Official online magazine of Scouting Ireland

National Youth Fora!Dare2DoGood!Scout Resources Keep Coming!Rover Scout Action Week!Beaver Scout Team!And much much more inside

February 2014

Guerrilla Neckerchiefing P.22

Communications Commissioner Intro

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Quote of the Month

In this issue...

Vision 20/20Rover Fora / AgoraCamp TwoWinter SNSScouter RecruitmentGold Gaisce Awardee

Welcome to this month’s issue of Inside Out

Some of the highlights this month include the National Youth Fora and Rover Scout Agora which took place

recently. See all the images. The Scout Team keep Producing Weekly Programme resources. Find out

who is on the Beaver Scout Team. Are you up for Helping in this year’s ‘Rover Scout Action Week’? Adult

Resources keep us informed of what needs to take place at this time of Year. National Council is on the

horizon and have you chosen your Fancy Dress outfit yet! Also in response to the ‘Necknomination’ craze

Scouting Ireland launches it Dare2DoGood Initiative. Are you up for the Challenge? All the details inside, and

there is lots more!

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 the 28th January. - The Communications Team

Dare2dogood The Campaign

Background

Following a line of accidents and deaths of young people who are taking

part in a Social Media alcohol drinking game called “neknominations”

Scouting Ireland has decided to run a counter campaign. This is not only

taking Place in Ireland but indeed all over the World and we would like you

to join in.

The CampaignScouting Irelands campaign dare’s people to do good. We would see this action as a selfless, positive, and a good thing to do. We have started this Social Media campaign to negate the effect that the “neknomination” trend is having on the Young People of our country and indeed the World.

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It is destructive and damaging to the health and well being of our fellow citizens. We want to show that Social Media can be a positive means for doing something good and of course every time someone does some good it is another step along the road in “Creating a Better World” for us all.

How To Get InvolvedYou can read up on how to get involved and Dare2DoGood here

OverviewBy getting involved in the Dare2DoGood campaign the whole purpose is to do a selfless, positive, good act for someone else. They may be a family member, a friend or a complete stranger. You then dare two people to get involved and do some good. We want to be sure everyone knows that there is no pressure from getting nominated by someone to take part. It is completely voluntary and to be seen as more of a game. There are no time limits involved in this campaign so you are under no pressure or obligation to do some good within a time frame or even at all.

Please use this campaign for what it was intended – to do some good, to help create a better world.

Who Can Get InvolvedThe short answer is everyone.We would like as many people as possible to experience and take part in Dare2DoGood. From young to old from all over the world. So help us spread the word about Dare2DoGood by taking part, nominating and sharing on Facebook, Twitter and other Social Media.To get involved Check out the Website here

Dublin/Scouting Ireland) – “#Dare2DoGood” is an initiative by Scouting Ireland to encourage people to record themselves doing something selfless, positive and good for someone else. It is a campaign launched to counter the phenomenon known as “NekNomination” (from: neck and nominate), the dangerously growing web-based binge-drinking craze, which most recently cost the life of a 19-year-old teenager in Ireland.Jimmy Cunningham, from Scouting Ireland’s Communications Team, is really impressed by the responsiveness of his association’s newest campaign: “What an absolute whopper of a first day. 1,500 people have liked the #Dare2DoGood page on Facebook in less than 36 hours!” And he explains the origins of the initiative: “Scouting Ireland started this initiative to put

a positive spin on the negativity that was getting generated by other nomination campaigns, in particular the phenomenon known as ‘NekNominations’.”Following the tragic incident earlier this month, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, head of Ireland’s government, had urged “young people not to partake in Internet drinking activities such as NekNomination, which involved people being nominated to drink large amounts of alcohol and post a video online”, as RTÉ reported on its website.The new campaign is picking up the Taoiseach’s message and uses the web to spread a positive message and attitude, as points out Jimmy Cunningham: “By getting involved in #Dare2DoGood, the whole purpose is to do a selfless, positive, good act for someone else. You then dare two

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#Dare2DoGood – Scouting Ireland’s response to the web-based binge drinking phenomenonBy Rupert Schildböck On 5 February 2014

people to get involved and do some good. What you do or what you share is up to you: something big or small, something simple or complicated, something by young or old. As long as it is something selfless, positive and good that benefits someone else that could be family, a friend, a colleague or a stranger.“

Scouting Ireland’s call to join its #Dare2DoGood campaign“We want to be sure everyone knows that there is no pressure from getting nominated by someone to take part”, he adds, “It is completely voluntary. There are no time limits involved in this campaign so you are under no pressure or obligation to do some good within a time frame or even at all.” And he launches an appeal to potential users of #Dare2DoGood: “Please use this campaign for what it was intended: to do some good and to help create a better world. Perhaps we can make a difference in peoples’ lives.”By the way: Scouting Ireland also encourages Scouts from other associations to join in: “We want everyone to participate and as many Scouts as possible from around the world to experience and take part in Dare2DoGood!”

So, why not help Scouting Ireland spread the word about #Dare2DoGood by taking part, by nominating friends and by sharing your contribution on Facebook, Twitter and other social media channels?

Note: A special campaign website hosted by Scouting Ireland with project tips and background information Can be found here

Following a two year consultation, review and development process, the final proposals on the implementation of Vision 2020 were discussed and agreed at the January meeting of the National Management Committee. These proposals will be put to National Council in March of this year.

The full suite of proposals, including a video address from the Chief Scout will go live on www.scouts.ie at 4pm on Founders Day 22nd February. From that time, until National Council, members will have a chance to study the proposals and ask any questions they like regarding the proposals. We will be opening a special email address for any questions you might have after reading the proposals. We have already compiled a FAQ section in the proposal documents so maybe check it out first, as the answer to your question might already be there. However, if you don’t find the answer in the documents, please email your question to vision2020@scouts.ie and we will endeavour to answer your question as best we can, as quickly as we can. We will post questions and answers to a Vision 2020 section on the website so as to share the information with members that might have similar questions.

We would like to thank you all for the patience shown in awaiting these proposals and indeed to those of you that attended the various conferences and assisted on work streams to develop these final proposals. We have been working hard to finalise these documents following the final agreement of the proposals at the recent meeting of the National Management Committee, and we are now working

on presenting these in the most user friendly format for all the membership of Scouting Ireland to consider.

Yours in Scouting Chief Scout

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Vision 2020

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National Youth Fora 2014

The National Youth Fora

This year the national Youth Fora took place in Dealgan Park Navan

County Meath. The Scout Fora, the Venture Scout Fora and the Rover

Scout Agora took place in the same Venue.

The communications team ran 3 sessions over the weekend which

included a session on putting together designs for a new range of Scout

Branded T shirts. We were over awed with the amount and standard of

a very worthwhile exercise with the Communications team coming away with some very good ideas, which will be incorporated, into the new site design.

Lastly in association with the Scout Shop a session was completed on Camping gear in relation to each group had a certain budget to spend on Gear and they had to pick from a list of gear in relation to Budget, Fit for purpose and design. This proved very interesting and caused great discussion amongst the Groups.

There were loads of other sessions completed over the weekend, which are included in the separate section reports elsewhere in this edition.

designs that were produced in the session. The problem now is to distil this list down to 6 which will be produced and which will go on sale over the weekend of National Council,

The 2nd session that took place was a discussion about the revamp of the Scouting Ireland website. The youth members where given an opportunity to put together a draft home page for their section and to list down elements that they wanted included in the site. This proved

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platform/programme planning/project management/support for local programme/leadership project/leadership skills/how to sell yourself for a job interview/challenges and problems in decision making. The also got to have input into some new scout apparel, they also got to take part in the Lesotho project discussion. Firstly thanks so much to our 2013 reps who work very hard over the past 12 months on various committees and also organised the National Rover activity Rover Chill, Niamh, Zahaira, Gary, Diarmuid, Ali, Denise, Maire, Karen, Jack, we the Rover Team wish you all the best in the future 2014 Rover Reps are as followsElected for one year termValerie Moloney Southern ProvinceBrendan Murphy Western Province Raymond O Donnell Northern ProvinceLorna Campion South Eastern ProvinceMegan Mc Gloughlin North Eastern ProvinceAndrew Rigney Dublin Province

Elected for a 2 year termAlison Maher National Panel – from the North East

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Rover Fora/Agora

This year’s Rover Fora/Agora had 25 very enthusiastic rovers taking part.

You may ask what Agora is; Agora is an educational tool that is uses the

scout method to reach the educational objectives for the rover age section

and that has a special emphasis on youth empowerment. What makes an

Agora so special is that it is an event run for rovers by rovers. So over the

weekend the rovers explored, shared and expressed ideas.

There were many workshops held over the weekend such as creative

Niamh Donnelly National Panel – from the WestJonathan Gallagher National Panel –from the North

Overall the weekend was a great weekend and it was good to see our numbers increasing again this year and we look forward to doing it all again next year

Lucy Kay Programme Commissioner Rover Scouts

This month the Scout Team have produced an array of Programme

Resource sheets for use by your Patrol Check them out below.

