Official online magazine of

May 2012

Camp North East a Roaring Success Visit by the Chair Of the European Committee of WOSM Transformation Workshop kicks off Process Beaver Scout News, Corner,Rover Scout News and lots more.... Sea Scouting launch their 100 years Celebration in style. 1 Welcome to this month’s issue of Inside Out your monthly one stop shop for all that is happening in . This month we have extensive coverage of Camp North East, the Sea Scouting Centenary Launch and the transformation workshop, which took place recently. We also have news on upcoming events and coverage of many Group, County and National events. Also included this month is our regular features from the Beaver Scout ,Cub Scout and Rover Scout teamsRemember if you want to submit an article for next months issue then please forward them to Communications@ scouts.ie.

Deadline for next months issue is 31st May. See you next month!

In this issue...

Sea Scout Launch 100 Years 3 Barcelona Marathon P.45 Camp North East 15 “There’s nothing like Cub Olympics 18 ‘Being Prepared’ is there, 27 for what might seem Rover Scouts 35 possible, even if it may Morroco 2012 39 not seem probable.” Dunshaughlin on RTE 52 - Lord Baden-Powell Founder of Scouting

2 The Sea Scout Centenary

3 Sea Scout Centenary

The Sea Scout Centenary 1912-2012 was launched on Saturday 14th April 2012 in Croke Park,. Over 600 Sea Scouts,Venture,Rovers and their leaders traveled from all over Ireland to take part in a full day of events. Scouts started arriving from 11.00hrs. onwards by foot,bus ,train,coach and even we noticed a passing barge along the Royal Canal.Who came in the barge? Sea scout groups from outside Dublin twinned with local troops for the weekend and enjoyed joint activities.

From the moment scouts arrived they were treated to light refreshments and a place on the Cusack stand to join in the true scout spirit . Guests started to arrive.The Chief Scout was welcomed by being piped aboard by members of 8th Port Dunlaoghaire Cusack Stand. Line by line the scouts Museum,Microsoft Games and a IPod Sea Scouts (Fodhla). A minutes arrived and were filtered around the shuffle. The Centenary Sea Scout silence was called for all past outside of the marked out shape on the Commemorative badge is now launched members of Sea Scouting and cobble lock bricks.The photographer and all scouts can earn the badge Scouting. Special remembrance for Sheldon Long is lifted forty foot into the by completing a joint activity. Further those who volunteered and went to sky and snaps the now famous shaped information from National Office sea during the two World Wars and photo. for all souls lost at sea. More Pictures of the event can be found Leaders and scouts got the chance to in Scouting Ireland Gallery here The formal part of the day began by meet the Chief Scout and exchange assembling all scouts and leaders greetings and ideas for the coming into the shape of the Scouts Fleur- years. A special raffle took place Dee-Lys in the courtyard of the with sponsored prizes from P&O Irish Ferries,Croke Park GAA

4 Building our Tree House a great plan, so off they headed into Over the last few months we have introduced you to the characters that represent One bright sunny morning a couple of days the woods with their wheelbarrow. the SPICES in the beaver scout section. In this article we have a short story after the Fox lodge retured from a camp Concobhar gave them lots of elf tools that shows a little of the characteristics of the Fox Lodge and also to show the they gathered together after breakfast, and the children of the neighbouring principals of Plan Do and Review. The story also shows that beaver scouts are Moon suggested that they really should tribe also came to help. Star made capable of anything and that with teamwork and help from the Elders they can have a special place they could call their a special basket with a pully so the achieve anything. own. Somewhere where we can put stuff puppy from the crannóg could get in we gather on our adventures. “We could and out of the treehouse too. Fionn When going around the country on the provincial expeditions introducing the build a treehouse” said Spike. “What a painted a sign that said ‘Fox Lodge, all SPICE characters was seen as essential for the beaver programme to work. The good Idea” said Fionn “We could get the welcome’ and they hung it at the top of children from the neighbouring tribe to the ladder. help. They can show us all how to lash That evening when everything was staves together like they showed me on my finished they watched the sun go down beaver scouts will pick up the characters trip there”. “We’d have it built in no time” over the treetops. The beautiful sunset far quicker than the scouters. A couple said Star. reminded Casper of the magical Dodo of games have been developed to “Oh my goodness” said Spike jumping up feather he still kept in his memory bag. help with SPICE identification, these and down with excitement, “Do you think Just before they were about to tuck are explained later on. We also have the Elders will let us?” “There’s only one into all the goodies the Elders had put together a list of Frequently Asked way to find out” said Zena. “Let’s go and brought them, Spike asked the others Questions, that should answer most ask!” Zena and Fionn headed off to find if they could teach the new children of the common problem issues but the Elders as the rest of the lodge began the scout sign and their Beaver if you still have a question email drawing plans for making the tree house. promise and law. “What a wonderful [email protected]. Shortly after Fionn and Zena arrived back idea” said the rest of the Fox Lodge. pushing a wheelbarrow full to the top with So, they all faced the sunset and The next series of articles will staves and sisal. “The Elders gave us all recited it together. “This is lovely, and concentrate on the adventure skills so if this to help with our treehouse” said Fionn it was great fun to make” said Moon there is anything that your section has smiling. “Yes, and they reminded us of smiling and Spike said “we are learned done or that you would like to see please that clearing we saw in the forest when something new and worked together let me know at beaverscouts@scouts. we were in the hot air balloon” said Zena, as a team”. ie . Pictures of groups participating in “we could build it near that, and there’s Fionn called everyone together and adventure skills would also be welcome. a stream there too if we need water”. thanked everyone for all their hard “That’s perfect” said Star “it’s just past work and looked forward to many more Stephen Halpin Concobhars’ cave, and I wanted to ask adventures with his friends... some Programme Commissioner Beaver him if we could borrow some of his elf tools of the Fox Lodge were getting ready Scouts they are so much easier to use than the for more adventures in the Lands of Elders ones”. They all agreed that this was Adventure.

55 Frequently Asked Questions

4. When do you present 6. Can a beaver scout When they have completed each 1. How many learning challenge they can mark it off as the Investiture badge ? progress from one completed in that stage. stage to the next within objectives are beaver The investiture badge is awarded after Example : Forces of Nature – Ropes the beaver scout has completed all the the scouting year? scouts to cover in a and Fibres. requirements of the investiture badge. year ? Yes. It is a personal journey and some Challenges It is an important badge and should be will move quicker than others. When a Firstly, it is not a calendar year; it will take Bree – What sort of ropes are there and given out within an investiture ceremony. beaver scout has a full set of stamps for approximately a year to complete a stage when do we use them. that stage then they should progress to in the beaver programme. The three Ruarc – Learn 3 knots. Reef knot , Clove the next stage. stages are Bree, Ruarc and Conn. Hitch and bowline. 5. When do you present Conn – Teach a knot to the others in your the Bree, Ruarc and 7. Why is the Map The beaver scouts should hit on aspects lodge. of all 36 learning objectives. It was never Conn Badges ? different from the Map intended to be a box ticking exercise. When they complete the challenge as a Bree , they may experience a new skill, These badges are stage badges and as depicted in the book If the beaver scouts are selecting when completing it as a Ruarc they will show what stage a beaver scout is at. ? challenges from a wide selection of learn that skill and when completing the The stage badges are awarded when the challenge as a Conn they may teach that pages and using the different characters six SPICES on the map for that stage This was a printing error and will be skill to others. they will hit most of the learning have been stamped. rectified in the next print run. objectives. 3. Can you introduce A beaver scout is a “Bree” when they are 8. Can you cover 2. What is the relevance working on the “Bree” badge. additional Spices to Similar for Ruarc and Conn. competency statements of the Bree , Ruarc and those indicated in the All stage badges must be earned and not for more than one Conn triangles at the beaver handbook? just given to the beaver scout because adventure skill at a top of the pages in the they were there for a year. No. If a beaver scout wants to time? beaver book ? concentrate on a different SPICE then they should look at a different challenge Yes. If you have covered a skill or a task The idea behind the triangles is that that allows that SPICE. , it does not have to be done again when the beaver scout can return to each This will encourage the beaver scouts to doing a different adventure skill with the challenge during each stage but do each explore other challenges. same competency statement. challenge with a different prospective.

6 Frequently Asked Questions

10. Can parts of the Beaver Scout Chief Scout Award 13. Do you have to use Residential/Intercultural: Shared activity with a group in a residential/camp setting Special Interest Badges A Beaver Scout should be in their final the Memory Bag ? for 2 days and 1 night, and find out about year in the section when they begin the different cultures be completed as a Beaver Scout Chief Scout Award. The memory bag is an important tool for lodge or colony? the review stage within the programme. Skill: One Special Interest Badge from In order to get the best out of the 15. Do you have to Yes. But just because you were on an the “Skill” Area programme it is best practice to use the event may not qualify, the beaver scout Physical: One Special Interest Badge in tools available. complete “Conn” needs to understand why they have the “Physical” Area before you start the achieved a section of a special interest Community: One Special Interest Badge 14. Can a National badge. It is a personal badge and the from the “Community” Area Chief Scouts Award? requirements for achieving it may be Environment: One Special Interest Camp such as Jamoige different for each person. It needs to be a Badge from the “Environment” Area form the part of The Chief Scout Award can be used to personal challenge. Scout Skill: Two Adventure Skills to complete the Personal Challenges of the Stage 2 the intercultural Award Scheme of each section. Expedition: Walking 10 Km over a 6 hour day experience for the chief 11. Do you have When working on the Chief’s Scouts Residential/Intercultural: Shared activity scouts’ award? Award you may be also working on your to complete all with a group in a residential/ camp setting personal Journey. for 2 days and 1 night, and find out about No. The idea of the chief scouts award is requirements of the different cultures for the beaver scouts to help plan do and review a residential camp with a different Chief Scouts Award A minimum of 6 months duration within the last 6 group. months? A national camp is an easy way out and 12.Can you complete the beaver scout may interact while on You cannot start the CSA until you have more than level 2 in the this camp but it is not planned. submitted your application form. Only If however there is an element of activities from then on are counted Adventure Skills? planning, perhaps meeting up with the towards the CSA. It is recommended that other group and finding out about other it should take a minimum of 6 months. Yes. In theory a beaver scout can achieve cultures, and organizing some pre- level 9 . programme then it would suffice.

77 Beaver Expo Photos

SPICES Matching Game

HOW TO PLAY THE GAME

Each Lodge should be presented with their set of SPICES Matching Cards and a race takes place to see who will be the first Lodge to put the cards into the six correct groups. Ideally one Scouter should work with each of the Lodges while they match the cards. When all the cards have been matched one Beaver Scout should explain about one Fox Lodge member to the rest of the Lodge. For example ...

“This is Fionn. His colour is red, and this is his symbol (holding up the SPICES symbol for social). He is friendly with everyone and likes playing with his friends.”

