp One

Minister of State for public reform Brian Hayes recently dropped in to

Larch Hill to visit Scouts taking part in Camp One. He was very impressed

with the range of activities that the Scouts were taking part in and stated

that working in teams always achieves better results. The minister took

part in some of the Fun Bases and helped one patrol with a pioneering

Project. During his visit he met John Lawlor CEO who briefed the minister

on Scouting Ireland and the progress it has made over the last few years.

Minister Hayes was very supportive of the work undertaken by Scouting

Ireland and it’s 43,000 members.

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Ventact South

Ventact 2013 was held last week in Kilcully Campsite The Numbers this year were down on previous years due to a few factors but nearly 300 Venture and Rover Scouts still had a magnificent weekend, again lucky with good weather and the coaches departed the site as scheduled for the various activities on Saturday Morning. The varying activities were Horse riding and bush craft at Hop Island, water skiing and team games at Carrigadrohid, Inishleena Water Activities on Inniscarra Dam, Boot Camp at Cuskinny and Power boating and Deep sea Fishing from Cobh.

Saturday night saw on site Scouts own and a themed Disco Hero’s and Villains. Sunday morning saw on site activities such as Jenga, Slippery slope and a few others as well as a birds of Prey display.

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The next big event was the Rover/Venture annual summer camp, which was held in Gilwell park. We went to Gilwell for a week, flew from Dublin to Gatwick. The week was pretty much jam-packed with different activities. We were camping for the week, and we were delighted with the weather as London was in the middle of a heat wave.We did many activities onsite such as 3G swing, Archery, Gauntlet (an obstacle course in the air), Aeroball, Fan Descender. We had a day trip to Harry Potter land, which was

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Blarney Rover Crew

Blarney Rover Crew are probably the most active crew in Lee Valley Scout

County. Here is a taste as to what they’ve been up to over the summer…

“We started the summer with a trip to Fota, this was a weekend for the

whole unit, it was the June bank holiday weekend. The sun was splitting

the stones, the Rovers helped with a ‘James bond themed treasure hunt’.

The Rovers made use of the great weather and went to the beach and did

a BBQ for the unit on the Saturday evening.

pretty amazing! We got to see the great hall, taste butter beer, ride broom sticks and the Weasley’s Ford Anglia.We also spent a day in London, where we did a walking tour of the main tourist sites, such as Buckingham Palace. We then took the tube to the natural history museum and spent the rest of the afternoon looking about the museum (we really didn’t have enough time). We went to see Wicked the musical that evening, which blew us all away.”The crew rounded up their summer with a trip top Ventact. All in all a very active few months!

Annual Registration 2013

Annual Registration (Northern Ireland)

I am pleased to inform you that the National Management Committee has

maintained the annual registration fee at its current level of; €45 for Under

18 Members and €20 for Members 18 and over for 2013.

In considering the Registration Fee Scout Groups should read SID 60-10

(as amended in March 2012) which sets in detail Scouting Ireland Policy on

Membership Fees and also outlines a number of incentives including:

• Rebate on Registration Fees on Venture/Rover Scout Sections with 5 or more members (to encourage Groups to open / develop these sections) @ between 10% and 20% of fees paid. Groups are encouraged to avail of these rebates/incentives wherever possible. Please contact National Office or your Provincial Support Officer/Group Support Facilitator should you have any queries on the above.

• Early Payment Rebate – 5% rebate for payments before 30th November & 2.5% rebate for payments before 20th December • Growth Rebate – for year on year Growth in excess of 10% in Under 18 Membership • Section Rebate for Groups who establish a Venture Scout Section or Rover Scout Section of €100 / £80 (to encourage Groups to open / develop these sections)

I am pleased to inform you that the National Management Committee has maintained the annual registration fee at its current level of; £36 for Under 18 Members and £16 for Members 18 and over for 2013. In considering the Registration Fee Scout Groups should read SID 60-10 (as amended in March 2012) which sets in detail Scouting Ireland Policy on Membership Fees and also outlines a number of incentives including: • Early Payment Rebate – 5% rebate for payments before 30th November & 2.5% rebate for payments before 20th December • Growth Rebate – for year on year Growth in excess of 10% in Under 18 Membership

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• Section Rebate for Groups who establish a Venture Scout Section or Rover Scout Section of €100 / £80 (to encourage Groups to open / develop these sections) • Rebate on Registration Fees on Venture/Rover Scout Sections with 5 or more members (to encourage Groups to open / develop these sections) @ between 10% and 20% of fees paid. Groups are encouraged to avail of these rebates/incentives wherever possible. Please contact National Office or your Provincial Support Officer/Group Support Facilitator should you have any queries on the above.

This years Sionnach Adventure Events

Sionnach 1: 27-29 Sept

– Wicklow arts cross.

Sionnach 2: 11-13 Oct – Burren.

Sionnach 3: 25-27 Oct – Comeraghs.

the most beautiful mountainous locations in the country and this year Sionnachs are being run in the Wicklow Mtns , the Burren and the Comeraghs. Sionnachs provide a great opportunity to log walks for your hillwalking adventure skill, the two night wildcamp being an important one! As well as having access to the knowledge base of our experienced staff some of who are level 8 and 9.

What are Sionnachs? Sionnachs are hillwalking events that take place over the course of a weekend. There are 3 events run annually in September and October by the Sionnach Team. Patrols of 4 scouts (and a leader) take to the hills with all their gear to walk a predefined route. There is generally a base camp on Friday night, then a short walk to High camp, where tents are put up and unnecessary gear is deposited before the main walk. Sionnachs are run in some of

Who can participate?

Patrols of 4 Scouts in the 13 to 16 age range, accompanied by a leader.Open to patrols who have: • Basic experience in hill walking. (You’ll get taught some more along the way!• All the required equipment.• Who are reasonably physically fit.• Who can persuade a Leader to join them! The cost of each Sionnach Adventure is €40 and includes the information booklet and administration costs of the adventure but not transport to and from the event. Each Sionnach Adventure is limited to 20 patrols (a patrol being four Scouts and one adult Leader). Don’t forget you’ll need suitable food for Friday through Sunday. To go directly to the online booking form please click HERE or copy the following link into the address bar of your browser.

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Check out our National Scout Centres for your Next weekend Activity

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Lough Dan

ECO warrior or warriors wanted

Breaking news. Fantastic scientific breakthrough at Lough Dan. It seems

that the summer midge problem is no more. Yes its true. Lough Dan is now

offering a new indoor summer camp option for next year. Book the hostel 4

nights midweek (Monday to Friday) for the price of three (that’s a reduction

of 25%) during June, July and August and get all the other onsite facilities

as well. In other words you can still camp but have the hostel as your base

and refuge if needs be.

This is only one of many changes in Lough Dan which now includes more

on site activities. Lough Dan will also be open for winter camping so here’s

hoping for lots of snow. For the last 5 years Lough Dan has organised a tree planting event as part of National tree week in early March. The object of the exercise besides being a great activity for our members is to convert 16 acres of hillside back into a native woodland. Thousands of trees have been planted (sucking up CO2) and adding to the many legacy plants and trees such as blue bells, holly and white thorn that are already on the site from when the it was a woodland in former times. On the site jays, deer and badger are regularly seem and the views over Lough Dan and the Wicklow Hills are spectacular. Spending time there has been a privilege.