Scout Team Resources

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Resource No. 1 Spices DiscoveryScouting is a special movement that adds SPICES to the lives of all of us who take part. These SPICES are Social, Physical, Intellectual, Character, Emotional and Spiritual aspects of life. This activity designed by the Scout team will help introduce the idea of the SPICES to the Scouts doing their Discovery Award. Of course, it can also act as a reminder for everyone else in the patrol!

To view this resource click on the image below.

Light a Fire

Resource No. 2Series of Skills cards which this month include - click the image to view

them

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Burning Wood Cooking on a fire

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Resource No. 3 Monkey BridgeHave a go at this pioneering Project and send us in a picture of your attempt to communications@scouts.ie

To view this resource click on the image below.

A few words from me – the Programme Commissioner Beaver Scouts!!

Denise Pyper Downpatrick Northern Province

As Programme Commissioner for Beaver Scouts, I am very proud to introduce the Scouters below to you all. I know each and every one of them is looking forward to assisting me over the next 3 years in encouraging Beaver Scouts to engage with everything the One Programme has to offer and help support those who have yet to be convinced about what Beaver Scouts can and cannot do.

Scouter in 2005. I have been Section Leader of our colony for the past 2 years and am actively involved in encouraging our Beaver Scouts to get out and about experiencing more ‘Scouting’ activities. In the past 2 years we have established regular sleepovers at our Den and an Annual Summer Camp.

Barry Crowley 28th Cork Macroom Southern Province

Hi my name is Barry Crowley and I’m a Scouter with 28th Cork (Macroom) Beavers. I have been with the beavers for 3 years and have been involved with scouting indirectly (through

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MEET THE NATIONAL TEAM FOR BEAVER SCOUTS - MEET THE ELDERS OF THE TRIBE

Hi my name is Denise and I am a Beaver Scouter with 1st & 2nd Downpatrick in the Northern Province. I have been a Brownie & Girl Guide and got involved as a

marriage) with over 10 years. I’m a firm believer in the fact that beavers are more than capable of doing everything that a Scout can do whether it be camping, hillwalking, water activities or anything else in between.

Allie Clarke Buncrana Donegal Northern Province

Hi my name is Allie and I am currently a Group Leader and Beaver Leader with my group 11th Donegal Buncrana. I also assist with Scouts!! I was a member of CGI and SAI in the 1980’s. I returned to Scouting in 2008 when I replied to an advertisement in a local newspaper looking to reintroduce scouting to Buncrana Co Donegal. In September 2008 our newly established Scout group opened with 2 Sections, Beavers and Cubs. We have opened both Scout and Venture Sections since then!!

had a Den which was even better. When my own children reached 6 years old I wanted them to enjoy the same scouting experiences I had so I joined the Beaver Scout Section in Leixlip scouts.

Kevin Geraghty 6th Tipperary Roscrea South Eastern Province

Hi my name is Kevin and I am a Scouter with the 6th Tipperary Roscrea Group. I was a Scout and Venture in the same Group for

Fergal Bourke 1st/10th Kildare Leixlip South East Province

Hi my name is Fergal and I am a Beaver Scouter in 1st /10th Kildare Leixlip Beaver Colony. I first joined Cubs in 1992 in 15th Kildare Confey as a youth member as they did not have beavers back then!! I went up to Scouts and Ventures and then became a junior Scout Leader. Unfortunately Confey Scouts disbanded, I then joined Leixlip Scouts as a Scout Leader, and they

10 years or so in the early 1980’s to early 1990’s. I returned to the Group as a Scouter in 2010 when my two girls showed an interest in joining, and started with one of two new Beaver Sections that opened in the Group that year. I have been Section Leader of the Tuesday Beavers since August 2011 and was also the Groups first PRO from March 2011 until January 2014. I received my Woodbeads in June 2013 and also received a Chief Scout’s Commendation of Merit award at the same time. Anyone who knows me in Scouting knows that I am passionate about getting Beavers out camping and in particular getting involved in the Chief Scout Award.

Maurice Woods Cluain Torc Dublin

Hi my name is Maurice I joined 18th Santry as Assistant Beaver Leader in 1991. I became Beaver section leader in 1996 and GL in 2005. I have been County Beaver Co-Coordinator for Cluain Toric since 2006. I have also been part of the National Beaver Team – for quite

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some time – after being co-opted onto the One Programme planning team.

Keith Webster Killaloe Southern Province

‘I have been a member of Scouting since I was six years old, when I joined the 5th/22nd Clare Beavers in Killaloe. Sixteen years, five Sections, six countries visited and boatloads of new friends later, I find myself a Beaver leader in the 14th Galway group. It starts as an hour a week, but by now I spend all but an hour a week scouting... And long may it continue!’

member. I’d like to think of myself as the first to start a food fight on camp and the last to get to bed at night!!

Mark Hardiman Reachra County North East Province

Hi I am Mark and I am a Scout Leader and Group Leader. Would you believe I am coming up on 20 years’ service!! Time flies when you are having fun!! I have also been a quartermaster and Venture and Cub Leader in the past. I am working

Dave Gannon Santry Dublin Province

Hi my name is Dave and I am a Beaver Leader in 18th Santry. I started my scouting career in cubs taking a break for some time until I came back as a Venture Scout in 18th Santry. I got some great training and scouting experience there and have used it through my life since. I took another break from scouting and came back again this time as a Scouter with the hope that I can impart some of the knowledge I learned during my time as a Youth

with the team to get Beavers out of doors and camping.

Karen Carolan 7th Meath Dunshaughlin North East Province

Hi my name is Karen and I am a Beaver Scout Leader. I have been involved with our very busy and entertaining beaver colony for the last 4 years. I believe that there’s nothing a beaver Scout can’t do – something we just do it differently to the other Sections (age appropriately!!). I am very excited to be part of the National Team and look forward to fun times ahead.

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https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=lA1Xc8of4rXUfL%2A26HrhtA

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On the 17th of January, Provincial Representatives from around the

country congregated together to hold the National Youth Fora in Dalagan

Park, Navan. Last Year’s National Reps chaired their respective meetings

and shared their achievements and tasks they had to do throughout the

year. It was really interesting and for the first time the oncoming National

Reps found out what they were getting themselves in for. On the Saturday

the Scout Shop came down to show us their latest Scout Brand ideas

and to show us the launch of their new Scout Brand website. They also

Venture Scout Youth Fora

unveiled to us the new proposed designs for the new Scout website. The Reps were elected and the Fora took place, where matters such as image and communications. Once all matters had been discussed and fixed the talks of a motion brewed. Ventures were then given a talk about the Lesotho/Ireland Scout link that will be commencing shortly and what they can do to help the project work well for both movements. On the Sunday, everyone was given a youth empowerment session which was outstanding. It’s safe to say the National Forum was a huge success and everyone came back making new friends from all different parts of the country!! Thanks to all involved in making it an amazing weekend and congrats to all the National Reps!

Ciara Callahan - SouthGreg Andersen - SouthNiall Fogarty - NorthAoibhinn Moyne - NorthRichard Murray - DublinKarl Mallon - WeshtEoin Hickey - South EastSeamus Cummins - North EastCiaran Van Dam - West

Now that we have a plan, we need Rover Scouts to sign up. We would love to get at least 50 from all over the country to help us. Let us know if you have a day or two to help out and what skills you have. Come on join in and make Rover Action Week a Success. To sign up Click link below

Rover Action Week 2014 (RAW)

This year Rover Action Week (RAW) is back and it’s with St. Michael’s

House (they work with people with an intellectual disability) in their

Alzheimer’s unit, Cara centre. It is taking place from March 31st – April 6th

2014

After consulting with them we plan to put in a sensory area with a looped

track incorporating interactive features and a seating area for families.

We would also like Groups to start making Bird boxes for use in the Project. Please see article on next page on how to build a bird box.

Below is a Video of the work completed in the Last RAW in Cheeverstown House to give you a flavour of the fun and fulfilment there is in partaking in such a Project.

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Raw site as it is now

A variety of species may be attracted to an open-fronted nestbox placed in a garden, the commonest of which will be Robin and Wren, although it could also be used by Pied Wagtail, Spotted Flycatcher and Black Redstart.

The size and construction is similar to that for a small-hole nestbox, except that the front will be a piece of wood 3.5 x 6 inches. This box too can be made from one 48 inch plank of timber, 6 inches wide, 0.75 inch thick. It is not necessary to hinge the roof as the box can be cleaned through the entrance hole. The floor should have small drainage holes drilled in it.

Nestbox for small hole-nesting birdsMany garden and woodland birds nest in holes and may be attracted to a nestbox. The particular species attracted will depend on its local distribution and population, and on the size of hole provided in the nestbox. An entrance hole of 28

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Small open-fronted nestboxmillimetres in diameter will admit Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Tree Sparrow and Pied Flycatcher; whereas a slightly larger hole of 32 millimetres in diameter will also attract House Sparrow, Nuthatch, and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.The following design is for a basic small-hole nestbox. The roof should be hinged, for ease of cleaning out, either by a non-ferrous hinge and screws or by a rubber strip. The dimensions are only an approximate guide and are by no means critical; but if they are followed, this box can be made from one 48 inch piece of timber, 6 inches wide, and 0.75 inch thick.

The box may be screwed or nailed together, and small drainage holes should be drilled in the floor.