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Province News

Camp North East a Roaring Success elements of the Camp. In doing so this will give the youth members the Camp North East took place in the activities included Canadian Canoes, confidence to take up various positions splendid surroundings of Portlick Kayaks, rafting, and a chance to get a on national in the future. Also Campsite trip around the lagoon on a hovercraft. available over the weekend was various near Athlone over the May Bank Holiday This proved very popular. scout skills training for Scouters . So Weekend. The event turned out to be while the youth members were off on one of the great Fun camp experiences. Other events scattered throughout bases the Adult Scouters had a chance the Lands were axe throwing, Making to learn some new Scouting Skills and This camp has been in preparation chopsticks and then using your also to network with other leaders. So for the last 18 months and originally chopsticks to cook, grass skiing, big well done to joint Camp Chiefs Liam was to be the opening Camp in game of battleships, Crime scene Boyd and Willie O Connor and the many Castlesaunderson. But because of investigation, Backwoods cooking, Saturday night saw a big international youth and Adult members who helped in delays in the Project up there the camp Lighting Fires with friction, and various fair where each troop had to prepare organizing and running this event. was moved to Portlick. The weather challenges on Scouting Skills. food from their adopted country and So the Province will now look to 2013 was kind over the weekend and the display for all the other groups to visit. and a Beaver Scout and Cub Scout sun glistened on the water and the The venture Scouts had separate Some troops also got really into the Provincial camp. Make sure you don’t woodland as over 450 youth members programme on Saturday, which was spirit by all dressing in that countries miss it! from the Scout and Venture Scout Venture Island where they set of to build national dress. section took part in a wide variety of bivvies’ out on the Island. Later that View the pictures of the event on events. Also in attendance was around night they all returned to the Island to Sunday Morning saw the assault course Scouting Gallery here 180 adult Scouters who helped run the sleep out in them. challenge with a challenge been set camp. down for both scouts and scouters. Sunday Night saw a big Campfire and The theme of the Camp was Travel a Ceili, which closed the camp in a very around the world’s continents. Each Scouting, style. of the subcamps adopted the name of a country, which they used at various The camp was very successful in many points in the Programme. The Way you ways. One way was when this camp navigated to each of the programme was first decided upon the idea was to bases was to take a flight from the have each element of the Camp run Airport to the land you where assigned by a youth Member, Venture Scout for that session. So with passport or Rover Scout and they would be stamped and Emigration negotiated it shadowed in each position by an Adult was on to the Programme. Scouter. In this way the Youth Members There was a vast array of events to would get a chance to take all the take part in. Down at the shore water responsibility in running the various

1515 International News

THE SCOUTS AND GUIDES OF OSTROBOTHNIA

1st Apr 2012

International Commissioner INTERESTED IN A DIFFERENT KIND OF A SUMMER? Meets Chair of European HERE’S YOUR LAST-MINUTE CHANCE!

Committee of WOSM

On a recent visit to Ireland the new international Commissioner Christy Mc The summer is almost here and it’s time to make decisions about what to do during summer. If you’re interested in getting new experiences, then why not come to Finland to Cann had a meeting with the Chairperson of the European Region of the World participate in a traditional Finnish scout camp? Here’s your chance! Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) Craig Turpie. At the change of July and August, more precisely on 30th July to 5th August, the Scouts and During the meeting Craig brought Christy up to speed on the goings on in the Guides of Ostrobothnia are having their summer camp. And now the camp is available for international visitors too! Currently we have 1500 scouts registered for the camp, and European region an outlined many of the initiatives that are taking place in other more are coming. We are hoping that you and your group will be among them. European Countries. They also spoke of the various conferences and training The name of the camp is HAVU, and it will be held in the beautiful area of Maijanlampi in Taivalkoski, which is known for its splendid nature. Taivalkoski is located in north-eastern Finland, so you will get to see the real Finland and not just the cities of southern Finland. And because the camp is held in the woods, you will get to practice traditional scouting skills, building camp structures yourself, learning handicrafts etc. Together with your old and conferences that are been planned new scout friends! over the next few years. Even though traditional scouting skills is one of the camp’s main themes, the programme includes much more than just wilderness skills. You can try wall climbing, participate in a Craig welcomed Christy on to the live-action role play, chill out in a disco, sit down and relax at the Havu-café, learn new skills team of international Commissioners at the special courses held during the camp etc. All campers also get to participate in a huge game called Bigalus, and there will surely be surprises as well! As the days are full of in Europe and spoke highly of activities, the evenings are then reserved for relaxation and meeting with friends and Scouting Ireland in particular enjoying the atmosphere. By the way, have you ever experienced a campfire in the middle about it’s ONE Programme and of the woods with hundreds of other scouts singing and cheering together? Oh, and you do know about the Midnight Sun, don’t you? the continued Growth rate for the organization. Here’s your chance to experience all of this and more! Registration is open until the end of April and we’re welcoming scouts and guides of ages 12 and older. Act now and confirm your participation, we can only accept a limited amount of International visitors!

You can find more information online at www.havu2012.fi, and by contacting the camp’s International liaison Veijo “Wege” Väisänen ([email protected]).

Looking forward to seeing you next summer!

1616 The Scouts and Guides of Ostrobothnia [email protected] www.pohjanmaa.partio.fi International News

International Events List 2012-2019

Below is a list of some of the International Events being planned by Internaational Scout Associations.

To see the full list of Events Planned you can check

http://scout.org/en/information_events/events

• 12th Canadian Scout Jamboree 6th-13th July 2013 • 14th 8th- 18th Aug 2013 • Jamboree Denmark 2012 21st -29th July 2012 • Roverway 2012 20th- 28th July 2012 • Bavarian Jamboree Germany 3rd- 11th Aug 2012 • 21st European Scout Conference Germany Aug 2013 • 14th European Scout and Guide Conference Germany Aug 2013 • International Jamboree Iceland 20th- 29th July 2012 • 23rd World Scout Jamboree Japan July-Aug 2015 • Gilwell Reunion 2012 UK Sept 7th - 9th 2012 • 16th Jamboree on the Internet Oct 20th- 21st

1717 The Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony of the games Olympic Games usually is a dramatic celebration Welcome to the latest edition of Cubs Corner! involving hundreds of people. The In the last edition of Cubs Corner we gave information on fitness and diet. opening ceremony begins with the We need you to note that the water intake that we gave you was not 100% raising of the flag of the host country accurate and we have asked a child nutritionist to advise us about this – we will Olympic Sports and the singing of its national anthem. keep you posted! There is then a performance involving The number of sports played at the music, dance and colorful costumes, We continue in our Olympic Theme as we move nearer the games – remember Olympics changes from year to year. along with a high-tech lighting and that as the games only happen every four years you only have one shot at Some of the most popular Summer special effects show. After that, every having a Cub Scout Olympic Games event there are lots of ideas in this issue Olympic sports are swimming, cycling, for your Olympic event and we are delighted to include how a Cub Pack in gymnastics, volleyball and horse Carlow Kilkenny Scout County ran their Cub Scout Olympics … thanks to Kevin riding. There also are many events Murphy. collectively known as athletics, such as the 100-meter dash, the marathon, For the Cub Scouts who were at Camp The Olympic Games were created hurdling, relay rac, the long jump, North East we hope that you had a and first held in 776 B.C. in ancient the high jump and the pole vault. fantastic weekend and for the Cub Greece in honor of the king and queen The Winter Olympic sports include Scouts going to JamOige or the Cub of the Greek gods, Zeus and Hera, downhill and cross-country skiing, Camp in there is only one and only men could compete. The first bobsledding, figure skating, ice hockey, thing that I can say … keep “living it official modern Olympic Games was snowboarding and ski jumping. Sports large” and have a great time. held in Athens, Greece, in 1896. Since that are no longer played in the games then, the Summer Olympic Games include golf, lacrosse, rugby union The Olympic Games that we know have been held every four years in and water motor sports. If a sport is today are very different from the many major cities around the world. very popular among spectators and original Olympics that took place in In 1924 the first Winter Olympics was there are a lot of athletes qualified to Olympia, Greece, more than 2,700 held. They also take place every four compete, the International Olympic athlete marches into the stadium under years ago. Since then, they have been years but are held two years after the Committee might decide to introduce the banner of his country. At the end held all over the world, been attended Summer Olympics. The city where the it in the next Olympic Games, which of the opening ceremony, the Olympic by more than 200 countries and have games are held is called the “host city.” usually means that one of the less- torch is passed to the last carrier, who included many different sports. Women were allowed to compete in popular sports must be dropped. lights a huge fire to open the games. the Olympic Games for the first time in 1928.

18 The Olympic Torch Other Olympic Games The Olympic torch is a symbol of the ancient Greek Olympic Games. The The Paralympic Games are held just flame is lit in Greece several weeks after both the summer and winter before the games and travels around games and are for athletes with a physical disability. The Special Olympics is a competition held every two years and all athletes who are intellectually disabled.

London will host the 2012 Olympics. The athletes, swimmers, cyclists and sports people from all disciplines who take part in the world’s biggest sporting event are highly competitive, event as big as you like!!! Maybe make Team. Each team could then choose a dedicated and inspirational. But don’t a day of it or even use the Olympics as country to represent at the Cub Scout just sit and watch, why not hold your a theme for a weekend camp! Olympics! Get plain white tee shirts and own mini Olympics and see which one Where to hold it? paint the national flag of your chosen of you have got what it takes to be a country onto the front of it and design champion. You can simply go to your local park or your logo or mascot to put on the back a nearby field or common. Or you could of the tee shirt. Who will take part? ask your children’s school whether you can hire or use the playground/playing To reward the winners and all the Gather together all the Cub Scouts in fields. If you’re lucky enough to have others who have taken part, award the world to the host city of the games. your Pack (you could also include other a big garden, you can turn it into your points to everyone in the race. For It usually is carried by runners, but sections in your Group or a nearby own mini stadium. example: award four points to the has traveled by ship, camel, airplane Cub Pack) depending on how many winner, three for second place, two for and canoe. In 2000, the torch traveled Cub Scouts there are you may need Competition: Individual or third place and one point for everyone to enlist the help of other Scouters, underwater for the first time, as a diver team? else. When all the races are over, total brought it past the Great Barrier Reef Venture Scouts or Rovers to help up the points and find out which is the in Australia. organize the events and act as umpires Divide all the participants into groups winning team. Present a cup to the and referees etc. You can make the or teams, if it is your Cub Pack maybe winning team or individual and medals a each Six could make up an Olympic for second and third.

1919 Jumping and throwing events What events? Throwing Running events Start all the Cub Scouts at the same point and let them throw the bean Straight running races bag or ball as far as they can (decide Simply mark out the start and finish whether they throw over- or under- lines, changing the distance of the arm), mark each distance with tape and course according to the participants. write their name on it. You could even From 100 meter dash to a mini try a discus event using a Frisbee. marathon … the decision is yours. Throwing Fun Event Relay races Athletes who compete in the Olympic You will need up to four athletes in throwing events, such as the shot put each team. The first runners from each and javelin, carry a tremendous amount team begins at the start line and the of power and strength. Designate a others are spaced out at even points spot to throw from using a cone or men’s 100 meters, running it in 09.58 along the course. Each runner passes chalk. Give each Cub Scout a water the Olympic Games contain hundreds seconds. These athletes need to have the baton to the next member of their balloon and have them all line up one of different sports most of which can be power and speed to win. You could team and the last runner has to run after another behind the throwing area. easily adapted, so take your pick and have 100-, 200-, 400- and 800-meter it over the finish line. This event is They each take turns throwing their let the games commence! races. Line up across the starting line. particularly good to inspiring teamwork. balloon. Whoever throws the farthest When the whistle is blown, take off, wins the event. Volleyball racing for the gold. Obstacle race (steeplechase) Volleyball is a very popular and Set the length of your course, but this Jumping competitive event and first played in the Human Chariot Race time include some obstacles. These Instead of taking a long run up and Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964. These Although you cannot organize a chariot can include skipping ropes (skip ten leaping into a sandpit (unless there athletes spend hours practicing and race similar to those used in the ancient times or skip to the next obstacle), happens to be one at your venue) preparing. Set up a volleyball net in the Olympics, you can play a version of the bean bags, (throw it up and catch it Cub Scouts simply stand on a marker den or the local park using cones for game with a group of Cub Scouts. Give ten times, or throw it into a box), sacks and, with their legs together, jump as the boundaries. each team an old, large blanket, and (hop to the next marker), hoops (skip far as they can. Replace a high jump ask them to line up at the starting line. with them or jump in and out of them). event with a ‘limbo’: two people hold Racing Have one Cub Scout from each team Space these obstacles out evenly a long stick and the Cub Scout leans Olympic racing events include sprints, sit in the center of the blanket. The along the course and keep a close eye backwards and maneuver themselves middle- and long-distance running, other Cub Scouts each hold one corner on your athletes to make sure they are underneath without touching the stick. hurdles and relay races. Usain Bolt of of the blanket. On your “Go,” the Cub not cutting corners! These are just a few suggestions, but Jamaica holds the world record for the

