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Scouting Ireland Monthly Magazine April 2014
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Official online magazine of Scouting Ireland
National Council all the Action!Fancy Dress Ball!
New Scouting Ireland Promotional Video!Section Resources Keep Coming!
Star Scout Show!
And much much more inside
April 2014
Welcome to this month’s issue of Inside Out. In this month’s issue. Apologies for the lateness of this months issue this was due to a Computer failure which gave us great grief and took time to address. We have comprehensive coverage of this year’s National Council which was held in Cork. Well done to all 650 Members who made the effort to attend this year. We here on the Communications Team have launched a new promotional Video for Scouting Ireland and it is available inside for Download for your use locally. We also give you a look at the New Scout Brand tee shirt range which sold like hotcakes at this year’s National Council.
Some other highlights this month include, a look back at the Cub Scout Challenge, The Star Scout Show and the Patrols Online Weekend. We again have some more great resources from the programme sections. Are you up for Helping in this year’s ‘Rover Scout Action Week’? Check it out and Get Involved. Adult Resources keep us informed of what needs to take place at this time of Year. 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 [email protected]. 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 30th April.
The Communications Team
POW Report Page 31
Communications Commissioner Intro
8162435
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Quote of the Month
In this issue...
National Council PicsCuChullains AwardedCub for GooglePop up Learning SpaceOne World, One Promise
“If you make listening and observation your occupation you will gain much more than you can by talk.”
National Council 2014
Review Report by National Secretary
Over 650 Delegates, Staff and Volunteers took part in the eleventh annual
meeting of the National Council of Scouting Ireland over the weekend of
28th- 30th March 2014 in the Silver Springs Hotel, Cork.
As National Secretary and on behalf of the Association, I sincerely thank the Southern Province for what can only be described as second to none, fantastic and terrific National Council.
The youth representation at National Council exceeded one third of the 650 participants. While the decisions of the National Council brought disappointment to some regarding proposed changes in Scouting Ireland, the operation of such a democratic procedure is a positive and strong feature of the existing culture and operation of the movement that is Scouting Ireland. It copper fastened the supremacy of the National Council and we should feel very proud of how our movement is governed.
The weekend as previously mentioned was hosted by the Southern Province under the leadership of Chris Mc Sweeney on behalf of the Southern Provincial Management Support Team and its Provincial Commissioner, Morgan O’Sullivan. I think we can all agree that the Southern Province did a wonderful job and delivered a very professional event.
The weekend went above and beyond all expectations. We danced, socialised, debated, discussed, took serious decisions and interacted as Adults in Scouting should, a great time was experienced by all there. I would like to apologise to those that I did not get a chance to speak to over the weekend, but a big thank you for being involved in National Council.
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The Southern Province put together a welcome to the Province Slideshow of Scouting Activities to Kick off National Council. To View the Video click on the Link Below
Review
The Civic Reception hosted by the Deputy Mayor of Cork, Cllr Lorraine Kingston (a former Girl Guide) was as the Cork City Hall people always do, very welcoming, informative and interesting. A very special thanks to all the wonderful youth members and Scouters for making it a lovely experience.
Meeting Formalities were presented to and well received by delegates where answers and decisions were outlined in detail to the National Council.
Annual Report was presented and this was preceded by a video review of the report. To view this Video Click on the Link.
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The Opening Ceremony with a reflection and the renewal of the Scout Promise was central to the setting of the scene for what was a well conducted National Council. The continuation of the lighting of the “National Council Flame”, which had transferred from the 2013 National Council in Sligo to the 2014 National Council in Cork established a culture and protocol, that will continue and become a part of the spirit that will be National Council in the future.
Opening and address by Guest Speaker Mr. Simon Coveney TD - a former Cub Scout (Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Food) linked elements of his political life to the life of Adults and Young People in Scouting , referencing Teamwork, Scouting Skills and the opportunities afforded to both Adults and Young Members in Scouting Ireland and the trials and tribulations experienced in both situations.
Agenda items were presented to National Council and debated in an interesting and forthright manner.It was necessary for National Council to recess for a short period to allow for the clarification and subsequent withdrawal of various proposals, with National Council resuming and proceeding with its business in an orderly and effective manner.
2. The OAS/TSS informed the members of its services, which are now well received by the Association and advised on the generous donations being made to Scouting Ireland.
Introduction of Youth Reps. and Adult Awards both of which are now well and truly a very pleasant and rewarding part of National Council took place with much applause and celebration by the recipients.
4. The Gathering 2013 recognised the achievements of Scout Groups and bodies to celebrate their ‘Irishness’ both at home and abroad.
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Address by Mr. Wayne Bullpitt – Chief Commissioner – (Scout Association UK) was well received and enjoyed by all present and will in going forward contribute to the interaction and contacts between the two associations.
Presentations to National Council this year were very informative and outlined the many projects being carried by the Association;
1. New apparel was show cased and brings our association in line with the dress code of today’s society.
3. The launch of the newly established Fellowship of Irish Guides and Scouts (FIGS), is a federation of the Irish Girl Guides (IGG), Catholic Girl Guides (CGI) and Scouting Ireland (SI), which will allow members to collaborate with each other both nationally and internationally for Socialising, Supporting or Special Projects.
All of these projects were successful and cater for the development of challenges and experiences both at home and abroad and illustrate the myriad of activities of our association.
The Business Links Project was well received and is a very new and exciting exercise and hopefully will be built on in the future.
The Expo Area - as ever serves members well, by bringing data and informative to the attendees.
The Clinics/Market Place – while concerns were expressed about having it after the business of National Council was more than successful, and was much more
5. Community Celebration Initiative 2014 was presented and outlined the events it brought about in 2013 and will be expanded on in 2014.
6. Tech Week 2014 – a new and exciting project is something that will benefit and assist our members in many ways, look out for upcoming information.
7. The Quality Scouting Experience (QSE) was notified to Council. This project will directly help and assist Scout Groups bring Scouting of a Standard and a Quality expected and delivered by all our Scout Groups.
relaxed and informal and welcomed by everyone.
The Gala Ball – lived up to all the expectations which the Western Province set in Sligo last year, and no doubt will continue when National Council comes to Dublin as one day meetings in 2015, 2016 and 2017.
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8. World Moot 2021
9. Rover Action Week 2014
10. Campsites – including Castle Saunderson, Mount Melleray and others
]11. World Moot 2013 – Report
12. Lumela-Failte (The Ireland –Losotho Scouting Partnership)
On a personal note can I thank each and everyone who made National Council 2014 an effective and enjoyable event, the Southern Province, the Group and County Delegates, the Youth Reps., National Office Staff, the Tellers, the Ambassadors, the Hotel Staff and my National Management Colleagues (NMC) for all the support, kindness and encouragement needed for a successful National Council.
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Elections – Morgan O’Sullivan and James O’Toole were re-elected as Provincial Commissioners for the period 2014/2017. We said farewell to Wendy Morrow on completing six very effective years as the Provincial Commissioner for the North Province and welcome her replacement; Kieran McCann was elected the Provincial Commissioner for the North Province for the period 2014/2017.
National Council Picture PageThe next pages contain a selection of Images from this year’s National Council like the one below. To see more images of the Weekend click here
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National Council 2014
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National Council 2014
Chief Commissioner UK Scouts Speaks
highly of Realtionship between the Two
Associations
Wayne Bullpit Chief Commissioner from the UK Scouts who was our
special Guest at this year’s National Council then gave a very fine address
to the Members. He was loud in praise about the special relationship there
is between our two associations especially in Northern Ireland. He talked
about Scout Link and played a video of one of the Joint projects that had
taken place last year.
You can view this here
To read more about what Wayne thought about his weekend spent with Scouting Ireland check out his blog here
A response was given by Cathal Healy to Wayne on behalf of Scouting Ireland and a presentation was made to him as our Guest. The Chief Scout now sprung a surprise on Wayne by then presenting him with the highest honour in Scouting Ireland that of the Order of Cuchallin.
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Martin Burbridge - Honarary Vice
President & former Chief Scout
I arrived early on Saturday morning and so I saw the athmosphere build as
it got nearer to the start of the meeting.
A few things stand out for me – the number of young delegates and the
way they were prepared to participate fully in the meeting; the camaradarie
that was evident throughout the hall; the determination of Scout Groups
to have their views heard and the wonderful and respectful Scoutlike
behaviour of delegates. Having travelled the length and breadth of Ireland
because it will lead to it being a more vibrant movement than previously.