In our anti Midge campaign other items include use of anti-midge machines, midge proofing the barn and toilet block, creating indoor games areas for use in the evening, mowing the camping fields and opening up adjacent areas to allow wind through as well as having midge nets and repellent available. We will also give programme advice as lots of people live in midge areas because they change their plans if midges are bad as it’s all weather dependant. For all site info and online bookings go to www.loughdan.com .

Unfortunately my knees are not up to doing all the digging and lugging uphill anymore and I am looking for a replacement eco warrior or warriors to promote and organise the event. If interested contact me Zef Klinkenbergh (the bird man of Lough Dan amongst other things) on 083 1267170 and we can discuss the details.

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Ashbourne Scouts summit Snowdon

6th Meath Ashbourne Scout Group headed to Snowdonia for their first

overseas camp.

We stayed in the Old Schoollodge hostel in Deiniolain which was perfectly

kitted out and very comfortable. It’s a scout hostel in a great location and

well worth checking out at: http://www.oldschoollodge.org.uk/

Day 2 - Sunday:Hike to Llanberis via the Quarry - 5.5K

Our camp went as follows:

Day 1 -Saturday:Ferry to Hollyhead & bus to Deiniolain Dinner & walk to quarry - 4k

Visit to Electric Mountain Denorwig Power Station. Hike to Deiniolain via slate museum 4.5K Thankfully the hostel has a drying room and we made great use it to dry our boots and rain gear.Dinner & sandwich making.We were visited by some Scouts from Bangor (north Wales) and we hosted a presentation to them on life in Ashbourne as part of the Chief Scout Award and The Gathering badge. We rounded the evening off making friends with the Bangor scouts and making woggles, playing cards & pool.

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3-8th August 2013

Day 3 - Monday. Very early start and a wet day!Hike to Llanberis via the Slate museum - 4.5k

15 min rest stop at Snowdon Mountain Railway station so 2 leaders & 2 scouts could board the steam train.

Hike up Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa - via the Llanberis path - 9K. Unfortunately due to the rain and low clouds there was no view and the going was quite tough as the visibility was very poor and we couldn’t see how progress we were making! Still we persevered and the last group summited the mountain 4 hours later.After a good lunch and some of the best tasting Cappucino/Hot Chocolate/Tea and a spot of souvenir shopping. It was time to head back down to the town. The weather conditions had improved greatly and views on the way down were spectacular! Another rest in Llanberis before we hiked home through the forest at the slate museum - 4.5k. Total KM for the day was 27km with ascent of 1282m!!

After hanging all our gear up to dry we had time to shower before a delicious stew and collapsed in the games room to play more cards & then to bed.

Day 5 - Wednesday our favourite day - the Ropes & Ladders course in Llanberis http://www.ropesandladders.co.uk/ We hiked there by the slate museum - 4.5k We stayed in our patrols and started on different parts of the course. There were low ropes, high ropes, a zip line and finally the most awesome swing! It was brilliant - it took us the whole morning but it felt like we were only there for 5 mins! The staff there were wonderful, so wonderful we invited them to dinner for our last night. Some of the staff are members of a scout group on the isle of Anglesey and like the Bangor scouts have promised to visit us in Ashbourne next year!After our Ropes & Ladders fun we

Day 4 – Tuesday Caernarfon Castle, CaernarfonAfter a well-earned lie in, we hopped on a small commuter bus which bounced along the country roads into Caernarfon. We got a great view of the countryside which looked every bit like we were in Connemara! We even saw the RAF jets training in the valleys as we made our way from Deiniolain.

We took a tour of the castle with a very knowledgable guide who gave us a glimpse into was life was like in an English fortress castle by the sea in Wales. After lunch we had time to explore - we spent most of that time climbing the towers - of which there were too many for our tired Snowdon weary legs! We did a spot of shopping and sight-seeing after the castle and chilled out by the sea before it was time to board the bus and bounce back to the hostel again.Dinner was followed by a campfire and lots of singing where the song of the camp was the Shark Song!

took the steam train to the far side of Llyn Padarn and hiked home to Deiniolain from there to make dinner and get ready for our visitors - 4K After our visitors left we got to work cleaning and tidying the hostel to be ready for off the following day.Suffice to say the job of cleaning the drying room was nobody’s favourite as the smell from 37 pairs of wet hiking boots was gross!!! Still we did it!

To round the night off we had a quiz and made some more woggles and awarded prizes.

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Day 6 - ThursdayWe had to be up early to finish packing and clean our rooms and en suite bathrooms. The bus came to collect us at 11:30 and we headed home tired but happy with all the things we got to do.

So, where to next for 6th Meath Ashbourne? We have received an invite to visit a German troop we met in Fota a couple of years ago - so let the planning for Summer Camp 2014 commence!!!

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Balbriggan - Castle Saunderson

Carryduff Venture ScoutsSummer camp 2013KANDERSTEG Switzerland

Day 1We were all truly amazed by the breathtaking views when we woke up and came out of our lodge and with glorius weather this was always going to be a “getting to know the place” type of a day. Later we visited the local swimming pool in Kandersteg village. With only a few cases of sunburn the trip was a great success.

On the 5th July 2013, sixteen venture scouts and two leaders left Ireland from Dublin airport to the Kandersteg in Switzerland, the home of international scouting in Europe.

A year in the planning, this is their story.

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Day 2After a semi-early start to the day we drove to Blausee to a famous trout lake. The scenery amazing and being able to observe the many fish

through a glass bottomed rowing boat was

We then returned to the centre for some fine cuisine of crisps, ham and cheese sandwiches, and then headed to an international sports day. Needless to say the majority of us were not world class athletes but the craic was good.Day 3Start of the day, and we took the buses to Oeschinensee and immediately boarded the Gondolas heading up towards the Alpine tobogganing aite. As our bravery increased on the final run, some of us reached over 45Km/hr going down the slope. Later we cooled down in the nearby Alpine glacier lake Later that evening we were to create an Irish stand to present in Kandersteg’s weekly “International evening”. The potato bread was quickly fried and the rugby and GAA shirts quickly assembled, and with the Dubliners blaring we soon gathered a large crowd around our table. Along with our own exhibit there were ten other stands with samples ranging from Strawberry and cream, to pig skin and salted liquorice. When all the food samples were gone, inevitably

everyone began to leave and with empty potato bread plates and full hearts we all sat down for the night and agreed we had done Ireland proud.Day4After packing our hiking essentials in preparation for our mountain hike and our overnight stay in a real Alpine hut, we set off on our way.As we approached the cable car up the mountain, we were rather intimidated. It was very scary and quite wobbly which didn’t really reassure us. In fact, we were unsure if it was a cable car or an elevator as it inclined almost vertically.During the hike the scenary was

tightropes. We were harnessed up by our instructor “Peeta” and “Max” and started on our day of adventure. Abseiling, Zip-lines and tightropes over 50metres in the air were some of the activities on the agenda, but the highlight for many was probably the bungee jump from the 200ft bridge which proved to be both adrenaline pumping and very, very sore.We then journeyed home and had a chilled out afternoon. Some of the guys went on another toboggan run, while some of the girls sunbathed and took part in some of the KISC camp activities before settling down to a nice barbeque (including atmospheric tea lights) prepared by the boys team.Day7We decided to do something slightly different and spend a day in Bern. As we approached we saw the beautiful buildings and scenery, it almost didn’t seem real. We went to the much anticipated Bear museum; live bears in the city centre. Later that evening back in Kandersteg, after Dinner we all went to the international campfire where we had to do a sketch and it turned out amazingly well, even if I do say so myself... All-in-all a great day!