20 a time, each Cub Scout will begin the Scouts holding the blanket run across jump with her feet together. The Cub the field or floor, trying to beat the other Scout who jumps the farthest in five teams to the finish line while the Cub jumps wins. Scout in the middle holds on. If the Cub Scout sitting on the blanket falls off, the Race in Arms team must stop until the Cub Scout is A difficult event in the ancient Greek back in position. Olympics was the “Race in Arms.” The athletes ran a race wearing a helmet Javelin Throw and carrying a heavy metal shield. The javelin throw was part of the Challenge the Cub Scouts to run 25 or pentathlon event during the ancient 50 meters while holding an object. The Olympics. Originally, the athletes used winner of each group competes in the sharpened sticks with an attached final race. handle to facilitate throwing. Keep your own version of the javelin throw safe by using drinking straws. Mark a start and a finish line about 40 feet apart. Ceremonial Olympic Mark each Cub Scout’s straw with a Torch permanent marker. Each Cub Scout throws their straw as far as possible. Then runs to their straw and throws What you’ll need: it again. The first Cub Scout to throw • 1 sheet of white stiff paper 3. Gather from the center of the their straw javelin over the finish line • Clear tape squares and hold in your hand a piece of white poster board wins that round. • Red, yellow, and orange tissue like a bouquet of flowers. instead of the stiff paper. paper, 30cm x 30cm square of 4. Put some white craft glue into • Instead of tissue paper you Long Jump each color the sides of the opening of the can use construction paper in Ancient Olympic athletes jumped five • White craft glue cone. the same colors. Simply cut times in a row from a standing position. 5. Place the tissue paper into them into flame shapes and Set up a long jump competition How to make it: the cone and let the glue dry glue inside the cone opening. mimicking the Greek games. Play the 1. Roll the stiff paper into a cone completely. • Have a piece of tape ready game on the grass, a sandy area or on shape, tape closed. before rolling the cone, this an indoor carpeted area. Use tape or 2. Layer the tissue paper Tips: way you won’t be struggling chalk to mark the starting line. One at squares, red on the bottom, • If you want a really tall torch with the tape while trying to then orange, and yellow on top. like the real Olympic torch, use hold the cone’s shape.

21 You may be able to get proper field sausages, pasta, drinks (There is a equipment from the local athletic club nice receipt for lemonade included) Cub Olympic Games and they maybe able to help you with Other Thoughts organising the day. Can you run the Can you include anothe Pack in your Before the Event event at the local Athletic club and use games? (Increases the Countries Each Six could do some exercises, training for the event. their facilities? taking part) Each six before hand decides on a Country they will represent. They will make Other events depending on what you flag / banners/ bunting of that Country. You can also do mascots and clothing of Scoring want to do on the day could be the Country. Your Country has to score a point to Archery They can make medals for the games gain a medal for your Country Penalty shots Sixes can help with setting up event Take the hammer Cycling It is the overall distance for the Country Gymnastics The Event (Six) that is taken. i.e. one Six gets Swimming – Is the pool near your Opening a distance of 20metres when all venue On the day of the games each Country (Six) will parade into the areana. Events members have thrown. Another gets Table tennis The Olympic torch will enter and a member from each Country will carry it to the Can you think of games to play and 15m, another 10m and last one 16m. Tennis centre in relay. what could you use as equipment for So 1st gets 8pts, 2nd 6pts, 3rd 4pts Weight lifting Field games (some ideas given can & 4th 2pts. All points for each event At the centre the flame is lit and the you come up with other ideas?) games begin. (Flame can be gas torch are added to total to see who is the SPICES decorated or coals) best Country overall. This way it does Clips that could be got from SPICES Track Events not matter if you are good in events cards could be Hurdles as it is your Country total, it also give Social : Friendship In order to gain a medals for your 100m. Country it is the overall score for the encouragement to the weaker Cubs Physical : My body 200m. and they all encourage each other to Intellectual: Teamwork whole Six that is taken into account. Marathon (explained later - Scoring) do their best for their Country. At the Character : Doing my best Obstacle course - Steeple Chase end all Countries will have points so Emotional: My potential Spiritual : So that everyone gets a chance and to can get a medel for their Country. Spiritual beliefs Field Events give every Six a score for every event Hammer – (football sock filled with Closing Special Interest badge you can have a sliding scale (e.g. -four sand in toe. Tie it) Sixes - 1st gets 8 points, 2nd 6 points, At the end of the day the Country with Could Cubs do badge on Athletics Javlin – (Bamboo canes or long brush the highest total wins. And so on. Can (skill), help organise event 3rd 4points, 4th 2 points) for events. handles) This keeps the interest as one six can the Venture / Rover Section help you (Community) help Cubs prepare for Shot – (large ball) with building thepodium? event (physical) be great in an event but do poorly in Duiscus – (Frisbees) the next. Do not forget that after the Games Long jump everyone feasted so can you have High jump

22 • 1 cup lemon juice • 3 to 4 cups cold water (to Preparation dilute) Best Lemonade Perfect Lemonade Blend 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar well in small saucepan. Bring to a boil, Method Everybody knows how to make The secret to this lemonade recipe is stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves 1 Make simple syrup by heating the lemonade, right? Squeeze some to use simple syrup, made by boiling completely. Let cool and refrigerate. sugar and water in a small saucepan lemons, add sugar and water. But how together sugar and water, then cooling. (This is the simple syrup.) to make lemonade so that it tastes right until the sugar is dissolved completely. The sugar is completely dissolved and 2 While the sugar is dissolving, use a everytime? Here’s a surefire method. blends beautifully with the tart lemon. Mix the simple syrup well with the juice juicer to extract the juice from 4 to 6 Remember the starting proportions - 1 Prep Time: 15 minutes from 4-6 lemons (strained or not, as lemons, enough for one cup of juice. cup of sugar, 1 cup of water, 1 cup of Cook Time: 10 minutes you like) and stir well. Add 4 cups cold 3 Add the juice and the sugar water to lemon juice. Total Time: 25 minutes water and mix. Try using sparkling a pitcher. Add 3 to 4 cups of cold water, Yield: 6 servings water for some fizz! Pour into thermos more or less to the desired strength. (This ratio makes a pretty sweet or large jug, adding thin lemon slices if Refrigerate 30 to 40 minutes. If the lemonade. Reduce the amount of Ingredients you’d like, or garnish with mint sprigs. lemonade is a little sweet for your taste, sugar if you want your lemonade less • 1 cup water I like to make more lemonade and add a little more straight lemon juice to sweet or if you are using Meyer lemons • 1 cup sugar freeze it in ice cube trays, adding the it. which are naturally sweeter than • Juice from 4-6 lemons cubes to the lemonade so it’s never standard lemons.) • 4 cups cold water diluted as the ‘ice’ melts. Serve with ice, sliced lemons. • Mint sprigs Yield: Serves 6. The secret to perfect lemonade is You can increase the amounts of this to start by making sugar syrup, also recipe proportionately, depending on known as “simple syrup”. Dissolving the amount of lemonade you want. the sugar in hot water effectively disperses the sugar in the lemonade, instead of having the sugar sink to the bottom.

Recipe • Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients • 1 cup sugar (can reduce to 3/4 cup) • 1 cup water (for the simple syrup)

2323 Scouting Ireland 2015 Transformation Workshop Last weekend saw Scouting Ireland kicked off it’s Transformation Process titled “….. 20-20 Vision….”. The first in a series of workshops took place in the Emmaus Centre in Swords. The members of the NMC were joined by members of staff from National Office along with other invited members including the Chairperson of the Craig Turpie from the European Scout European Scout Region of WOSM Craig Turpie. Region sat in with many of the groups During the autumn every member will and helped give the views of what have a chance to feed into this process, An external facilitator Mr Matt Kavanagh facilitated the workshop and the other European Scout Associations as it will be going into each Province for assembled audience was divided into 6 Groups. The workshop was structured into consultation and Information. 4 topics with 3 Questions relating to each topic been set to the groups who fed were doing with the same topics. He back centrally where Matt recorded all the findings. also give a great presentation on the various issues taken place in Scouting To see more images of the event check throughout Europe. This was very out the Scouting Ireland Gallery enlightening and really focused the The 4 Topics posed were as follows. group to look to the bigger issues Topic 1: – Vision For Scouting Ireland – affecting Scouting. 2020 Topic 2: – The Scouting Experience This process has now started and Topic 3: – Structure For Scouting Ireland will be led by the Chief Scout Michael Topic 4: – Building Adult Capability John Shinnick New and the CEO John Lawlor. They are committed to keeping A lot of interesting points were raised up the momentum on this Project and during the course of the day and some would hope by the end of the year great ideas where presented to Matt to to have proposals ready to take to be included in the Report. National Council 2013. This project is one of the most important Matt will now put together a report on undertaken since Scouting Ireland was the day and will try and point the way for formed. When completed this Project the next session which will take place in will lay out the roadmap for Scouting June. Ireland to develop and grow right up to 2020.

24 We now have more adults in Scouting in Europe than we have ever had. We do need more leaders, because we’re growing, but we need to look The Future of Scouting more holistically at the recruitment, Dear Friends, training, retention and management of adult volunteers. Thank you for your warm welcome, pleasure to be here. We need to work with others to promote Excited that you’re committing time and energy to look to the future. the value of volunteering generally, and The European Scout Region, is one of 6 Regions in WOSM. in Scouting specifically. We are all driven by the big idea of Creating a Better World This is a big topic society, is hugely demanding and its My input here today will hopefully provide food for thought as you look to lead the difficult to embrace some trends and Growth Through way in delivering better Scouting for more young people in Ireland. challenge others. There are lots of sources of information and inspiration, Quality but how do we make sense of it all and extract what we need to help shape the A common theme in strategies of What is the future? future of Scouting? associations across Europe is growth. Why? What does it mean that associations see growth as being The future isn’t somewhere we go Today, I’d like to look at some of important? to, it’s somewhere we create. those trends that we are aware of in Therefore, we need to be aware that Europe and around the world, that are we are active participants in shaping having an impact on how the World the future – it’s up to us to make Organization of the Scout Movement at it happen. This requires vision, as European level is attempting to navigate you well understand, but also an the future. appreciation and understanding of the drivers of change in the world around us, and how they impact on Volunteering young people, adults and society in A common cry across Europe is we general. need more leaders. What does that mean? Some Keeping up to speed with Associations are having problems information about what is happening delivering Scouting. around us, in Scouting and in

2525 It’s an indicator of relevance, health, of educational attainment in formal perceived value etc. education. Growth has been a priority in - Language Europe for the last nine years. - Technology For several years, people were obsessed with absolute numbers. The world has changed and continues Let’s look at the data... across to change at a remarkable pace. When Europe we have a decreasing youth the World Youth Programme Policy was population and increasing older written in the early 1990s, it predated population. the Internet, Google, Facebook and all sorts of communications! All of these Once you start looking at market are now omnipresent! share, the story is quite different. Good news... scouting in Europe is People now manage their lives, work growing, both in absolute terms and and socialising wherever they are. New in market share generations raised on the freedoms and opportunities created by technology From 1.2 million to 1.7 million over expect more empowerment and 6 years. We’re seeing growth in the involvement in the matters that affect 16-22 age range them. However, we have 60000 on waiting What does this mean for Scouting? In closing let’s remember that the future lists • Media isn’t a destination that we travel to – Why quality? As we grow, how do • Young spokespeople we have to actively create and shape we ensure that we’re not diluting • Youth Empowerment our world. In order to do it, we have to what we do, and that we remain true • Not just at national level learn how to embrace change and think to the fundamentals. • Partnerships with other regions creatively. Let us face the future with energy and in a spirit of hope rather than Embracing Change In 2020 I would hope that we would of fear. see a Scouting Ireland that is growing, Technology and inclusion are the increasingly relevant, attractive, Craig Turpie key strands, Organisational change. inclusive, youth led and creating Chairman, European Scout Committee becoming learning organisations. sustainable social impact. Président, Comité Européen du Inclusion we should be Scoutisme - Accessible to all, regardless

26 In June we’re going holding an open way to cool for school and are on Castle Saunderson meeting for everyone interested in Pinterest you can find us there too. the future of Castle Saunderson It’s a great way of sharing ideas. You May 2012 to come along to. It’s going to take can find us HERE. place on the 24th June, with the It’s starting to take shape here at venue still to be decided. We’re Over the next few weeks, the Castle Saunderson. Windows are looking for everyone to help shape building site will be getting busier in, the roof is on so as the say in the the future of the site and of course and so will we. Expect lots more trade; the building is weathered!!! (Or those that want to help our on the updates over the next while as the so I’m told) site itself. More details on this will be site construction enters a crucial available on myScouts soon. phase. We have all sorts of trades on site at the moment so it’s all go. We’ve In the meantime if you want to keep Finbar Gethins everything from carpenters to up with all that’s happening on site, Manager electricians and roofers to floorers! with loads more photos check us out Castle Saunderson International It’s been a hive of activity especially on Facebook HERE or on Twitter Scout Centre since the windows went into the HERE. For any of you that are lookout tower. This meant the scaffolding could come down and the rest of the roof could go on. It also meant the Scouting Ireland emblem was revealed on the tower wall. Every day I arrive on site now it’s great to see our emblem up there, it helps remind me and all the construction team what we’re building.

