Roverway out of this world! Explorer Belt great Success! Electric Vents what a weekend! Venture Scout Challenge Brilliant! ready to rumble! Communications Commissioner Intro

Welcome to this month’s issue of Inside Out your monthly one stop shop for all that is happening in Scouting . This month we feature Strongly next year’s Jamboree in Strabally. Don’t miss out make sure you book early as numbers are limited. The Explorer belt teams returned and we have all the action inside. Electric Vents never really took off before but this year was buzzing over that weekend see feature within. We also have news and coverage of many Group Annual camps that have taken place over the Last couple of months. Also included this month is our regular features from the Beaver Scout ,Cub Scout and Rover Scout teams. Remember if you want to submit an article for next month’s issue then please forward them to Togher Scouts Page 35 [email protected]. Please forward this on to all Scouters and Youth Members in your group. Don’t presume they have got it.

Deadline for next month’s issue is 31st August. See you next month! - The Communications Team

In this issue... Stradbally 2013 3 SI Vacancies 6 Explorer Belt 2012 9 Beaver Scouts 19 Quote of the Month Up to an MPC? 29 “A week of camp life is worth Sea Scout Centenary 35 six months of 5th Kildare Clane 44 theoretical teaching in the meeting room.” Baden Powell

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Just over two years ago I decided it would be a good idea to put a submission to the NMC to be camp chief for ’s Jamboree in 2013 and it’s been a year and a half since the inaugural management team meeting.

Since then there has been thousands of hours of work by a growing team of great people going on in the background, building a solid foundation for the Jamboree. We’re planning everything from menus to the most efficient way to heat showers; from traffic plans to site layout to programme. We’re debating check-in methods; forecasting budgets and everything in between and out to the edges.

I’m working with the best team I could hope for and we’ve received some great feedback as interest builds both around the country and internationally, with bookings coming in since March.

We know you’re keen to hear from us as plans develop - you will be hearing and seeing a lot more from us over the coming months and we would like to thank you all for your support so far.

If you’re a Scouter or Rover Scout with skills or ideas that will help make the Jamboree amazing for everyone then let us know. If you’re a Scout or Venture Scout looking to be involved in a piece of Scouting history then there is no better place to be than Stradbally in July 2013 together with friends from your Scout Group and new friends from around Ireland and the world.

The Jamboree team are looking forward to next year, we hope you are too and we really look forward to seeing you there,

Dee Butler, Camp Chief Stradbally 2013 The participants attended 3 opening ceremonies on Friday in Helsinki, Tampere and Rovaniemi. From there they travelled to take part in Paths for 4 days in different locations in Finland. The Paths ranged from hiking; to kayaking and canoeing; to city experiences; to forest camping; and service tasks. Now they Roverway 2012 will spend 5 days in Evo Campsite in the South of Finland taking part in 5 Programme Valleys, Live Your Life; Forest Fun; Creative Corner; Aqua Arena; and RoverMomentum. Today the Roverway 2012 Campsite and team of IST welcome the participants including 90 from the Scouting Ireland Contingent to the Evo Campsite in Finland. Over 3000 participants will descend on the campsite to view more pictures from the event check out Scouting today where the IST have been busy working hard since Friday. Ireland’s image gallery here Scouting Ireland has 6 IST and 2 contingent team on the campsite working in Catering, Site Services and Programme Valleys. SI Contingent Team, Roverway 2012 The arrivals will take place between 10am and 5pm today with participants travelling back to the campsite from all over Finland, Lapland in the North, the Archipelago in the West, the lakes in the East, and the coast in the Vacancies within Scouting Ireland South. Two vacancies have arisen in Scouting ’ Western Scout Province for the roles of; • Provincial Support Officer and • Group Support Facilitator

Closing date for applications is Friday 7th September 2012. Please provide the following: • Letter of application Full application detail • Current C.V. Not more than 4 pages and role profiles for • Copy of current full driving licence the above positions can be found HERE Applications should be sent to: National Secretary Scouting Ireland Larch Hill Dublin 16 Scouting Ireland Contingent arrives to Roverway 2012 Campsite from Paths Applications can also be e-mailed to: [email protected]

6 When? – 26th-28th Rover Chill 50 October

What is it? –Crew camping and cooking Halloween banquet and Murder mystery night and lots more exciting stuff .

Where? - Larch Hill for all rovers

A more detailed programme will be in next month’s issue along with the Cost. So Rovers scouts make sure you add this to your Diary

7 Andy’s Roverway Experience very privileged to have as Forest into a field and there were people Visitors aren’t allowed to swap crowd surfing and going crazy. One made up of 6 patrols). In our tribe there their neckers so you have to be a night we had to write a message I first heard about were two Spanish patrols, one Swiss, member to get one. and put it in a balloon as part of Roverway at Ventect last year. one Portuguese, one Dutch and us (the Loverway. We the music started I thought it would be cool to Irish). We headed for EVO the 24th. we had to throw the balloon up in see scouting at an international When we got there I was slightly the air and keep them up. It made level. It would be my first Our path was to experience Finnish awe stroke. It was like a little city some great photographs seeing international camp. My friends life with the Forest Visitors. We got a in the woods. There was the main literally thousands of balloons in the and I began fundraising for the bus to a forest about an hour outside street which had all the cafés, air. When the music stopped you trip in September. To be honest Helsinki. Our leaders were really nice shops and contingent tents. Off the had to pop a balloon and read the when the time came to head for and always smiling. There was Pinja, main street were the sub camps message. My message read “hey, I the airport I wasn’t really excited Iris and Pippuri. We pitched our tents and valleys. Valleys were activities just met you and this is crazy, but I because I thought it was going and began playing games to get to you did each day and you had two love you!” . to be like every other camp I had know everyone’s names. The four days valleys a day. There was Rover been on. How wrong was I! we spent in the forest was so much Momentum, Creative Corner, Forest Leaving EVO was hard. We had fun. We usually got up at seven to Fun, Aqua Arena and Live Your Life. made so many great friends and had We left the grey, wet skies of raise the flag and then had breakfast. My favourite parts of EVO were the gone through the whole Roverway Ireland for the sunny Helsinki on After breakfast we did activities like festivals at night. It was like a mini journey together. We all promised to the 19th. We had the opening capture the flag in the woods or build a Oxygen. Everyone was packed go to the next Roverway in France ceremony in the Olympic stadium MOSS BEAR. After lunch we normally and If we are lucky we might all be which was fitting as London’s headed to the lake which was a short in the same tribe again! I think every Olympics were going to kick walk from our camp to cool off and scout, venture and rover should go off in a few days. The opening clean ourselves. Dinner was always a to an international camp if they get ceremony was amazing! There hit and miss. There was salmon two the chance. It gives you a whole were scouts from all over the nights which I didn’t eat and then we new perspective on scouting when world. It was funny to hear had reindeer which was delicious. It you talk to scouts from around the different countries sing a song tasted like burger meat (and not like globe. I think I am a better scout you know, just in a different chicken which everyone was probably because of Roverway and can’t wait language. After the ceremony we expecting!). My highlight of the path till France! headed out on our paths. A path was on the last night when we were is a four day activity you take invested into the Forest Visitor group. By Andy O’Carrol part in with your tribe (a tribe is We all got neckerchiefs which I am

8 Explorer Belt 2012

This year’s Scouting Ireland Explorer Belt took place in Brittany, France from the 26th June to the 10th July. After months of training and organisation, 11 teams flew to Brest, from where they were dropped along the northern Breton coast. The teams were set to walk 200km with the option of completing another 100km by public transport en route to a Scouts et Guide de France campsite at Kerjuste, near Kervignac in southern Britanny.