breathtaking. When we arrived at the log cabin the boys made a stir-fry which on any other occasion may not have been the most appetising, but to be honest I think we would have eaten anything at that stage. Day5After a wonderful night’s sleep (and a few reports of ghost sightings) we woke up to find more fantastic weather . Eventually everyone quickly got ready to return to Kandersteg centre. When we arrived back we headed to the international wet n’ wild pool party. Despite the 30°C temperature all day, as soon as we got to the pool the heavens opened. However, in true Irish venture spirit we soldiered on and had a great evening’s craic of tightrope walking, high diving, waterslides and a nail biting water volleyball match against the Dutch.Day6High ropes day. At the high ropes we were excited and a little scared as we stared up at the towering zip lines and

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Day 8Soon after breakfast we all jumped in the minibus and headed to Boltigen for a day of white water rafting. On arrival we donned our wet-suits and hiked to our rafts. Ahead of us lay many kilometers of Class 3 rapids. It was quiet at the start but the further we got down the river, the crazier it got. Our guide “Julian the German” was new to the job so it was tough for him to keep the boat straight so he made it his business to

pull as many 360’s as he could while crashing into trees and boulders. We nearly flipped the boat on a number of occasions and started a water fight war with the other tourist boat.When it was over we all agreed the experience had to go down as a classic. The leaders went off to get the buses, and we later drove home exhausted and still buzzing from our adrenaline fuelled trip down a Swiss Alpine river and had homemade pizza to finish the day.

Day 10We woke at the crack of dawn and tidied for hours to get our rooms and kitchen ready for the final inspection. We had a few hours to relax, chill out and sunbathe before having to hit the road.

After the journey to the airport we all arrived safe and sound. It had been a fantastic summer camp, full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences and memories that would last for years to come. We even managed to top

Day 9Our day in the Thermal Spas – a highly anticipated event! Probably the most exciting part of the journey was the 20minute train through the mountain in pitch black darkness. The Thermal spa had many pools at different temperatures and included a 180metre slide and a “lazy river” which became very violent during the hourly “extreme rapids”.

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Following an afternoon of swimming and sunbathing we returned home, briskly got ready and headed out to “Des Alp’s” the local restaurant for our last night in Kandersteg. We returned to Rob’s shack (our local cafe) and made him an honorary member of 29th Belfast by presenting him with a 29th Belfast Scout Scarf, badge and a card.

it all off at the airport by meeting F1 racing legend, BBC presenter and fellow Scout – David Coulthard.What a fantastic time. Kandersteg is a place that every scout, at some point in their lives should visit. It is unique and has the stamp of Baden Powell all over it. A remarkable centre in a remarkable location. Many thanks to our leaders Pat, Eamonn and Lauren.

CARRYDUFF VENTURE.

Carrickmacross Rover Scouts Go West

Carrick Rovers’ annual camp started with an unusual occurrence, in that,

everyone was on time! From that moment on they knew that this trip would

be one with a difference!

Packed to the brim the scouts set off to Galway on an abnormally hot Irish

summer’s day hoping that they wouldn’t melt before actually arriving.

The three-and-a-half-hour trip didn’t feel so long with the usual cheesy

song being played in the car accompanied by what can only be described

as karaoke -style singing, punctuated with many ice cream stops! Carrick rover

Naturally when you hear the word “beach” you go into a childlike state and start getting hysterically excited, this instance was no different! So it was time to fill up some bottles of water, slather themselves with the highest possible factor, as the Irish and sun don’t go well together. Then came to the awkward moment in every man’s life when you can’t reach a certain area of your back and you need help, but asking for it isn’t so easy!Before they left, Camp Co-ordinators Katie and Stephen, surprised them with a Hawaiian necklace arid a giant beach ball - could their day get any better? :The glorious sun shone down on them as they left their bags on Salthill beach and went for a quick swim.Of course, when you go to Salthill you have got to jump off the pier, so they all climbed the steps, succumbed to peer pressure and took the plunge!After soaking up the sun for a couple of hours they went back to base - By now you are probably thinking, this isn’t a rover camp at all, it’s a holiday for these guys - But the inevitable happened when they got back...

scouts arrived at the Kearney residence around half twelve. Pulling their sun-soaked clothes away from the seats they unpacked the car and joined the rest of the group who had been in Galway from the previous night.After taking over the majority of the living room with their rucksacks they went into the kitchen to be welcomed with a big hello and were promptly told to get their sun cream on as they were heading to the beach.

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Camp Co-ordinator Stephen sat them down and broke the bad, sorry, wonderful news that they were taking a hike - hooray! So as normal human beings do on a 27 degrees summer day, they threw on thick woolly socks and hiking boots and off they went! Two hours and 85 midge bites later rover scouts had scaled a summit and returned back from the hike.It was time for showers and rest. Then they headed outside and broke out the guitars. Every song you could imagine was sang the singsong went on into the wee small hours.

The first team, named Ramrod decided to construct a sandcastle in the shape of a crab, with moats surrounding it and high mounds for the king crab to sit on and command his people (or lesser crabs)! Meanwhile the other team went for a more simplistic yet very detailed approach. An independent adjudicator was called in to make this tough decision, after some very tense moments Ramrod emerged victors. Camp chiefs had told participants that they would be going on a cruise and the surprise was finally revealed, in the shape of two LIDL paddlina boats. aAlas, one valuable member of the team was lost at sea on that fateful day - the beach ball - despite last-ditch efforts to save it, was swept away and never seen again. The group would like to take a moment to remember all the good times they shared with it!Carrick rover scouts get a bird’s eye view from one of Ireland’s most famous landmarks.The group then departed for Doolin, and many bendy back roads later, they arrived at their destination. They set up camp and had something to eat before getting ready to head out.

The next morning rover scouts were awoke by a familiar sound, camp leader Katie telling them to get up at an ungodly hour. After they dragged themselves out of bed and had a quick breakfast, they set off on their next adventure... to another beach! But this time it was war, as scouts were split up into teams to see who could build the best sandcastle.The teams consisted of Kyle, David, Mark, Katie and Barry on one, and Shane, Jim, Siobhan and Stephen on the other.

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Doolin has four pubs to its name yet somehow there were party buses landing, left, right and centre.Having found a nice quiet pub, they sat down, listened to some good traditional music and had a quick meeting.The night rolled by quickly and soon it was time to head back to the campsite, and once again try to avoid being eaten alive by midges. Ground mats were rolled out and sleeping bags were soon zipped up as sleep descended on the last night of the camp.As with the previous day campers awoke to the sound of “get up, get up” by none other than Katie, and as per usual it fell on deaf ears for about twenty minutes!However they eventually managed to get themselves up and get ready for the day! After throwing their bags in the car they headed off to Lahinch for the last time.The waves weren’t the greatest that day but it wasn’t the waves that caught the headlines. For this day would be remembered for one thing and one thing only... This was the day that Katie ‘accidentally’ threw a jellyfish tentacle on the face of David. It was believed to be a stinq operation!