Guerrilla Neckerchiefing

Scouting Ireland have launched a Campaign to Cover Ireland both North

and South with Neckerchiefs to mark Founders day on the 22nd Feb.

Here are some of the Early Contenders in our Guerrrilla neckerchiefing. So

come on let’s get out there with those neckers and mobile phones and get

those pictures in to foundersdayphotos@scouts.ie

To join in and see all the info click on the link below.

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The Winter SNS is an event for teams of Rover Scouts (or Scouters of Rover age, 18 – 25 inclusive). It is run along the lines of a Mountain Skills Training Weekend, with the added element of winter camping. The plan is for teams to plot a route across the Commeragh plateau from Friday night to Sunday lunchtime.

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Sluaíocht Na Sléibhte

Winter 2014 – Commeragh Mountains

7th – 9th March 2014

Each team of 3 Rover Scouts will be partnered with an Instructor for the course of the weekend. There is no set route. Teams are given a campsite location for the Friday and Saturday nights and the instructor will accompany the teams on their chosen route between these campsites. The instructor will also undertake a number of navigation

training exercises with the team.If individual Scouters wish to participate in the event we may ask them to accompany Instructors. Alternatively, depending on the numbers and experience of the Scouters involved, we may group them into a Scouter team to carry out the navigation exercises in a similar manner to the Rover Scout teams. Please note however that teams and individual Scouters need to be independently self-

sufficient on the hills over the course of the weekend, and individual Scouters should have their own tent, cooking equipment and food.

For More Information click here

World Scout Jamboree – Irish Contingent

In the last few days all those who have applied to attend the World Scout

Jamboree in Japan have been sorted into one of Six Troops, all called after

Irish Mountains.

Mountains have for centuries played a very significant part in Japanese

culture, for instance Mount Fuji is designated a place of “Cultural”

significance by UNESCO rather than a natural heritage site.

Mountains also play a key role in our Scouting Programme, and the theme

of mountains will offer many programme opportunities for the troops as

they prepare for the jamboree, we look forward to many photographs of the troops climbing their designated mountains, how about a troop investiture on the summit?

The set of badges designed by Matthew Foster from Walkinstown depict all eight mountains, along with the Contingent Badge showing a rising sun over a mountain, The badge contains the word “Ireland” in Japanese script, while a Celtic knot intertwines between the badges again adding to the scouting theme.

Those eagle eyed among us will have noticed an extra badge at the end, this depicts Mount Fuji, this is a special challenge badge and will be awarded to all those Scouts who reach the Summit of Mount Fuji as part of the after camp activities.

The Adventure Starts here, your troop leaders should be in touch soon, and you will start to meet up and get to know each other, we also have dates for contingent camps, and PL Training weekends, along with the payment schedule, all of which were in an email sent to each participant.

We look forward to seeing you all soon.

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World Jamboree 2015 - Continued

Schedule of dates

28th February – 2nd March 2014 Troop Leaders Weekend28th February 2014 Payment Date Due16th May 2014 Payment Date Due8th August 2014 Payment Date Due3rd - 5th October 2014 Contingent Base Camp7th – 9th November 2014 PL Training 31st October 2014 Payment Date Due30th January 2015 Payment Date Due22nd February 2015 Troop Leaders meeting 17th – 19th April 2015 Contingent High Camp24th April 2015 Payment Date Due20th June 2015 Submit Camp (Troops may wish to camp this weekend if they wish)

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Portlick Campsite Launch New Website

Portlick Campsite consists of 4 acres of grassland on the Eastern Shores

of Lough Ree. The campsite is located approx. 5km from the picturesque

village of Glasson and 14km from Athlone town.

There are a range of activities available at Portlick Scouts Campsite

including:

Kayaking, Canoeing and Sailing, Archery, Crate Stacking, Zip-line, Climbing Wall, Obstacle Course and much More. Portlick has recently launched a new Website with all the information about the site and how to Book. Check it out by clicking on the image below

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Scouting Ireland Complaint Form

To make a formal complaint to Scouting Ireland, You now must complete

the Scouting Ireland Complaint form, include as much information as

possible and submit it electronically.

Your complaint will be acknowledged and processed in accordance with SID 97/13 - Complaints Procedure.

Anonymous complaints will not be considered.

Only complaints submitted using this form will be consideredIn the mean time please review the following;

SID 01/03 - Constitution of Scouting Ireland

SID 01/03A - Rules of Scouting Ireland

SID 97/13 - Complaints Procedure

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Scouting Ireland Complaint Form

Scouting Ireland strongly encourages Scout Groups to adopt a proactive attitude and undertake a systematic approach to adult recruitment. When recruiting adults, the role they are expected to undertake should be clearly defined with a job specification. Attitude and approach are an important factor in recruiting people. New Scouters can learn the skills and acquire the knowledge required for their role through formal and informal training. Some traits you might look for in a potential new Scouter might include:• An ability to communicate and interact with young people• An interest in the development of young people• An understanding of acceptable social boundaries in working with young people, including conversation, smoking, drug and alcohol etc.• The ability to work with other adults as part of a team• Good communication skills• A commitment to ongoing personal development and training• An open approach and positive attitude

• Scouter must complete Adult Application, Adult Reference and Garda Vetting Forms. • The Group Leader must sign these forms where applicable and return immediately to National Office with references. It is vital to check both references fully before sending.• While waiting for successful Garda Vetting the potential Scouter can attend adult meetings, should where possible attend Stage 1 & Stage 2 Training and may make an occasional visit to section meetings under the full supervision of a vetted Scouter. This is only to assist them in choosing the section they will work in and they should not be part of the programme.• Under no circumstances can an adult in Scouting attend an overnight without Garda Vetting and having

completed Stage 1 (Welcome to Scouting Induction) and Stage 2 (Child Welfare and Protection) training courses.Please note that the above guidelines are based on the current legislation and our current training scheme and may be subject to change in the future. It is expected that full induction training up to and including Stage 2 will be mandatory at a future date.Don’t forget to point out the scope for personal development, adventure, fun and the unique opportunity to work as part of a team with other adults and young people together. Below are some links to documents and policies, there are many more on the resources section of the website which you may find of use.

» Code of Good Practice » Adult Application Form SIF/01/04 » Adult Reference Form SIF 01/04A » Garda Vetting Form and

Guidelines for Completion » Access Northern Ireland

Application Form » Access Northern Ireland Address

Continuation Sheet » Access Northern Ireland ID

Validation Form » Guidelines for completing Access

Northern Ireland Forms

• A belief in Scouting, it’s aim, method, principles and Promise & Law

The first meeting with the Group Leader is vital in explaining exactly what is expected, the time commitment involved and outlining the formal and on the job training which is required. Introduce the Adults in Scouting Policy and Mutual Agreement and review.

At this stage, the potential Scouter should also be made fully aware of our recruiting procedures. There are a number of options depending on the age of the applicant and whether they are currently a Youth Member of the Association, details can be found in SIF 01/04.The current policy on recruitment of Adults is:

Recruitment of Scouters

Did you know that promotional leaflets

like THIS one for adults are available

from Scouting Ireland’s National

Office?

For more information on the recruitment and retention of Scouters, check out the Adults in Scouting Policy, The Policy for the

Involvement of Non - Member Adults on Scouting Activities.

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Every March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day will be the focus for many Scout Groups all over the island of Ireland. Many towns and cities will be holding parades and these provide a great opportunity for Scouting to get involved and be seen in the local community.If your Scout Group does decide to take part in the festivities, then you need to agree what you will do. For example, the Scout Group could march together in uniform or the Scout Group could enter a float? If possible, a float on the back of a trailer or truck might be a great way to show off some of our Scouting skills like pioneering or camping. A float will take time to prepare and you will need to consider very carefully the safety of all those present.

Hold a Group Council

Agenda items might include:• St. Patrick’s Day preparations; are you entering a float, have you considered all the

each Scout Group can send 3 delegates ,who may be Scouters or Youth Members, and should ensure they are fully represented. While National Council is often viewed as an event for Scouters, it is a great opportunity for interested Youth Members to see how important decisions are made in the organisation and more importantly for them to have a say in how Scouting Ireland is run.

Plan ahead

• Visit all Programme Sections, discuss plans for programme, camps and overnights for the coming months and check training requirements for Scouters. • National Council will be

held from 28th to 30th March in the Silver Springs Moran Hotel in Cork. Once your Group Council has decided who is going to represent it at National Council, it is a good idea to ensure that you have suitable accommodation booked for the Scout Group’s delegates in advance as accommodation at the venue for National Council is often booked up well in advance. You could consider staying in local B&B’s or bringing some tents and camping as good value for money alternatives to the main venue. • More information about National Council is available here.

safety aspects of this plan? • Discuss and evaluate the plan for the Scout Group; at this stage you should have put some of the plan into action and should be seeing some results. • Updates from all Programme Sections regarding their plans for Annual Camps and any sectional weekend camps or slumber nights. Ensure that each Programme Section is aware of the forms, procedures and other requirements for overnights.• Consider holding an open day in the community to help promote awareness of the Scout Group. This could be done in tandem with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or as a separate event.• Decide who will be representing the Scout Group at National Council. Remember that

Group Leader Calendar - March

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National Secretary’s Desk February 2014

The NMC at its meeting on the 26th January and reconvened on the 1st

February

dealt with the following issues:

A new official complaints form was approved. The form, if required, can be downloaded from here

The National Management Committee considered the Constitution for the Fellowship of Irish Girl Guides and Scouts. There is still some work to be done but this development is at an advanced stage and the Fellowship should be formally established very soon.