Along the way the teams completed projects on local culture, politics and society. This year each participant also completed two Special Interest Badges. This is a new part of the event which allows Rover Scouts to further develop a personal interest Before Departure while on the event. Congratulations to Máire, Aoibhín, Karl, Seán, Eoghan Cl, Conor, Sophie, Cathal, On return to basecamp the teams settled into Sarah, Niamh C, Eimear, Niamh F, Andrew, comfortable surroundings to share their experiences Cian, Conor, Kevin, Una, Eoghan Ca, and relax after the long expedition. A special team Declan, Connor, Donal and Conor on their facilitated assessments of the teams’ logs and outstanding achievement. And thanks to projects over a number of days. In their down time the event staff Neil, Aisling, Trev, Glenn, the teams visited the beach resort of Carnac and had Stephen, Ciara, Stevie, Pauline, Richard, a very competitive morning’s go-karting. Áine, Jim and Mark. Chief Commissioner (Youth Programme) Ian Davy presented the Explorer Belts on the evening of the Steven Cull 8th of July at a presentation meal in St Barthelemy. Event Coordinator 22 Rover Scouts were awarded the Explorer Belt and celebrations lasted long into the warm Breton evening. To view more pictures from the event check out Scouting Ireland’s image gallery here

9 My Best Memory from the My most memorable experience Belt

- Seán O’Reilly, Team 2, 52nd Dublin (Shankill). - Sophie Renshaw Team 4 – Cathal Healy + Sophie Renshaw Day Two. In Moncontour, we had just had lunch. Karl was in the tourist office speaking with a woman named Isabelle about the Well I think just choosing one memory from projects and SIB’s. Meanwhile I was lounging on a stone wall the Belt to write about is probably harder outside with my eyes closed. All around me I could hear the than doing it, almost! I was considering sounds of the swallows overhead and of people going about their just putting in an excerpt for our log but I daily business. The aroma of fresh baked bread hung in the air. decided that it’d be better for me to write At this stage, we hadn’t done much walking and the only thought something in the frame of mind I’m in now, that was floating around my mind was “it’s all ahead of us”. as opposed to the way I was feeling on Moments like that really define the experience. Belt. So where to start, there are so many things I could write about, from sending the chief scout a cheeky postcard, to the one and soaks absolutely everything. Our pace argument that me and Cathal had, at the had gone to pieces, what should’ve taken top of a hill, about the hill. us less than an hour took us 2 and a half I decided to write about our hardest day, to do. We had to get out of the rain or one not to put people off the Belt but to show of us would’ve got sick and that would’ve everyone that you can never fully prepare put our whole trip in jeopardy. So we yourself for what the Belt throws at you. decided to stop at a café in a little town we Sure, you can walk and walk and walk to passed through. We were so thankful that prepare your body physically but you’ll we were ahead of schedule and we could never be ready for the mental strain it puts afford a few hours of just sitting down on you. Another thing that is pushed to doing the logs and taking some time out the limits is your emotions. One thing I’d from the walking. never consider would ever come into it but it does. Every day was a roller-coaster of It turns out that tea was our saviour. After emotion. Our hardest day was day seven. a cup of Earl Grey we were both starting We woke up to rain and bad weather, it to feel a little better, I was still exhausted was the misty rain that gets everywhere but Cathal was trying to make me laugh

10 and lift the mood, pretty much like every other in English was “I believe.” She had me and pick-me-up, or should I say pick-us-up that day on Belt when I was feeling down. But a Cathal in stitches with the laughter! Along with we made it all the way to our planned town. call from home soon had him feeling pretty the rain starting to go away, she gave us the We were both thrilled, day seven and we still homesick. A song on the TV set the me off. moral boost to keep going. So we packed up hadn’t missed a target! The other people in the café must’ve thought our stuff, said bye to our crazy lady (Cathal we were absolutely mental. The place was even got a cheeky kiss) and set off again, The Explorer Belt has changed my life and I’m pretty full at this point and the one thing that aiming to hit the next town that evening. We delighted I took the chance and did it. Every lifted our mood was an old lady. Who was knew we’d have to push ourselves the next Rover in Scouting Ireland should go for it, you absolutely locked. At 11 in the morning. She day as we were going to be 10km short of never know what you’re able to achieve until took a serious interest in us and came over what we’d planned for day seven, but that you attempt something like this and actually for a chat, despite the fact all she could say didn’t even come into it. We had such a succeed!

11 Electric Vents

As we walked through the trees of Larch Hill an almost Circus like campsite greeted us. The giant marque in the middle of the field and the bunting draped around our site gave the field a much needed uplift. You could hear the laughter and general banter from the car park and the mood for Electric Vents 2012 was really lifting. After a quick chat and introduction, a game of ‘Find my Shoe’ was played… Which I must admit, broke the ice like a fat polar bear! After the awkward shoe retrieving, we played the rope game… ‘Everyone pull the rope so it’s like an 8!’ Yes perfect, let’s have people stand on each other’s hands, arms and fingers and then feel each other’s

yoga! Some new inventive stretches of orange water to the face gave scalps, friendly! Afterwards we all got the moods buzzing for the day! the plan away. CHAOS! Suddenly chilled, ate some delicious food We then had breakfast and then there was paint, water, eggs and and sang a few songs. Everyone we were split into teams, we Made flour flying everywhere! A Slippery began to gel really well… Like a giant pyramid out of bamboo!!! Slide provided a place to get sticky one Big Happy Scouting Family! (Rumour has it, it would have been and covered in paint in less than 4 a world record). We cooked an egg seconds… As did Kris Walsh! Bags The morning was amazing, in an orange! We made bivvys! of flour and eggs were being thrown YOGA was taught by the one And bread twists then chilled for a into faces, people were being rugby and only Colin Keane… And to bit and had lunch… The next part tackled to the ground just to have say it was YOGA with a twist was the best… We all changed into flour shoved in their mouth. Water would be an understatement! clothes which Ruth Wylie described guns and balloons were being filled Never before have I felt so as ‘old, manky clothes fit for the with things far from water! A mucky relaxed, stretched and tired from bin’ and headed off to a secluded obstacle course followed, still with laughing all at once! Pains and field… Suspicious wasn’t even the paint and flour being thrown, just aches in every muscle which word… On arrival a sudden blast because there was some spare! im sure defeats the purpose of

12 flags, (Team YOTO Rule!) And had competitions to see who the best team were… Egg and Spork Races, Hula Hoop Skipping Races, 3 Legged Races and Who is the most Flexible… The LOLs were had and Competitiveness began to shine through! It was close until the end but Team BrownBread beat YOTO in the final Egg and Spork race… After all of this excitement, clean up began, which was a sad time for everyone involved…

Our giant pyramid had to be taken one time! And a good aul traditional down and the marques were being disco was had that night to bring the unpegged. Once the goodbyes night to a nice end… Mad Tunes started, the place became deserted Blaring! After all our bopping, we quickly, and lonely socks and shoes The walk back to the site to gather heard there was a small campfire without their pairs were casually showering necessities was a long (with no fire) going on at the scattered around the campsite. one rather awkward one with other Campfire Circle… A few of us groups staying up there tilting their headed down and had an absolutely Electric Vents will only grow year heads and looking at us with looks mad time singing a few classics! by year and will just get better and of confusion on their faces… With Then it was all wind down for the better. Role on Electric Vents 2013 the flour beginning to form a cake night, with glitter being sprinkled we say! And a big thanks to all the like batter on our skin, movement anonymously in people’s hair! A bit staff involved! was limited! After showers and of a Song from You Can Lay Me ( YiS dinner, Bouncy castles were Ciara & Joe ) and things began to Megan and Ali inflated… calm down… Skerries Ventures 98th Dublin MORE CHAOS! An obstacle course and a swing ball bouncy castle, I On Sunday morning we had another don’t think I’ve ever seen so much round of YOGA… after this we were joy on so many ventures faces at split into ‘countries’ made team