I applaud all of the delegates who spoke for the way in which they expressed their views. I was particularly taken with the responses to the Minister and to the Scout Association Chief Commissioner. Wonderful speeches!!
Sadly I missed the Gala Dinner but I could see from Facebook that it was a huge success.
I’m sure that the NMC will dust themselves off and quickly get on with the job of developing more
many times when Chief Scout I can fully understand why Scout Groups are particularly anxious about the size of Scout Counties.
It is clear to me that a lot has changed over the last ten years and that is good. What is equally clear is that Scout Groups are more determined than ever to ensure that they are given the support they need, that they are consulted in a meaningful way and LISTENED to carefully when they give feedback. That is very good for Scouting Ireland
acceptable proposals and that they will be consulting even more widely than before. However, it is also the duty of Scout Groups to remain engaged in the process so please ensure that you do just that.
Don’t forget that “The aim of Scouting Ireland is to encourage the physical, intellectual, character, emotional, social, and spiritual development of young people
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so that they may achieve their full potential and, as responsible citizens, to improve society”. On the evidence of National Council our Scout Groups are certainly achieving this aim and I urge you all to continue to do so.
The Sky is Never the Limit
Address to Minister Simon Coveney
At National Council 2014
Delivered by: Ciara Keegan
Co-Authored by: Ciara Keegan & Adam Boyle
Secondly, we would like to thank you for following up on your promise made to the Chief Scout to speak here today. Everyone’s journey in scouting starts with the line “On my honour”, starts with a promise, honour forms one of the main pillars of our movement. Keeping promises is integral to this, so thank you Minister Coveney.
There are other people we have to thank here today, the NMC, and most importantly every single person sitting here today representing what we stand for, youth members and adult scouters working together for the greater good of scouting.
The fact that I can look down here today and see youth members and adult scouters all here in one uniform, for one purpose, to better Scouting. It makes me proud to wear my uniform and proud to be a scout.
We are unique in what we do and universal in the impact we have on the world. There is no exclusion in Scouting. Scouting is for everyone and beneficial for everything. As
Good Morning, first of all I’d like to thank Minister Coveney for taking the time to come out here today, We as Scouting Ireland can’t stress enough how appreciative we are to have the Minister opening National Council this year.
Firstly, for a group of our nature, who are large, important and under-represented in the media, it is extremely helpful to have a public figure of your standing represent the importance we hold for Ireland on behalf of the Oireacthas, your presence here is greatly appreciated.
I’ve already said Scouting is not exclusive. However we do say No to certain things. You will find a lot of groups will say they are inclusive, in Scouting we live and breathe inclusion. We say:
- No to bullying- No to leaving people out- No to racism, classism, sexism and homophobia
We don’t tell young people how to think, we teach them acceptance, tolerance and love.
How do we do this? Well we are the largest non-formal educational movement in Ireland. We have 1,500 sections in 500 groups in communities across the 32 Counties of Ireland. 10,500 adult volunteers, 36,000 wonderful youth members, and we do all this with just 35 paid staff.
And what does all this do for Ireland? It fuels it, fuels it with confident, competent, enthusiastic young people. Young people who are trying to create a better world no matter how big or small they might be.
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Minister we have heard you speak of the changes that need to occur to improve society, to improve our world. What does a society and the economy need in order to improve, a bit of a re-vamp? It needs people, people who are:
- Trusted- Loyal- Friendly- Considerate- Inclusive - And have respect for themselves
Well Minister, I’ll let you in on a secret, a Scout is trusted, loyal, friendly, considerate and has respect from themselves. This is our Scout Law, this is how we live, we are a valuable asset to society. However we are a valuable asset in need of investment. Over the past 4 years we have taken a cut of 35% in our funding. We are doing our best to maintain our standards, but it’s a struggle due to lack of funds. We’d ask you Minister to work with your Cabinet colleagues to restore support to our sector.
Why should you support Scouting? Well it encourages people to do things they would never do otherwise. What am I doing now? I’m standing in front of you all, speaking. Am I nervous? You know what, maybe a little. Am I any more nervous than when the rain has suddenly started to bucket down through the trees faster than I can get my jacket on, or light a fire to keep warm? No. I have been equipped with the skills I need to deal with those nerves. This world is a scary place but it’s nothing I can’t handle. That’s what we do in scouts, we empower, we motivate and encourage young people to think for themselves
Unfortunately it could be said that young people have taken the worst of the recession, with youth unemployment at 34%, education has been hit by significant cuts, and a reduction in funding going to youth focussed resource groups such as Scouting Ireland.
Where can scouts take us, other countries? How about the moon? 12 of the 13 people who have walked on the moon have been scouts. We don’t tell you where to go, we just let you know
there is nowhere you can’t go. I mean don’t tell me the sky is the limit when we have put people up there on the moon.
Over the last 12 months we have appreciated the support of Ministers Frances FitzGerald, Ruriai Quinn, Brendan Howlin and Minister of State Brian Hayes, and of course Minister Simon Coveney, here today. They obviously see that an investment in Scouting is an investment in the future.
Lastly I’d personally like to thank Scouting Ireland for showing me how to choose my own path in this world. Thank you for teaching me to be happy with who I am and teaching me that there are so many wonderful people who are also happy with who I am. So anyone in the room who may not be happy with who they are, smile, you are a scout.
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National Council Fancy Dress Ball Picture PageBelow is a selection of Images from this year’s National Council Fancy Dress Ball. To see more images of the Ball click here
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Scout Shop PresentationCúchulainn’s Awarded
During National Council and as part of the address given by the Manager
of the Scout Shop Dermot Mc Mullen, took the opportunity to Present
Scouting Ireland with a Cheque for 50,000 Euro. This brought the amount
donated to Scouting Ireland in the last 12 months to 150,000 Euro.
Scouting Ireland are very grateful to the Scout shop Staff and the Volunteer
board of directors for their work and continued financial support for
Scouting Ireland. Over the last 5 Years the Scout shop has donated back to
Scouting Ireland over 550,000 Euro.
Below is Images of the 5 Order of Cúchulainn’s awarded at this year’s National Council.
So as you can see it is important that we all purchase our Scouting Equipment, Uniform and apparel from the Scout Shop. In doing this we are supporting Scouting Ireland into the future. So if you are purchasing any equipment this year please give the Scout Shop a chance to give you a quote. If they can’t match the Quote you have, well no harm done but 9 times out of 10 they can match it and you will get the best value by Shopping with the Scout Shop.
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Barry McInerney
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Brendan Martin
John McQueen
Morgan O’Sullivan
Patrick Roche
Election News
Kieran Mc Cann elected PC North. Re-elected for 2nd Terms James O
Toole North East and Morgan O Sullivan Southern Province
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Kieran McCann - PC North
James O’Toole - PC North East
Morgan O’Sullivan - PC South
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WSJ 2015 Troop Flags Presented to the Various Troop Team Leads
New Scouting Ireland Promotional
Video
During this year’s National Council the Communications team took the
Opportunity to launch a new Promotional Video for Scouting Ireland. This
video which was put together by the Communications Team with the aid of
some of the National Youth Reps. We would hope that it would help with
the Recruitment of Scouters for your Group and to aid the Opening of new
Sections and Groups around the country. It would also be useful to use at
various conferences or public information nights.
We are making this video available for Download to all members of Scouting Ireland. To download it to your own Computer for your use locally in your Promotional Campaigns Click on the Link below.
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You can watch this video below.
We do hope it aids your promotion of Scouting in Your Local Area.
Thank you to the Communications TeamInternational Commissioner presents a Thank You Certificate to the Communications Commissioner Jimmy Cunningham and some members of the team for the support given to the Gathering Ireland Project. Below is a picture of the Presentation which took place at National Council.
New Tee Shirt Designs Launched
As we head into our 2nd Year of the Scout Brand the Communications
team in Association with the Scout Shop are pleased to announce the
Release of some brand new garment designs which were launched at this
Year’s National Council. We would like to thank the National Youth Forum
members and Agora 2014 for their collaboration in these designs. Real
Youth Empowerment in Action. Below are Some Images from the Launch.