Every camp has a memory that sticks in people’s heads, or in this case on people’s faces, and the author has a feeling this incident will live long in memory!All bridges were mended with a team bonding exercise, involving everybody running across each other’s surfboards.After spending so long in the sea campers decided it would be appropriate to have some fish and chips, so they did.With the weekend coming to an end scouts decided to throw in another rover-type activity and so climbed the Cliffs of Moher. Shane and his camera really came into their element here! It was a nice end to the trip, with one more surprise - Siobhan was presented with a birthday cake, which was made all the better by the fact that she had no idea it was coming!This piece was kindly submitted by Kyle Duff, who would like to thank Katie, Stephen, David, Siobhan and everyone who made the weekend so enjoyable.

North Camp experience for Cork Scouts

The 5th Cork (The Lough) and the 7th Cork (St. Finbarr’s Doyle Rd) had

a very memorable camp this past week at the Northern Ireland Scout

Councils “Northern Ireland Jam 13”.

The party consisting of 13 scouts 4and travelled together leaders from

the 5th Cork along with 9 scouts and 2 Leaders from the 7th Cork under

the leadership of Michael Phillips joined forces and travelled together to

the mini jamboree camp. They had an early start from the grounds of the

Activities and Programme on site was very full and most enjoyable with each of the weekdays covering different areas and aspects of scouting. Last Monday saw the group going to Giants Causeway and tour that area while on Tuesday in contrast the s Group took part in on site activities which included an Ariel runway, caving, abseiling, archery , grass skiing and a 3g swing.

Wednesday saw the group partake in a Tiatanicopoly a street version of monopoly based around the titanic slipway dock area and East Belfast. On Thursday the scouts were on the water kayaking and also took part in a version of its a knockoutFriday saw a total change again when they took to the woods in a Bear Grylls wilderness challenge.

There was also a special treat for Alan Hopkins of the 5th Cork accompanied by Leader Donnchadh O’Laoghaire. They were invited along with other representatives of visiting groups to a special reception in Stormont. All in all it was a different style camp where they all made news friends and many email addresses were exchanged.

Lough Church meeting at 7 a.m to begin their trek to the campsite situated at Crawfordsburn Co Down just 3 miles from Bangor outside Belfast. Over 1,000 scouts camped in this most picturesque location overlooking Belfast Lough within the Crawfordsburn Forrest Park.

The Group were also joined for four days by James Neenan and his family who are scouts with the 74th Cork (Frankfield)

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Judging by the smiles on their faces yesterday arriving back at the Lough Scout Hall, it was a very memorable camp. Also attending the camp were the 4th Cork (Ss. Peter & Paul’s) and the 2nd Cork (St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral).

De la Salle Pipeband in Lorient 2013

Introduction

The Lorient Inter-Celtic Festival was born 43 years ago the desire of its

founders to contribute to the development of music and Breton culture and

also to open up the Celtic settlement in the British Isles (Scotland Nations

Country Wales, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Ireland) but also in the north of Spain

(Galicia and Asturias).

This gave him a special place in all the festivals Breton, but also national

insofar as it has created a place of making appointments scene Brittany

alongside other nations and forging a new structural concept exchanges:

the interceltisme.

contribute to the promotion of Breton culture and Celtic, and so promote both nationally and internationally, the image of Lorient, Morbihan, Brittany and the Celtic countries participate in the development of trade with the Celtic countries and all countries and regions interested in these cultures. The association has a board of directors composed of up to 23 members, elected by the volunteers at the General Assembly or co-opted for their recognized expertise. A president surrounded

With its success, the interceltisme has taken the first British and Spanish Celtic borders to turn to other places where there is also a location, most recent issue of migration of the British and Spanish Celts. Thus the ‘we saw the arrival of Australian pipe bands, bagpipe players from Latin American and Canadian singers. The association The Lorient Inter-Celtic Festival is an association law 1901 goals are: organize the Lorient Inter-Celtic Festival annually and ensure cultural permanently year

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by a Board shall be elected by the Board to implement the decisions taken. The IDF also the structure of elected volunteers, has a professional structure permanent. To fulfill its mission, the IDF has additional means: - a huge reservoir of volunteers (about 1100) providing operational responsibilities during the Festival - a reinforcement of trainees (March to August) according to the needs of the organization. - salaried professional staff to provide very specific tasks Sustainability The Lorient Inter-Celtic Festival is a cultural actor who aspires to live beyond 10 days of its summer edition in August. That is why it develops more actions and activities during the year for the general public, but also to its partners.

Day 1 ArrivingWe met at mayors walk to get a bus to Dublin airport. It wasn’t too early in morning which was brilliant! We all managed to get on the bus and had a laugh going up. We arrived in Dublin at around six for check in at half seven. We went for something to eat in the airport during that time and at half seven got our luggage

our passports and then we went for food in the canteen. There were a good amount of options for what we wanted but we were only allowed one of everything. We had a good practice and then headed over to the stadium to practice entering the stage for the magic night tomorrow night. We then went back and had a good sleep so we would be ready for the next day.

Day 3 Magic Night no 1 and PracticeWe had yet another practice in the morning at half eleven for the magic night that night. We either went off to explore, go to the canteen or somewhere else for lunch or to go back to sleep afterwards. Then at six we started to get ready in out uniforms to go down to the canteen for dinner and be there for practice at nine. When we were finished our dinner we went for practice at nine. We joined up with the Balleyboley Pipeband from Antrim for the magic nights and it was a good laugh cause all the lads were sound. We went over to the football stadium where over 20,000 people (Thanks to Ciara Murray for telling us the amount, before we even got on stage) were watching us

for check in. When we got through customs with the exception of a few beeps, we were able to explore the different food bars and traditionally me, Rachel and Jessica went to the Chocolate Lounge and had chocolate sundaes. We walked around for a bit and then we had to board the plane. We arrived in Lorient and then took a two hour bus to where we were staying. At that time it was three in the morning and the only time I actually remember from that day. We took our drums and luggage and pipes up four flights of stairs cause we couldn’t use the elevator. Without un packing we went to the rooms we were in and just fell asleep.

Day 2 Practise We got up to get ready for registration at half eleven. We went up to a cafe first for breakfast which was amazing. We only had a practice today as we had our first magic night the next night. We went with our drums and pipes to a green in a university where we also ate in the canteen. Before practice we had to register with

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play. There were bands from other Celtic countries such as Scotland, Wales, North Spain, Cornwall and the Isle of Man and another band from America, The Prince Charles Pipeband. We marched in playing the 6,8s “Gary Owen” tune and then when we were assembled on the stage we played “Greenhill’s of Antrim” also known as “The Waltz”, “Ta Gilla Mor” we stopped and watched the Irish Dancers from Cork which was amazing they were brilliant dancers. Then we marched out playing “Galway Girl”. We were pretty happy with our first performance because Magic Night was suppose to be televised on Wednesday night at ten .We then hung around for a while then went back onto the stage to watch fireworks. We took a bus back and fell into bed at two in the morning.

Day 4 First ParadeWe got up at half six to get ready for a parade at eleven and went up for breakfast in the same cafe, Hobby New, and came back for our drums and pipes to head for the parade. The staff at Hobby New were friendly, helpful and always with a smile and a joke. We headed up to the stadium to start the parade.