13 Official Launch of Castle Saunderson

The Michael D. Higgins was today joined by Junior Ministers Jonathan Bell MLA and Jennifer McCann MLA to officially launch the European Union funded Castle Saunderson project in . Speaking at the launch of the project the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, said: “I am delighted to launch this extremely worthwhile project which will help to positively shape the lives of thousands of children and young adults across Northern Ireland and Ireland. The Scouting movement accommodating up to 1,000 people but also serve to enhance the local has a long and proud tradition of helping young people achieve their full at any given time. economy through the provision potential and become responsible citizens. The new purpose built facility Welcoming the project Junior of additional employment and will allow this tradition to continue and ensure future generations learn the Minister Jonathan Bell, MLA said: increased tourism potential .” “This is an extremely important Officially welcoming the project leadership, self-reliance and project that will bring together a Jack Keyes, County Manager teambuilding skills that scouts new generation of young people with Cavan County Council which are famous for, across the world in a spirit of mutual cooperation. In project managed the design and .” using the centre they will be able construction, said: “This is a great In receipt of €3.45million in to recognise and celebrate their project which will help to improve funding from the EU’s PEACE III differences as well as develop the lives of local people. The new Programme, which is managed leadership skills that will help them centre will make a most welcome by the Special EU Programmes in later life . addition to the greater Cavan area Body (SEUPB), the project Junior Minister Jennifer McCann, and has significant potential to has created a 30 acre multi- MLA who also spoke at the launch create new employment and tourism activity adventure centre, just said: “This is an excellent cross- opportunities ”. outside Cavan. The new ‘Castle border initiative which will not only Match-funding for the project was Saunderson International Scout benefit children from many different provided by the Department of the Centre’ includes fully equipped communities and backgrounds, Environment, Community and Local indoor facilities as well as a Jamboree site, capable of 14 Project partners include Cavan County Council, the Scouting Association for Northern Ireland and Scouting Government (DECLG), in Ireland Ireland. Commenting on the successful and the Department of Social completion of the project, Michael Development (DSD) in Northern John Shinnick, Chief Scout, from Ireland. Scouting Ireland, said: “The successful Located within the border region completion of this project, with EU of Ireland, between Cavan, assistance, is a testament to the hard Fermanagh and Monaghan, the work and dedication of many different centre will encourage greater levels people. It has been years in the making of interaction from young people but the results speak for themselves. from different religious, ethnic and The new facility has already received cultural backgrounds. international recognition and will be Recognising the importance of the declared a ‘World Peace Centre’ by the new centre, Minister Phil Hogan TD, World Scout Foundation ”. Department of the Environment, Congratulating all those involved in the Community and Local Government, project, Pat Colgan Chief Executive said: “This new facility will create of the SEUPB, said: “This project has a host of many different, short and been supported under the creating long-term, benefits. It will provide shared public spaces priority of the EU’s local employment opportunities and PEACE III Programme. This priority also enhance the tourism potential provides support to projects that create of the area. Primarily however it will shared neutral spaces which allow encourage young people, from both people from different communities to sides of the border, to learn new come together and learn from each skills that will enhance their lives .” other. CastleSaunderson is an excellent In addition to attracting young example of this as it will help foster new people from a scouting background, and positive relationships amongst all of the project also intends to the young people who use it.” encourage visits from young people It is anticipated that over 12,000 young from a wide-range of youth based people from an extremely diverse range organisations and schools from of backgrounds will use the facility within across Northern Ireland and Ireland. its first year.

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Meanwhile around the same time Neil Mahony Group Support Facilitator in the South Eastern Province of Scouting Ireland got married to Niamh Fullam in South Wedding bells ring out for Cork. Niamh is a Scout Leader with 47th Cork Douglas Scouts. Scouting Ireland Staff Again their Scouting friends were on hand to make sure there was Over the last month 2 members of Staff have walked down no mistakes made in tying the the aisle with their new brides. Both weddings were made in Knot! Scouting as all four are involved in Scouting:

Headline

James Fox Group Support Scouting Ireland would like to wish both Couples many happy years together Facilitator in the North Eastern and lets hope they keep Scouting. Province of Scouting Ireland got married to Caoimhe Both Wedding cakes reflected Scouting on the day See below Gartlan who is a Cub Scout Leader in the 3rd Monaghan Carrickmacross. Both James and Caoimhe met as leaders in Carrickmacross and recently tied the Knot. Members of the 3rd Monaghan were on hand to make sure the Knot was tied correctly.

18 lunch ready. Some of the beavers were given other small jobs such as collecting water, getting some items from the van, stirring the soup. The lodge leaders organized us to collect Hi Beavers firewood from the forest as we had a campfire to prepare. I am just back from my first ever Beaver Camp. It was a great weekend full of adventure and I got to make so many friends. Our theme for the We were shown the best wood to weekend was the Olympics. collect and different sizes. We were not allowed to break any branches Oh by the way I’m Spike and I am a member in the Fox Lodge and if you off the trees. When we had loads of want to know more about me check out the beaver scout handbook and I wood and sorted it out. After lunch featured in a few articles in inside out. we had a mini Olympics and we had races , throwing contests and jumping competitions. at our weekly meetings. We wanted a dinner that everyone would eat A lot of planning went into the dinner , that was tasty , that was filling The beaver motto is BE PREPARED and we tried out a number of meals and was easy to cook . In the end and we had planned for this camp we settled for Chicken wraps, with for ages. We were planned as much some salad. Everyone had a job as we could for this camp. As part of bags in the tents. There were tents some with preparation, cooking and the planning we looked at what we of all shapes and colours. There clean up. needed to do for the adventure skills was teepees , domes , frame tents, camping badge. Some things we Icelandic’s, mess tents , dining We all learned about menu planning could do at our meetings and other shelters and ridge tents. The tents and the importance of keeping things could only be done while that we used were teepees and a things clean and how to cook in a on camp. The Elders organized mess tent. safe way. the bus. When we arrived on the Saturday morning the field was soon We had practiced putting up the We had time after dinner to work on full of beavers busy helping to put tents in the den over the last few our campfire sketch. We then went up their tents. Even at ten o clock weeks and with the sun shining on a short hike and explored the in the morning some beaver scouts down on us we all helped to put up area. On the hike we made some were busy laying out their sleeping our sleeping tents. The elders put up the mess tent and started to get

19 I had a great weekend and look add an action to each verse : forward to the next camp. Elbows in , knees out ,stomach in., chest out , bum out , tongue out. On the way home we had a short quiz asking what we enjoyed most and what we might change. So we The Banana Song planned, completed the camp and reviewed the camp. Leader : Bananas of the World unite

I have included some of the Songs Action : Raises Hands above head that I learned at the campfire. to create banana.

I can’t wait to go camping again and PEEL BANANA, PEEL BANANA, to earn my level 2 camping badge. PEEL PEEL BANANA, PEEL BANANA

SPIKE Action – Bring down right hand shelters in the woods , perhaps PEEL BANANA, PEEL BANANA, we would come back some time The sun was shining the next PEEL PEEL BANANA, PEEL and use them. It was nearly dark morning and we had a few more I’m Singing in the BANANA when we got back and the campfire challenges after breakfast. Rain was lit. It was spectacular , (if the Action – Bring down left hand sketches were just ok) . We left We all helped to take down our I’m Singing in the Rain the campfire and in the spirit of the tents and clean the site. When this Just Singing in the Rain campfire we left as the last song was done it was time for the Olympic Oh what a glorious feeling Other Actions: was sung very low and without Medal Ceremony. There were I’m hap hap happy again. talking headed into the tents. It prizes for the games but the biggest Chop Banana (make chopping wasn’t long before we had our hot reward was for the beaver scouts to Leader .: Thumbs out action) chocolate(with marshmallows) be awarded there Adventure Skills Shake Banana (Shake yourself) , and climbed into our sleeping Level 1 Camping Badge. Everbody : a roo tee cha , a roo tee Eat Banana (make eating motion) bags. It was a long time before we cha, a roo tee cha cha. Puke Banana (make Puking Motion) slept as we were excited about our The bus arrived just as we finished Go Bananas ( Jump around adventures. and then it was time to go home. Then repeat chorus

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Advanced Stages Peer Assessment We are often asked how we assess The Advanced Stages are those the Adventure Skills. The document The preferred method of stages of the Adventure Skills where below outlines the procedures assessment is Peer Assessment. there is close correlation to external involved in the assessment and This is where one Scout assesses skillqualifications or a high degree awarding of the Adventure Skills another for an Adventure Skills of organisational responsibility. The Stage Badges. stage badge. At all times however Advanced Stages are: the Two-up rule must be observed, Scout Skills Stages 7, 8 and 9 It is important for all Scouters to which means that the Scout must External Skills Stages 6, 7, 8 and 9 understand that at all times the hold a stage two higher that that association’s Safety Guidelines and being assessed. So for example, Assessment Criteria BoatingGuidelines must be adhered a Venture Scout who holds Stage to when undertaking Adventure 5 Air Activities can only assess Assessment by Adventure Skill Scout Skills: Skills. Please note that the term another Scout up to Stage 3 Air Scouters Camping, Backwoods, Pioneering ‘Scout’ refers to all youth members, Activities. Peer Assessment is to be External Skills: be they Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, encouraged at all times. Scouters can assess stages 1 to 6 Emergencies, Hillwalking, Air Scouts, Venture Scouts or Rover of the Scout Skills and stages 1 to Scouts. Activities, 5 of the External Skills, so long as Paddling, Rowing, Sailing Scout Skills and theyhave the relevant knowledge Stage 1 Scouters can assess and experience to do so. Using External Skills Scouters can assess the Adventure Skills Handbook the Stage 2 Scouters can assess Scouter should carry out a Self Scouters can assess For the purposes of assessment Assessment to determine that they the nine Adventure Skills have Stage 3 Scouters can assess have the relevant knowledge and Scouters can assess been grouped into Scout Skills and experience to assess a stage. If External Skills: Stage 4 Scouters can assess after carrying out a Self Assessment Scouters can assess the Scouter believes they do not Stage 5 Scouters can assess Scout Skills : Camping, Backwoods, have the relevant knowledge and Pioneering Scouters can assess experience to asses a stage they Stage 6 Scouters can assess Holder External Skills: Emergencies, should look to bring in assistance. Hillwalking, Air Activities, Paddling, of stage 8 or 9 (or external experts) Please see ‘Bringing in Assistance’ can assess Rowing, Sailing below.