It happens every now and then at site meetings that I have to remind them all that our main visitors aren’t all going to be 6 foot tall. Trying to explain exactly what Beavers or Cubs get up to can be fun.

27 Castle Saunderson May 2012

28 National Events

Start 09.30 am Saturday 19.05.11 Finish 2 pm Sunday 20.05.11 National Cub Scout A briefing on maps and signage will be held at 9.00 pm on Friday night. Overnight Expedition Programme will be provided on 18–20 May 2012 Friday night.

Booking code - 12-NE-291 ALL EQUIPMENT AND FOOD MUST BE PROVIDED BY THE EVENT INFORMATION PACK PARTICIPANT TEAMS.

Venue – Srahan Scout Centre This should include cooking This event has changed from a 2 equipment as each team is expected day and 1 night event to a 3 day to be self-sufficient. and 2 night event to allow the Cub Scouts time to setup their sites. Event Times Please note: Check in from 6pm 9pm Friday Approx. 20km will be covered over Participant Fee 18.05.11 the course of the weekend therefore Cub Scouts € 180.00 / £ 175.00 per team of 6 Cub Scouts and 2 Cub Scouts and Scouters would be Scouters. advised to have previous hillwalking Participants must be Cub Scouts experience or be reasonably fit. and be 11 yrs old or over on the 1st Jan 2012 Run in conjunction with and thanks to: Bookings for the day must go through Scouting Ireland National • Adventure Skills Hillwalking Office Team • MPC Team Registration • Sionnach Team To register for the National Cub • Carlow Kilkenny County Scout Overnight Expedition, you Commissioner will need to complete the Generic • Srahan Scout Centre Booking Form using the booking code: 12-NE-291

29 National Events

It will specify the equipment your patrol will need and will address any The Phoenix questions or queries that arose from the first information pack. Challenge 2012 Document 4: Patrol Forms: Once The Phoenix Challenge 2012 Camp registered, you will be sent this set Chief, Programme Commissioner of forms. With these forms you will (National Events) and Programme be able to order meat and dairy Commissioner (Scouts) would like to products over the course of the advise that the Phoenix Challenge weekend. It will also include activity 2012 first information mailing pack is parental consent forms. These need now available on the website. to be submitted no later than the 27th July 2012. Event Details following initiative with regard to the The Phoenix Challenge 2012 Camp The Phoenix Challenge 2012 will Phoenix Challenge 2012. take place from Thursday 16th – Chief, Programme Commissioner (National Events) and the Sunday 19th August 2012 in Larch In addition to the standard entry criteria, Programme Commissioner (Scouts) Hill National Campsite. any Scout County who had a patrol would also like to advise you of the that finished in the Upper Ten Gold Event Booking Code: 12-NE-278 relating to programme, camp craft places of last year’s Phoenix Challenge guidelines, log book criteria and are being allocated a further place Participant Details / Requirements for their Scout County on this year’s Participants must be registered more. Use it as a tool in planning your preparations. Phoenix Challenge, this is not a reward Scouts and 15 or under on the for the Patrol or Scout County, it is an 19th August 2012. Patrols will be initiative to encourage participation by Document 2: Registration Forms: disqualified for having over-age more Patrols in the Phoenix Challenge members. This document will outline all the forms you need to register your 2012. How the Scout County allocates this place is up to the Scout County Document 1: Information Pack patrol to take part. These need to be submitted by: 8th June 2012 programme team themselves. The place 1: This pack is designed to give does not automatically go to the patrols you enough information to get you or groups who competed last year. Document 3: Information Pack 2: started in your preparations for the Full fees will apply to all teams. challenge. In it you will find details This pack will be released closer to about the event itself and specific the event and will provide you with information about the weekend the finer details of the competition.

30 National Events

control it in order not to cause any disruption or interference with the Patrols taking part in the Competition.

Log Book Recently the Log book element of the Phoenix Competition has become a topic of much discussion. Please note that it is our aim this year to make it very clear exactly what is required from Hospitality Team each patrol for the Log Book. We are pleased to announce a new addition to Phoenix set up this year. Cooking and Eating That is in the Phoenix Hospitality One of the main focuses of this year’s Team. This team is dedicated to Phoenix is that all scouts eat healthily There will be a dedicated Cooking and making your life a little easier in the for the duration of the weekend. This Eating Inspection Team for the duration hours preceding the competition. means that adequate menus (outlining a of the weekend and each site will be More so aimed at those patrols that balanced and healthy diet) are planned visited 5 times over the duration of the need to travel long distances to and followed for the whole weekend. Larch Hill, and those who intend on weekend. The team does not expect arriving on the Wednesday evening, restaurant standard food at any visit, the hospitality team will be on hand the emphasis is on simple healthy food, to make it as easy as possible on cooked well and enjoyed by all. the patrol. The hospitality tent will be open all weekend for staff and visitors to avail Campfire & Sketches Patrols that are arriving on the of Tea and Coffee. This year the Campfire Competition will Wednesday night may book in be a stand-alone competition where the through our Hospitality team for a The Hospitality Team will also be marks will not count towards the overall per scout rate, this fee will include co-ordinating the visitors to the points but there will be a separate your camp fee in Larch Hill for site. They will schedule tours of competition and trophy up for grabs. Wednesday night and include the campsites and the base areas Each patrol will be unable to prepare a supper on Wednesday night and a in Larch Hill at specific times sketch for the campfire (unlike previous hot breakfast on Thursday morning throughout the day. We want to years) prior to the event. The Patrol before the competition begins. welcome as many visitors as Leader will be given a topic for the (Details on how to book and the fee possible to the Phoenix but as you sketch on the Thursday and the patrol will be in the next information pack). can imagine we must attempt to should plan their sketch during the day.

31 National Events

Explorer Belt 2012 Water World

Assessment staff are required from : 16th & 17th June 2012 Date 4th July to the 10th July. Preference will be given to those with experience : 12-NE-274 Event Code in Venture Scouting, Rover Scouting and/or overseas expeditions with : 6th April 2012 Closing Date young people. An understanding of the Explorer Belt is an advantage but Bookings are now being accepted for not essential. Full training and support Water World, this new & exciting Scout will be provided. Cost for assessment event will take place over the weekend staff is €350. of the 16 & 17thJune 2012 in The Share Village, Enniskillen. The application process for “Event Cost includes all transport, food and Cost ; € 800 per patrol of 8 ( €100 per This is an ideal opportunity for all Support Staff” for the Explorer Belt event apparel. person ), the cost of transport to and Scout Groups to experience and 2012 is now open. from the event is not included in the fee. access water based activities in a Deposits of €250, made payable to fantastic setting. There are two staff opportunities Scouting Ireland, should accompany This event is open to all Scouts and available: form ES1. Applicants should note that bookings are being taken in Patrols of 8, http://www.sharevillage.org/activities/ not all applicants may be accepted one scouter per troop is also required to • Sweep Staff and should note form NE8. attend. Accommodation will be by way • Assessment Staff Closing date for applications is 25 of Lightweight Camping for all. April 2012. Sweep staff are required from the Water Activities will be provided as 26th June to the 10th July. Applicants part of the overall programme for the should be over 21 (ideally over 25). weekend with sailing, Canoeing and Preference will be given to those with rowing being some of the activities on experience in Venture Scouting, Rover offer to experience and participate in Scouting and/or overseas expeditions over the weekend. Along with the water with young people. Full driving licence based activities there will also be a land is a distinct advantage. Cost for sweep staff is €500. based water themed activity programme Closing date for Water world provided to ensure an action-packed extended until Friday 13th April and fun filled weekend. 2012.

3232 National Events

Electric Vents

Booking Code: 12-NE-275

Dates: Friday 29th June 2012 - Sunday 1st July 2012

Venus: Larch Hill National Campsite, Dublin 16

Cost : €50 per Venture Scout Price includes food and camp

Programme Outline Try a bit of Tai chi or an extreme forest run. Look through the windows of the world. Get down and dirty! Electric Vents is a week-end of activity, fun, music and of course a bit of music and dancing...

For Booking please use the generic booking

3333 And the Winner Is We would like to say a big thank you A big Scouting Ireland congratulations to all that entered the Competition and to the Cub Scouts of the 19th / 36th thank you all for taking Part. There can Phibsboro National Secretary Available to only be one winner but maybe a good activity for your Cub Scout pack would The Leader in charge Anita Kelly and Contact in Larch hill be to have a Cinema night and go and all the Cub Scouts will now attend the see Marvel Avengers Assemble. The National Secretary Sean Farrell can be contacted for general communication Premier of Disney’s New Movie Marvel Avengers Assemble at the Savoy at [email protected], for confidential communication at sfarrell@scouts. Scouting Ireland would like to thank Cinema in Dublin on Monday Next the ie and on mobile phone 086-0417578 and is available at National Office each Richard Carolan and all at Disney for 23rd April. Tuesday from 2 .00pm until 6.00 pm and each Thursday from 7.00 until 9.00pm offering us this fantastic Prize and we starting from the 1st May. look forward to working with them again We had a great response to this on their next Movie Adventure. Please click link to view the letter of introduction from the National Secretary,. Competition and the Cub Scout team under Annette Byrne had the hard task of picking a winner. After a lot of deliberation Phibsboro came out on top.

34 Excellent Opportunity! A cancellation place for 16 - 22 year old Roverway 2012 attractive fee. www.roverway.ie

Explorer Belt Training Weekend

35 in a scout centre in Copenhagen in January to really get deep into the programme of the Agora.

1st Inter-Regional Agora Bit by bit, the programme all came together nicely. Of course there were still some last minute details, finalising From the point of view of planning team member of sessions and such but overall, we felt that we were very well prepared for the Hi, my name is Ciara Beatty, I started scouts in 90th Kilmacud and most recently Agora before arriving in Kandersteg. We I with a few other scouting friends, I helped to set up the Rover Crew in NUI held the event like in previous years in Maynooth. I participated in last years Agora,Agora, Alias ‘Youth Agora, Participation: which looked Todayat Rover identities within Europe. I enjoyed it so much and felt that to be part of the Kandersteg International Scout Centre, not tomorrow’ became so much more Agora again would be a great opportunity to learn so much more, not only about Switzerland, a magnificent setting in the special than previous years. It was heart of Bernese Oberland. The weather the first the time the once European didn’t fail to surprise either with sun and Rovering but also about event Agora, supported by the European snow all at once. management, youth participation Scout Region became open to and youth empowerment. So in Rovers from all over the world, that is September 2011, I had the great to say making the 1st Inter-Regional Overall, we were incredibly happy pleasure of joining the other Agora. It became something bigger with how the event turned out, you enthusiastic Rovers from Europe, and this year with support from the could say it was a 1+1=3 event. I left Vincent from France (our chief Council of Europe we were able to Kandersteg on the Sunday evening yet the baby of all), Niels from the host the event for 44 International feeling more empowered and motivated Netherlands and Emil from Denmark Rovers. by all of the wonderful people I had to be part of the Planning Team for met and reviewing in my head all of Agora 2012. Since we are all living in different the issues that had been discussed. parts of Europe, all of our It was a challenge for me to be part of We started straight to work by communication was done via email, this planning team, but one that I gladly deciding on our objectives for the skype meetings and the very useful accepted and the rewards have been event and the theme. This years dropbox. We all met for one weekend thousand fold. It’s hard to express now about how excited I now feel about not only international but Irish Rovering. The enthusiasm was infectious, I have learnt so much and now I feel so glad that I still have a few more years of Rovering in me to go.