All the New Products along with the Existing Scout Brand Clothing can be
Purchased Online at the Link Below or are available in any of the Scout
Shop Outlets
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Cub Scout Google Doodle’r wins her Category.
We have just heard some amazing news. You might remember we posted
a few weeks back on our Facebook page and on the Website about
Emma’s Doodle for Google, which she based on her adventures as a Cub
Scout.
We have just got a heads up that Emma has WON her category. That
means that Emma has made it through thousands of entries, to the final
300, the final 75 and now the final 5. While Emma’s awesome doodle didn’t
get the overall prize I think you will all admit it is some achievement to get to the final 5 and to have WON her category.
Please join us in sending massive congratulations to Emma from everyone in Scouting Ireland on this fantastic achievement.
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The Cub Scout Challenge
Well done to 103rd Dublin (Willington) who won the National Cub Scout
Challenge recently.
The Event took place in Castle Saunderson and it was based around
the Adventure Skills. The Sixes came from all over Ireland and put on a
great display of Camp craft. Well done to Joe and the Cub Scout Team for
running a brilliant event. Below are just a selection of Photos of Sixes that
Attended.
To see more Photos of the event Check out the Link
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National Youth Reps Presented with Neckerchiefs
During National Council the new national Youth Rep teams were presented
with their National Neckerchief’s by the Chief Scout. Check out the Images
below.
To view more images of the presentations click on the link
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National Scout Reps
National Venture Scout Reps
National Rover Scout Reps
This Month’s Programme
Resources from the Scout Team.
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Backwoods
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Patrol Summer Camp
POW Report
of the event, the Scout Team are planning to run #POW15 in Spring next year. All the contributions can be found at
#POW14 #POWBants #Patrol #ScoutsIE
Some contributions were:
1. Patrol Selfie: Friday 10pm Introduce your patrol to everyone through a photo, several photos or a short video.
Selfies from the Otter Patrols included the, 17th Waterford, St Paul’s and Cobra Patrol, 10th Antrim Video Selfie from the Tiger Patrol, 13th Galway, Renmore
Video Selfie from the Viper Patrol, 9th Meath Ratoath
2. Nuclear Shelter Exercise: Friday 10pm Patrols are given a scenario to discuss; they must send in their decisions and reasons.
3. Scale Pioneering: Saturday 2pm Make a model of one of several
In March the Scout Team ran the first Patrol Online Weekend (POW) for scouts across Ireland. It was an event that was coordinated online with patrols carrying out tasks in their own dens and areas. The registered patrols received a list of tasks on the Friday evening and then they had to complete them over the weekend. Photos and videos of the tasks were taken and shared online. We had over 40 patrols participating from all over the country. Also, people could follow events on Facebook and Twitter. Following the success
examples given. This model can be made of whatever you choose, from bamboo to pasta, or if you are feeling adventurous use small spars.Jaguar and Wolfhound Patrol, 2nd Monaghan and 13th Galway, Renmore
4. Scouting Countdown: Saturday 2pm At Noon, Patrols will be given a list of simple activities (i.e. Make a sling or tie a bowline). They must complete, and take evidence of, as many of these as possible within the two hours until noon.
Some activities from 1st Meath Navan and the Stag and Mustang Patrol, 9th Meath and the 3rd Laois, Durrow Scouts 5. Sweding: Saturday 7pm To Swed is to “re-making something from scratch using whatever you can get your hands on.” Inspired by the film ‘Be Kind, Rewind‘, you must recreation a short scene (under 30 seconds) from a famous film using whatever you can. In the movie, store clerks (Jack Black and Mos Def) mistakenly erase the footage from all of the video tapes in their video rental store. In order to keep
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The Star Scout Show6th/47th Cork, Douglas & St Finbarre’s: Starter of garlic bread, Burger with Smokey paprika wedges & sauté onion and Pancake & ice cream
7. Local Historical/Cultural site: Sunday Noon Each patrol has to do a small piece of research on a local historical or cultural site in the area, such as a monument, a historic building or a famous person. You should submit a photo of the place and with a paragraph of information.
the business running, they re-shoot every film in the store with their own camera, with a budget of zero dollars.
Avengers Sweded by Vipers 9th Meath Ratoath
Grease Sweded 13th Galway, Renmore
6. Meal: Saturday 7pm Using a budget of €4/£3.50 per person, make a three course meal form scratch for the patrol.
This year’s Star Scout Show took place recently and it seen Groups from all over the country take part this year. The standard of performance this year was excellent and acts including Cats the Musical, Comedy sketches to some beautiful solo singers entertained the big crowds that attended over the weekend. The Chief Scout and Members of the National
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Management Committee attended the Saturday Night Performance. The Chief in his address to the Participants praised them highly and encouraged them to continue to perform into the future.Below are a selection of Images from the Show but to view all images from the Show Click on the Link Below.
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Scout Show 2014
Pop Up Learning Spaces
Coming soon, a Scouting Ireland resource on how to create your own
learning spaces for the small groups, be for your own scout den or rented
hall that you meet for Beaver Scouts Lodges, Cub Scouts Six, Scouts
Patrol, Venture Scouts Unit & Rover Scouts Crew. It will include Ikea type
instructions and where to buy the material on a budget
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Upcoming National Activities
SNS Scotland 2nd – 5th May
The expedition is a standing camp with 2 separate day hikes on the
Saturday and Sunday. The routes take the participants over a mountain
terrain – namely Ben Nevis via the Carn Mor Dearg Arete on one day
and The Ring of Steall on another. Depending upon participants/weather
we may attempt the Aonach Mor in Glen Coe on the Sunday which is the
hardest ridge on the British Mainland and involves scrambling. We will
decide upon the routes depending upon the weather.
To Book Click link
indeed into the summer months. For those scouters who are not taking their beaver scouts camping or do not feel confident taking their beaver scouts away, we are including a “how to” buddy system for Groups and/or Counties which will encourage and assist those scouters in taking their first step at camping.
MPC Leinster 9th-11th May
For information on this event and booking arrangements go to
Darkness into Light Walks 10th May
Darkness into Light is the flagship fundraising and awareness event run all over Ireland for Pieta House.It will take place on the 10th May 2014.
Starting at 4:15 AM and crossing the line just as dawn is breaking. This is a 5km walk/run.
Beavers Under Canvass 1st May – 31st May (Local Activity)
In April 2014, the National Team for beaver scouts, will be issuing a “How To Camp” resource to support programme scouters getting “Out of Doors”. This resource will be promoted during the months of May and June 2014. It will include a planning section, kit lists, equipment list, staffing etc. We are hoping to see as many beaver scouts as possible under canvas with their scouters during these months and
This is a locally base community service activity for Venture and Rover Scouts. The list of loactions that Venture and Rover Scouts can volunteer at will be available here when a final decision has been made as to where they will be. This activity will be run in conjunction with Pieta House. This is a locally base community service activity for Venture and Rover Scouts.
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Youth Programme & Adult
Resource Symposium
The Scouting Ireland Youth Programme & Adult Resource Symposium was
held recently. Dominique Bénard - a former Deputy Secretary General of
WOSM, and recent recipient of the Bronze Wolf Award for his contribution
to Scouting led a session on Needs Analysis. Highlighting the realities for
local Scout Groups, their needs and where the focus should be. He will
also include positive approaches to supporting local Scout Groups.
Seán Coughlan is Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Social
Entrepreneurs Ireland following the excellent session ‘Knowing your
product’ which he delivered at last year’s Youth Programme and Adult Forum he led a session on ‘Responding to needs in a Strategic and supportive manner’. Sean explored how strategy is relevant to successfully supporting local Scout Groups. He advised on how to develop, implement and measure the results of a strategy.The Weekend proved to be a good success. Below are some of the images from the Weekend.
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Merit Awards for Members of the
Communications team
At a recent Communications team Meeting the Communications Commissioner
surprised some of his team when he presented various Adult Awards.
The first award went to David Ashe aka Dashe who received a Silver
Meritorious award. David Coyne also received the Silver Meritorious award.
Tom Clarke and Eoghan Calnane both Received the Chief Scout
Commendation.
Well done Guys all truly deserved to great Team Players.
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We would also love to hear from any Scouters who could lend a hand or are skilled in any areas required.Now that we have a plan we need ROVER’s 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 we need all. Below are proposed sketches of what we are trying to provide.