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-The Patrol Leaders Council Purchasing of Stage Venture Scouts Adventure Skill Expert -The Venture Scout Executive Badges Panel Rover Scouts -The Rover Crew All stage badges are available from The Team Lead for each Adventure the Scout Shop. To purchases one Skill is responsible for putting As these are the groups who of the Advanced Stage badges a together an Expert Panel for their should award badges in the various Scoutor Scouter must present a Adventure Skill. The Expert Panel sections, it is important that they voucher to the Scout Shop which has is a pool of Scouters who have confirm that the assessment has been given to them by the member of been assessed to Stage 7, 8 and indeed taken place and that they the Expert Panel who assessed them. 9 standard, as well as Scouts who then ‘sign off’ on that assessment, The other stage badges can simply hold those stage badges. CPC’s will allowing theScout to be awarded the be purchased as required by a Scout have details of those on the panel of badge. or Scouter. each Adventure Skill in their County. Stage 7 Holders of stage 8 or 9 can be awarded the relevant badge as assess Holders of stage 9 (or external per below. (This will also act as a The role of the Expert Panel is as experts)can assess voucher for the purchase of the follows: Stage8 Two holders of stage 9(or badge from The Scout Shop). 1. To assess Scouts for the external experts) must assess jointly Advanced Stages. Two holders of stage 9(or external 2. To assess Scouters for the Awarding of Stage experts) must assess jointly Stage 9 Two holders of stage 9 Advanced Stages to allow them Badges to become members of the Expert different to those who assessed stage Panel. 8 (or external experts) must assess Once a Scout has been assessed jointly for a stage by any of those Once a Scouter has become a mentioned above, there should be member of the Expert panel he/ a simpledecision taken to award the she is free to asses Scouts for the badge by the following: Advanced Stages as outlined above. Beaver Scouts Upon successful assessment, the -The Beaver Section Scouters Expert Panel member will give Cubs Scouts the Scouter / Scout a completion -The Sixers Council certificate to allow him or her to Scouts

22 Scouters Zone

Programme Centres The Adventure Skill Bringing in Assistance different Adventure Skills, and A number of Scouting Ireland Expert Panel Programme Centres and Campsites Scout Groups should have carried The main body of work for Expert offer courses for different stages of Each Scouter will have different out a skills audit as part of their Panels is to assess the Advanced different Adventure Skills. Typically levels of knowledge and experience preparation for ONE Programme. Stages, both for Scouts seeking these will be Stages 4 through to 7. in each of the Adventure Skills. Just as Scout Groups should have to achieve the stage badges and Scouters should note however that TheScouter should determine what a knowledge of the skills held by for Scouters who wish to be added in most cases a single weekend stage they feel comfortable at for each Scouter in the Group, it makes to a Panel. However, members of course will not be sufficient to attain each, and should only assess his sense for a similar approach to be this panel may also be available to a stage. It is most likely than a or herScouts to that stage. Where taken in the County. Scouters should assist individual sections if they so certain amount of preparation work a Scouter feels that he or she does not be afraid to approach other wish with the other stages. not have the relevant knowledge Scouters in neighbouring Groups to will need to be done before the andexperience to assess the stages ask for assistance if those Scouters event and further experience will indicated above as “Scouter can have the relevant knowledge and need to be gained after the course. External experts Outdoor centres or individual Assess”, training and assessment experience in the Adventure Skill the For more details check out the qualified instructors can be used of anAdventure Skill stage can be Scouts wish to develop. Adventure Skills section on scouts. by sections to teach and assess done by any one of the following: ie. stages in much the same way as the 1. Other Scouters. Scouts in the section Programme Centres. They will be 2. A Scout that holds a Stage two useful for Hillwalking, Air Activities, higher than that being assessed. or other sections Paddling and Sailing which have 3. Programme Centres. in the Group (Peer external bodies and qualifications. 4. Adventure Skill Expert Panel. Lists of acceptable external experts 5. An External Expert. Assessment) will be available on the Adventure Scouters should keep in mind that Scouters should be aware that Skills section of scouts.ie. to award an “Advanced Stage” they individual Scouts may well have As can be seen, there are ample must be affiliated to the a much higher level of knowledge opportunities for a Scouter to bring relevant “Expert Panel”. andexperience in a particular Adventure Skill. At all times in someone to work with his or her however the ‘Two‐up’ rule must be Scouts. A lack of knowledge on the Other Scouters in the observed. For a Scout to carry out part of the individual Scouter should Group and County an assessment, he or she must hold not hold back the Scouts from Different Scouters will have varying a stage two higher than that being progressing through the Adventure knowledge and experience in assessed. Skills.

23 around inside. However, the major conditions aren’t good. Pegs should disadvantage is that the inner tent be pushed in by hand (or you can has no protection during pitching use a mallet if the ground is quite and, if it’s raining, it may end up firm) at roughly a 45% degree angle Guidelines on Tent Pitching getting soaked before the flysheet and you should always remember can be attached. never to remove a peg by pulling Beavers are well capable of helping put up a tent. it out with the guy rope. This can There are a few tents that can be often rip the tent so if you’ve pushed The most important rule regarding tents is to know your tent , there are many different types of tents with different designs suitable for different stored and pitched with the inner the peg in too far, the best method terrains and weather. When introducing tents to beaver scouts it may attached to the outer. This makes for removing it is by hooking it with be better to introduce tents that they find easier to handle such as them very easy to pitch and keeps another peg. small domes. It is important to practice or be shown how to pitch the the inner tent dry during wet weather tent correctly. If you’re not familiar with pitching your tent, this can be pitching. However, if the outer tent is Striking camp disastrous, especially if your first attempt is on camp surrounded by 20 wet it’s always advisable to separate When striking (packing up) camp, hungry beavers. So, it’s important that you’ve had a go at pitching your tent the inner from the outer before you may find that the outer sheet at your beaver meeting or some otheris, they suitable usually place consist before of you an innertake it on packing and to let both parts dry out is damp, either due to rain or tent and a flysheet (outer tent). before storing. condensation. If possible, separate If the tent instructions state that you the inner and outer and spread a camp. It could save you hours. need to pitch the fly sheet first, it Poles before pegs them to dry in a suitable place while This is an important lesson as many has the great advantage of it being When pitching a tent where the you continue with the rest of your experienced scouters have arrived the waterproof part of the tent so flysheet is put up first, make sure packing away and other tasks. The on camp with the tent minus pegs or that the inner can be pitched without that all the poles are threaded inner tent should be dry on all areas poles. the worry of getting it wet. Having through the correct sleeves before except, perhaps, the base of the erected and secured the fly sheet, you attempt to secure the poles in groundsheet and should be packed Make sure that the tent is complete, the inner tent is then attached which the eyelets or rings of the flysheet. away carefully to ensure that it does all pegs and poles . Imagine the can require a little crawling around This is especially important if the not come into contact with a damp faces of the beavers when they are inside. tent is a large one. or dirty flysheet or dirty pegs. told they have to go home because Dome tents are self-supporting and Sometimes, it’s not always possible the tent is missing parts. The alternative method is to pitch so you have the added bonus of to pack your tent away completely the inner tent first. These types of re-adjusting it to the best position dry if it’s been raining. The important Main types of tent tent are usually easier and quicker before pegging it out. Always ensure thing is to ensure that, as soon as Most conventional tents are usually to pitch and, as the flysheet is that you have the adequate amount you can, you fully dry out your tent what are called ‘double skin’. That thrown over the already erected of pegs and secure the tent with to prevent mildew forming which can inner sheet, it requires no crawling guy lines, especially if the weather literally eat away at the fabric.