3636 Agora - Participants View which was a hike up to the nearby june-a) from Luxemburg (where they lake Oeschinensee at 1582m. This have more scouts than soldiers!): was quite an experience for us Irish, 3 Máire Fitzgerald and I (Andrew Garrad) that than a few of the participants are foot deep snow at the side of the trail “So there it is. The ultimate truth. As represented Scouting Ireland at the 1st thinking of joining the pinky team for a and a completely frozen over lake, in you can see: Young people motivated Inter-Regional Agora in Kandersteg, 3 month term and ‘living the dream’ at late April after our week of over 20° and working about Youth Involvement which was held from the 17th to the KISC! temperatures! and Project Management. With a lot of 22nd of April. An Agora is an annual There were a large assortment All in all, the Agora was a truly fun, international friendships and with gathering of motivated rovers from of other workshops, including what can unforgettable event with some of the the consciousness that WE ARE THE around Europe but this year the only be described as an amazing trip to most inspiring and motivated people PRESENT, NOT THE FUTURE! ♥ ” event went inter-regional, with 44 a ‘creative platform’ for an exciting and which I have ever met, all dedicated to rovers coming from as far as Canada, unique brainstorming session. There improving Scouting and society in their This sums up the Agora; Azerbaijan, Moldova and Malaysia to was an intense project management respective countries. It was an amazing discussing and working together while name but a few of the 30 countries session where small teams planned gathering of ideas and novel ways of building on the idea that Scouting is a represented. The title of this year’s rover events, working to strict time doing things that I cannot wait to start way of life, exploring how to improve event was “Youth Participation, Today deadlines. We worked in a ‘world cafe introducing into Rovering in Scouting that quality of life, and all while having Not Tomorrow”. Many of the discussions session’ where a large number of broad Ireland! To quote Djunchen (pronounced fun and making new friends from and workshops were focused on the topics in scouting were discussed. around the world! importance of youth participation, how Participants also experienced and learnt it is implemented in different countries new and different ways of approaching and how it can be improved in Scouting. things, including ‘De Bono’s Thinking Another topic was Citizenship, where Hats’ for group discussions, a range we discussed important aspects of of different methods for reviewing and citizenship and designed and created evaluating, unique ways of raising our “ideal” cities. and discussing global issues, and The event was held in a multitude little things that make Kandersteg International Scout Centre Scouting the fun, inspiring, unique (KISC) in the heart of the Swiss Alps, movement that it is. a truly unique location which inspires These serious discussions Scouting. While we were too busy with were mixed with fun events in the Agora to avail of any of the activities traditional Scouting way, with events offered by the centre, the mere sight such as international evening, where of the majestic mountains surrounding each country had a display of some the centre and dinners with the pinkies traditional cooking and a bit of music, (volunteer staff) hinted to us about pictures or whatever we had managed all the possibilities that are open to to squeeze into our rucksacks. We also interested people. It is no wonder took part in a “walkie-talkie” session

3737 Rover Chill 50

When? – 26th-28th October

What is it? –Fantastic Fun Anyway

Where? - Check out June’s Inside Out

Limited Spaces Available

Anyone with queries or needs advice on Rover Scouts please call me on Tuesday nights 7-9pm on 087 8388681 or e-mail [email protected]”

38 Numerous huts/shelters have been constructed along the route and these offer a range of soft drinks, etc…. all kept cool in unique ways by the Morocco 2012 individual stall holders. Organising An Expedition – GOING FOR NINE We stopped at a Holy Shrine at Sidi Chammharouch (2350m) for mint tea. Over the period of the 20th to 28th of March 2012, six Scouters, all members of From there are great views back down the Scouting Ireland (SI) Mountain Pursuit Challenge (MPC) Team travelled to the valley we had ascended, while the Haut (High) Atlas in Morocco. Their purpose apart from enjoying the delights ahead of us rose the summits of Tizi and experiences of the country itself was to gain additional winter mountaineering Thursday 22nd March 2012 n’Tarharate (3456m), Ticchki (3753m) experience. A second purpose for choosing this area was to see if it was feasible Following breakfast we met with the and Affekkoi (3751m). as a location in which holders of Level 7 and above of the SI One Programme Muleteers who took our gear bags up to Adventure (Hill Walking) Skills Award, could gain both the expedition management, in good condition. By the time it reaches the refuge, while we followed carrying The sight of the refuge after 5/6 hours of the altitude (up to/over 3250m) and winter mountaineering experience required in Imlil, it is of a rough surface and narrows our day packs. hiking was a welcome one. Having met the current award scheme. considerably, as it climbs through the It was a beautiful morning, with clear Abdul who is the keeper of the refuge foothills, up narrow ravines. Imlil itself skies and sunshine as we bid farewell and been shown to our dormitory, we Here is their report…………… stands at 1740m above sea level. to our host Idi at the “Annexe”. We set dumped our gear. With day packs we off into the mountains and our intended then headed south further up the valley After settling in, we rambled up to Tizi destination that day, the “Les Mouflons Tuesday 20th March 2012 to a height of 3400m so as to continue n’Tamatert (2279m) a mountain col/pass Refuge” which is located at 3207m. both our acclimatisation, get familiar Travelling as light as possible so as to assist with acclimatisation. A (including all the winter mountaineering with the area, as well to practice our small hut at the top serves mint tea or The track into the mountains is well gear) we met at Dublin Airport and after skills on snow and ice. minerals. The mint tea (which is served used and marked. Its distance of over transiting through London (Gatwick) everywhere) later became named by us 10km from Imlil to the refuge allowed arrived safely in Marrakesh. The snow in the Haut (High) Atlas is as either “Moroccan” or “Berber” whiskey. for a much appreciated gentle ascent. usually present until late April each Despite the mountain terrain there year. On our visit we encountered snow Wednesday 21st March 2012 is evidence everywhere of a highly Following breakfast at our Riad (which initially at 3200m. Over the following ordered economy, with aquaduct is a traditional guest house), we days further snow falls seen the snow systems to take the water from the travelled to the town of Imlil, which line at 2800m. higher rivers and snowfields down to is located in the foothills of the Haut the valley floors, where terraces have Atlas, where we were to stay in the Friday 23rd March 2012 been shaped and nurtured by the local “Annexe” of the “Les Mouflons Refuge”. The following morning revealed a population in order to grow crops and Imlil is located about an hour and a completely different weather outlook, to fruits. half by road from Marrakesh. The the one we had enjoyed the previous road itself starts out from Marrakesh

3939 day. There was a strong wind along Sunday 25th March 2012 with snow from the South/South This morning dawned clear, sunny and East blowing down the valley. The bright. We traversed to the South Col of temperature including wind chill factor Jebel Toubkal, before continuing on to was approximately minus 7 degrees C the summit itself, achieving the summit at the refuge. at 12:30 local time (13:30 GMT) that day. We decided to keep the wind at our back and head North down the valley, The views were exceptional with before turning and ascending into the summits galore to be seen. It is said North Cwm and onwards to the North that the Haut Atlas is similar to the Col of Jebel Toubkal. Four hours of a climbers from Barcelona) decided to Over dinner later that evening in the Himalaya in views and ranges. Mere steady pace, brought us to a height make an attempt of the summits of Ras refuge, tales were exchanged about words cannot describe the sights seen of 3820m, on the North Col of Jebel and Timesquida, while the remainder the day, in particular the spectacular from these heights on the day. Toubkal, in whiteout conditions, with returned back down the valley to the light and sound show that had been a local and wind chill temperature refuge. The group climbing to the experienced by the remainder of the Jebel Toubkal at 4187m is the highest combined of minus 17 degrees C. We summits, having negotiated an arête group as the thunder reverberated mountain in the Atlas Mountains and in decided after a spot of lunch that the and gullies, then reached a snowfield around the valley, bouncing off the high North Africa. It is not a technical climb prospects of the weather clearing were before the summit of Ras. As the group slopes of the surrounding mountains, as and the summit was reached, within limited and the decision was made to reached approx. 4000m, a thunder, they descended to the refuge. four hours of leaving the refuge. return to the refuge, having gaining lightening and snow storm broke out From the summit we then descended to extremely valuable acclimatisation, directly overhead. The group divested the North Col of Jebel Toubkal, before as well as winter mountaineering themselves of their metal equipment descending to the North Cwn and experience, including invaluable (crampons, ice axes, walking poles, thence into the valley, returning then to familiarisation with the terrain. etc….) in one area, then cleared snow the refuge. Saturday 24th March 2012 in the lee of higher ground, so as to The winds having died away, along with shelter from the storm. Just under Monday 26th March 2012 most of the snow, we decided to head two hours later the storm had passed Following breakfast and rapid exercise up to the col at the south of the valley over and the group made a decision to in packing gear (eg: “throw everything (Tizi n’Ouagane (3725m), followed by abandon the attempt on the summits. in, we can sort it out later”), our group a possible summit attempt on both Ras said our goodbyes to Abdul and his (4082m) and Timesquida (4089m). Navigating in whiteout conditions, the staff, before beginning our descent out We were joined by two climbers from group descended to the valley floor via of the mountains and ultimately back to Barcelona. We reached the col and a series of gullies. Marrakesh later that afternoon. four of the group (including the two

4040 stalls, dervish dancers all rotating Wednesday 28th March 2012 It was a deeply satisfied group through the square throughout the day Following an early rise for breakfast at that descended that day, having and night. 06:30, we returned to Ireland later that experienced both the best and night via London Gatwick. worse of weather in the Haut Atlas, Upon our return to Marrakesh and our privileged to have visited a range of Riad that afternoon, we experienced the Conclusion: mountains they had never been in rigours of a Hamman (traditional bath In short, the area chosen is an excellent before, familiarised themselves with house), which after five days of limited location in which to achieve the a small part of its terrain and tested access to washing facilities in the objectives outlined in the introduction. their individual and collective winter mountains, was much needed and very mountaineering ability on a variety of much appreciated by all. The High (Haut) Atlas has the variety levels. Later that evening at dusk watching of terrain, range of height and weather the night fall, while drinking coffee Dinner later that night, was from the conditions to fulfil the requirements of Freshly squeezed orange juice and the terrace of the Café De France, food stalls on the square which in itself Level Nine Award. There are a range rest at Sidi Chammharouch on the overlooking Djemma El Fna was like a was an interesting experience, both of routes, both technical and non descent, plus a good lunch in “Atlas world removed from the mountains even from the point of view of the range and technical that can be climbed. A number Tickha” restaurant in Imlil rounded through they are only just over an hour type of food on offer, as well as the way of the highest mountains in the Atlas off this part of the trip, next stop for away, by road. that it is sold with each stall having its Mountains form the Toubkal valley itself us was Marrakesh and some rest, own salesmen vying for your taste buds, and are easily accessible (skill level relaxation and sightseeing. as well as your money. and weather conditions permitting of course!) from either of the two refuges Marrakesh is a city of over one million Tuesday 27th March 2012 located in that valley. people. Nothing, except minarets, Today was a sunny, hazy, dry and 37 is built over three stories high within degrees C and we spent it taking in the walls of the old city. The vibrancy, the sights in Marrakesh. Touring the smells, colours, languages and modes inner and outer city by bus, and then of transports all add to making this city later on foot, the souks (markets), the one of the liveliest and entertaining synagogue as well coffee breaks to places to visit. The main square allow us to regale tales and people “Djemma El Fna” is a protected area watch in the numerous cafes dotted under a UNESCO directive of 2001. around the main square. The square itself never seems to sleep, with traders, snake charmers, story tellers, monkey handlers, food