The National Management Committee received an update on the preparations for National Council 2014. The final agenda will be agreed after the closing date for the receipt of motions, 14th February 2014

It was decided to advertise for the Team Lead – Campsites & Facilities. Details of this can be seen here.

It was decided to advertise for the Head of Contingent for Roverway 2016 and the World Scout Moot

A presentation regarding the redevelopment of the Scouting Ireland website. Work is ongoing with this project.

A new policy establishing the “ International Conference and Seminar Delegate Academy” was approved and can be seen here.

2017. These advertisements will appear on the Scouting Ireland website in the coming weeks

Significant time was spent discussing the Vision 2020 Strategy and relevant proposals to National Council. These will be launched to the association in the coming weeks.

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National Council

The Southern Province Gala Dinner team has been busy at work for the

Dinner at National Council being held on the weekend of the 28th 29thand

30th of March in the Moran Silverspring’s Hotel. The theme is Fancy

dress so get your glad rags out and be part of the night as a group or as

an individual. The team promises a great night of Celebration of 10 year of

Scouting Ireland .

Book your tickets for the National Council 2014 Gala Dinner here

Dinner Committee for National Council 2014

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Stevie Oakes recieves GA Award

Stevie Oakes was recently awarded Scouting Ireland’s highest adult award

– the Cu Chulainn.

Anyone who knows Stevie will not be surprised to hear that he has also

been greatly honoured by Scouterna – the Scouts & Guides in Sweden.

This must be quite a rare occurrence.

acknowledge extraordinary service to Scouting in Sweden. It is the second highest award in Scouting in Sweden. It was introduced in 1947 in remembrance of Prince Gustaf Adolf, who was killed in an accident the same year. His wife Princess Sibylla was the initiator. Gustaf Adolf had been very active in the Scout Movement and he had among other things been chairman of the World Scout Committee.

If he had managed a trip to Sweden two years ago he would have been awarded the Gustav Adolf (GA) award. Stevie travelled to Sweden in February 2014, having been too unwell to do so until then, to participate in a planning workshop and was given a real surprise when they presented him with the award.The GA award is bestowed by the Guides and Scouts of Sweden (Scouterna) to

Stevie has worked on several big projects with Scouterna. Most notably he was in the core programme development and review team for the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden in 2011 and he also supported the Swedish National Jamboree held beforehand which had over 20,000 participants.Congratulations Stevie!

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Volunteer Team Lead Campsites/Facilities Deputy Pearse Doherty Joins new Scout Group

A vacancy exists for the position of volunteer Team Lead Campsites/

Facilities to be filled by the National Management Committee.

Nominations to the National Secretary are receivable by a Group Council,

County Management Committee or by any member of the National

Management Committee.

Please bring this to the attention of your Group Council / County Management Committee.

To check out all the information relating to this vacancy click Here

The closing date for receipt of nominations is 5pm on Friday 28th February 2014. Nomination forms can be emailed to natsecretary@scouts.ie, faxed to 01‐4956301 or posted to National Office.

Candidates should consider their vision for the role and their team make up as this will be discussed with them by the selection panel.

If candidates would like to discuss the role in advance, please contact the National Secretary –natsecretary@scouts.ie

Pearse revealed it was his wife Roisin and another parent who first came up with the idea of Ghaoth Dobhair’s scouting group.“Roisin and another parent David Holloway were putting up flags on lampposts in the area before Donegal were playing in the All-Ireland GAA final in 2012.“Roisin remarked that it would be great to have some scouts in the area who could help put up the flags.

“The next day they had a meeting and they spent the next year getting the group off the ground,” revealed Pearse.

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He’s more used to political jousting with Taoiseach Enda Kenny across the floor of Dail Eireann.

But Sinn Fein Deputy Pearse Doherty equipped himself with more skills this week when he was made a leader with Ireland’s newest Scout Group.

The well-known politician was among a group of adults and young people who took part in the investiture of the 22nd Donegal (Ghaoth Dobhair) scout group.The group is the first all Irish-speaking group to be formed in a Gaeltach area since the formation of Scouting Ireland in 2004.

Chief Scout Presentation to Engineers Ireland

“Not only does it equip them with so many life-skills, but it also helps them meet other people and it develops their character.“I would certainly recommend it to any young person or adult for that matter,” he said.Article Courtesy of Donegal Daily

This week 64 young people and up to 20 adults took part in the investiture of the group at Ghaoth Dobhair GAA club.Pearse, who is an associate scout leader, says his only gripe is that he didn’t get involved with the scouts earlier.“I was never into football and I wasn’t very athletic. I just wish there had have ben a scout group in the area at the time.“I would encourage any young person to get involved in the scouting movement. IT is non-competitive and it brings out the best in young people.

………..it may help to put some thoughts in context….I’d like to start by noting the important contribution that engineering is making to Irelands recovery. The engineering discipline is crucial to Ireland’s prosperity. I can think of few others so intrinsically linked to the prosperity of Ireland, Your sector’s involvement leads to products and services that make people’s lives better, healthier and safer and contribute to our economy in significant ways.I’ve been asked to speak to you as Chief Scout of Scouting Ireland. This is of course a volunteer role, though it often doesn’t feel like that.In my day job……I am Operations Director with an indigenous Chemical Manufacturing Company based in Fermoy. The company is operating for 40 years this year. The first chemical company in Europe to operate commercially a membrane technology to Manufacture Chlor -Alkali products. To -day across the globe such new plants utilise membrane technology.

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Minister , Lord Mayors President of Engineers Ireland Guests . I want to thank the Cork Region of Engineers Ireland for the opportunity to speak to you tonight I think an innovative action by your organizing council. I remember one thing from the very first Training Course as a young adult …What you hear you forget…………What you see you remember ………What you do you know……………

With that in mind I would like to show you a short d.v.d. on Scouting Today which you may remember as its likely you may forget what I say here this evening..

created in 2004 when two former scout Associations on the Island came together with 32000 members. Today we have a total membership of 46200 (growth of around 30%) with 10,000 Adult volunteers (similar to a workforce of 2000 on a forty hour week in an engineering firm) we are a 32 county organisation for both boys and girls age 6 to 25. There are over one thousand nine hundred (1900) programme sections operating weekly in over 500 groups across the country

The history of Scouting you may or may not be familiar with. The idea was formulated by Robert Baden Powell in 1907 in England. It a movement that aims to

It’s an electrolysis process utilising more water the town of Fermoy, 14,000 thousand tonne of salt, imported via Cork, and over 3 Meg .watts. of electricity cost circa of 2.2 Million Euros. It’s a 24/7/365 day continuous operation with 3.1% down time last year. May I take this opportunity of thanking the Chairman of Micro Bio Gerry Mc Namara for his commitment and willingness to allow me time and support to carry out this volunteer role. We do need to thank those who support the various organisations that provide the vital services that Government is not in a position to provide and do this through encouraging volunteerism and social responsibility with their staff. They are helping maintain the very fabric of society .

My “other” job. Chief Scout. As Chief Scout I am the highest elected volunteer in Scouting and the first Cork man to be elected to this office in the 100 year history of Scouting in Ireland. Scouting Ireland was

support young people in their Social, physical, Intellectual, Cultural educational and spiritual development, that they may play constructive roles in society, Scouting is a truly international movement with over 40 million members in 161 countries and introduces young people into environments’ that they would not otherwise do, example, I camped in Sweden with an Irish contingent of 800 ..2 years ago with 40,000 scouts from across the globe, where Israeli Scouts camped alongside Palestine Scouts, Muslim alongside Christian and Jew. Where else would it happen?

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Scouting Ireland as the nation’s leading Educational Youth Organisation seeks to equip young people with life skills such as independence, leadership creativity problem solving and teamwork. These have been defined as 21st Century Learning Skills but in truth have long been a part of our programme.While Scouting moves with the times and uses latest technology across its local Scout Groups nationwide, camping and hiking remain firm favourites with young people, even after 100 years. Scouts are the original innovators with youth empowerment a central tenet from the very beginning when many countries in Europe were still without democracy. Today, one of the most attractive aspects of Scouting for young people is the very real freedom to attain their potential in an environment where teamwork, leadership and personal development flourish.

Scouting has placed a focus on care for the environment and minimizing the human footprint on the environment, long before it was fashionable or newsworthy to do so.

Link between scouts and engineersThere is a of course a close link between Scouting and engineering one I believe could and should be developed, and I think it would be productive if closer links were developed between your institution – Engineers Ireland and my movement – Scouting Ireland. Engineers Ireland seeks to develop the skills of its members. Scouting Ireland seeks to develop the skills of young people. And the skills you seek in young engineers are aligned to those we re developing in our young members for example LEADERSHIP, Team work, communications skills, problem solving skills etc.