24 Climbing Mount the carriages. Why not check out how to make a Snowdon model “rack and pinion train” ! This mountain has everything from the rarest flowers and insects to How Snowdon got its Cub News ruined mines, from fascinating name Hi Cubs, volcanic rock formations to fossils on the summit. There are also The Welsh name from Snowdon I hope that you are enjoying your summer holidays. quite a few legends attached to the is Yr Wyddfa which means burial I have just come back from a holiday in Wales. We went to Snowdonia mountain! place and a legend suggests that and couldn’t believe the amount of things to see and do in and around the the cairn at the top marks the grave Snowdonia National Park. The area is popular for mountain walking and As you climb up Snowdon every of Rhita Fawr a particularly fierce climbing, the day that we climbed Mount Snowden was a beautiful sunny step you take will mean climbing on giant who had a cloak made out day and when we reached the summit we could see for miles! We also to rock that’s younger than the ones of the beards of all the kings he’d tried white water rafting on the River Tryweryn, it was brilliant. There are below. The summit was deep under killed. a sea bed millions of years ago and the whole mountain has been Myths and Legends of also lots of old slate mines that you squeezed into folds by immense can explore, imagine bumping into eruptions and earthquakes and then Snowdonia Cub Scouts from Wales …. 400 feet eroded again by glaciers. A popular legend tells of a local man underground! falling in love with a fairy who lived All along the slopes of the mountain in Llyn Du’r Arddu. She agreed to The Snowdonia National Park were beatiful foxgloves – lovely marry him provided he never struck is also home to a number of pinky purply wild flowers. We also her with iron. She brought her fairy small gauge railways from saw lots of different types of birds. cattle and sheep out of the lake with the Ffestiniog Railway to the We were amazed to find that her and they lived and prospered. Welsh Highland Railway, and of Snowdon has its own railway. Over But, inevitably once he struck her course the Snowdon Mountain 100 years ago the railway was built with a bridle accidentally and she Railway, Britain’s only ‘rack and as a replacement to the ponies that went back into the lake taking all pinion’ railway which takes you used to carry visitors to the summit, the cattle, sheep with her. from Llanberis to the summit of it is Britain’s only rack railway with Snowdon. tooted racks in the centre of the track that engage with cogs under

25 The Mabinogi Arthur The most famous and influential of King Arthur, who makes an all the fables is a series of medieval appearance in many of the stories known collectively as the Mabinogi tales is heavily associated Mabinogion. They describe the with the area. Several place names lives and the heroic and magical bear his name. Cegin Arthur and achievements of a group of Ffynnon Arthur in Snowdonia interrelated characters and recount reputedly have healing properties, the encounters between the mortal and many tales associated with and underworlds. These fables caves across the region tell of a embrace aspects of a pagan era sleeping Arthur who awaits the call and the medieval world of the to return with his men to rescue Arthurian age. Wales. The lakes of Llydaw, Locations throughout the Dinas and Ogwen, amongst many Snowdonia Mountains and Coast others, claim to contain the magical region are associated with the Excalibur. A stone reputedly bearing Mabinogi. the hoof print of Arthur’s horse

The westerly wind keeps one side of the peak below us clear of mist. What an amazing sight.

26 destroyed. Vortigen’s advisers ‘Llamrai’ can be found on the banks told him to seek an orphan boy of Lake Barfog near Betws y Coed. reared by the fairies. His men It is said that the mark was made finally found the boy Myrddin when Arthur and his horse dragged Emrys, or Merlin for short. The a monster from the lake’s deep boy explained that two dragons waters. - one white and one red - in a Arthur is also associated with mount lake underneath the site of the Snowdon, where he reputedly proposed castle, were in mortal killed the mountain’s most famous combat, and that the red dragon resident - Rhitta, a fearsome giant (the Welsh) was thwarting the who created a cape for himself out white dragon (the Saxons). On of the beards of his enemies. His hearing the news Vortigen fled corpse was covered in huge stones and Merlin handed over the by Arthur’s men at the summit of the castle to Emrys Wledig, and mountain. to this day the remains of the Bardsey Island off the coast of the ancient fort of Dinas Emrys can Llyn peninsula also has Arthurian still be seen. associations. It is said to be the burial place of Merlin who lies in Some of these legends might a glass coffin surrounded by the have inspired many modern films 13 treasures of Britain and nine …. You could try writing and bardic companions. Bardsey is also directing your own movie with claimed to be the fabled Avalon. your Cub Scout Pack! Merlin is also associated with Gwyrtheyrn. Vortigen, a cruel and I have included some photos that unpopular 5th century warlord, we took when in Snowdonia, I escaped his enemies by running really enjoyed learning about the away to the mountain of Aran near Welsh Culture and exploring the Beddgelert. He instructed his men Welsh countryside, I hope that to build him a castle on the site but you have enjoyed reading about every morning the men would find it the previous day’s construction

27 28 Are YOU up for an MPC ? Scouters together and prepare and Dates for the next four events Fancy a weekend in the mountains in Connaught in September or in participate as a team on an MPC. are: October this year? How about Munster in April or in May of next Connaught MPC year ? Then get out and do a bit of - 21st to 23rd of September 2012 practice. (Maumturk area) A Mountain Pursuit Challenge (MPC) is a National Event run over a weekend (Friday to Sunday) in a different mountain range in each of the Bookings for an MPC can be made four provinces each year. Ulster MPC to: [email protected] (you - 12th to 14th of October 2012 can use this email address too, if Successful participants gain a badge for each event which together form a (Glenveigh area, Donegal) you have any queries regarding an diamond (as illustrated). The experience,for an funMPC, and previous craic you routes have asand well lots of other stuff can be found at the MPC). The fee per MPC is €40.00 Munster MPC MPC Team website www.mpcteam. per team. Events are limited to - 12th – 14th April 2013 ie 20 teams and due to demand, as the sights you see, all come only one team per troop can be Leinster MPC together to form a great weekend Participants are not required to hold accommodated. - 10th -12th May 2013 in the mountains. a One Programme – Adventure (Hill Walking) Skills Award. However, MPC Teams are comprised of the experience and skills gained by four Scouts aged 13 years or participating on a MPC will allow you older and a Scouter. The team to be assessed for such an award. must be completely self sufficient and prepared for a physically challenging weekend. Still interested ? Scouters - see if you get can four Scouts together and prepare and The events tend to take place participate as a team on an MPC. in the higher, more remote and Scouts - see if you can get three of challenging mountain ranges, BE PREPARED - BE AWARE - BE ALIVE your fellow Scouts and one of your so teams need to “be prepared”. SEE THE WORLD FROM THE MOUNTAINS – IT’S A DIFFERENT VIEW More information on preparing 29 Tell the President your vision for Ireland Mountain Moot - Save the Date President Higgins is inviting young Irish people to make multimedia submissions on their vision for Ireland to his ‘Being Young and Irish’ consultation and seminar. Being ‘Young and Irish’ is the first in a series of The Adventure Skills Hill Walking This weekend is open to any presidential seminars. Team will be hosting Scouting member of Scouting Ireland young Irelands first ‘Mountain Moot’ and old and regardless of skill levels Young people aged 17 to 26 years can use whatever media suits them best On the Weekend of the 24th and and qualifications as we believe that to put forward their vision for Ireland. Examples include narrative, song, 25th November at the Tollymore ‘hill walking is for everybody’ poetry, video or audio recordings. In their submission to www.president.ie National Outdoor Centre in or via post to Áras an Uachtaráin, young Irish people at home and abroad Newcastle Co. Down. To express an interest in attending should address the following questions: please email adskills.hillwalking@ The weekend will offer a • What is your vision for Ireland? scouts.ie combination of training and skills • What can you and other young and helping to shape the future of development workshops, skills people do to achieve this? our country. master classes, old fashioned hiking • What else needs to happen to and good camaraderie against make your proposals possible? We would urge that as many eligible the wonderful backdrop of the The deadline for submissions to the youth members as possible take up Mountains of Mourne. multimedia consultation for ‘Being the challenge that the President has There will also be an opportunity Young and Irish’ is 29 September set and make sure that Scouting to get assessed in the hillwalking 2012. Ireland play it’s part. adventure skill should you so desire and will include a briefing session Scouting Ireland the fastest growing For more details on this initiative for those on the Expedition to Jebel youth organistion in the country click here http://www.president.ie/ Toubkal (4167m) in the Haut Atlas should be to the fore in representing youngandirish/ or Check out ‘Being next March the views of our youth membership Young and Irish’ on Facebook.