4141 kilograms each. For our group of six, this translated into two mules as we had Our Steps packed as light as possible. The food in the refuge was wholesome Airlines: and of good quality. The main evening Dublin to London Gatwick (Return) meal was prepared and cooked using Aer Lingus www.aerlingus.com the “tagine” the traditional and current Cabin Baggage (Limited by size of bag - way of cooking in Morocco. max.10 kgs) Hold Baggage (20kgs) The refuge has a well stocked shop, with snacks, water, etc… available for London Gatwick to Marrakesh (Return) purchase. Only the dining/common Easy Jet www.easyJet.com room in the refuge is heated and there Cabin Baggage (Limited by size of bag) is no hot water for showers. There is no Hold Baggage (20kgs) drying room so this has to be factored in Les Mouflons – Refuge De Toubkal when packing spare clothes, including Riad/Hotel (Marrakesh): http://www.refugetoubkal.com/ outer garments. On review it would be possible to travel Riad Dollar Des Sables http://www. directly from the airport to Imlil thereby riaddollardessables.com/ The refuge organised the There is another refuge located slightly reducing the trip by a day. accommodation (including all meals, higher in the same valley than that of Refuge lunches and water) in the refuge as well “Les Mouflons” this refuge (Refuge A link up could be organised with the Refuge (including the “Annexe” located as at the “Annexe” (which we used on Du Toubkal, commonly know as in Morocco, perhaps in Imlil) our night in Imlil). They also organised “Nelter” Refuge) is owned and operated on a project or other such mutually our transport from Marrakesh to Imlil by the Club Alpin Francais (CAF), who beneficial opportunity. (incl. return) and the donkeys and have a number of refuges in the Atlas muleteers for the trek up to and down Mountains. The lodge related to the Acknowledgement: from the refuge. Refuge De Toubkal, is located in the The group were ably assisted in its village of Armend, which is about a preparation by Kieran Creevy, a former The cost per person of our travel to twenty minute walk from Imlil on the Scout, who is a qualified International and from Marrakesh to Imlil, our stay route up into the Toubkal valley Mountain Leader (IML). He has (incl. meals and water) in the “Annexe” considerable experience and knowledge in Imlil, followed by our stay (incl. Refuge Du Toubkal (CAF) http://www. of organising expeditions and guiding meals, lunches and water) for four refugedutoubkal.com/en/index.html in the mountains of Europe, Africa and nights/five days in the refuge and the Currency: Asia. mules to carry our main gear to and from the refuge was just over € 200 The unit of currency in Morocco is the each. The mules take about forty (40) “Dirham”, which can only be purchased/

42 Insulated Gloves (with removable exchanged within Morocco itself. The fleece/Primaoft layer) exchange rate (March 2012) is just Mitts are and can be useful too. over ten (10) Dirham to one (1) Euro. Consider bringing a spare pair of gloves That said check before you travel, as (Ski Gloves, etc…) as back up some facilities, will accept payment in a currency other than the Dirham. Feet Socks - Liner (x 4 pairs) Maps: Socks - Mid to Heavy (x 4 pairs) it is “Toubkal and Marrakesh” (1:50000) - nice to have dry socks each day Orientazion Boots must have rigid/ semi rigid sole and capable of taking crampons Guidebook: (be sure and fit and test crampons in “Mountaineering in the Moroccan High advance of the trip, especially while Atlas” by Des Clark - Cicerone using gloves) Runners/trail shoes are ideal for Gear List / Related Information Marrakesh, as well as in the Refuge and possibly could be used in part Head for the approaches into and from the Woolly Hat/Beanie (x 2) mountains, beyond Imlil. Gaiters are optional, but if you are using way always ensure that you choose and Sun Hat (x 1) with wide brim Torso waterproof pants with/without snow pack wisely. Buff (x 1) Long Sleeve Base Layers (x 2) skirts, the gaiters are useful for keeping Balaclava (x 1) Short Sleeve Tops (x 2) out the snow. Regardless of what type Traversing the mountain while you Head Torch (eg: Petzl, etc…) batteries Fleece – Mid Weight (x 1) (Polartec of waterproof salopettes, trousers you are staying in the refuges you should are expensive in Morocco so ensure 200-300gm) are bringing, make sure that they have have a forty (40) litre rucksack, which that head torch is kitted with new Down Jacket (x 1) (ME, Rab, TNF, a long zip on each leg so as to allow should be sufficient for day walks. That batteries and bring two (2) complete etc…..) you put them on/take off over boots and rucksack and one other bag will be sets of spare batteries for same. Waterproof Jacket (Gortex) (x 1). crampons sufficient bearing in mind the hike from Legs Imlil to the Refuge is approx. 5/6 hours Face Underwear (synthetic as it dries quicker Luggage (Weight) with 1500m height gain over that time. Sunglasses (min. Category 3) ensure than cotton) This is IMPORTANT as given both the they side protection Thermal leggings (x 1) airline restrictions on weight and equally Another option is one larger rucksack Sun Screen (min. Factor 30 +) Soft shell pants (Marmot/ME/TNF or one’s ability to carry same. Our group (sixty (60)/seventy (70) litres, which can Lip Balm similar) (x 1/2) hired mules, but some groups decide also be used in the mountains for your Hands Waterproof salopettes (with snow skirts) to hike in with packs. This can require a daily traverses, with remainder of gear Lightweight Gloves (Windstopper, or Pants (Gortex) (x 1) recovery day in the mountains, so either left in the refuge. Powerstretch, etc…) (x 1 pair)

43 Mobile Phones: Finally Ice Axe (x 1) including leash) Despite its remote location there is Ensure that you have a primary home One general mountaineering axe mobile phone coverage in the refuge contact appraise them of your contact Sleeping required. These can range in size but and the Toubkal Valley. number(s) and itinerary in Morocco, Sleeping Bag (x 1) must be of good probably 55-75cm depending on your as well as details for each of your quality (rated to minus 10 degrees or height. below) First Aid: respective next of kin (if the home Bring a small basic kit including some contact is not the next of kin). Sleeping Bag Liner (Thermal or Silk) Group Shelters/KISU’s small plasters /Compeed, tape, etc… Ear Plugs (very important) Carry sufficient shelters to consider including basic medication The members of the MPC Team accommodate all the members of your such as paracetamol, brufen, cough/ involved in this expedition were; Hydration: group in an emergency. It is not recommended to consume throat lozenges, etc… Andy Ward, Alan Mc Namara, Charlie Mc Guinness, Dave Cusack, John any water without it being treated first. Other Personal Equipment: Bottled water is available throughout Personal Medication: Barron and Paul Barron. Please ensure that you bring any and Morocco, including at the Refuge. You Treking Poles: sufficient supply of personal medication For further images click will require up to 4 – 6 litres per day to One (1) pair, with snow baskets, for the duration of the trip. If you wear stay hydrated. including the means (tools) to fit and contact lenses, make sure you have remove the baskets. Platypus/Camelback (two (2) litres enough solution or else consider bring sufficient daily disposable sets. Bring a capacity (x 1) Passport: pair of glasses as back up. Water bottle (one (1) litre) (x 1) is useful Ensure you have the original, as well as for night time use, equally given the a copy of same stored within your kit freezing temperatures a bottle with insulation is easier to access than a Insurance: frozen Platypus/ Camelback tube. Cover is available via the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) or from Other Essential Equipment: the Austrian Alpine Club

Crampons (x 1 pair) Food: Must be a pair that fits your boots Ensure that you have a store of properly! Ten (10) or Twelve (12) point. personal favourites with you (eg: “Clip-on” bindings are easiest if your Chocolate, Snacks, Nuts, etc……..) boots take this type such as the Grivel G12 New Matic. If your boots are not Other Items: designed to take “clip-ons” then models Camera (don’t forget batteries & spares, such as the Grivel G10 New Classic are card(s), Book (E Reader), Playing good. Cards, Travel Games, Toilet Tissue, Wet Wipes, Personal Wash Kit (incl. Towel)

4444 Province News

Barcelona Marathon 2012 Successful Conquest ells) Tree Planting Mitchelstown Richard O’Mara, Scouting Ireland Jamboree 2013 Treasurer 5th Meath( K Patrick Roche and North Cork Scout County Chairperson Patrick O’Driscoll who took part in the Barcelona Marathon 2012 last Sunday and completed the route in record time. Some photos of some of our Scouts along with Councillor Conor Ferguson planting trees as part of a Native Woodland Trust initiative on Sat 7th April near Claven’s Bridge just north of Kells on the N3.

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The camp was very successful in many ways. One way was when this camp was first decided upon the idea was to have each element of the Camp run Volunteer to Help at the by a youth Member, Venture Scout International Eucharistic Congress or Rover Scout and they would be shadowed in each position by an Adult In my role as National Catholic Spiritual Adviser/Chaplain, I was approached Scouter. In this way the Youth Members for help by the organisers of the International Eucharistic Congress 2012 for would get a chance to take all the assistance. I am putting together a service team and if you want to be involved responsibility in running the various please follow the details outlined in the attached flyer. elements of the Camp. In doing so This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a very large event and gain experience this will give the youth members the in large events outside the Scouting arena while putting our commitment to service confidence to take up various positions into action. on national Jamboree in the future. Also available over the weekend was various There are a wide range of roles scout skills training for Scouters . So available: while the youth members were off on bases the Adult Scouters had a chance • Event Services Team to learn some new Scouting Skills and • Hospitality – Meet and Greet also to network with other leaders. So Services Team well done to joint Camp Chiefs Liam • Information Services Team Boyd and Willie O Connor and the many • Logistical Services Team youth and Adult members who helped in • Media Services Team If I can be of any assistance please organizing and running this event. • Medical Services Team feel free to contact me at the email on So the Province will now look to 2013 • Pastoral & Liturgical services Team the flyer. and a Beaver Scout and Cub Scout • Translation Services Team Provincial camp. Make sure you don’t • Transportation Team Information can be downloaded from miss it! • Scouting support services Team

View the pictures of the event on Scouting Irelands Gallery here This is open to Adult members of Scouting Ireland (Those who are over the age of 18). There is also room for Venture Groups participating as a group.

46 Province News

other major events were Pioneering, Emergencies and the Cube. In the cube consisted of nine short and quick bases based on the main nine badges 4th Cork Make it Four in a Row in the ONE programme while at the Pioneering Base each patrol was given Last weekend the Lee Valley Scout County held their annual county cup one and a half hours to build and fire competition with fourteen participating patrols, including two visitor patrols from the a Ballista. The emergencies first aid 97th Cork (Innishannon) and the from Ballincollig. Good camping base had three elements to it with the is often dependant on the weather and whilst extremely cold, particularly at night ‘patients’ made up very well to resemble for the most part the rain held off. a real live scenario with one of the being an explosion at the Kitchen in Kilcully. There was a great scouting atmosphere as the tents were erected giving a village style visual to the campsite. These tents of course would become the homes A number of the Macaoimh/Cub Scout of the scouts for the following two days. This year open fires were back on the packs came Saturday afternoon and programme for cooking and the scent of wood smoke gave a lovely whiff and camped overnight for their sports day semi cloud formation across the site. There was a great spirit of friendliness and on Sunday. Mass was celebrated on site on Saturday evening by Fr. Fergus Tuohy S.M.A. co operation amongst the patrols with some of the stronger patrols When the results were announced it and more seasoned scouts lending was a case of the 4th Cork (Ss. Peter a helping hand to the less well & Paul’s) sweeping the boards winning experienced. On the Friday evening the campcraft, adventure skills and the once darkness fell the scouts went overall cup. This is their fourth year in a to the assembly hall where each row winning the competition. Runners patrol put on an item akin to the up were the 49th Cork (Ballincollig) who popular X Factor with three judges also won the cooking. The X factor was wearing face masks of Simon won by 37th Cork (Togher) while the Cowell, Louis Walsh and Cheryl visitors trophy was won by the IGG. Cole the well known judges. Three acts were chosen to go forward for the finals the following evening.