I would like to share with you a project and initiative that we have launched this year to directly address the challenge the scourge of youth unemployment.Scouting Ireland is leading a boatbuilding project called Operation Lelievlet to engage young trainees Not in Employment Education or Training (NEETS) in the age group 18 to 24 years. Lelievlets are 5.2 metre long sailing boats designed for inland waterways and used extensively by our colleagues in the

We recently launched Vision 2020………….. A strategy for Scouting in Ireland going forward for the next decade, the primary focus of our future development will be our local Groups and ensuring that they have the necessary support to thrive and grow and our structures and resources need to be reorganised and aligned to best serve our Groups. I met 1200 members over 16 months took on board all their suggestions and issues and we are now about to propose some bold moves in restructuring our organisation for the decade ahead. This will be decided at our National Council attended by up to 700 delegates will be held here in Cork in the Silver Springs hotel on 30 march. And Minister if you think an Ard Feis is a meeting to attend, sit with me in the chair for a day of National Council and hear a debate by young articulate Irish youth. It fills me with pride and humility to lead such an Organisation.

Netherlands Sea Scouts.This accredited programme that will equip them with skills in metal fabrication and boatbuilding and in life skills such as teamwork ,working with others, leadership and personal responsibility and we look forward in the coming years to these boats providing a national sail training programme in Scouting’s 5 inland water centres,

Engineers use science and technology to turn ideas into reality, devising all sorts of things, ranging from a tiny, low-cost battery for your cell phone to a gigantic dam across the mighty Yangtze River in China. Scouting teaches young people how to use a potato as a battery and how to build a bridge across a river. I have no doubt but the scouts battery is more environmentally friendly, but scouts could be a long time fording the Yangtze river. Possibly a bridge too far. I have seen them build 50 suspension bridges at a National Scout Competition In recent years we have built strong partnerships with eternal agencies in both public and commercial sectors. Our work with Cavan County Council County is an example. With County Manager Jack Keyes and their

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team of engineers is an excellent example delivering a 3.5 million euro international Scout Centre on the Cavan Fermanagh Boarder at Castlesaunderson in 2012. Now designated one of five International Campsites for Peace and Reconciliation across the world by the World Movement.The Scout Method is an informal Educational system based on learning by doing and working in teams. Our programme features 6 Spices Social, Physical, Intellectual, Character, Emotional and Spiritual.Most of all it’s a fun way for young people to learn and to grow It is a university of action… and school of engineering for life.Engineering and Scouting are natural partners. I would urge those of you who can to come and work with us. If you like our work and our projects come and talk to us. There’s work for everyone in engineering and Scouting. I promise you a life changing experience. Thanks you for your time Thanks you for your invitationOn behalf of Scouting Ireland …Chief Scout Michael John Shinnick

8 Members Of Scouting Ireland

to Receive Gold Gaisce Award

Inspirational young people from all over Ireland will receive a Gaisce Gold

Award from President Michael D. Higgins for their outstanding community

work and significant personal achievements at an awards ceremony in

Dublin Castle on Tuesday, 11th February 2014.

Gaisce – the President’s Award - is a programme that aims to foster and

develop young people’s potential. It is a guided and supported framework

is provided for young people to explore their natural skills and gain

One recipient included Mary Angela Quigley who volunteered as Beaver Scout Leader for her Community Involvement, learned how to Fly a plane as her Personal Skill, did Horse-riding for her Physical Recreation, walked from Clonmel to Athy for her Adventure Journey and volunteered at a Scout Camp as part of her Residential.

John Concannon, Chairman of the Gaisce Awards, states: “The Gaisce vision for Ireland is a country where young people dream big and fulfil their potential. This year, over 20,000 young people in Ireland applied. Their contribution and active participation was facilitated through the Gaisce Award. It is inspiring to see so many young people receive their Gold Awards, acknowledging the exceptional level of commitment to personal development and community involvement of the 54 awardees. The success of Gaisce is enabled by the enormous effort of thousands of volunteer President Award

confidence in their abilities, while contributing to their community. 8 of the 54 Gaisce Gold Awards presented to young people who excelled and achieved their goals gained their awards by taking part in the Adventure that is Scouting Ireland. The Gold Award recipients included young people who spent time volunteering with charity organisations, working with the poor, the elderly, people with disabilities, and getting involved in youth groups and clubs.

Leaders (PALs) across the island of Ireland, whom I would like to thank for the leadership and support they give to the Award participants.” On average, Gaisce participants contribute over 100,000 voluntary hours in their local communities each year. A total of six million voluntary hours have been completed since the Gaisce Award programme was established in 1985. For more information on Gaisce - the President’s Award, log on to www.gaisce.ie. Below is a run down on the 8 Scouting Ireland Members who will be presented with the Award by the President Next Tuesday. Scouting Ireland would like to congratulate them on their achievements.

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Aoife Rice, Co.Kildare Aoife volunteered as a Venture Scout Leader for her Community Involvement, did Cross Stitch as her Personal Skill, did Aerobics for Physical Recreation, Hiked the El Camino de Santiago, and spent her Residential week in Barretstown Gang Camp

Victoria Rowan, Co.Kildare

Victoria volunteered as a Venture Scout Leader for her Community Involvement, did Cross Stitch as her Personal Skill, did Aerobics for Physical Recreation, Hiked the El Camino de Santiago, and spent her Residential week in Barretstown Gang Camp

Mary Angela Quigley, Co.Cork

Mary Angela volunteered as Beaver Leader for her Community Involvement, learned how to Fly a plane as her Personal Skill, did Horse-riding for her Physical Recreation, walked from Clonmel to Athy for her Adventure Journey and volunteered at a Scout Camp as part of her Residential.

Kieran Fox, Co. Donegal

Kieran volunteered as a Scout leader for his Community Involvement, learned to play Piano for his Personal Skill, went to the Gym for his Physical Recreation, hiked in the Donegal Mountains for his Adventure Journey and went to a Scout Jamboree in Denmark for his Residential

Paul Beirne, Co.Dublin

Paul volunteered as Cub Scout leader at Kilmacud Scout Den for his Community Involvement, learned Origami as his Personal Skill, played Gaelic Football for his Physical Recreation, completed the Four Peaks Challenge for his Adventure Journey and went to an Irish Language Course for his Residential

Jamie Moore, Co. Waterford

Jamie volunteered as a Leader and Web Admin for Dungarvan Scouts for his Community Involvement, he learned Web and App development for his Personal Skill, played Tennis for his Physical recreation, cycled and Kayaked St. Declan’s Way for his Adventure and took part in the School Completion Programme- Summer Programme for his residential

Shauna Mac Gabhann, Co.Kildare

Shauna volunteered as a Beaver Scout Leader for her Community Involvement, did Speech and Drama for her Skill, did Forrest Yoga for her Physical Recreation, hiked the Camino de Santiago, and spent a week at the World Scouting Jamboree in Sweden for her Residential

Sarah Kelly, Co.Dublin Sarah Volunteered as Scout leader for her Community Involvement, learned First Aid for her Personal Skill, went Swimming for her Physical Recreation, and spent her Residential in a Scout Summer Camp in St.Petersberg, Galway

Below is a run down on the 8 Scouting Ireland Members who were presented with the Award by the President last Tuesday. Scouting Ireland would like to congratulate them on their achievements.

Heads of Contingent needed

Scouting Ireland would like to invite applications for the following positions

(2)

1. Head of Contingent – Roverway 2016

2. Head of Contingent – World Scout Moot 2017

1. A journey (mixed patrols from around Europe achieving different learning objectives throughout the host country)2. The camp (all participants in Roverway come together in one location to further their Roverway experience)In 2016, Roverway will be held in France. A promotional video can be found by following this link:

What is World Scout Moot (WSM)?The World Scout Moot is an event organised by WOSM (World Organisation of the Scout Movement) and is open to Rovers aged 18 – 26 years of age.Originally called the “The World

What is Roverway?Roverway is a joint activity of the European Region of WOSM (World Organisation of the Scout Movement) and the Europe Region of WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts). It is held in Europe and is open to youth aged 16 – 22 years of age. Those aged 23 years and older are eligible to apply to the event as IST (International Service Team).The activity was first introduced in 2003 and usually consists of two stages:

Rover Moot”, this event first took place in 1931. WSM usually asks participants to choose a “path” based on their own interests. They are then put into a mixed patrol with other Rovers from around the world for their “pre-camp” experience. When this initial part of the event has finished, all participants will then continue their Moot experience at the camp where they will stay and live with their patrols together.In 2017, the World Scout Moot will be held in Iceland. A promotional video can be found by following this link:

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participation in such an event. They will also work with, and be accountable to, the International Activities Team (a sub-committee of the National Management Committee).Qualities Required:The ideal candidate should be able to display the following qualities:• Full Adult Membership of the Association in accordance with the rules• It is recommended that he/she is above the maximum eligible age of participants on the day of departure however this is not always essential and individual circumstances & capabilities will be considered

What does the role of Head of Contingent (HoC) entail?The HoC is mainly responsible for the planning and organising of the Scouting Ireland Contingent before, during and after the respective event. They are expected to organise and attend any relevant meetings, presentations or events in relation to the event. He/she will work with Scouting Ireland’s departments of finance, administration and communications in order to allow for the Association’s successful

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• Sound knowledge of the constitution, rules and relevant policy documents of the Association• Familiarity with the Youth Programme of the age range of participants that are eligible to attend the event• Ability to establish, and work with, various teams where appropriate• Ability to promote the event both within the Association and externally where appropriate (in close consultation with the Communications department)• Excellent organisational and time management skills• Ability to motivate others• Willingness to travel before, during and after the event if/when required• The desired candidate will have some international experience (preferably in a Scouting context) – although this is not essential

How to Apply:Any interested applicants should forward their Scouting CV to the National Secretary (natsecretary@scouts.ie) outlining the following:• Which event they wish to apply for• Full name and contact details• Why he/she wishes to apply for the role of HoC• Any international experience (if applicable)• Any other relevant informationShort-listed applicants will be called to interview shortly after. The interview panel will consist of 5 individuals appointed by the National Management Committee and chaired by the International Commissioner

purpose is to provide a wide array of information about our Movement and our organisation, information that is relevant to the wider audience- everyone inside and outside the Movement.