30 • Always carry out the role and or I will have a clear idea about what I tasks assigned to you over the want to get out of offering my time to duration of the event, not to do so be part of the National Activity Staff will have a direct / indirect negative Team Code of Behaviour, for Scouting impact on the Scouting experience I will aim to be aware of my Ireland National Activities that the Activity participants deserve emotions and communicate them in • Believe that violence, verbal abuse working relationships •This Code of Behaviour is applicable to all Scouting Ireland National or disruptive behaviour never solves I will stand up for my rights & beliefs Activity Staff (Youth Member, Adult in Scouting, Non-Members [external problems, always address them to in a Scout like manner, and respect providers]) the relevant Scouter-in-Charge. the rights and beliefs of others •As Scouts / People working with and for the benefit of Young People we • Always treat people (participants I will respond to criticism without must ensure that the Scout Law & the Scout Promise is observed at all / Staff) and their property with anger times courtesy. I will be confident about myself and •National Activity Staff will wear this wrist-bandTeam that as youa visual do not commitment bring any to • Never deliberately ridicule, my abilities in a respectful manner the Scout Law and the importance of respectinggrievances each / disputes other into the fold. embarrass, or hurt other people towards others • Please remember to respect, listen (participants / Staff). I will pay attention to my feelings and consider the opinion of others • Show yourself respect by setting and those others and express them irrespective of age, position, gender, appropriate boundaries with directly and honestly • You must have mutual respect lifestyle, beliefs etc. disrespectful people and the ability without the intent of Harm for each other and most • Always adhere to Scouting not to engage. I will listen to and consider other importantly always have respect Ireland ‘POLICIES’, by applying to people’s points of view without for the participants, and behave participate as members of the interrupting or being disrespectful National Activity Support Staff you in a positive manner towards How I will Communicate I will maintain personal space are agreeing to abide by these them at all times. Respect for Self & Others boundaries and respect other’s • You have a responsibility ‘POLICIES’. personal space boundaries to understand the purpose, • Always represent Scouting Ireland’s core values through our I will apologize when I know that I objectives and ethos of the am / was wrong National Activity. actions whether you are abroa or at • Please remember that you home. are working for the benefit • Always be responsible for yourself and development of Young and remember that you are People and indeed yourself, it is also responsible for others both important to ensure that a sense participants and fellow Support Staff of harmony is upheld in the Staff members. 31 International News

the entire World Scout Committee for interview on the 29th September in Geneva. Those candidates will have the opportunity to speak informally to members of the Search Nice Thank you to Irish Scouting Group before their interview. It is a total of 72 applicants. This is very anticipated that a final selection/ Hospitality. similar to the number received when confirmation will be made during we last advertised for the position in the weekend of the 29th/30th Yesterday on a lovely sunny Sunday afternoon, I visited the Austrian 2009. Those 72 applicants have come September. Scouts in the 1st Kilkenny Scout Den whilst on their visit to Ireland. I met from around the globe. their leader, Stefanie, and found that the whole group are enjoying their If you have any questions at all, trip to Ireland and cannot believe the Irish Scout hospitality they have The Search Group, which I chair, met please do not hesitate to contact encountered. Firstly stayed in the Santry Scout Den (Maurice), then onto recently by teleconference and were me via the World Scout Bureau Galway and to Connemara (camping), staying in Cobh (Pat Collins) and able to examine a long list that had in Geneva. In addition, Dr Erik finally to the Marble City. They foundLetter the Dens to great, National saw loads Scoutand highly been prepared by our colleagues at Slingerland, who is leading the Organizations Egon Zehnder, following preliminary team from Egon Zehnder, would be screening of the applications. We delighted to receive a call from you. recommend those places for Scouts I am pleased to be able to provide you to stay in. Met some of their Group were very impressed by the quality of He can be contacted on +41 22 849 with an update on the search process what is certainly a very strong pool of 68 71 or at his email address which that travelled to Sweden last year for the next Secretary General of the and all remember those brilliant Irish suitably qualified candidates. We is [email protected] World Organization of the Scouting have now created a shorter list of Contingent neckerchiefs that were Movement. much sought after. The Austrian prioritised individuals, whom Egon We all look forward to your Zehnder will now contact and put continuing support as we embark on Scouts would like to thank Irish As you will know, the position was Scouting for all their assistance through a rigorous assessment the next stages of advertised in The Economist, on the process. After this, the Search Group this important process. and hospitality that is so typical of WOSM website and through all our Ireland. will meet again to create a final Yours sincerely, normal communication networks. I shortlist of candidates who will meet Simon Hang-Bock Rhee would like to take this opportunity to Chairman, World Scout Committee Aiden Brennan member of the thank you all for seeking out potential International Team candidates and encouraging them to apply. Egon Zehnder, the search firm Scouting Ireland-going places... that we engaged to support us through the appointment process, received To see details of upcoming International events check out our new International events section on Scouts.ie

32 International News

World Scouting Game for Jamboree- bring up an information panel. This How It Will Work? On-The-Internet 2012 panel can contain information, images Scouts around the world will be and videos. This is what we are trying asked to sign up to take part and will Dear Colleagues, to create for the World Scouting Game. be invited to visit NSO panels, find I am pleased to share with you a very exciting proposal from the Messengers of out about your NSO and undertake Peace (MoP) Team on a World Scouting Game for Jamboree-On-The-Internet So, how can you help? your challenge. Scouts can then (JOTI) 2012. To start with, we need some collect points and their interaction information about your NSO: the and efforts will be placed on a ‘Notice Please find enclosed message with all details and I request you to provide the number of members and what you board’ and prizes will be awarded for information requested by the Messengers of Peace Team to ensure full support do in your youth programme (200 those who collect the highest number for this very bright initiative that Scouts all over the world, including your NSO words). We need a photo of some of of points. will benefit from. your Scouts in action. We only have space for one photo, but do send Chat Forums Thanking you. us two or three so we may choose. There will also be opportunities to Yours in Scouting, If you would like to include a video, chat with other Scouts worldwide Luc Panissod, this is also a good idea. You need to and share experiences as part of this upload the video on YouTube and then activity. We are looking for online send us the link. volunteer moderators for these World Scouting Game for World Scouting Game panels. sessions and if you can think of Jamboree-On-The-Internet 2012 For you to get an idea of what we A challenge: We need a small suitable people who can do this job The annual flagship worldwide event are doing, please open ‘Google challenge proposed from your NSO we would love to get them involved. Jamboree-On-The-Internet (JOTI) and Earth’ - you may need to that Scouts can try when they Messengers of Peace download this application on your visit your information panel. E.g. A Deadlines (MoP) have joined forces to create a computer first, making sure you craft activity, a dance, or challenge Like all such endeavours, deadlines major activity that every Scout with have an Internet connection. that would excite young Scouts. The are important! So, please send us the Internet access can take part in. Then access the ‘Global Awareness completion of this challenge should not above information by 20th August. As part of this activity we are creating layers’ on the left hand panel. If you exceed 30 minutes. If possible, when you provide us a very exciting World Scouting Game click on the small triangle with this information, please do so in on the Google Earth Platform. it will open a series of organisations- Please send us your official website English and in your own language. This is the first but most important related files. Open the Greenpeace address which will be included in your file so you can see an example. communication about the activity and information panel so Scouts can visit Where to send the information Now take a look at some of the tabs we require each NSO to share with us your website to know more about your [email protected] some basic information to create the on the map and you will notice they NSO.