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Rover Action Week April 14st-20th 2014
RAW has been pushed out a little to allow for some preparation work and
we hope to recruit some more Rovers to assist.
The plan is to lay a new circular patio area linking to a concrete pathway to
another patio area. We will incorporate sensory plants and elements on the
patio area and have a seating area along the pathway.
The time line now is to prepare ground around April 6-7 and then follow up
with laying concrete pathway and paving the weekend of April 11-13.
Email - [email protected]
Spread the word we will be posting details on ROVER PAGE
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The Larch Hill Oak
This is the story of the power of Nature, a felled Oak, the power of Social Media and modern communication, the skill of Craftsmen,the Scouting family and re-incarnation.
In February of this year during storms that wrought havoc throughout the country the powerful winds up ended a 200 year old oak tree in Larch Hill. The management team were determined that such a fine old tree would not end up as just firewood. When lo and behold a post on Facebook from the 24th Galway Sea Scout Group was spotted. They were looking for white oak timber required for a project that they were involved in, namely the construction of a Galway Hooker. Contact was made and arrangements put in place to transfer the Oak from the East Coast to the West Coast and today the fallen tree started it’s journey towards a new life. After work by skilled craftsmen this fallen oak will be transformed to a sailing craft that will once again do battle with the elements and continue to live on within the Scouting family for years to come.
Lough Dan in the eye of the storm
The lasted UN report on climate change is alarming both in the rate of
change that is occurring and the huge attitudinal change which will be
required to sort it out.
Despite the reality of global warming such as the recent storms and
flooding as a society we seem slow to change and it looks very much like
business as usual. I feel in some regard this is the same for Scouting’s
response.
our behaviour and hopefully that of our customers. The changes are relatively minor but they are a start;• We have done an audit of the campsite in terms of energy efficiency, recycling etc. and have developed a plan to instigate change. • We encourage groups to reduce packaging before they arrive and to recycle as much as possible when on site. Not only is this environmentally friendly but the more we recycle the lower our waste charges are. Of course we promote the leave no trace principles not only when going on activities but for the centre in general.• We have looked at our energy use which again is a costly item for the centre. In this regard we have installed energy saving bulbs and light sensors. We have increased the insulation in the hostel attic and installed two wood burning stoves as these use a renewable fuel which is sourced locally.• We now monitor our electricity and gas on a regular basis trying all the while to bring down the amount we use. Thermostats have been installed, energy efficient appliances fitted, and halogen spot
As an informal educational movement and particularly one with such an affinity to the out of doors and with a motto of “be prepared” we are in a great position to react and change our structures, programmes and behaviour quicker than most and faster than the formal school sector.
At Lough Dan we know all about the effects of climate change already. Last year the site was closed on three occasions because of flooding. And as a result we have looked at ways we can change
light removed.• Lough Dan is situated in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park so where possible we work with nature minimising the amount of man-made clutter on the site so that it maintains its wild natural feel and that the skies are dark at night.• We are lucky that part of the site is a Special Area of Conservation. The lake, the mature oak woodland and the wetlands are all nationally important. To this we have been adding a native woodland on 16 acres, encouraging groups to participate in the planting every year during national tree week. We hope to promote environmental awareness amongst our members, provide a programme resource for
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dropped down to meetings by car? Could you encourage cycling, give out high-viz vests, hold a bicycle repair workshops and even lobby your county council to provide bicycle stands adjacent to Scout den and cycle lanes in the local area.• Is there an area beside the den that could be turned into a wildlife garden?• How relevant is your programme in the current situation?
As an educational youth movement climate change should be a major priority for the association. We could possibly review the current sectional programmes to see if they are relevant in the current climate so to speak.Why not look at the response to climate change in other national scout associations while we review our national events and structures to see how they contribute or mitigate on climate change.Maybe we could promote a “green scout dens” scheme and the association could lobby National and Local government on our behalf for more cycle lanes, better and cheaper public transport particularly in rural areas and to extend the
the future, increase biodiversity on the site as well as soaking up some of that atmospheric carbon which is causing global warming. • The centre is difficult to access by public transport but we have been in contact with the local bus service to ask for better rates and while most might still arrive by car we intend to have half a dozen bikes that campers can borrow to go to the local shops instead of driving.• But most of all we encourage all those who come to Lough Dan to use it as a “base camp” and the “gateway” to all that the area has to offer and by doing so we hope that they will become environmentally aware and active citizens in the fight against global warming .
Looking at the list no one item is particularly onerous but taken together they add up to something quite significant. It should be possible to do something similar at local level.• Do an energy audit of your den, how much do you spend on energy, can it be insulated better etc.• Do most members still get
Warmer Homes grants scheme to include scout dens.We could even appoint a commissioner with the task of doing the audit and set up a committee or group to help scouting implement its response.
I have been environmentally active for some years and the one thing that has surprised me the most is that wherever I go I meet active citizens who were in the scouts. Coillte, the National Parks, Dublin Cycle Alliance, Bird watch Ireland, the Mountain Rescue teams all have people who developed a love of the out of doors in Scouting and are now taking it further. Perhaps we need to refocus on our traditional strengths of introducing young people to the
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out of doors, of “ leaving a place better than you found it” and of developing leadership qualities. I suppose the most important thing is that we and the Association show leadership on the issue and by so doing we empower our members to create the change that will be required.
I know the recent UN report on climate change is perhaps a bit abstract but why not google the film “chasing ice” and it will give you an idea of what we are in for unless we change and change fast.
See you in Lough DanZef
Mitchelstown’s Pakie Roche receives
Scouting Irelands Highest Honour.
Mitchelstown man, Patrick (Pakie) Roche was honoured with The Order
of Cu Chulainn by Scouting Ireland at its recent National Council held
in The Silver Springs Hotel last weekend. This award was presented in
front of over 800 delegates in Cork by Chief Scout Michael John Shinnick
and the Chief Commissioner Adult Resources Therese Bermingham.
The Order of Cu Chulainn is scouting’s highest adult meritorious award
and is presented on rare occasions, in recognition of exceptional and
dedicated service to scouting over many years. Anyone who knows the
1984, as well as his role as a Cub Leader, Pakie spread his wings and shred his talents at regional level, serving as Chairman and Secretary in the 90’s. His love for water activities, especially kayaking and canoeing saw him serve as the last National Commissioner for Water Activities in 1994. Pakie’s support and encouragement for young leaders, saw scouting grow from strength to strength during a time of great change in scouting. His ability to build a strong and dynamic team made North Cork one of the power houses of scouting in Cork. Pakie played his part as
popular Mitchelstown native will know his service and commitment to scouting is extraordinary, this award was well and long deserved. In an unusual coincidence the three recipients of this Order in North Cork, which is an exceptional feat in itself for such a small area; are/were all Mitchelstown scouts Willie Ahern, Martin Flahive and now Pakie Roche. He joined the 29th Mitchelstown Cub Pack in 1976, thoroughly immersing himself in scouting and beginning a life-long passion for the movement. He would go on to become a leader in
Regional/County Commissioner in North Cork from 2002-2007, helping to lay the foundations for Scouting Ireland as both legacy associations amalgamated in 2004. Not content to play just a managerial role, Pakie used his financial skills to help fundraising initiatives for scouting. He served as Deputy Sub-Camp Chief at Scouting Ireland’s Centenary Jamboree in Punchestown in 2008. As Provincial Commissioner Pakie helped grow scouting throughout Munster, in this position Pakie served on the National Management Committee, and as a Director of Scouting
48
Ireland. He stepped down from this position in 2011, with scouting on its strongest footing ever, with membership soaring. Never content to sit back and take it easy, Pakie has always strived to challenge himself, receiving his Gold Gaisce Award from President Mary Robinson in 1994, the Order of Cu Chulainn being just the latest in a long list of accolades he has received for his hard work and dedication.
Outside of scouting in his professional career; Pakie is Manager of the Credit Union in Plassey, Limerick. When he has free time, which is rarely he still enjoys outdoor pursuits including
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internationalroverweek20
14
13 - 24 July 2014Price: 390 CHFincluding activities, rentals and food (self cooking)
GreatProgramme
included
kayaking, cycling and running marathons, having completed the Dublin & Barcelona marathons on a number of occasions. Pakie takes part in an annual 600km cycle to Lourdes with the Limerick Dioceses, assisting the invalided once they arrive. Pakie’s friends in Scouting especially those from Mitchelstown and North Cork are incredibly proud and delighted that his service has been honoured in such a significant manner, well done Pakie. Whilst he may be finding juggling time for scouting and the demands of work a little harder, he’ll never be too busy for scouting. A true scout and friend to all.