Everyone was in ‘high’ spirits. Upon approaching the grounds the atmosphere was contagious. Many different bands in traditional clothing each one different from the next, performed different dances and styles of music. My favourite was the French Navy, followed closely by the Scots, but each group had a high standard of professionalism.

Day 5 Few hours ofWe had a well deserved sleep in, everyone on a high from the night before. We got showered and breakfast and then met up outside the complex to go into town to shop at the stalls from the festival or the shops in Lorient, we saw loads of traditional Scottish stalls where I bought a cuddly seal for twelve euro (well worth it HES SO CUTE) There were loads of lovely jewellery and other Celtic items, like leather bound books and knives. We met up after two members of the band Ciara and Michael won a goldfish (Michael thought he won something else) The goldfish was baptised Speedo and was a loved fish by the band. We went back to have lunch and then got ready for the parade around the town which was tiring but a good buzz. We then went to the canteen

the concert and hopefully had an amazing fifth birthday from the entire band. Unfortunately before the concert one of our pipers Michael Simpson, badly sprained his ankle on the stairs of the complex when he fell down them. After been taken to A and E by our first aid interpreter and other guide Eloise, we finally received the news by text.... Crutches and painkillers.

Day 7 Televised NightDay 7 took off like a normal day except with a casualty (aka Michael) We had practice at half eleven, after breakfast and then had a few hours to ourselves until six o clock when we had to prepare for the magic night which we were well used to except tonight we were going to be televised. I was a bit nervous but it was going to be a good laugh and it didn’t really matter if it was televised or not. We had dinner in the canteen and then had our usual practice with the Balleyboley Band whom we became good friends with. We marched on playing the usual tunes we played on magic night. Fortunately there were no major mishaps, except falling over a wire or two. We the preceded to enjoy a great fireworks display.

for dinner, listening to Ciara and Michael debate about what to rename Speedo (Original name was Georgia, boy fish but they wanted a girl name) before Speedo was made official. It was a funny day for the band

Day 6 Happy Birthdays and Crutches and PainkillersWe had a practice again at half eleven because that day we had a concert called Ese Bas Marine (best guess at its spelling) it was Emily O’Connor’s fifth birthday that day. Her sister Megan is a piper in the band, her brother Cian is a snare drummer, her dad Derek is the bands base drummer and her mam Miriam accompanies the band on trips and competitions and is a great help to the band and its members. During the concert, Rachel, one of the tenor drummers, announced a happy birthday to Emily on stage while our guide Helene translated what Rachel said into French and Emily was brought on stage while the band played happy birthday on the pipes. Emily then joined us in tenor drumming for the rest of

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Day 8 Parade and Magic NightWe got up at a good time (so good I cant remember) we got ready for a tiny parade around the town which was great fun. It wasn’t too long or to short and wasn’t that tiring. We played all the tunes for Lorient except the Medley; we were saving that for the competition Saturday. We then went to have lunch at the canteen and then went to relax. We had dinner in different locations as a change. We mostly got Dominos which was delicious.

Day 9 Last Magic Night Day 9 was like the rest in a way. It was our last magic night and we were looking forward to not falling in at 1 or 2 in the morning anymore, but we had a laugh all the same. Practice was at usual at half eleven and then the day to ourselves till nine again. We started getting ready at six so we could have dinner and be ready by nine. We went up to the stadium with the same tunes we played all the other magic nights and still felt like it was our first magic

and warmth and let’s not forget Guinness. After an amazing night of laughter and jokes we went back to the complex to have one last sleep in the beds we were in the last ten days.

Last Day...We didn’t have to leave until half seven in the evening, so we slept in, had breakfast, some packed and some were in a rush at six, we spent the whole day to ourselves just relaxing. When we finally left we had our last two hour bus journey to the airport. We arrived back in Waterford at half three in the morning and we were drunk with fatigue and at the same time were buzzed still with what we experienced and all the people who will never forget. Lorient was tiring, I will admit, but the excitement of it was way more powerful and I hope we get invited back again. Especially thank you to the Kiely Walsh Academy of Dancing and Balleyboley Pipeband, we met as strangers and came home as family,

night. The last magic night ended with a huge fireworks display more magnificent than the other nights.

Day 10 Competition DayWe worked very hard for the competition in Lorient and for the competition we played the Medley, MSR and the Drums Salute which was Minstrel Boy (I don’t care I love that tune!) All week the drummers, snare and tenor, practised a funny dance routine for the Drum Salute which is basically just for the laugh. If there were points given for taking the mick wed have won 1st place. It was a good laugh thanks to Frankie O’ Sullivan and Eoin Smith the older snare drummers, who let us do the Apache dance during the drumming. All and all we came 8th in the Medley and 4th in the MSR, which I’m very happy with because most of the tenor drummers like me never learned the Medley until we got to Lorient, so learning something for a competition in a few days was a job well done. Since tonight was our last night, we went out to a new pub to have a laugh and it was loads of fun. The air was full of laughter, jokes

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Camp Northeast 2014

Edendmore

When all the camps, trips and meetings are over, the leaders deserve a

day out.

74th Edenmore beaver, cub and scout leaders headed to New Ross to visit

the Dunbrody Famine Ship. A little bit of history, followed by a lovely meal

and a few drinks! We are all relaxed and ready to start again in September.

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Fermanagh Scouts

2012/2013 saw 18th Fermanagh with it’s first ever Scout Troop. Since

1995, 18th Fermanagh have had beaver colonies and cub packs only,

but through some changes in programme and attitude we started our

first Scout group and hope to add to it this coming term. As part of our

year the entire group was involved in a cross community project with our

neighbouring SANI scout group in Kesh. This was a programme funded by

the Peace 3 fund, through Fermanagh District Council and the North West

Cluster partnership. Group Leaders, Maurice Lee (Kesh) & Liam McMulkin

(18th), January, Mountain Biking, Historical visits to sites around Fermanagh, Sleepovers, a weekend camp for both groups, incorporating a Beaver day, canoeing, an international camp, closing event. To fund this we had planned some heavy fund raising, as we were determined to carry on. It was with great joy we learned in November 2012 that we had secured funding for our project, “Scout Out Loud” and we never looked back.Recently returned from the Walesby World Experience 2013, where both of our scout troops attended this joint camp in Nottingham, for their first truly international flavor of the scouting community. The project has been such a success, it is being

sat down together last July and put together a programme of events that we thought were manageable and yet fun filled & exciting for our youth. We approached the Fermanagh District Council and submitted our programme with dates, times estimated costings etc… and held our breath. We started with a few meetings with the sections in September & October 2012, determined to go ahead with this project in some shape or form.The first meeting was to be the Beaver sections at a Christmas party in December, followed by an official launch of our Programme in

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continued on until December 2013, being originally scheduled to end August 2013.It has been fantastic to see the changing attitudes and personalities of all these Beavers, Cubs & Scouts. Kesh & Ederney are 3 miles apart, yet most of these children, did not even know each other, let alone scout & camp together, a great success and here’s to the future of scouting on this island.