33 International News

Irish Scouts making it Big at 12 year old Scout Evan Douglas, from the Navan Road group in Dublin, takes Jamboree Denmark 2012 a more relaxed approach: “My perfect camp would be one where I just hop Irish Scouts are making a name for themselves in many ways at the into my sleeping bag in my tent, lie Jamboree Denmark 2012. Below are two pieces from the Jamboree back and never wake up!” website. For more on these two articles, click on the link at the end of each piece. Whenever, and wherever, he is comfortable, he has a habit of falling The Irish Pioneers in the Slippers neighbourhood in asleep. “On camp, whenever Evan is Rygsækstrup. They have worked with unaccounted for, we just assume he’s poles and ropes for most of the week. Ready for Ireland’s pioneering sleeping,” his Patrol championship! Sleepy Scout A happy Irish Scout in Holstebro 55 Irish Scouts have worked hard most of the week to build a quite Not every Scout likes the challenge of Owen Costello from the 1st. Kilkenny Scout Group, Ireland has been here since impressive piece of pioneering work. pioneering projects or signing-up to Friday 13th July. Owen Costello arrived in Denmark a week prior to the rest of Now it takes up half of the campsite. every Free-Activity possible. the scouts form Ireland, so he has already been here for a week. The construction has five sections - I’m here for many reasons, I’ve been here for a week now and first of all I like that function as dinner table in to be active in my holiday. I was on a jamboree in Sweden and heard about connection with a long kitchen table, this Danish camp, that’s why I’m here now. The main theme for the Jamboree and everything is connected to an Denmark is “I meet you, you meet me, we grow”. And Owen Costello has a lot observation tower that also functions of experience with joining forces as a scout, and growing from it. as an entrance. Above the kitchen - For many years the scouts in Ireland were divided in two large groups. The table there is a long platform. Catholic Boy scouts of Ireland and of Ireland, which was We built it in two sections. The non-denominational . There were other smaller differences such as the age Scouts built the tables and the ranges for each section. -In 2004 after many years of discussions these former Venture Scouts built the observation associations merged into Scouting Ireland, which is now 40,000 scouts strong, post. Finally we connected the two and growing. sections, says Glenn McCormack, Owen’s enthusiasm is infectious. In Ireland he used to play rugby. He was Leader. rather good at it, and he spoke so much about sport, that you have to reconsider your stereotypes about Irish People, their whiskey and pubs. That is The Scouts from St. Oliver’s why it is enriching to meet people from different countries. So you’ve all got to group in Drogheda, Ireland lives go out and meet someone. At least one of you will grow.

34 Sea Scout Centenary Celebrations come to the South East

Last weekend saw a gathering of sea scouts from 1st Wexford (New Ross), 2nd Port Wexford (Wexford) and 4th Wicklow (Wicklow) groups in Duncannon Fort on Wexford’s Hook Peninsula. Camping was in the Fort’s dry moate, accessed via a tunnel with shelter provided by the Fort’s 30 foot high rampart walls. Sea scouts took the opportunity to explore the star shaped Fort from the many battlements down to the croppy boy cell, where prisoners were detained following the 1798 rebellion. The weekend was

kicked off with sailing, rowing and canoeing from the adjacent harbour, followed by activities on Duncannon beach. The Officer’s Mess was the venue for the table quiz followed by a campfire on the beach. The weekend closed with a presentation

35 of prizes and a special Duncannon event badge for all participants. The location lent itself very well to the Sea Scouting symbolic framework, surrounded by Maritime heritage. The event is one of many centenary events taking place in 2012 to celebrate 100 years of Sea Scouting in Ireland. The celebrations started on 14 April in Croke Park when Sea Scouts, Sea Ventures and Sea Rovers from all over Ireland gathered to mark the anniversary.

In the photos: Green & white neckerchiefs are 2nd port Wexford / Wexford Town and the Group Leader is Joe Thomas Purple & Gold neckerchiefs are 1st Wexford / New Ross and the Scouters are Alex Kelly, Trish Power and Mark Deegan White & navy neckerchiefs are 4th Wicklow and the Group Leader is Axel O’Connell and Scouter Lianda Johnston

36 neckerchiefs with the colours of orange, yellow and blue. It has been a tradition with the 37th Cork The Hills are Alive with the Sound to have a special neckerchief each of Music for Togher Scouts year. The site is surrounded by large hills, This report is coming to you from Austria and compiled by Scout Craig forests and a river. It has a view Doyle-Gubbins of the 37th Cork (Togher). Most of the photographs supplied of the Tennengeeirge Mountain have been taken by another scout, Luke Cotter. The Troop have been Range far in the distance. The troop staying at Scout Camp Austria for the past week and still have three days slept indoors in a house equipped to go. with four showers, two bathrooms, a campfire area, a dining room, a kitchen and two large bedrooms and one for the leaders. Mark Tobin We had to be at Cork Airport at said “The fragrance of the country 6:15am because they knew that side in Eggenberg is much like the the flight from Cork to Stansted countryside in Ireland.” As the smell would leave at 8:05am. We of cow manure was recognisable as then took another flight from we walked along the roads. Stansted to Salzburg later in the day. When we landed in It seemed to rain every second Salzburg, there was a coach day in Austria and the walk to the waiting to bring us to the town of St. Georgen en route to the campsite. On route we admired railway station was a long dreadful the vast mountain ranges and walk for some of them but a sing- lakes. Later on, the scouts held song for others. a scout’s own and elected Ian Twohig, Scout Leader, to be the On the first full day in Camp Austria, camp chief. The scouts were the scouts took a quick tour of the handed out their annual camp camp site. Aidan McCarthy and

37 injured or hurt. The troop headed This year was the 60th annual Eoghan O’Donoghue organised back to their camp site afterwards summer camp for Scoutmaster Mr. two teams, blue and red, who and played more competitive Pat Bradley. would compete against one games. another over the period of their stay on camp. They also had After a long lie-in, the younger a long trek around the town of members of the troop were very St.Georgen. excited about heading to the lake but sadly the weather wasn’t as After an early rise on the second expected, so the programme was day, the scouts took a train into changed to suit with competitive Salzburg and later were taken on games, like manhunt (which lasted a guided bicycle tour of the areas nearly three hours), tag rugby and of Salzburg in which the film, many more were played throughout The Sound of Music was set. the day on site. The tour took almost four hours and luckily nobody was seriously On Wednesday we were back in Salzburg and visited the Natural History Museum and the old town and on Thursday we went to the Lake at Attersee. One of the highlights was definitely the trip to the Ice Caves on Friday despite having to be up at 6. 30 a.m. We spent a good five hours there, it was just amazing. It is the largest ice cave in the world and is 40 km long. A kilometre of prepared paths took us up and down numerous steps. The guided tour gave historical and scientific information that will always remain with us.

38 Rathcormac Scouts reach the Summit Carrauntoohill Rathcormac Scouts reach the Summit Carrauntoohill Rathcormac Scouts Aoife Howard, Eoin Howard, Míchéal Howard, Michaell Howard, Rathcormac Scouts climbed to the summit of Carrauntoohill last Saturday 14-July2012 climbed to the summit of Carrauntoohill last Saturday 14-July2012 while on summer while on summer camp at Cappanalea Outdoor Eductaione Center Killorglin Co. Kerry camp at Cappanalea Outdoor Eductaione Center Killorglin Co. Kerry

Rathcormac Annual Camp

Scout Leader and Scout taking a break at summer camp last Thursday 12-July-2012 at Cappanalea Outdoor Education Centre Killorglin Co. Kerry

39 Rathcormac Annual Camp - Page 2

No challenge is too hard for Rathcormac Cub Rathcormac Scouts enjoying the rock Rathcormac Scouts enjoying the challenge Scout enjoying the wind surfing while on Scout climbing on the Maggilly Cuddy Reeks last rock climbing on the Maggilly Cuddy Reeks summer camp last Thursday 12-July-2012 Rathcormac Cub Scout enjoying the Friday 13-July2012 while on summer camp last Friday 13-July2012 while on summer at Cappanalea Outdoor Education Centre challenge rock climbing on the Maggilly at Cappanalea Outdoor Education Centre camp at Cappanalea Outdoor Education Killorglin Co. Kerry Cuddy Reeks last Friday 13-July2012 while Killorglin Co. Kerry Centre Killorglin Co. Kerry on summer camp at Cappanalea Outdoor Education Centre Killorglin Co. Kerry

40 Rathangan Scouts Tree Sitting

2nd Cork Macaoimh at Dundrum

The Macaoimh of the 2nd Cork (St. Finbarr’s Doyle Road) have had a very successful camp at Dundrum, Co. Tipperary. The action packed three day stay with an Indian theme included an assault course, making an Indian Village with a Tepee, cowboy saloon and making bow and arrows.

The camp also included map and compass, a treasure hunt, quiz and believe it or not water fight, despite the inclement weather they endured. All in all it was a very memorable trip and leader Stephen McCarthy said they all needed a good nights sleep when they got back.