This section is not particularly Region oriented; it is more focused towards the general public and helps to simplify the information and make it more accessible then ever before.

We are constantly looking into how to improve the information and in particular we will be making some crosslinking with the Regional pages in coming weeks.

Intranet – aiming to improve internal communicationThe goal of the intranet is not to hide some information from the general audience but to improve communications and information exchange between World Scouting and NSOs by providing information in a more structured and

Dear Friends,

With reference to a letter sent out to International Commissioners and Official NSO Contact Persons by the World Scout Bureau (Central Office) on 3 February 2014 we would like to give you some guidance on how to navigate in the renovated WOSM website: www.scout.org.

On 15 October 2013 a new online platform for World Scouting was launched. The changes to scout.org go beyond creating a new website. They reflect the way we see our Movement and its role in the lives of our members. We have created a platform that will provide constant learning, communication, sharing and development.Let us explain how this is envisaged in practice and let us guide you on a short tour through the four areas of the website.

About Scouting – all that people want to know about ScoutingThis is now the main corporate information part of the website. Its

regular way. You will be able to find information about Regional Circulars and Services, as well as reports created by all the Offices of the World Scout Bureau and by other NSOs.

Additionally, within the Services area on the Intranet, you will be able to find funding information, application forms and some information about the support that the Region is providing.

Access to World and Regional Circulars will only be provided to the ICs or and other account holders which you should communicate following the procedure advised in the letter you received earlier this week.

User Generated Content - everyone’s a user, everyone’s a creatorAs has been requested on a number of occasions, you are now empowered to share and communicate directly with others, particularly to provide information about your events, projects, best practices and anything else that you would like to share within the Scout World.

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International News

WOSM’s Web Presence You will have noticed that it is necessary to register and login in order to upload and interact with others. This processes it easy and quite straightforward. For the moment you can share your news, events, updates and tools. In the coming period, new content types will be introduced.

Soon we will have new features: you will be able to follow people/groups that are of interest to you, getting their posts in a specific feed, getting a stream for WOSM official news from the World and Regional levels, and being able to like and comment. In short, it will be easier to shape your information flow according to your interests. The Regional pages will also be easier to find after these changes.

Besides this, huge work is in progress on making pages for programmes/projects/networks where all theme-specific content will be gathered.

We are aware that user generated content is requiring moderation and we are dedicated in making

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International News

sure that content that is marked inappropriate and not in accordance with Scout values is being moderated.

Regional Information

As before, we have our Regional Section of scout.org (www.scout.org/europe) where you will be able to find all the relevant information concerning work on the Regional Scout Plan, working and core groups, news and events. In due course, our Regional blog, www.euroscoutinfo.com will be integrated into to scout.org, but in the meantime, on-going regional information will continue to be posted there. And of course, we do not forget www.europak-online.net for information on our partnership and work with WAGGGS.

That brings us to the end our short tour through the re-launched website of WOSM, which will remain in the centre of World Scouting’s renewed web presence.

Social Media in the European Scout Region

Social media have become an integrated part of young people’s lives. And the European Region is not just part of it, too, but trying to help drive it. This is why we are - for quite some time already - present in a series of social media platforms using our well-established EuroScoutInfo brand.

In order to get a pulse on the life and work of the Region we recommend you to follow us on;

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Flickr

Instagram

Vimeo

We encourage you also to keep an eye on the main hash tags (#) that we use across the different social media and on our websites in order to group relevant information around our events, programmes and projects within the Regional Scout Plan.

In case you face any difficulty or you have questions or some recommendations please contact Mihajlo Atanackovic, Senior Web Editor & Events Administrator at the European Scout Office (matanackovic@scout.org).

International Conference and

Seminar Delegate Academy

The role of the International Conference and Seminar Delegate Academy

(the Academy) is to maintain a panel of members that are trained and

prepared to represent Scouting Ireland at international events, conferences

and seminars. Its aim is to ensure that Scouting Ireland is appropriately

represented at relevant events, providing opportunities also for our

members to develop skills and contacts in the international sphere.

Resources Committee• All members of the National Spiritual & Religious Advisory Panel• All National Youth Reps• All National Programme Teams• All members of the Training Team• All members of the Communications Team• All members of the International Team• All members of the Campsites and Facilities Team• All current Head of Contingents• All Professional Staff and• Up to twenty other members of Scouting Ireland recruited through

Membership & Term

The term of the Academy shall be co‐terminus with the term of the International Commissioner (and will remain in place until a new International Commissioner is appointed) subject to Rule 1271

The Academy will consist of;

• All members of the National Management Committee• All members of the National Youth Programme Committee• All members of the National Adult

an open call, reviewed by the International Commissioner and the International Team, and proposed by them to the National Management Committee on an annual basis:

o The coordinator of the Academy shall be a member of the International Team nominated by the International Commissioner and appointed by the National Management Committee

o The ‘twenty other members’ should have an appropriate age, geographic and gender balance, and be selected in line with Scouting Ireland’s aim being the development of young people. There will also be consideration of

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International News

the skills necessary to attendinternational events, ie foreign language skills, presentation and networking skills etc.

o The ‘twenty other members’ will agree to commit to further volunteering in an area of interest to support the ongoing work of the National Support Network

The full list will be made available on the Scouting Ireland website before the end of January each year.

A report on the operation of the Academy will be published each year in the Scouting Ireland annual report.

Dev Ed: Development Education

A whole lot of what we do in scouting is Development Education. In the old

days some used to call it charity work, but thankfully we’ve come a long

way since then and today we see Dev Ed in a scouting context as a two

sided concept: firstly the development or growth we bring about with the

organisations, communities and individuals that our ‘scouts’ engage with

and secondly that personal development that anyone who takes part in

a Dev Ed initiative experiences. Let’s not forget the Education part – Dev

Ed is only firing on both cylinders when there is some learning, informal

or otherwise. For their to be learning their has to be some teaching and

Dev Ed is about promoting an understanding and encouraging positive action to transform the social, cultural, political and economic structures that affect us and those around us at a personal, local, national and international level. Bringing an element of Dev Ed into our programmes, in any guise, will encourage your Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, Rovers and fellow Scouters to understand, challenge and remedy some of the injustices of the rapidly changing unequal and sometimes unfair world that we live in.

Scouting Ireland has a lot to bring to the Dev Ed table, and in turn our members and programme have so much to gain by refocusing on local and international inequality so let’s go and do our good deed.....and learn from it.

All things going well there’ll be a regular Dev Ed slot in Inside Out where we can feature guest writers, (The Amnesty International Education officer is an ex scout, still connected to a Group and the CEO of Comhlamh is a cub leader), we’ll throw resources in here too – games, activities and projects for

the best Development Education happens when both our scouts and the individuals they are put in contact with are teaching and learning from each other.So exactly is this buzz term Dev Ed all about? What does it mean. Scouting Ireland recently became a member of IDEA (Irish Development Education Association) and they tell us that in nutshell it is not a million miles away from our own goal of simply producing good citizens, sometimes with a global twist.

all sections – at the recent Youth Fora, 18 Scouts, Venturers and Rovers had the craic and hopefully learned something in a simple 40 minute game and finally hopefully this section will help you tie Dev Ed into your programme by highlighting Scouting Ireland and National initiatives, such as NYCI’s One World week.

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‘Lumela-Fáilte’

The Ireland-Lesotho Scouting

Partnership Project

For those of you with even limited Irish we all know what Fáilte means;

and as scouts and as a race we are all very proud and very aware of

the reputation that we hold globally as a welcoming nation and a friendly

people. Lumela means ‘Hello’ in Sesothan but much more than that it also

means accord, trust and agreement. Values, held by the Lesothan people,

that are very similar to our Fáilte. conferences were attended and bit by bit the DENT started to make significant contributions and progress in the UNGUVU process, gaining praise and recognition from the European office. So much so, that following a visit to Cork from the project co-ordinator that he recommended at the next European Partnership meeting that Scouting Ireland start to pursue its own partnership project.