Ferrybank Scouts @Kandersteg2013

38 Ferrybank Scouts, Ventures and Leaders from 18/26th Waterford

travelled to Kandersteg, Switzerland for an 11 night summer camp this year

and had a fantastic time with all the activities during the trip. They made

loads of new friends with other Scouts from all over the world, including

our county neighbours from 55th Carrigaline, Cork. Both groups joined

up to represent Ireland at the International parade through the village of

Kandersteg along with over 1000 other Scouts on Switzerland’s National

Day on the 1st August.

We also went white water rafting (where luckily, only one of the leaders fell in and boy was that water absolutely freezing!!!)

One of the many highlights of the trip included an overnight hike to 2502m to stay at the Lämmerenhütte Alpine Hut in the Alps where the views along the way were just spectacular.

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We spent an afternoon climbing and zip wiring through the tree tops at Outdoor Interlaken. Great fun until the thunderstorm. A day trip to Berne saw the Scouts cooling off in the Water fountains and visiting the bear pit. The campfires were also good fun and we learned many new songs and verses to try out at the next camp back home. Overall, it was a great camp at a great location. The Scouts got to try new activities and made new friends. We will definitely return. Roll on the next one! Follow us on Twitter for more news - @FerrybankScouts

Rover Scouts get into the Festival

spirit with Tent Pitching Fundraiser

If there’s one thing scouts know better than most, its how to pitch tents. So

with this in mind they rolled up their sleeves to help out festival goers at

this years Indiependence Music Festival at the Deerfarm, last weekend. As

with last year, the monies raised from this successful fundraiser go towards

local scout groups who provide fun, adventure and life training to its youth

members aged between 7-26 years.

While the service was widely advertised, the relief on many campers faces was evident as they realized they didn’t have to puzzle

Expanding on last years service, the Rover Scouts, aged 18-26 years old, were onsite from early morning on Friday as campers arrived, and throughout the weekend to help pitch, repair and even take down tents for those revelers who are less than familiar with the finer points of pitching their tents. The tents came in all sorts of shapes, sizes and conditions, no problem to this group of experienced scouts who’ve been pitching tents in their sleep since they were youngsters.

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over pegs, poles and guy lines, for the low cost of €5 for a small tent & €10+ for larger tents, they could have their tents pitched, giving them time to get into the festival spirit,safe in the knowledge that their tent should keep out the worst of the weather throughout the weekend. While the weather largely played ball over the weekend, and the site certainly held up better than last year, some frequent heavy showers ensured the scouts were busy throughout making running repairs to keep people dry. The Rovers enjoyed the great line up, atmosphere, and meeting all the festival goers who were in high and friendly spirits, delighted to support a good cause and take the hassle out of setting up their tents.

Organised by the 29th/30th Mitchelstown Scout Group supported largely by groups from North Cork, like 67th Doneraile, 82nd Rathcormac, 42nd Mallow and 105th Glanworth, as well as Rovers from Cork City & Kerry, this event for the Rovers, has grown in its second year and proved an enjoyable way of mixing some of their favourite things, scouting,camping and good music. As well as raising funds for scouting, the close of the festival also provided the

opportunity for the Rovers to collect abandoned tents and equipment which could be reused by groups. Lots of perfectly good camping equipment was left behind by the festival goers, over 80 sleeping bags were collected by the scouts for the My Kenyan Project which will go to orphans in Kenya.

The Rover Scouts and their groups would like thank and congratulate Shane Dunne and the entire Indiependence Festival Team for a fantastic festival and more importantly their support of local scouting and the fundraiser. The hard work of all the festival volunteers was evident throughout the weekend, and in the lead up to the festival, huge congratulations needs to go to them for running such an enjoyable event, everyone had a good time. The Rovers would also like to thank Pat & Miriam Mulcahy of Ballinwillin House, owners of the land who were of great assistance as the Rovers got set up, without their hard work Indiependence wouldn’t be half as successful. The Rover Scouts hope to return next year, even bigger and better with their service.

English Adventure for Kildalkey Scouts

Back in January our Venture section got in Contact with 1st Polegate’s

explorer section in East Sussex, England. We immediately struck up

friendships and through Facebook and the post we talked and joked with

the aim being a camp to meet up in the summer.

After months of planning, a group of four ventures and two leaders from

Kildalkey set sail for England in Mid-July. After an entire night travelling we

arrived at our first stop in London. We had a few hours in London before

the train out to the campsite and we waded through the crowds of people

waiting on news of the royal baby to see all the major tourist spots.

tried to teach them Irish games, played an Ireland versus England game of soccer (the results of which won’t be discussed!) and cooked and ate stew for dinner, we all had a really enjoyable day.

We went on a trip to Brighton the day after and spent the day enjoying the sun, walking the pier and strolling through a city much less busy than London.

On our final day we broke camp and said goodbye to the explorers before again taking the train to London and then the bus home.

From London we went to the campsite where we got to meet with some on the Polegate explorers for the first time. It was great to finally meet them but we weren’t able to talk to them for long as we had to set up camp, cook and eat dinner and enjoy a well needed sleep!

The next day we’d organised an Irish culture day. We finally met all of the Polegate explorers that afternoon, it was weird meeting someone for the first time and yet knowing them already. We

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It was a very enjoyable camp and we made friendships that we hope will last well into the future. The Polegate explorers hope to camp in Ireland next year and we hope to visit them again should we get the chance.

The Kildalkey Beavers are also in communication with sea cadets in Thorne Doncaster also in England and our cubs and beavers are in contact with 91st Fife in Scotland both groups hope to camp with the other groups at some point in the future.

Oggy Oggy Oggy - Scout Trip Aug

On Sat August 10th 2013, twenty-seven cubs, scouts and nine leaders left

their ‘den’ at 0500hrs to embark on an adventure that they would probably

remember for the rest of their lives.

The 4th Kildare Town Scout Group travelled to the UK for their annual

summer camp, by bus, ferry and train. After a long year of fund raising

to enable the group bring twenty-seven children from ages 9-15 over to

Belchamps Scout Activity Centre, Essex, London (www.belchamps.org.uk),

some on their first ever summer camp.

skills like leadership, team building, co-operation, friendship and above all independence. When asked at the end of the trip if they would stay longer, there was a resounding “YES!”

Belchamps Scout Activity Centre is very well run and is a great place for scouts and youth groups alike to engage in all day activities for all ages and fitness types. Activities ranged from abseiling, laser tag, water zorbing, cave simulation, air rifles, mini crossbows and topped off by physical games, hikes and their famous camp fires. With great staff, who really were exceptional and

During the five day trip the scouts spent one day in London seeing the sights: Tower of London, London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards Parade, Trafalgar Square, Science Museum and Covent Garden. Another day was spent on a day trip to Chessington World of Adventure, were both child and adult alike had a great time on all the rides, where all fears were conquered on rides such as the Vampire and Cobra. The youth members learned and reinforced many life

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very helpful and interacted with the youth members very well. The group stayed in the indoor ‘Pack Holiday Centre’, accompanied with full catering which were both great.