INCASTLE SAUNDERSON, CAVAN
19th - 21st September 2014
Bookings
Camping & BBQ €45.00 / £38.00
Indoor & BBQ (limited) €65.00 / £55.00
Day Programme & BBQ €26.00 / £22.00
BBQ Only €10.00 / £8.50
Information sessions, Market place, Practical skills, Games, Circus skills, Badges club, Wood craft, Bar, Charity Auction, Fishing, Monster BBQ, and lots more...
RECHARGE 2014Recharge is a Reunion
for Scouters and Guiders alike!
Programme
On Saturday February 2nd, The 10th Louth Cu Chulainn Scout group set
off on a trip to the historic site of Newgrange and its wonderful visitor’s
centre. This was the 1st time in the group’s young history that all 3
sections, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts joined forces, to partake in a full group
activity and excitement levels were at an all-time high for both leaders and
young members alike.
There was an early 9am start to the day along with some questionable
weather but this didn’t dampen the group’s spirits, as the group, over 50
on a tour of the centre itself. The tour was filled with lots of wonderful and interactive displays that gave everyone a real feel for what life was like for our ancient ancestors over 5000 years ago. After a break for some lunch, the highlight of the day, a trip to the site itself was upon us. Everyone jumped aboard the shuttle buses and within moments Newgrange was in sight. Upon arrival our friendly tour guide walked us up to the entrance of the monument and group by group we all entered the passageway for the short walk to the main chamber. While in the chamber our tour guide explained about the winter solstice and how the rising sun light’s up the
strong in numbers set off on their trip. By 10am we had arrived at the Newgrange Visitor’s centre and were met by their very welcoming staff and after some formalities we were ready to start our tour.First up was a short film on the history of Newgrange and the other historic burial sites of the area. Adults and young members alike, watched the story unfold on the big screen and found it both interesting and entertaining. Next up we had the opportunity to visit a replica of Newgrange’s passageway and burial chamber before setting off
chamber on that special day. Next up was the demonstration of what it would look like on that very day. Off went all the lights and a single bright light to represent the sun shone down the passageway and lit up the chamber. It was an exciting moment for everyone in the chamber. With the tour of the monument finished the group decided to hike the 2 mile return journey to the visitor’s centre instead of taking the return shuttle bus. Everyone made it back to the centre in one piece although our scout group and their leaders did take their usual detour but it was a great excuse to take in some fresh air and get some
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exercise. With the day almost at a finish, the last thing that remained was the investiture of 2 new Cubs into the group. They proudly recited their promise and were warmly welcomed into the group by their fellow members. After some refreshments it was back on the buses for the trip home.Overall the day was a resounding success and the Leaders and young members are already busy planning another all group trip. Big thanks for the day must go to the staff of the visitors centre for all their help in making this trip such a big success and also to Gerry Hoey for providing us with transport to and from the site.
Province News
10th Louth Cu Chulainn Scout Group
Visit Newgrange
Morgan O’Sullivan
When people talk about the 34th Limerick (Pallaskenry) they also talk
about Morgan O’Sullivan, the two are forever intertwined. Morgan loves
the out of doors and he instilled that love of nature in the many Scouts who
passed through his section over the years. Morgan’s focus has always
been clear – working with his Scouts and providing them with the best
Scouting he can whether at local or national level.
Morgan whose clear focus, drive and enthusiasm for Scouting has impacted on the lives of many young people who have joined him along the scouting trail.
Not content with local scouting his extensive organisational skills were recognised at County and National level with appointments to the roles of County Commissioner, National Programme Commissioner (Scouts) and currently Provincial Commissioner for the Southern Province but it is with his local Scout Group that he is most contented.
Morgan possesses the unique quality of a true Scout Leader – the role of a big brother, as expressed by Baden-Powell, when he stated ‘to be a successful Scout Leader, a man must have a boy spirit in him and must be able to place himself on the right plane with his boys as a first step’. This magical quality has enabled Morgan to fuse young and old together, to create a true Scouting Spirit in Scouting in his home town and county.
Scouting Ireland is extremely proud of dedicated Scouters like
In recognition of his influence and development of young people over many years, the Association would like to bestow on him its highest honour – The Order of Cú Chulainn.
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North East Adult Awards
Picture of Group Leader Peter Kelly 120th Dublin Portmarnock receiving his 40 year service award from Reachra Scout County Commissioner Rosanne Whelan at the recent County AGM.
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Provincial Commissioner James O’Toole presenting Co Commissioner Rosanne Whelan with her Bronze Merit award at the County AGM recently
One World, One Promise
Mícheál Brennan and Trevor Timpson
“I bet you were delighted when you heard you were getting Irish guys in
your patrol.” A quote from young Trevor Timpson from Naas. Mícheál “Mick”
Brennan and Trevor “Trev” Timpson were part of Unit 456 (Patrols 4,5,6) at
the World Scout Moot in Canada last summer. And if you hadn’t heard, Unit
456 were the winners of the moot! The moot celebrated the international
scout experience through international patrols. Each patrol was composed
of members from different nations. Each unit was composed of three
patrols. Unit 456 were a wild bunch as you can see;
Six months on and thanks to cheap flights and chorus’ of “Here we go, here we go, here we go,” the Europeans of the “best” unit decided to congregate for an aul reunion in Prague. While not an official scout event, the spirit was scouting so a postcard was sent off to Michael John as was customary. This is what rovers is all about, getting out and sharing the scout experience with other young adults in scouting and guides. The only way to achieve this is to get up, get out and get involved with International Events. And guess what, opportunities aren’t too far away. With the World Jamboree in Japan in 2015, Roverway coming up in France in 2016 and Rover Moot in Iceland in 2017, there’s so many ways for rovers to experience the international experience.
Canadians, Australians, Mexicans, British, Columbians, Angolans, Brazilians, Danish, Leboneese and Irish all piled into one unit.
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Scouts and Guides Cut Sod on new Den
The Minister for Health Dr James Reilly T.D. was present when
Portmarnock Scouts and Guides finally turned the sod on their new Scout
den on Saturday Last. The Project a dream for some twenty years and five
years in the planning with much hard work has finally come to fruition.
The New den has been achieved through the hard work of the Scout and
Guide Groups, Parents, Friends and Fingal County Council.
The Den is being constructed in the grounds of Portmarnock Sport &
Leisure Club and will further enhance the site as a community and leisure
complex.
Group Scout Leader Peter O’Kelly who has been involved in Scouting for over forty years said “this the dream come true. The Den will give us the platform to expand the membership of the Groups and offer the Scout and Guide programmes to many more young people in the Portmarnock area”.
The Den when complete will consist of a meeting hall along with ancillary meeting rooms, Toilets Showers and Kitchen facilities along with Storage Rooms or the Scouts and Guides Camping Equipment and will be a huge addition to the community infrastructure.
The Den has been designed by Fingal County Council architects to blend unobtrusively into it’s wooded surroundings within the Leisure complex.Speaking at the ceremony
The Builders are already on site and it is hoped that the den will be ready to move into this coming autumn. (Better let Santa know that he will have an extra call to the Beaver Scouts and Brownies this Christmas).
When all is done and dusted there will be a formal opening ceremony, but in the meantime good weather for the summer is required not just for scouting and guiding activities but to ensure there are no delays on the building project.
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Province News
Monaghan Town
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Province News
Carrickmacross Beaver Scouts
Carrickmacross Beaver Scouts recently took part in An Taisce National
Spring Clean.
The Beaver Scouts completed a litter pick along the Lisnaisk Lakeside
walk.
Good Work Guys.
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Province News
Clare Cub County Orienteering
On Saturday 22nd March 140 cub scouts from all over Clare took part in
the first county Orienteering Day in Lees Road Park outside Ennis. There
were teams from Sixmilebridge, Ennistymon, Ennis, Kilaloe, Ballyvaughan,
Clonlara, Mountshannon, Newmarket on Fergus, Tulla and Cratloe. The
day was hosted by Tulla scouts 12th Clare and Western Eagles Galway
Orienteers.