Country SelectionA lot of research, spreadsheets, reports, Skpye calls and short-listing then took place to find an African Scout Association to be the partner in this partnership. Across so many parameters Lesotho started to emerge as a strong contender

Since 2011, a few members of the International Team, the so-called ‘DENT’ (Development Education Network Team) under the direction of the International Commissioners (Ann Foley & Christy McCann) and the Chief Commissioner Youth Programme (Ian Davey), have been chipping away at what was called UNGUVU –a European Scout Region initiative to form partnerships with Scout Associations in the African Region. Training was given, handbooks were written,

– small, no existing partnerships, English speaking, opportunities for development, safe, a reliable Scout Association, manageable climate, and it is also on the Irish Aid list which spoke volumes in terms of possible funding streams and Government & NGO endorsement of our project.

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have promised us a regular slot in their pages to keep you abreast of developments in the Partnership. So next month we’ll feature the ideas & suggestions from the Youth Fora, ramblings from a meeting with the African Office in Hong Kong & progress on the partnership training material being adopted for Scouting Ireland purposes from the UNGUVU project and how Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, Rovers and Scouters can get themselves involved in the Lumela-Fáilte project.

Members of the DENT team are looking forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and will be in the Programme Clinic at National Council to chat through the project and explain all.

In Spring 2013 Christy McCann approached the Lesotho Scout Association regarding a potential partnership and in enthusiastically accepting his offer we welcomed their acceptance and they said Lumela to us! While physical communication between the two countries is challenging their energy and sentiment for the project can’t be doubted. Our next stage, by National Council 2014, is to take these casual exchanges and form them into a more meaningful Memorandum of Understanding between the two associations.

Lumela-Fáile is a longterm undertaking for Scouting Ireland and as such it may seem to have been moving slowly. This was to allow the proper ground work to be done. In late 2013 Programme Commissioners were briefed on the project as were delegates at the National Fora last weekend as we gathered ideas and suggestions for inclusion in our discussions with our Partners. The lovely people at InsideOut, (flattery gets you everywhere!)

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Scout Group Investiture at Brú

na Bóinne

Saturday 18th of January 2014 saw the return of Scouting to Donore, Co.

Meath, after a gap of almost 20 years. In front of a large crowd of proud

parents, family and friends the 64 youth members and 11 Scouters made

their Scout Promise on the 32 year old flag of the old Donore Scout group

which opened in 1982 and closed in the late 90’s.

The new members of Scouting Ireland were invested into the 22nd Meath

Donore by North East Provincial Commissioner James O’Toole in the

presence of Neil Kenneally, County Commissioner Gleann na Bóinne Scout

County at the World Heritage site of Brú na Bóinne, Donore, Co. Meath.

48

Province News

New Years Day Hike

New Year’s day was a 25th anniversary for Larch Hill as it welcomed

another deputation of scouters, Watch Leaders and Ventures from 8ú

Calafort Sea Scouts.

The tradition began as an excuse for the Group Leader, Eoghan Lavelle

(then Chief Scout of SAI) to visit the CSI campsite of Larch Hill in his

capacity as Honorary President of CSI and as an activity for the Watch

Leaders. Oh, and as an excuse to give the dog a good run after Christmas.

Departing from Kilmashogue carpark and taking the horseshoe route with

framed neckerchief to mark the occasion that bears the inscription “Ba mhaith linn é seo a bhronadh ar Gasógaíochta na hÉireann, Larch Hill, ó 8ú Calafort Gasóga na Mara le ceiliúradh a dheanamh do cuigiú siulóid is fiche inniu an 1 Eanair 2014”.

a detour to Fairy Hill before descending to Larch Hill itself. Over the years we have been greeted by the same reception committee of Larch Hill stalwarths who have a fire lit and the kettle boiled to greet their visitors.

A short rest, signatures in the visators book and away across the cub field to the car park. Eoghan Lavelle presented the team at Larch Hill with a

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Province News

Living the Promise

Damian Doherty from 3rd Donegal (Raphoe) helps his community by giving blood

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Province NewsFORAGING DAY

Ideal to enhance your programme in all sections.

Learn plant and food identification that surrounds

us in Nature and using them in cooking.

Compliments Backwoods ONE Programme.

Castle Saunderson International Scout

Centre

Saturday 5th April 2014 Bookings ESSENTIAL

Closing date for bookings 22nd March 2014, payment in full.

Scouters and Guiders (& youth 15+) are welcome to arrive evening before

and stay Saturday evening. Supplements apply and bookings essential.

Adult & Ventures/Explorers/

Rangers. (Youth to be accompanied by Scouter/Guiders)

This foraging day is led by experienced Foraging

experts from Forage Ireland and covers lunch on the

day of homemade Soda breads, Chutneys and forage of

the day.

Cost of the day is £22 or €27.

Scouters, Guiders and youth members 15+ are welcome

to stay the Friday evening before and that Saturday

evening at a supplement. €4.50 per person per night

camping or €11 indoors per night.

For bookings please contact castlesaunderson@scouts.ie

Six Uniformed Associations

Programme

11 scouts and 3 leaders, Sarah Taggart, Mary Hogg and Christine Devlin,

from Scouting Ireland groups 1st & 2nd Downpatrick and 4th Tyrone,

Cookstown joined with young people and leaders from the Six Uniformed

Associations in Northern Ireland (Scouting Ireland, Scout Association

of Northern Ireland, Boys Brigade, Girls Brigade, Girlguiding Ulster

and Catholic Guides of Ireland) to take part in the 2nd of 3 “FUSION”

weekends.

Exploring Conflict and Breaking Down Prejudice and everyone got to participate in some Bollywood Dancing as well as a tour of the peace walls and West Belfast, the Shankill and Falls Road. This enabled everyone to learn more about the divisions and segregation in Belfast and Northern Ireland as well as allowing us to see different cultural diversities.The 3rd and final weekend will take place at the end of March in Gannaway Activity Centre which is run by the Boys Brigade. The theme for that weekend will be flags, symbols and emblems which enable everyone to begin to look at the similarities and differences between these items and why there is so much tension surrounding them.This is a great programme which allows leaders and young people to see that although there are some differences, there are many more similarities between them regardless of what uniformed organisation they belong to.

The first weekend was held in Greenhill YMCA in Newcastle with young people and adults participating in a range of getting to know you games and outdoor activities. The weekend culminated with the participants choosing the name FUSION for the programme as they felt this name encompassed what they were trying to achieve.The 2nd weekend was held at Lorne House which is a beautiful listed building in Holywood and is run by Girlguiding Ulster. The theme of this weekend was

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Province News

National award for youth

members of Kilcullen Scouts

SCOUTING IS CREATING A BETTER WORLD

The Scouts and Venturers who represented twenty five years of tradition

in the 9th Kildare Kilcullen Scout Troop were duly acknowledged

nationally by Scouting Ireland at this years Senior Citizens party. Kevin,

Adam, Tom, Jason, Donna, Conor, Anna, Paddy and James (also Sarah,

Hanna, Joshua, Lauren, Emma and Jack) accepted the Chiefs Scouts

Commendation of Merit on behalf of all the youth members (past and

present) for their work with the annual senior citizens party.

In keeping with the youth award we invited the youngest member of

Scout Troop are happy to do this good deed and “give something back to their community”. The Kilcullen Scouts are also living up the wishes of the founder of Scouting, Robert Baden-Powell when he asked every Scout “to leave the world a little better than you found it” For the last 25 years the Scout Troop has organised and ran the Kilcullen Scouts Senior Citizen’s Christmas Party. They help with the fundraising for the event. They help collect the spot prizes. Most importantly they show up each year eager to take part and make sure our Senior Citizen’s have a good time at the Scout party.

The National Management Committee to present the award. Mr. Cáthal Healy from Naas, who was representing Mr. Michael John Shimmick, Chief Scout of Scouting Ireland. Cathal said “The Chief asked me to pass on his good wishes and said he is very proud of the good deed the Kilcullen Scouts do for their community every year”. “To labour and look for no reward” is the best definition I have found of a “Good Deed”. The young people in the Kilcullen

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Province News

The Scouts in Kilcullen are among the few organisations in Ireland that receive publicity for their good deed by having a regular slot on the TV programme “iWitness”Yes Scouts, this is the big one, where the Chief Scout says a personal THANK YOU to each of you in the Scout Troop in Kilcullen for your outstanding effort in Scouting Ireland. Yes at the end of the Kilcullen Senior Citizens Scouts Christmas Party a group of young people went home feeling a little taller and proud of themselves

knowing that another good jab was done.Let it be noted that the 9th Kildare, Kilcullen Scout Troop received the Chief Scout’s Commendation of Merit on Friday 22nd November 2013. The certificate states “This honour is conferred on the youth members of the 9th Kildare Kilcullen. In appreciation of their dedication to the Senior Citizens of Kilcullen and nearby areas and in recognition of their Melodious Service to Scouting”.

Kilcully

The Kilcully Management committee would like to invite all Scouters to

the official re-opening of Kilcully campsite on Saturday the 1st of March at

1pm, following recent improvements. The campsite has been closed for 4

months and on its reopening the new management committee are eager to

show all scouters the recent changes that have been made and to inform

them of the future plans for the campsite. If you are around on the 1st of

March why not drop by and have a look at the changes in the site. Over the

last two work weekends there has been over 60 people giving up their time

to help out on the clean up of the site. At this event it is hoped to outline

some of the options that the management have discussed for the site. We

look forward to seeing you on the day.