Even the scout leaders had a great time and bonded really well, the icing on the cake being stopped and told by many fellow commuters and by the staff of Belchamps that they were well behaved and the most

On Duty at Gilwell Park

The group hope to be able to continue to offer the opportunity to their youth members to travel outside Ireland every three years or so by making it as affordable to parents as possible. All enquiries regarding the group should be e-mailed to kidaretownscouts@gmail.com or visit www.4thkildaretownscouts.com.

respectful group they had all summer. These young people really were a credit to their group, to scouting and to their country.The fund raising journey started back in December with a craft stand in the Kildare Farm Foods market and took in pub quizzes, old clothes collection, brick-a-brack, bucket collection at Derby Festival and bag packing. It is with many thanks to local businesses like: Cunninghams Bar, Tesco Kildare, Apache Pizza, Energie Fitness, Ryan’s Pharmacy (Rathangan), Kildare Pharmacy, Chemists Whelan’s, McHughe’s and Connolly’s, Cloud Nine Beauty Salon, Fringes Hair Salon, Cafe Agape, Kildare Farm Foods and many others. We should also thank the families who had to dig deep too to pay for the trip and the network of scout leaders at home, who kept everyone in the loop as to how the group was getting on and allowed these children have a holiday adventure.

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The Malahide Friday night troop took over 40 scouts and leaders on their annual camp to Gilwell Park, North London. An International scout centre bought in 1919 for Scout Association of Great Britain and Ireland to give local camping for London scouts and be both a training and activity centre.The 109 acre site was great base for the Malahide troop to explore the centres activities and take trips into London’s many historical sites. Not distracted by the much awaited birth of the heir to the British throne the scouts took out time to attend cleaning the plate on the bust of the founder of Sea Scouting in 1912

by Warington Baden Powell. The bust had been erected in Gilwell Park in June 1912 as part of the celebration of the centenary of Sea Scouting.Many thanks to the Malahide Sea Scouts, and if you’re passing through Gilwell Park throw an eye over its direction and keep it ship shape.

The Egyptian 2013 Cub Camp

On the weekend of 21st /23rd June 2013 over 60 Cubs from

Mohill, Ballinamore, Carrick, Longford and Sligo arrived at Lough Keel

Campsite, Boyle, Co. Roscommon for their annual summer camp.

Campsites were set up, it w

as time for introductions and Opening

Sermon for the weekend. The scout flags and the Irish flag was raised.

The adventures for our young excited Cubs began with a Night Hike

which took us from the campsite to Lough Key Forest Park.

The land group were split into four and each went to a base. The bases were :Backwoods by Longford ,Pioneering with bamboo sticks by Mohill, Obstacle course by Carrick and First- aid by Ballinamore. The Cubs enjoyed all the activities and getting to meet new cubs and making new friends.. Dinner was held and as the theme of the weekend was Egyptian Cubs and some brave leaders got into there Egyptian fancy dress. After Dinner we held trading games in our fancy dress. From selling Hot Chocolate and buns to the Limbo all sorts of antics took place.Even in the rain it was great fun and cubs loved it and all spirits were high. The cubs then went to the camp fire and sang there hearts out. On Sunday there was an awards ceremony. Best Patrol Spirit group was announced along with other prizes and well done to all who took part in the weekend both adults and Cubs.

Early Saturday morning there was a Camp Flag Break where the Cub Promise was said.Then it was time for breakfast and preparation for activities. Cubs were separated into mixed groups for the activities of the day.There were land bases and water activities.The water activity group done kayaking with River Mania some swimming and pier diving, then the groups swapped. Getting wet was the fun part.

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Leadership, team-spirit and team- work was very much alive this week-end. Camp ended with a Scouts Own and Final Flag Break. Badges for completing the weekend were given to all.

It was a very enjoyable weekend for all involved and everyone went home very tired but very Happy and looking forward to next year.

Report by:- Edel Henderson

Mallow Cubs - A year on the hills

After being closed for a number of years, scouting returned to Mallow, Co.

Cork in 2009. The Cub group reopened in Sept 2011 and hiking has always

been a big part of our program. When we returned after our summer break

last September we decided to see if we could manage to go on a hike

every month from Sept to June inclusive. The idea was put to the cubs and

a challenge was born.

September 2012 - A nice hike to start off, the 7km Canon Sheehan Loop

in the nearby Ballyhoura hills. A glorious sunny autumn Saturday found us

walking along a stream for about 3kms before turning uphill for the climb.

to break off the trail and climb to the summit of mount Hilary due to time constraints but we definitely will be back.November 2012 - Fearful of the weather, we decided to keep things local for November and headed to some Coillte woodlands in Killavullen, about 5 miles from the scout hall. The sun shone upon us and the sky was so clear that when we stopped for lunch we could see as far as the Galtee mountains. About 6km in total.December 2012 - Snow was forecast for the day of our last hike of the year so we stayed really close to home and went to Knockaroura on the southern outskirts of Mallow town. Once again the weather favoured us with clear skies and we had a fabulous view of the whole town, looking down from our position above. A good time to try out some of our emergency skills and practice directing the emergency services to our position using local landmarks.January 2013 - The 1st hike of the year took us back to Killavullen for a relatively short hike in the foothills of the Nagle Mountains. Even though it had been pouring the previous night we got a dry 3 hour

After a break for lunch at the old mass-rock we looped back downhill to the stream again. Time for a quick splash - yes the weather was that good - before heading for homeOctober 2012 - Hike no 2 had us meeting in the railway town of Banteer to walk the 7km Fr. Murphy Loop on the northern slopes of Mount Hilary. This time we were joined by 2 local dogs who enjoyed both the walk and the scraps of cub lunches they were able to cadge. We passed up the chance

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gap in which to walk. When the last cub had been collected the skies opened again thus proving that Mother Nature likes cubs!February 2013 - Time for something different...an urban hike. We got the train to Cork and met up with Ger Bluett ,our guide for the morning. Ger brought us n a 6km hike around the northside of the city, pointing out the various views. Lunch was spent in the Glen recreational park where one of the cubs - who shall remain nameless - ended up having an impromptu bath while feeding some ducks. Luckily another cub had brought some spare clothes (Bi Ullamh!) so the day was saved.March 2013 - Back again to the Nagle mountains for a brisk 8km

Neala Camp to Cape Clear Island - Report 2013

walked half way back to Killarney before finishing the day in style on jaunting cars. 21km walked in total.June 2013. Sunday 16th of June found the 9 cubs who are moving to scouts in September climbing Galtee Mor, along with the scouts, as a link event. The Fermoy branch of MS Ireland run a fundraising event on the mountain each year so it’s a perfect time for us to tag along as the route is well marked and there are lots of stewards at hand. On this occasion however the weather turned against us and we were turned back before reaching the summit due to thick cloud. A disappointing end to our day but having managed our goal of hiking each month Mallow Cubs have a lot to be proud of.

hike. Unseasonably cold so the mandatory lunch break wasn’t as long as usual but the clear skies meant we had great views across to the Ballyhouras and the now snow capped Galtee Mountains.April 2013. - The big one, Mallow cubs were hosting the County Cub Hike so we headed off to Ballinaboola Woods near Ballyhay. A perfect venue for a large event as there is plenty of parking and a choice of 3 different hike (4km, 7km or 10km) depending on your energy levels on the day. About 80 cubs took part and all chose to do the 10k hike. No energy shortage in North Cork!May 2013. The longest hike of the year! The 7 CSA cubs along with 3 leaders travelled by train to Killarney for the Expedition section of the award. Starting in the grounds of Muckross house, we looped around Muckross lake, stopped for lunch at The Meeting Of The Waters” where Lough Leane flows into Muckross. We then broke off and looped around Torc Waterfall and