The cubs spent the first half of the day rotating around seven bases where the skills of orienteering were broken down into two bases on compass work, two bases of using maps to find controls, a base on map identification, a base on map legend and a punching exercise. Then after lunch they completed an orienteering course in teams of six using the skills they had learned during the day. Great fun was had by all.
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Province News
Photos by Roger Duff
35 Derry Culmore Scout Group
Cub Leader Jonathan Coyle being presented his 15 years’ service pin by
Errigal County Commissioner Desi Taylor in hollybush Primary School
Derry
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Province News
12th Donegal (Manorcunningham)
Scout Group
Beaver Scouts
The Beaver Scouts enjoyed a great day at the Errigal County Beaver Scout
Challenge Day in Stranorlar last Saturday. They took part in activities such
as learning how to pitch a tent, pack a ruc-sac, crafts, yummy chocolate
marshmallows, first aid, how to use a trangia, blindmans trail, and team
games. Our Beaver Scouts were so well behaved and had so much fun.
Thanks to 4th Derry (St. Eugene’s) on organising the event, and well done
Killybegs who won, and will host the Challenge Day next year.
Scouts
The Scouts attended the Errigal County Scout Orienteering Day. Along with Patrols from Derry, Carndonagh, Bocan, Strabane to name a few, they worked very well together and completed a 10K low-moderate orienteering course. Despite the heavy wintery showers, they came in the winners. Well Done to Letitia, Yasmin, Conor & Sara-Louise. An example of great team-work.
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Province News
Drogheda Patrick’s Day Parade
Here are some pictures of St. Oliver’s Scout Group taking part in the
annual St.Patrick’s Day Parade in Drogheda. There was a great turn out for
the day and also took some time to take a few ‘selfies’ before we set off.
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Province News
Youth Leaders, Future Generations
and Conflict Resolution
Last October I was asked by Finbar Gethins of Castle Saunderson and
St. Patrick’s Scout Group 1st 2nd and 5th Louth as a young Scouter to
take part in a cross border initiative called Future Generations, run by
Intercomm. The initiative invited youth leaders from the Dundalk and Newry
areas to meet with Gardai and PSNI to study conflict resolution. The main
aim was to encourage engagement among young people aged between
18 and 25 from different communities and with the police forces from these
well as a visit to the Crumlin road jail and a tour of a PSNI training centre. After completing our eight days program a small selection of participants was chosen from our course, along with other participants from a training program in the Belfast area to further our study of Conflict Resolution in Palestine and Israel in March of this year. This was an opportunity I jumped at, as the idea of travelling to a region where conflict is very high intrigued me. The trip consisted of seven days, we spent each night in the Manger Square Hotel in Bethlehem in the West Bank of Palestine and each day we travelled to areas in Palestine and Israel meeting with leaders of the various communities. Our places of study included Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Jericho, Hebron, the Dead Sea, the Palestinian Academy for Security Sciences and refugee camps. The visit was an eye opening experience as we delved into the causes of conflict and tension of the area. We received a true account of what life in these areas is like and not only spoke with politicians of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, the PLO, and Fatah but we also spoke with ordinary people and
diverse areas. This is to assist in the development of a safer and peaceful society for future generations. The program consisted of eight days of training, during which we studied our own local areas and the areas of our neighbours across the border. We discovered the major similarities of fears and problems facing the young people of our society and how the police forces are dealing with these threats to young people. Part of the training consisted of visits to Belfast to see the main areas of tension, the Falls road and the Shankill road, to see the murals and peace walls as
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Province News
received accounts of typical and everyday life in these areas, including an account from members of the Shepherds Boy and Girl Scout troop located outside of Bethlehem. The life of an average Palestinian is very tough and as part of our visit to Hebron we realised the cruel reality of this. In this city the policies of the Israeli government are carried out by the Israeli army. While in Hebron, we were stopped by soldiers who were heavily armed and checked for passports as well as having to go through metal detectors and other security checks. One of the pictures shows how the city is divided with
This was an opportunity of a lifetime and a life changing experience. It not only allowed us to study the problems of communities and young people abroad but to compare and contrast their lives with our lives back home. This trip brought youth leaders and community leaders from both North and South to discuss the problems that we face in society and allowed us to compare the harsh realities and problems in the middle east with those we face ourselves. We also learned of how the Police and Gardai share in our vision and try to make a community where this is possible. As a scout leader it helped to compare with other youth organisations and to trade ideas and build relationships with other like minded individuals from different backgrounds and communities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Finbar Gethins, St. Patrick’s 1st 2nd 5th Louth Scout Group, Intercomm, Liam Maskey, Michelle Wilson and Collette Doherty for the fantastic experience of the Future Generations training program and Hanna Musleh our tour guide for the unforgettable study visit to Palestine and Israel.
a metal barrier. The Israeli army also patrol the rooftops of the city and can be seen at all times in the Palestinian territories of the city. Although the trip was highly political we could not travel to the Holy Land without taking a tour of some of the many religious sites. We took a tour of the Nativity Church where Jesus was born, the old city of Jerusalem where we visited where Jesus was crucified, the Wailing Wall, and other sites of Christian importance as well as touring some mosques in Hebron and other cities.
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Province News
Enniskillen Beaver Scout makes issue of
Bushcraft & Survival Skills Magazine
Adam Smith from Enniskillen was really excited when he picked up his
Dads (Tony Smith) copy of the Bushcraft and Survival skills magazine
and there on page six was a photo of him beside a Latvian log that he
made. Adam who is an active Beaver Scout in Enniskillen is the son of
Castle Saunderson Camp Chief Tony Smith. Adam is an avid backwoods
and bushcraft follower and loves nothing better than be let into the wilds
of Castle Saunderson to learn and hone his backwoods skills he has
completed his stage 3 and is ¾ of the way through stage 4 all at the tender age of 8.
The editor of the Magazine Simon Ellar contacted Tony by email to ask was it ok to publish a picture of Adam in the Magazine, Tony jumped at the chance as he knew that Adam would be so happy and excited about seeing his photo published in his favourite magazine. Tony explained that he has been purchasing the Magazine for about 4 years and is a great resource for all those budding Bushcrafters and backwoods scouts here in Scouting Ireland.
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Province News
Joint Beaver Sleepover
19th Waterford Beavers hosted a sleepover with 31st Waterford Beavers
on 28th to 29th March.This was the second join activity the two Beaver
Sections had done together and the first of hopefully many sleepovers.
Between the two groups we had 29 beavers, one cub, one Scout, one,
Venture and eight leaders.
Beavers from Ballygunner (18th Waterford) were the first to arrive on the
Friday, being the host Group we asked the Beavers to arrive first to get
their gear stored before beavers from 31st turned up, this allowed us to
keep gear separate. Arriving between 7.45pm and 8pm the Beavers were
Once the Beavers had introduced themselves we went out for a walk/hike. The Scout and Venture stayed at the hall to organise a surprise activity for the Beavers on their return, as well as be around to accept delivery of supper.
The Beavers paired up and were given a Glow Stick each to walk with as well as taking their torches with them. We spent about 40 minutes on the walk. The walk included a little bit of country walking as well as on paths, fortunately the rain held of for more or less the entire walk. We arrived back at the hall after the pizza’s had been delivered just after Nine O’clock
Having washed our hands we all tucked into pizza and a soft drink.
Once they had stuffed themselves the Beavers were required to wash up their own plates and cups. When most of the Beavers had cleared their stuff up they were mixed up into groups and started on the activity the Scout/Venture had organised… Making “Rocky Road” cakes. This went down really well even if the microwave was a bit underpowered and took a bit of time melting the chocolate.
extremely excited about the activities and night ahead of them. 31st Waterford arrived around 8pm equally excited.
The Leader in Charge welcomed all Beavers especially 31st Waterford to the sleepover and reminded all beavers of the emergency signal and what to do if it was sounded.
We start with a short “get to know you game” where the Beavers were given each a shape and asked to find the Beaver with the same shape and then swap Names, Age, School etc.
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Province News
By now the Beavers were looking forward to getting into their PJ’s and settling down to watch a film.