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Scouting Trail presented in Dubai

Rose Murray receives the Silver

Merit Award

25 years of Scouting in Huntstown

Rose Murray, Group Leader of 2nd Monaghan Monaghan Town, receiving

the Silver Merit Award at a recent Cavan/Monaghan Scout County meeting.A quarter of a century of Fun, Friendship, Challenge and Adventure was the theme of the Scouts’ Own held recently to celebrate 25 years of Scouting in 179th Huntstown Scout Group.The Scouts’ Own held in Huntstown church was a non-denominational service which reflected on the notions of Scouting, the values it holds and the opportunities it provides for young people. The Group also reflected on the successes of the past two and a half centuries and paid tribute to all those that have contributed to such a successful movement.With military precision, in pristine uniforms, and accompanied by a full colour party of flags the Scouts and Scouters paraded along Huntstown Way and were welcomed to the church by the impressive sounds of the Garda Band. The splendour of the occasion was truly encapsulated by the outstanding performance of the Garda Band. The voluntary services of these professional musicians really made the occasion a formal ceremony and created a

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Province News

wonderful atmosphere for all those involved.The event was attended by over three hundred Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Ventures, Rovers, Scouters, parents and friends from the Ath Cliatha 15 Scout County. The hosts, 179th Huntstown Scout Group, were delighted to also welcome the County Commissioner for Ath

who had volunteered their time saying that ‘Without the goodwill and countless hours volunteered by these generous adults, young people in Dublin 15 would be missing out on the wonderful opportunity that is Scouting’ He emphasized the important role that adults play through Scouting in developing these young responsible citizens and that we should never underestimate the opportunities Scouting creates for building new friendships, overcoming new challenges and most of all having an unlimited amount of fun.The congregation were also

Cliath 15, Declan Heaney, and Joe Marken representing the National Commissioner as well as local priest Fr. George Begley.The milestone of turning 25 is an impressive feat in any organisation’s lifetime and as such it was important to thank and show appreciation for all those Adult Scouters and helpers who had contributed over the years. The Group Leader, Stephen Dunne, spoke about the history of Scouting in Huntstown over the past two and a half decades. He especially thanked the Scouters and Adults

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Province News

treated to a slideshow of some of the events the young people had enjoyed over the past twenty- five years. Highlights included annual camps where the young people camped for a week or more, at home and abroad, while partaking in adventurous activities such as kayaking, hiking, climbing or simply cooking a three course dinner for thirty people on a camp fire. A Venture Scout, Darragh, said the highlight for him was attending a World Scout Jamboree in Sweden with forty thousand other Scouts and Conor told us that climbing the highest peaks in Ireland, Scotland

the Gaisce programme took Dylan over a year to complete and saw him undertake various challenges such as improving his backwoods skills, creating links with other youth groups, various physical challenges and ultimately raising five hundred euro for the D15 Hospice. Dylan is the first person among all of the Ath Cliath 15 County to achieve the Chief Scout Award under the One Programme.The atmosphere was one of great celebration. It offered many former Leaders the chance to catch up and chat with new Scouters. They remarked that most of the current leadership team in Huntstown was now made up of people who had come up through the group from youth member to Adult; a great example of the ‘home grown’ initiative for Huntstown and a true indicator that Scouting is something that we keep with us throughout our lives.The whole day reflected the positive outlook of the movement of Scouting and the Huntstown Scout Group look forward to a bright future of Fun, Friendship, Challenge and Adventure.

and Wales was an amazing challenge that pushed him above anything he had previously imagined. Chloe, a Beaver scout told us how much fun she had on her recent slumber night and that she loved toasting the marshmallows on the campfire.The occasion was also an opportunity to recognise achievements and contributions of Adult Scouters and Youth members. Several Scouters received 5 year Service Awards and 10 year Service Awards for

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Province News

their commitment to Scouting. Impressively Andy McGill and Declan Heaney were awarded 25 year Service Awards and incredibly Gerard Brady received a 30 year Service Award. These awards reflect the sheer level of commitment of these dedicated people.The highlight of the day for Dylan Carey, a Venture Scout, was to receive the award of Outstanding Achievement for his completion of the Chief Scout Award. The Chief Scout Award, connected to

Venture Scouts from 1st Dromore Newry3rd Donegal (Raphoe), win Cub Scout Quiz

Venture Scouts from 1st Dromore Newry, 1st Armagh and 3rd Dromore,

Craigavon all from Brian Boru County. Took part in a Mood Matters course

on mental health facilitated by Aware NI held in St John’s Bosco Youth

Club.

Below is the winning six from 3rd Donegal (Raphoe) Cub Scout Section

They have won 1st place in the Cub County Quiz

They are now eligible for the National County Challenge

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Province News

Rathcormac Scouts Brave the Weather

Severe weather warnings, floods, torrential rain and high winds have

featured in our weather all week. But in the calm after the storms of

Saturday, and in the lull before the severe storms on Sunday night,

Rathcormac Scouts, albeit in reduced numbers, took their chance to get

out on a high mountain hike. Met Éireann forecasted a gentle enough

Sunday morning and early afternoon with some mist, an odd shower, and

even the chance of clear skies. Sunday evening all hell would break loose

again, in the meantime we hoped we would be alright. In Met Éireann we

trusted and out trust was well placed.

many places and generated high excitement as we bridged gullies and ruts in our little cars which were pretending to be Land Rovers. At our parking spot at the meeting of the Blackrock and Pigeon Rock Rivers the power of the waters’ surge demonstrated exactly how these deep valleys came to be formed over the millennia.

The first kilometre of our route was bounded by the most extraordinarily well-built wall. We marvelled at its construction, the design seemed wrong, small stones at the bottom,

The plan was to go up the Black Rock River Glen on the south-western end of the Galtees by contouring around Knockaterriff along an ancient track until gently bearing off and ascending to the col between Konckaterriff and Lyrracappul. From there we would climb to the summit of Lyrracappul at 825m reports Michael Howard. After that we were open to suggestion. Getting to the start of our climb was an adventure in itself. The road running along the Behanagh river was washed away in

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Province News

large longitudinal stones protruding through the centre, larger stones higher up. Not a stone was out of place, not one portion of it had toppled along its entire length, it seemed unnaturally complete for something so ancient. We wondered was it a man or an army of men had built it. It seems certain that no man alive today or who will ever live again will be able to build such a wall. Getting to Mars would probably be easier for humanity at this stage than building a wall like this again. The route for its most part was not strenuous, all was calm chatter as a practical lesson in geography was provided by the remarkable landscape. The scouts identified V-shaped valleys, arretes,

plan was to do as many five-minute legs as necessary to get to the top, in fact the ascent was easy and we were up without bother in no time. The summit was a shock the wind was ferocious. The scouts and leaders were exhilarated by the noise and power of extreme nature showing its full power. We were buzzing as we descended back to the col.

Those leaders who don’t believe in lunch were overruled and we spread out bivvy bags on the col to eat, drink and be merry. The col was

interlocking spurs and debris from freeze thaw action, before they knew it dry classroom concepts were suddenly real.

Those not used to the sheer depth and length of these valleys kept repeating the word unbelievable. As we gently ascended the col we lost view of the valley below and were enveloped in calm mist. A sudden shift in the fog revealed the outline of the summit and our scouts were shocked that we would even attempt it. The

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Province News

serene and calm, the exact opposite of the summit, we could have been sitting on the moon having lunch it was so still. All plans for a different route home were put aside in order to get Sarah Murphy back in time for her match. Nobody complained about going back the fantastic route we had just come. Margaret Mulcahy did a stylish slip to give herself and all of us a quick fright, she earned all our respect by being back on her feet in no time. Tara Buckley, our other new scout on the hike bounded about on the hills like a hill lamb and looks to be made for hiking. Our old hands logged a trip for their hillwalking badges and towards their Chief Scout Award.

Hopefully our full troop will be recovered from the flu and cold plagues that struck most of them down last weekend before our next hike. The lesson we learnt was that if you trust the forecast it is still possible to get out in the relative calm between the severe Atlantic depressions that are battering us at the moment, we started hiking at 9.45 am and finished at 2.45 pm. Sarah Murphy made the match but they lost by a point, her mother Trish might need a new exhaust after braving the washed away roads to collect her early from the bottom of the trail. We wish Sarah’s father and our Group Leader Alan Murphy a speedy recovery from a current illness.

Scout Brand launches it’s own Website

The Scout Shop have just launched a dedicated website for the New Scout

Brand which has been so successful since it’s launch at last years National

Council. The site is located at http://www.scoutbrand.ie/

You can now check out and Buy all the Scout Brand items on this website.

Check it out by clicking on the image below.

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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 image to the right 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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Public Website:- www.scouts.ie

Members:- my.scouts.ie

Email:- communications@scouts.ie

Facebook:- http://www.facebook.com/scoutingireland

Twitter:- @scoutingireland

February 2014

Contacts Coming Next Month

National Council the Build up.Vision 2020Youth and Adult SymposiumSection resources