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Good green field camping sites are getting less and less every year. The search needs to be broader and there was a time if you fancied a site, it was more than likely to be available through the good will of the landowner. However in recent years it has become harder and harder to secure that perfect camping site for your annual camp.There are still little gems out there and this year’s Annual Expedition in early July of the Malahide Neala troop secured such a place. A train journey, a bus journey and finally a 45 minute ferry crossing to Cape Clear Island in West Cork was well worth it. An elevated site over the South Harbour on Cape Clear Island gave magnificent views out over the Atlantic Ocean. We were here for the best 8 days of this year’s summer in 2013. So the search that had started late last year and by popular decision from the watch leaders and scouts, the off shore site was discovered .Weeks and weeks of planning were put into action. Small

10 Galway (Lough Derg) Portumna Summer Camp

life and in years pass, plundered by Barbary Pirates who sacked nearby Baltimore in June 1631. No pirates this time but this didn’t prevent the scouts who bivouacked overnight and cooked local caught fish, backwoods style on nearby Hare Island on Roaring Water Bay.As in all good things the camp ended, but we all know that the memories and experience of our scouting years will linger with us for many years to come.Happy camping to all our fellow scouts in 2013

working groups of scouts were set up to look after the annual camps programme, travel, food, quartermaster stores, and boating activities.Every day was an adventure for the scout crews who fully engaged in the wide and varied camp programme from camp craft, to campfires, to coasteering, to hiking to just being a scout. Sailing and kayaking along rocky coasts with caves to see and explore. Such caves teamed with marine

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I am writing on my return from Summer Camp with the 10 Galway (Lough Derg) Portumna Scout troop. The Patrol Leaders Council decided they would like to spend their summer camp in Kerry, this was based on the following,

Miles and Miles of golden beaches which we do not have in Portumna and secondly to find out more about Tom Crean who they are taking so much inspiration from during their personal journey through scouts and the one programme.

Through a network of contacts the site was selected and more importantly was free and only 100 m from the Beach in Ventry, this was a wonderful treat and an excellent location. Our troop of 16 including scouters headed to the Gaeltacht area of Kerry and the Dingle peninsular.

Blessed with the weather we were able to see the most amazing sites

as we traveled through the Conor Pass to Surf in Kilcummin beach and equally incredible views along the Slea way, capturing the Blasket Islands . A wonderful combination of spectacular sights and amazing history. Stopping off at the very impressive interpretive centre the scouts learnt more about the people and life on the Islands.

Dingle offered the scouts the opportunity to roam the busy streets and hunt for small reasonably priced keep sake and gifts. Just outside of Dingle is a truly challenging climbing wall which is designed to offer the novice an oppertunity to scale to great heights which gets increasingly more difficult for the accomplished wall/rock climber.

about the man himself and his family. We made our way up the hill to the graveyard and to Tom Creans final resting place. Each scout left a pebble on his tomb as a small token, this would appear to be the custom and a coin was also placed on the roof another custom which we followed. Our own final an symbolic gesture was delivered by the troops two Pls Sabhbh Murray and Emer Walsh who tied a Portumna 10 Galway Neckerchief to the tomb as a further mark of respect and to acknowledge their scout pilgrimage to Annascual. Before leaving we all paused in silence and spared a thought for our own personal intentetions.On our way home from Kerry we

took on the task of finding the home place of Tom Crean, this took us to Annascaul. The village has erected a fitting and well laid out tribute to Tom Green in a small park directly across the road from where Tom returned home and opened up a public house aptly named the South Pole Inn. We received a warm welcome in the village and once the scouts explained their connection to Tom Crean and their own personal scout journeys we were told numerous stories and given anecdotal pieces of information

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We had one last stop before we hit back west to Portumna, we made a quick stop off at the History of Museum in Tralee, the Museum is a credit and for those who have not visited it is well worth a doing so. To emphasize the importance of Tom Crean and his place in history the scouts spent time learning more about the man in an area which has been dedicated to him. Home at last and all the gear packed away! It is one Summer camp I think the

scouts will never forget and now have a better understanding of their own personal journey through the incredible and all inspiring feats of Tom Crean Irish Man and South Pole explorer and adventurer.

Dick Ridge Scouter 10 Galway Scout Section Portumna Lough Derg Scout Group

6th Tipperary Roscrea Annual

Camp Achill 2013

Over 40 Scouts, Ventures and Leaders recently enjoyed an excellent

Annual Camp; which for the first time was held in Achill Island. Meeting

on the morning of Saturday July 20th, it was time for the traditional Group

photograph and then it was on the road for the 4 hour drive to Achill.

Once in Achill it was time to unload the lorry and set-up the campsite. By

Sunday lunchtime camp was fully up and running and then it was time for

the programme to start.

Throughout the week, everyone enjoyed an extremely active programme

which included Surfing, Coasteering, Canoeing, Swimming, Cycling, a hike

their badges and Rebecca Toohey was awarded the Scout of the Year Award.During the Camp, the recent passing of Sophie Pearson (one of the Thursday Cubs) was marked with the flags bearing a pink ribbon and each of the Scouts wearing a pink ribbon through their neckerchiefs. May she rest in peace.

on Croagh Patrick, a day out at Westport House (Combat Games, Archery, High Ropes, raft building, kayaking and Water Trampolining), an Art and Pottery workshops, games and much more besides.During the week the traditional best patrol on Camp competition was run, which involved daily inspections, log books, a gate building competition and a test meal. The winning Patrol of the Best Patrol on Camp after a tie break inspection was the Swifts PL Ciara Moloney.At the Campfire at the end of the Camp Scouts were awarded with

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Sinking of Ship

Amy Shanahan a sea scout from the North East who was on board the tall ship Astrid that sunk off the coast of Cork Recently. Amy was one of 22 trainees who were on board at the time. The evacuation according to the Coast Guard rescue team was textbook and smooth and all the trainees knew exactly what to do. So all your Sea Scout Training Amy came in handy!

Special mail delivery to the Fodhla

Group camping on Beezies island

Lough Gill Sligo

On the 1st of august 2013, two letters were received into the Sligo Mail

Centre Finisklin ind. Est, Sligo. Addressed to two scouts in the Fodhla

8u Gasoga mara group, camping on Beezies island Lough Gill Sligo.

As there is no scheduled delivery to this location, the Cloghereveagh

postman Joe Elliott, also a Scouter with the Yeats County Venture Group

was tasked with the job of delivering the mail. So on the afternoon of the

01/08/2013, Joe and his son Sam, who’s the current chairperson of the Yeats County venture Group ,set out in their kayaks from Aughamore Sligo, bound for Beezies Island, upon reaching the island they were warmly greeted by members of the Fodhla Group, the mail was delivered to the two very surprised scouts, after which the two ventures were treated to tea and cake and a spin in the groups Rigid inflatable boat, before departing for home mission accomplished.News

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The New “Scout” Range

The New range of “Scout” branded apparel designed by Communications team in Association with the Scout is available for sale online at the link below. It is also for sale from all the Scout Shop outlets and from Road shows. Order your Road show today with the Scout Shop.

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Email:- communications@scouts.ie

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Twitter:- @scoutingireland

September 2013

Contacts Coming next month

Rover ChillTri ZoneNational NewsAnd Lots more!