Apart from the campcraft playing a major part over the competition, the

47 Province News

Some Results from County Shields around the Country Castleblayney Scout Leader Wins Monaghan Rose of Tralee Mountpelier Scout County 1st 103rd Willington Congratulations to Caoimhe Flanagan who won the recent heat of the Rose of Tralee and will now represent Monaghn in the Competition. Tipperary Cois Suire 1st 27th Tipperary Fethard First time winners Caoimhe is a Scout leader in Castlebayney Scout Group and was all set for Camp North East until she won. She then had to pull out due to her commitments in the Competition. All in Scouting Ireland wish Caoimhe the best in the competition and Reachra Scout County hopefully a Scout Leader from Castleblayney can become the Rose of Tralee First time this county had a County Shield in 6 years 1st 9th Port/15th Dublin Malahide Sea Scouts (Friday Troop)

Dun Laoghaire Scout County 54/88th Dun Laoghaire and 48th Newtownpark

Waterford Scout County St. Pauls & Faithlegg

North Cork 82nd Rathcormac and 24th Charleville.

4848 Province News

Leading the way

Drummers All

3rd Cork wins Cois Laoi Shield

Climbing Wall Cois Laoi County Shield

Suds all round

Keeping the beat 49 Province News

The Dublinia Frank Tisdal Challenge Yeats Scout County go Well done to all the Scouts who took part in the Dublinia Frank Tisdal Challenge on the may bank holiday weekend in Larch Hill. 22 Patrols took part in this weekend back to college and its the sixth year that the county have used the Natural Patrol System. A big thank you to Shane Briggs the outgoing A.CPC for Scouts and his team for a The Civil Engineering team at IT Sligo wonderful weekend. Also, thanks to the Campcraft marking team who came from invited the Scouts and Venture Scouts Groups in Counties such as Waterford, Cois Lee, North Cork, Tolka and Louth from Yeats Scout County to come along Scout Counties. for a day to find out what Civil Engineers do. The Scouts were shown how The 91st Raven Patrol Finished 1st with the ropes were tested and different ways 91st Curlew 2nd and the of treating water in the structural and 94th Wolf in 3rd Place. environmental labs. The highlight of the day was for both the Civil Engineering The other results included: lecturers and the Scouts was designing and building a bridge, working together • Commissioners Award- ( Scout) Cormac Singleton 35th Donore Ave to solve the problems of crossing a • Commissioners Award- ( Patrol) 52nd Bull river. Scout engineering has been taken • Most Improved Troop- 44th/93rd Crumlin to a new level. • Video LogBook- 45th Mt Argus • Campfire Award- 91st Bluebell Check out www.itsligo.ie for more • Best PL- Aaron McGurk 91st Raven information on Civil Engineering • Cooking- 35th Stag courses. • Skills Cup- 91st Raven • Campcraft- 94th Wolf

50 Province News

Cookstown Leaders take to the humorous comments and clips were shown, not least off all being a spot of Dance Floor pole dancing in the Den.

Friday 6th January saw ten Once all couples had completed their leaders from the 6th Tyrone Scout Group in second dance – the public voting opened. Cookstown, dust off their dance shoes for a Overall scores were completed with 50% night of NOT Strictly Dancing. Five couples public vote and 50% judge’s scores. took to the floor, firstly to treat the audience Whilst overall scores were being counted to a group jive, danced to ‘Rock Around up, all five couples came out on the floor the Clock’. Once everyone was warmed to complete a group Barn Dance. up then each of the five couples danced Couple No 4……Laura Devlin & Jonny Dallas a formal dance e.g. Cha, cha, cha, Quick Each of our couples had worked very step, or even Freestyle for the really brave hard over many months of practice to make the night the tremendous success at heart. Our first half of the show ended Couple No 1……Christine Devlin & Gustie Quinn then with all of our five couples dancing a it was. All monies raised from the event Line Dance, also accompanied by Mary are being used for Summer Camp 2012 in and Adrian who were Bruce and Tess for each of the different sections. the evening. When the scores were all in one winning Couple dances were judged by Brenda couple emerged. Our congratulations Buchanan (Group Secretary), Henry Devlin to Couple No 3……Marie Donaghy and (Scouter) and Joe Corey (Asst. County Connor Hodges for being crowned Commissioner). Comments from the judges were witty and very fair (I must say they were also open to the odd bribe.) Couple No 5……Aisling Eastwood & Niall Lawless

Our second half of the evening began then NOT Strictly Dancing Champions 2012. with our five couples performing another Couple No 2……Emma Devlin & Ronan Lawless Our evening finished much, much later on couples’ dance, this time it was themed. after both the audience and dancers had The audience were treated to the likes of enjoyed the disco. As well as seeing the live dancing Buzz Light-year and Jessie, LMFAO not to from each of the couples, video mention the appearances of dear old Santa Our heartfelt thanks must go to Miss footage was also shown of how and the Mrs!! Helen Murray who taught all of the they got on in practice and a small couples the different dance steps. interview about how they felt things Without her tremendous help the night Couple No 3……Marie Donaghy & Connor Hodges were progressing. Some very would never have happened.

5151 Province News

TV Programme 7th Meath Dunshaughlin Scout Group on RTE’S “Dirty Old Towns”

On Apr 28th and 29th RTE came to Dunshaughlin. Colm Hayes and his crew landed on Saturday morning to film the town at work as part of the “Dirty Old Towns with Diarmuid Gavin”. As part of the “weekend challenge” section of the Programme, the town was busy painting the Courthouse, tidying the Famine Graveyard and building a Friendship Garden at St. Patrick’s Hall. The 7th Meath Dunshaughlin Scout Group got stuck in!

Both Beaver Colonies decided to paint some bird boxes which could be placed in the Friendship Garden. We will be able to keep an eye on them during the year as part of our Environmental Challenges and hopefully they will make warm

dry homes for some birds. Each Graveyard. One of the surprises Lodge in the 2 Colonies painted and of the day was the amount of decorated it’s own box and they look Ladybirds to be seen! Many of the wonderful. We had a chat with Colm Cubs then visited the newly painted Hayes on Saturday about Beavers Courthouse to sit in the audience for and presented him with our boxes. the re-enactment of the Petty Court We returned on Sunday to be filmed Sessions from the mid 1800’s. with Colm putting up the boxes in the The Scout Troop was largely finished Friendship Garden. responsible for clearing the Famine The Cub Pack built 3 different types Graveyard. On Saturday, they of Bird House for the Wild Birds removed all the old wood and rubbish which live in the surroundings of and then built a dry fence using all the Famine Graveyard. There was the trimmed tree branches. They lots of Brush to clear out of the way returned on Sunday to complete initially and then each Patrol placed the task of filling the wooden flower their boxes up in trees around the planters which had been made

5252 Province News

Scouts Congregate on Culdaff over Errigal Scout County assembled on a sun kissed Culdaff over the weekend for the County Scout Challenge where they undertook a number of scouting challenges along an 8k route. by one of our Scouters, Jan. When the planters were finished, the Scouts did Scouts from , Letterkenny, a last check through the Graveyard to clean up any remaining areas. This was Raphoe, Strabane, Castlederg, Buncrana completed just in time for the Prayer and Reflection Ceremony which was held at Carndonagh, Clonmany, Quigley’s Point the Graveyard by our local priest Fr Colm. When the crowds left, the Scouts were as well as host group Bocan arrived at the back to work again clearing tables and chairs, taking down Marquees etc and campsite on the farm of the Mill’s Family returning the Graveyard to it’s normal peaceful (although now much tidier!) self. who provided the facility at short notice. Our Venturers were also involved this weekend. On Saturday, they erected 2 Marquees at the Famine Graveyard and served teas, coffees and refreshments to Scouts were split into Patrols with all the workers and local volunteers. “Pat the Hat” was a term that was regularly members of other groups providing great hollered by Colm Hayes when calling on our very own Venturer Scouter Pat opportunities for making new friends and learning new skills from each other. On Rathborne (who wears a very Saturday morning they all set off on the distinctive hat!). Dunshaughlin 8k hike along the stunning coastal road had it’s very own moving Statue stopping off at 10 locations to undertake a on Saturday as 2 of our Venture number of scouting challenges including, Scouters Pat and Damien were part making rope ladders, cooking on Triangia’s, of the crew that relocated a statue learning compass and map reading and in the Graveyard! On Sunday, the completing a number of team building Venturers assisted with the Irish exercises. Later that evening they got a Blood Transfusion Service Blood chance to experience the thrill of a zip Drive in the village by serving line and then finished off the night with a refreshments to those who had Campfire. donated blood. Errigal Scout County would like to We all had a fantastic time this acknowledge the host group 20th Donegal weekend and it was great to see (Bocan) who took on the responsibility at every section of the Scout Group short notice when they original host were out at work, busy helping in the unable to facilitate, so a big thanks to all the Community. Scouters and helpers in providing a great Over 110 young scouts from all event (and weather) at such short notice.

53 Province News

Scouts Congregate on Culdaff ... Continued

54 Province News

There was a 27th Tipperary Scout Group Fethard

To mark our 25 th Anniversary we had a Group Investiture / Promise Renewal, we were privileged to have the Chief Scout Michael John Shinnick present, this was indeed a honour for us and hopefully the first of many visits. great turnout of Parents and Friends, in addition we had some ex-Scouts, also in attendance were many Scouting Dignitaries from around the County, including the County Quartermaster local TD Seamus Healy.

Promise Renewal started with our Group Leader and then onto all Adult Scouters, followed by all Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and finally Ventures, congratulations to each Scout Investiture and every one of our youth members on your Investiture / Promise Renewal.

The Chief presented all youth a proud of yourselves for being so respectful and achieving the high standard you have reached. This could not have been done without members with their respective your respective Section Adult Scouters, a big well done and thanks to each of them. To our Chief Scout Michael John Shinnick how can Investiture Badge. The Ceremony we repay you for honouring us with your presence, we hope you will remember your visit to Fethard, I know we will. Finally, a very special went extremely well, with the thanks to our Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Ventures you make our Scout Group so special. greatest respect shown by all throughout the Ceremony, remarkable when you consider that there was such a large attendance, this reminds us, as the Chief said that there is great discipline in our youth members. A word of thanks to all for so much cooperation, thanks to our PP Canon Tom Breen for his attendance.

Fethard Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Ventures you can all be justifiably Beaver Scout Investiture Cub Scout Investiture Venture Scout Investiture

55 Leave No Trace Training

Inishleena Scout Water Activities Team Update on the Venture Scout and Rover Scout Training. The Inishleena Scout Water Activities Team are back in action for the coming water season with the provision of equipment and instructors to assist sections who otherwise would not As previously advertised a very unique have access to such gear. Last week saw the first weekend of many with the 45th Cork training Course specifically for Venture Blarney Cub Scouts/Macaoimh being given a taste of the some of the water adventure Scouts and Rover Scouts is taken skills. Later in the day some of the team took part in the Coast Guard demenstration in Cork place in Scout Centre on harbour as part of the Titanic Centenery.The team plan to provide access to the equipment the 18th/19th &20th May. As this is the and some instruction to groups who may wish to introduce water activities to sections who first time that Scouting Ireland has run in the past wouldn’t have had the opportunity due to location or cost. At present we operate a trainers Course specifically aimed at all we can to make sure that we are empowering right through to the last weekend of September. Youth Programme members to train Youth Members to sign off other Youth Members Youth Programme members, the Chief in all aspects of Adventure Skills. This is only the For Scout Groups/Sections that Commissioner Youth Programme Ian start of this process and we would hope to roll are looking to get any section Davy is to provide a very generous out similar initiatives in other areas of Adventure introduced to water activities financial incentive to all Groups who skills” in a safe enviroment we offer 2 support their youth members in taking packages part. He is willing to give €40 worth So to avail of this special offer please make : Half Days activity ( 10am – 1pm) of loyalty points from the Scout Shop, sure to send your booking as soon as possible for € 5 back to each group for every registered to National office as spaces are limited and : Full days activity ( 10am – 4pm ) youth member they support to attend we would expect this course to book up very for €8. the course. quickly. These days will include Paddling, Sailing ,Rowing and other water Speaking on the announcement of this For more information click based games. The Team can also initiative Ian stated “ this sort of training assist any Scout Groups wishing to needs to be supported and encouraged. complete Emergencies,Paddeling, It is important part of the ONE Sailing and Rowing Adventure Programme and the concept re Youth Skills up to level 5. A supply of gear Members becoming trainers is central for raft building is also available. to what the ONE Programme is about. Further information from Colin As an association we should be doing Heas. (086) 8691228.