We asked the girls to go get changed while the lads washed and brushed their teeth, they then switched over and started to sort out where they were going to sleep. With the film showing onto a projector the beavers settled down to watch while the Leaders enjoyed a cup of tea and started to sort themselves out for bedtime as well a taking the time to talk about what was happening in the morning.
was. Once everyone was awake the Beavers were directed to use the toilets to wash and change and get their gear cleared away and to the sides of the hall so that we could have Breakfast. After everyone had stuffed themselves with cornflakes and toast. We started a few games while the bamboo and elastic bands were brought out for a spot of pioneering.
The Beavers requested a game of “Helicopter/windmill” so as it was their sleepover we did that and after the first game we used it to select the groupings to start pioneering. (first four out were the 1st group, then the next four formed the next etc.) The Beavers were asked in groups of four to produce a tripod and then add in some extra poles to create a “flagpole” as all beavers had competed stage 1 pioneering this was fairly easy for them.
Our final planned act was a review of the sleepover and brief look at scouting overseas, well the UK. We asked the Beavers to tell us what they liked, disliked and what they would or would not do again.
The film finished around midnight and with it going off, the Beavers were surprisingly quiet as they settled down, a group of them even sharing a book to read which was great to see.
Saturday morning, the Beavers started to wake up at 6am. All leaders were surprised by this, as previous experience seemed to suggest that a later getting up time was expected. The Beavers kept the noise down as some were still sleeping until around 6.30am when some started asking when Breakfast
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Feed back form Beavers is always great and appreciated, even if we cant implement or change what they want as it does give us the opportunity to explain why we have do certain things.
Example, Beavers said they did not like the walk, but after explaining that it was not optional they did ask if we could do it in the morning instead of the evening, Some of the comments included, not liking the walk, asking for the film to be projected on to the roof, liking the pioneering, asking for different food, and Leaders being to loud in the morning. All the Beavers said they wanted to do a joint sleepover again.
Jason Black Presented Honorary Stage
9 Hill Walking.
12th Donegal (Manorcunningham) & 17th Donegal (Clonmany) Beaver Scouts Sleepover – Gathering Style.
Well deserved recognition by Scouting Ireland’s adventure skills to Jason
Black former Cub Scout and Mountaineer that made it all the way from
Errigal to the Top of Mount Everest. This was presented at a talk given
by Jason “an evening with Jason Black” recently in Raphoe and hosted
by Raphoe Scout Group. This is the highest Leadership Award in the
Adventure Skills that Scouting Ireland may confer. An expert status.
I’m sure everyone will agree that this was hard earned and well deserved.
In a comment later given by Jason he stated;
The Beaver Scouts of 12th Donegal (Manorcunningham) joined up with 17th Donegal (Clonmany) Beaver Scouts for a sleepover, and what a magic time they had. Games - Fab food - Cinema Night - Giggles - Stories - zzzzzz - Breakfast and a Fantastic Hike to Clonmany Waterfall (the big one). Thank You to 17th Donegal (Clonmany) - your Beaver Scouts & Elders. Everyone had a such a great time.
Delighted guys is an understatement.... I was blown away by the award , the true value of the award is wonderful but the manner in which it was presented was humbling last night ... Kids are the building blocks in our society and scouting & great leadership is the foundation, a foundation I’m indebted too. Thank you so such all those involve in last nights presentation and the award proudly hangs in my home tonight.
“Theres no mountain to high or no problem too BIG to conquer” Jason..
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Province News
1st Clare (Shannon) Scout Group
50 Years Old
Present and past members of Scouting gathered to celebrate 50 years
of Scouting in Shannon this year. The group were honoured to be Grand
Marshal of this year’s St Patricks Day parade and with 100% member
attendance, proudly carried the SI flag and our new Shannon flags. After
many months of planning, plotting, meetings, emails, texts etc the group
celebrated the anniversary by erecting a mini camp site in the town centre
to show case our new tents to both present and past members and the
general public.
to Drumgeely hall and later got the use of O’Gorman’s cottage in the boreen. With the massive growth of the group in the mid 1970’s the group split and 2nd Clare Shannon was formed and located in the east end of the town. Meetings were initially held in the GAA club and then moved to Tullyvarraga hall. At its peak there was over 300 active scouts and scouters in Shannon. During the early 1990’s a strategic decision was made to consolidate the 2 groups back to one Shannon group which now has over 50 youth members ranging in age from 6 to 18 and from all areas of the community. It is a unisex and multidenominational group. The celebrations are not yet finished as there will be a display of
The highlight of the day was a pig roast and the group happily feed over 350 people with nothing but a carcase remaining at 5pm.. A large displays of photos on the day played a central part in reuniting past members and brought back many happy memories to people as they identified people from their childhood. The group has also commissioned a new group badge to mark the momentous occasion.It all started back in 1964 in Park hall with the formation of 1st Clare SAI, meeting nights then moved
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Province News
3rd Mayo Ballinrobe: St.Patrick’s Day & Leave No Trace 2014
At the start of this year the Group Council decided on the theme of “Leave No Trace” for the sections to work on for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Balinrobe. This theme was worked into the each sections programme in the weeks leading up to the day.We Google’d “leavenotrace”, then emailed them for anything free they could give or lend us , they were very accommodating , giving us flyers, flags, DVD, posters and a display pop-up . We used the Teacher/School resource material from their website, which is age specific and really easy to print off and use, particularly good we found at Beavers and Cubs Meetings during the recent stormy nights, us all being stuck in the Den! Games were used to reinforce the idea’s, as is the scouting way. At Beavers this included Kim’s game with all the gear you could need on a hike, compass game, star’s at night, how to walk outside, wide games etc. We called upon a local man to bring
memorabilia and photos in the local library and the year’s celebration will close with a cake at the annual going up ceremony in September. The group were delighted that the County Commissioner, Eilis Molamphy, took time out of her very busy schedule and home life to walk with us in the parade and assisted in investing some new beavers, cubs and a new scout leader on the day. With very active youth members the group feels scouting is in very safe hands and is looking forward to celebrating 100 years of scouting in 2064 however the present day
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leaders have stated they will be available to attend but will not be available to plan and plot!
along his display of Native Birds and Animals. He duly obliged, and as it turns out Mr. Micheal Sweeney, having worked in National Parks and Wildlife for over 40 years, has the most inclusive collection of Irish Wildlife outside The Natural History Museum. He has a life’s time worth
So with a simple theme and a bit of joined up thinking the whole group got an interesting and engaging programme in the preparation beforehand;And on a grey, drizzley St.Patrick’s Monday afternoon on the 17th of March 2014 all our Beavers, Cubs and Scouts smiled, marched ,waved and Yelled all the way!of knowledge regarding all things
wild in Ireland and was well able to answer all that was put to him from all ages in the room that evening. After the talk ,we all got to see at close quarter’s some of our native animals, that we may have only dreamed of glimpsing while out and about doing what we do!On St.Patrick’s Day it was decided that, being in the middle of a recession, we wouldn’t spend money we didn’t have! We marched in uniform with all youth members asked to bling up with scout neckers, badges, hats etc.;anything they collected or earned in their scouting lives. We flew all our group flags and two Leave no Trace Banners and made a small flag for everyone to have something to wave. All faces were Shamrocked or painted as our native animals, like the Tiger and Bear!And then with five minutes to go to the start of the Balinrobe Parade, we were asked if we would carry the town flags and lead the whole parade!
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Province News
7th Meath Dunshaughin Thursday Cub Scouts Six Scouts from the 3rd Cork Troop (St. Patrick’s), Connor Grace, Conor
Considine, Liam Mulvihill, Jordan Whelan-Murray, Callum O’Donovan and Ollie Drugan took on the challenge and completed the Ring of Kerry Cycle over the weekend as part of their Chief Scouts award. This was the final part in their award and they had to complete between a 100 – 130km cycle. Scout Leader John Maher who accompanied the scouts reported as follows. “We left the Hut, Summerhill North at 8.30am on Saturday last and headed for Killarney. From here we headed on our bikes to Killorglin, Kells and Cahersiveen. At this stage we had a break and completed over 60kms. The views along the coast were incredible and the weather was superb. Our next stop was Waterville, where we got photographs with Charlie Chaplin and the Mick O’ Dwyer statues. At this stage we had 80kms covered and time was getting the better of us, so we got a bus from Waterville to Sneem a distance of 34 kms. From Sneem we began our cycle to Kenmare, it was 5.50pm and we had 28kms to complete before we would get to our beds in Kenmare. “We arrived in Kenmare just before 8pm, had a shower, and went for some well deserved grub. Chips and pizza went down a treat. We were all in bed early Saturday night, getting ready for the final stage of our adventure. After a breakfast fit for a king we began our cycle through Molls Gap and into Killarney to complete our round trip. 33km through some of the most beautiful views that are to be seen – Molls Gap, Ladies View, the lakes of Killarney to name just a few. The sense of achievement on reaching Killarney was fantastic, 141km cycled, 6 scouts and a lifetime of memories – well done to all the scouts on a fantastic achievement”
As part of our one programme we were hanging out with Isobel in the land of the Nile. We made ancient Egyptian costumes and head dresses. We made Egyptian boats and a throne for Cleopatra VII. Our local farmers very generously gave us their tractor and trailer which we decorated and Paul very kindly drove us to the Ratoath St.Patricks Day parade. The excitement was electric and when we got to the reviewing stand we were even more ecstatic as we were presented with the Trophy for best float in the parade. All the hard work had paid off and we received our blue beads as well.
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Province News
Ring of Kerry Challenge for Cork Scouts
18th Santry Beavers at Adventure Skills
18th Santry Beavers busy beavering away at their adventure skills
They look good tripods, around table doing first aid . no not jumping of
table
Launching paper planes for air badges and thats is an axe also a saw
Great fun
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Province News
18th Santry Group Patricks Weekend
in Srahan Scout Centre
Friday night and organised chaos at Scout Den as 16 beavers 32 cubs
21 scouts/ventures and leaders try to load coaches whilst parents mingle
around All on board and of we go only 10 min late
Meanwhile in Srahan advance party erect tents sort out rooms in hostel.
8.30 all on site rooms sorted supper served and quiz begins time for bed
Saturday dawns all sections feed and off they go to do adventure skills
in the forest, back to collect lunches and set off on section hikes, back at
bases the cooking of cottage pies underway. 6.00 all back dinner is served
and free time, Campfire time all sections under campfire chief control doing
their prepared turns off to watch film and eat popcorn (some sooner go to bed)Sunday arrives, breakfast then off to play games all themed for the weekend, lunch time hostel cleaned group photos taken coaches boarded and home for a good nights sleep How great the sections mixed what a great bunch of leaders the craic was fantastic What a weekend will live long in the memories of youth and Adult members equally
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Province News
Beavers learn to Solder
During the month of March, 3rd and 4th Louth Beavers from St. Oliver’s
Scout Group in Drogheda have been learning a new skill as part of
achieving their Chief Scout Award. With the help of one of our leaders and
a parent within the group, the boys learned how to make their own L.E.D
light from start to finish on their own. The boys learned how to solder the
lights; processor, chip and battery pack to the board using a soldering iron.
They listened carefully to the instructions given to them and had to be very
careful when using the soldering iron. The boys successfully made their
lights and really enjoyed learning this new skill.
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Province News
7th Kildare Rathangan
Scouts Tree Jamboree 2014
On the weekend of Friday 11th July 2014, the third annual 7th Kildare
Rathangan Scout Tree Jamboree, formerly known as Tree Sitting, takes
place at The Rath in Rathangan, Co Kildare. This unique event consists
of Scouts going into trees on the Friday evening, taking up with them
as little weight as possible and camping there for as long as they can, a
max of 10kg is allowed per person and this includes shelter, water, food,
etc. Toilet breaks are timed and the competitor(s) remaining at Sunday
lunchtime with least weight & toilet breaks is deemed the winner. Please
see our “Scouts in Action”. As it is such an unusual event, we also expect extensive to attract local and national media coverage.
Campsite is open from 3pm on Friday 11th @ €20 per person, open to Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers. This fee includes necker and badge and a range of activities, food not included. A full list of activities is planned for Saturday to include orienteering, canoeing, obstacle course, disco and campfire plus lots more.
Closing date for camping is 1st May 2014, deposit of €10 per person.
For further information and booking forms, please email [email protected]
contact us if any of your members would like to sit in a tree, minimum age 15 years, €100 per sitter. This could be an opportunity for your troop to raise sponsorship money from your sitter.
This event is our troop’s biggest fundraiser and this year we expect huge crowds to attend from all over Ireland. There is always a great atmosphere at the event with visitors invited onto the Scout site to support the Tree Sitters and
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Province News
1st Dioghais (Djouce) Troop meeting
for WSJ - Japan 2015
The First meeting of the Dioghais troop took place in Navan on Sunday
last. It was the first meeting of the scouts & leaders that are travelling to
Japan in July 2015.
We had a short run through of what to expect in Japan, the weather, what a
typical day on Jamboree will be, a description of the badges and size of the
camp, planned trips etc.
We had some tasters of Japanese food and miso soup, a quick get to know you session followed by a Q&A.The Dioghais Troop are planning their investiture hike up Djouce Mountain on May the 18th next.
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Province News
Train the Trainers Course
Congratulations to those who recently completed their Scouting Ireland
Train the Trainers course. Some of the twenty two are Scouting Ireland
staff, some are from the National Youth Programme team and some were
nominated by Provincial Training Coordinators to help them with the
delivery of Training to Scouters locally. There were participants from all six
Provinces on the course.
The team who delivered the course comprised: Desie McAroe, Marion
McAroe, John Meikleham, Cathal Walsh, Michelle Comer, Claire McAroe,
an information / learning session on the Sunday morning and the arrangements were outlined to the TTT course participants on Sunday afternoon. This scheme is currently being rolled out by the Provincial Training Coordinators, so trainers should expect to hear from them about it very shortly. Attendance at the Train the Trainers course is by invitation, usually by the Provincial Training Coordinator, with the approval of the Training Commissioner. If you would be interested in becoming a volunteer trainer or finding out more about Chris Kearns and Maelíosa (Milly)
DeBuitléar. Most of this team had worked on previous Train the Trainers courses, and they took the opportunity to review the course objectives a well as the content, methods and materials. The Training Commissioner (Gay Davoren) contributed to this review and endorsed the outcome which is an up-to-date and fully documented TTT course which should serve us well for the next few years.
The course kicked off one weekend in November with a focus on adult learning and an introduction to the
it please contact your PTC or the Training Commissioner. Training Commissioner - Gay Davoern - [email protected] South East - Martine Phelan - [email protected] Dublin - Patricia Dalton - [email protected] South -Declan Condon - [email protected] West - Joe Doherty - [email protected] North East - Greg Boyd - [email protected] North - Desi McAroe - [email protected]
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Province News
Systematic approach to Training. Weekend Two in January focused largely on Techniques & Methods and then participants were invited to prepare a training session which they ran on Weekend Three. Throughout the course, a lot of the learning was done in small groups as you would imagine (Scout Method in practice). The same small groups operated on all three weekends and provided a safe environment on Weekend Three for the participants to put their new learning into practice and receive constructive feedback to help them to recognise any weak areas.The final weekend of Train the Trainers also saw the launch of a new scheme for Mentoring trainers. Mentoring coordinators attended
Cubs & Beavers from Tulla 12th Clare get
involved in An Taisce National Spring Clean.
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Province News
Photos Deirdre & Roger Duff
Urban Challenge in Cobh
Lee Valley Scout County ran its annual Cub Scout/Macaoimh Urban
Challenge last Sunday in the historic town of Cobh. Over 140 Cub Scouts/
Macaoimh and 25 Leaders descended on Cobh by Train to do some
challenges and find out history of the town.
Each section had to follow a trail and gather information along the route
where they learned many things about this harbour town which is steeped
in history. At the end each team had to fill out and submit a log of the event.
The Event was organised by the Assistant Programme Coordinator for Cub Scouts/Macaoimh Pat Spillane who did a wonderful job. He even manage to organise a dry day into the bargain for us all the participants who went home tired but with smiles on their faces.
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Province News
Scout Brand launches New Range
The Scout Shop have just launched a new range of Tee Shirts in the New
Scout Brand. The Scout Brand now has a dedicated website for all the
New Scout Brand Products 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 right.
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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 [email protected] 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:- [email protected]
Facebook:- http://www.facebook.com/scoutingireland
Twitter:- @scoutingireland
April 2014
Contacts Coming Next Month
Camp North East.National ActivitiesSection resourcesAnd Lots lots More