56 Over 600 turn out for Heyjinks

Weather was mixed last weekend but ideal for HeyJinks at Farran Woods. Numbers broke all records said a delighted Betty O’Donovan one of the organising committee. Just to arrive at Farran Woods and see the number of coaches parked up and loads of young people highly excited and joking those who faces were covered in mud after coming off some of the trails. For the Macaoimh/Cub Scouts along with Brigini’s and Brownies, the muddier and wetter they got the more they seemed to achieve and seemed to become a besting match. There were of course some who were more petite and kept all their hair in place.

With over six hundred present the catering team certainly had their work cut out providing soup, crisps and drinks for the participants and of course tea’s and coffee’s for the leaders and adults. Colin Heas who was charged with staffing all the basis said it was no mean task but you can always depend on the dependables he said. With the extra numbers this year which was a record, leaders were very good to respnd and help out.

57 Province News

Lee Valley Cub Scout Challenge Lee Valley Beaver Scout Sports Day Lee Valley Scout County recently held sure everyone had a fun time and the its Urban Challenge for Cub Scouts. On the 21st of April Lee Valley Scout County hosted its Beaver Scout Sports Day leaders who brought their Beaver and The day began bright and early at the in the 43rd Bishopstown Scout Hall. The sports day was well attended by nearly all helped out on the day. train station in Cork City. After shocking of the groups from the County. To kick off the day the Beavers were greeted and an unprepared ticket inspector 70 Cub had the rules of the day explained to them. Then they were split up into teams of LeeValleyScout County, Scouts boarded the Cork – Midleton four to stay in for the day, these four would race against each other in the potato www.LeeValleyScouts.ie Train, and finally discovered their sack race and the egg and spoon race but also race with each other in the relay destination. (Midleton by the way) Upon race. arriving they we’re split up into teams, given their question sheets and sent on their way along the main road in Midleton.

In between races and when the The Cubs had twenty questions on the Beavers had finished everything sheet, all to be answered by the Cubs they got to enter the “it’s a knockout themselves, the method was up to style challenge” where pairs raced them. During the day they had to search each other under a net, through signposts, tourist information points, in a tube, step through several hula the library and ask the locals. All the hoops, jump over a bench and reach the finish line.

At the end of the event medals were presented to all of the Beavers who win in races. A big thank you is well deserved by Sheila McCarthy (CPC for Beaver Scouts) for organising and running the event, the Bishopstown Venture Scouts for staffing and generally making

5858 Province News

St Paul’s 4 Peak Challenge

O’Keefe for putting in a lot of work and Over the Easter weekend Venture Following morning we headed out to organising the event and Colin Heas Scouts & Scouters from St. Paul’s Scout climb Mweelrea. Made that in 2.5 hours (CPC) and Richard Linehan for taking Group in Waterford climbed all 4 high up and back. Pat had dinner ready when over and running the event on the day. points in the provinces in their 4th “4 we arrived off the mountain. We just Peak Challenge”. made it as the skies opened with heavy Lee Valley Scout County, rain. On then to Killarney where we www.LeeValleyScouts.ie This report came in from the group. stayed at Flesk Campsite. Hot Showers “This was our 4th Bi-Annual event. We were great. Monday morning we awoke left Waterford at 2pm on Good Friday to a horrible day, water everywhere. The and we were walking by 4.30 pm up Devil’s Ladder was a waterfall with the Slievemann and onto Lugnaquilla, amount of rain that fell. We made it up There was a fair amount of snow over in 2 groups to the top of Carrauntoohill. 2500ft. Very windy and wet at the top. Conditions as bad as we ever seen them. We then made our way to Larch Hill We only stayed short while, making our groups went around with a leader to stay overnight before heading to way back down the same way as we who was there for nothing more than Newcastle Co. Down to climb Slieve came. We met few hardy souls heading the safety of the participants. Donard. The weather was much up, on arrival in Cronin’s Yard we had hot Over the course of the day the kinder apart from last 300 ft to the top, food before heading home. Cubs also had to fill a logbook with whereas we met no one on Lug, it their answers and their story about seemed the whole of the country was We drove 1300Kms, Climbed 12,000 the day; what they did, what they walking Donard. Feet, walked 30km+. Fair achievement saw and who they spoke to. At Two for all who took part, especially our O’Clock when all the questions had After food, we then had long drive Venture Scouts and Ann, who showed been answered and the logbooks to Louisbourgh in Mayo stopping in that the ladies in St Paul’s are ‘Women nearly completed the Cubs were Sligo on the way to have more food. with Altitude’! surprised with a trip to McDonalds We arrived in the campsite just after all covered by the event. Fortunately 10.30pm. Role on 2014 for the 5th Installment. the staff of McDonalds were a lot Next up is to climb 4 highest Peaks in more prepared to deal with the Cubs Great Britain & Ireland” than the Train Inspector. After the meal all the cubs went to the local park to do some fun bases and relax before getting the train back to Cork. A great time was had by all that attended and the County would like to thank Caroline

59 Province News

3rd Monaghan (Carrickmacross) Beaver Scouts Under Canvas when we got to the middle of the forest Fundraiser Success for we all put out our torches to let our eyes adjust to the moonlight and listen Rathcormac Scouts to the sounds. Back to the campsite where the campfire was lighting for us Rathcormac Scouts wish to thank the management, staff and customers of and the hot chocolate heating... we Herlihy’s Centra Fermoy for all the help and support which we received last sang a few songs and had a nice cup Saturday for our Bag Packing Fundraiser also wish to thank all the Scouts, of hot chocolate before heading off Leaders and parents who helped out on the day, this is very much appreciated to bed. There was plenty of chat and thanking you. giggles for a while but eventually the chatter died down and everyone was asleep. Beaver Scouts were up at the 31 Beaver Scouts from our Monday crack of dawn, breakfast was served and Tuesday night Trops had their in the marquee and this time the girls first outdoor camping experience of did the wash up and we all packed up the year. And for many this was the our gear and the beavers went home. very first overnight camp. The beaver Scouts arrived at the campsite at 4pm Well done to all of the beaver Scouts and took on the assault course that for camping overnight, we hope you was set up in the forest area. After enjoyed it and are looking forward to plenty of fun there the beaver Scouts the next camp in June.... put their gear in the tents that were set up, placing out all their mats and sleeping bags for later on that night. More fun and games were had on the green area before dinner. After the boys did the washing up and everyone collected some wood for the campfire we all headed into the forest for our night hike. The beaver Scouts were well equipped with their little torches,

Rathcormac Scouts Sarah Murphy, Abigail Edmonds, Sarah Geaney and James Quirke.

6060 Province News

have received the award and the first how valuable an achievement it would outside of Cork City. He also mentioned be to have on someone’s CV. He also how Shane and Sinead, who become spoke of how under the new format for the 10th and 11th members of the group the award how all recipients will now to receive the award, will be among the also be automatically signed off on their Chief Scout Awards In last to receive this award under the old bronze Gaisce award, with the Venture format (a new format has since been award equating to the silver Gaisce On Thursday 26th April two scouts from the 6th Tipperary Roscrea group, Shane introduced under Scouting Irelands One and the Rover version linked with the Culleton and Sinead Flanagan, received their Chief Scout Awards from the Chief Programme). gold Gaisce award. He noted that the Scout Mr Michael John Shinnick. The ceremony held in Roscrea Scout Hall projects that Scouts undertook to do was also attended by the Provincial Commissioner John Watmore, the County It was then time for the main event of their awards were a mirror of life in that, Commissioner Edward Doyle and Shane andGroup Sinead’s Leader families. Francis Beavers, Minogue Cubs, then the evening as the Chief Scout Michael as in a job, you start something and Scouts and Ventures together with leaders representingspoke about all Scouting the sections in Roscrea in the John Shinnick presented Shane and follow it through to its conclusion, but as group were also in attendance. and read from a number of articles as Sinead with their awards. He remarked with everything it requires commitment far back as one on an annual camp on the importance of the award and and hard work to do so. After an opening reflection Group Leader in Barna in Galway in 1934. He also Francis Minogue sprung a surprise on referred to an article from 1975 on two unsuspecting Leaders from the the presentation of the very first Chief Thursday Beaver Section, as Joan Scout Award to a member of the group Morrison was presented with her five John O’Connell who at the time was year service award and Paul Spencer only the 7th scout in the country to with his Woodbeads by John Watmore and Eddie Doyle.

The County Commissioner Eddie Doyle then spoke to congratulate Shane and Sinead and also to wish the best to the sixty or so members of the group from all sections who are currently undertaking their own versions of the award. The Provincial Commissioner John Watmore spoke of the importance of leadership by both adults in scouting and youth members. He spoke of the importance of responsibility, respect and honour in leadership.

6161 Province News

Rathcormac North CorkCounty Champions 2012.

The North Cork County Shield 2012 which was held in Charleville Show Grounds last weekend with Scout Groups from all over North Cork competing in the ultimate Camp Craft Challenge. Rathcormac Scouts all boy Patrol won several awards in the Challenge Class and Rathcormac Scouts an all girl patrol for the first time in the history of Rathcormac Scouting were successful in wining several awards in their class and the prestigious County Shield itself. Charleville will also represent the county at the Phoenix Challenge. Congratulations to all best of luck in the Phoenix Challenge 2012!

6262 Province News

Waterford County Shield Reachra County Shield

Ciaran Casey and his watch of the Friday night troop came first place in the County Camping competition held over the weekend in Larch Hill Tibradden,Co.Dublin. Ciaran led his watch over the weekend in a keenly contested competition. Marks were allocated for preparation, site build, menu, camp hygiene, camp craft and cooking.

The watch scored high in all areas. The judges souls and stomachs were melted by the watch’s dinner on Saturday night. Melon sun surprise began as the starter, followed by a sweet and sour chicken dish with pilau rice and of course the dessert, chocolate mountain log. All washed down with camper’s tea. Great stuff that earned his watch over 600 points and walk away with first place. Well done. The winning team with Skipper James Doyle. 1st Place at County Shield

From http://www. malahideseascouts.ie

6363 Province News

Local Scouters Build a Better Future round to the poorest family to bring a house for another family of 8. We them aid in the form of food, medicine pay our own flights and expenses in Romania and clothes. Needless to say, none of for the journey and work hard to try us went very far without our pockets and fund raise as much money as being stuffed with sweets so that we possible. We would welcome any Four Cookstown Scouters travelled had always something to give the support in the form of sponsorship to Romania to complete some charity children in the village. Whilst we got from groups in the Northern Province, work in the village of Comana. our work finished on the house, our or indeed further afield, for this very Comana is an extremely poor village, work in the village is still on going and worthy cause. Please contact me lacking basic amenities such as we plan to travel again to Comana in on [email protected] for further sewage systems and running water the summer time to complete work on information. within the houses. Adrian, Jonny, Christine and I travelled as part of a team of 8 to finish work on a new house for a family of five. Whilst in Romania, we also completed some work on an orphanage and a shop, run by the young people in the older orphanage. Our days were busy, from early morning through to late at night. Our aim was to get as much as possible completed during our time there. Our journey out to the village took an hour and a half, travelling in the back of a transit van, as the minibus we were to use had been involved in an accident the week before and repairs had not been completed. Our spirits were not to be dampened and we kept the craic going in the back of the van in the extreme heat. We completed work on the electrics and joinery as well as plastering the house. During the morning’s Christine and I would go

64 May 2012

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