41 Ferrybank Annual Camp

Ferrybank Scouts have just returned from a weeks camp in the UK at Paccar Scout Camp in Chalfont Heights. A great action- packed (and Olympic Torch exhausting) week was had by all. While there, we took a trip to London where the attached photo was taken at “the Oval Office” in Madame On Thursday 26th July, scouts from the 68th, 142nd & 180th Dublin Scout Tussauds. When asked by the Photographer to “say cheese” we instead Troops were on their summer camp in Gilwell Park, London when they gave a rousing “Is feidir linn” much to the bemusement of passing stumbled across a once in a lifetime oppertunity. tourists!

While hiking, the members of the Bannana Patrol made a wrong turn and ended up in a restricted area, controlled by the British Army. When confronted, their natural charm kept them out of trouble and while getting directions back onto their route the Olympic Torch, en route to London for the opening ceremony, arrived to gain access to the area. Never to turn down an oppertunity to make the other scouts jealous, Mark, Laura, Ciarán,

Leon & Luke jumped at the chance and asked to hold the torch for a photo.

The soldiers were kind enough to take the photos and presented the lucky five with special London 2012 patches from their own uniforms!

Needless to say that the Venture Scouts who travelling into London to see the tocrch run through Trafalgar Square were suitably put in their place when they heard the news!

42 Eoin Kelly (3rd Cubs Assistant Leader and DLS Rovers) and Colm Ennis (Online Editor) from the De La Salle Scout Group became the first members of Scouting Ireland to fully complete the route when they reached Dun Laoighre on Sunday 4th June last. They had completed the 603km route in 21 days of hiking which they did in stages of between 1 and 3 days duration. E8 European long distance path This often involved hiking a section of the route and then cycling back to the start to collect their car. Their Killarney to Bweeng push saw them hike two The E8 European long distance path is one of the European long-distance back to back marathons while their final push along the Wicklow ayW to Dun paths, leading 4700km across Europe, from West Cork to Istanbul in Laoighre also had a marathon thrown in and was done in just 4 and a half Turkey. The Irish E8 path which runs from Dursey Head to Dun Laoighre days. The route has in fact seen very few completions and has rarely been has the reputation as being one of the toughest sections. It takes in most of done as fast! the Beara Way, a section of the Kerry Way as well as the entire Duhallow, Avondhu, East Munster, South Leinster and Wicklow Ways. Overall it is The Beara Way in perfect conditions 603 kilometres in length and involves over 22,500 metres of ascent and on St. Patrick’s weekend turned descent. out to be one of the highlights of the route but as they made their way through the hills of Kerry, Cork, Tipperary, Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford, Wicklow and Dublin every stage had something unique to offer. Challenges included the occasional blister, a missing yellow man or two, many dogs to be fended of and the odd cattle attack. Surprisingly there was not much rain apart from on the last day.

At the beginning of the E8 at Dursey Head After completing the Irish E8 at Dun Laoighre

43 Museum. The building was amazing and the exhibitions were very interesting. We spent over two hours in the museum. Then we went for 5th Kildare Clane Summer Camp lunch in McDonalds. After lunch we took the Tube 2012 Gilwell Park to Tower Bridge. There was an exhibition in the Tower Bridge which This year our scout group went to England for our summer camp. So this was fascinating as it taught us all was the first time I would travel abroad with the scouts. about who designed the bridge, Our summer camps are usually the longest camps in the year. This when the bridge was built and why. summer camp was eight days long. We flew out of Dublin airport on Tuesday the 10th of July and came back on Tuesday the 17th of July. We even learnt about the Olympics Throughout the camp I kept a record of what happened each day. in the past. We also got to see the bridge being raised. Tuesday 10th July Epping Forest. It covers an area not from our own group and ask Then we went back to the campsite. Tuesday was a very exciting day. of 108 acres and provides great them to write their name and where The SPICES bead we were working We all met at the den at 8.15am to activities, lodges and campsites. they are from in our notebooks. We on was our physical as we did a ensure that everyone had a lift to It is a beautiful woodland area had to get 10 names each in order lot of walking around London. The the airport. There were 17 people but unfortunately with the rain the to pass. It was really enjoyable in total going on summer camp; ground was extremely mucky. getting to know scouts from other eight scouts, two venture scouts, When we arrived at Gilwell Park troops such as Cork, Galway and three rovers – two of which are we went to reception and then even Germany. We even got to also scout leaders, one venture on to our campsite.Then it was know some of the workers. leader and three scout leaders. straight to work unpacking the van Two of our leaders had already left and setting up our campsite. The Thursday 12th July for England earlier that morning rest of the day was spent settling in On Thursday we got up at 7.30am in the van with all our rucksacks, and exploring Gilwell Park. to get ready to go into London. tents, etc. They were going on We were all given tee-shirts with the ferry and would meet us in Wednesday 11th July 5th Kildare Clane Summer Camp Gilwell Park later that day.. Gilwell Today’s SPICES challenge was 2012 on them so we were easily Park is located on the London- a social challenge. To pass this identifiable. The first place we went Essex boarder on the edge of challenge we had to talk to people to see was the Natural History

44 Wobbly Pole. This was an indoor further instructions we jumped off Saturday 14th July activity. It involved two people being the platform and were carried along rest of our physical bead would On Saturday we didn’t have any harnessed in and having to climb by the wire. I really like zip wires and be earned by doing our on-site activities so our morning was up a pole that was hanging from the I enjoyed this one very much. I just activities. quite relaxed. After lunch we went ceiling by a chain. On one side of love the thrill you get when you jump swimming in the local pool at the pole there were yellow coloured off the platform and go whizzing Friday 13th July Chingford. Everyone really enjoyed climbing holds and on the other side through the air. That was definitely Friday was our first day of activities their time at the pool. We all had there were red coloured climbing one of my favourite activities. at Gilwell Park. Our first activity a lot of fun diving, swimming and holds. The yellow side was easy, Our new friends then joined us in was Rifle Shooting. This made playing with the floats and balls the red side was difficult. Then two the evening at a camp fire where we everyone a bit nervous as it was provided. people would climb the pole one on roasted marshmallows and made Friday the 13th which is said to When we went back to the each side, this would cause the pole smores. be a very unlucky day. Here we campsite four of our scouts went to to wobble (hence the name ‘wobbly The SPICES beads we were learnt how to shoot air rifles. When the Galway troop for dinner. I was pole’). This activity was quite working on today were emotional we were shooting we shot at little one of the four who went to the challenging but also really fun. and spiritual. For our emotional paper targets. Our next activity Galway troop and it was really fun. Our next activity was Zip Wire. For bead we did the swap. For our was called Fan Descender. This We even planned to do another this activity we climbed up a pole spiritual bead we did the walk of involved climbing up a pole on swap like this with another troop on to a platform and then we were faith. This was a walk where we to a high platform. Then you are from Cork. harnessed to the wire. After a few learnt all about different religions. harnessed in and you hold on to The SPICES beads we were a metal bar. Then you step off the working on were our intellectual platform and the pole lowers you to and emotional beads. For our the ground. This activity was quite intellectual bead we had to find out scary but really fun. about the history of Gilwell Park. The SPICES bead we were It was really fascinating finding working on was our character bead out about how it became a scout as the activity was quite scary for activity centre and that it is over a lot of people. The rest of our 600 years old. For our emotional character bead will be earned by bead we did the swap. doing other activities and pushing ourselves to do our best. Sunday 15th July On Sunday we did more activities. Our First activity was called

45 been done. We had more activities the platform and tried to grab the today. We had Gauntlet and Leap Of bar. It was even made scarier as the Monday 16th July Faith. Gauntlet was our first activity platform was not completely steady. On Monday we went into London and it was indoors. This activity was Although Leap Of Faith was one of again. We got up at 7.30 to get like an obstacle course but vertical. the scariest activities we did it was ready and left the site at about 9 First you had to climb up a rope also one of the best. o’clock. The first place we went ladder and then pull yourself up on After our activities we went into was the Science Museum. The to a wooden pole. Then climb up a the Gilwell shop to get some Science Museum was amazing. tyre to reach another wooden pole mementoes. After that was Shana’s Everybody had a lot of fun learning and stand on it. This was extremely investiture. When all of that was about many weird and wonderful difficult and very tiring but fun all the finished the taxis came and we went things. After the Science Museum same. to Stansted Airport. we went for lunch. Our next activity was Leap Of Faith. After lunch we did a bit of shopping This activity looked really scary. You We had our lunch at the airport and on Oxford Street and then we had to climb up a wooden pole on to we even got to do a little shopping. went to St. Paul’s Cathedral. The back to camp to take down all a tiny platform. There was a metal Then we boarded the plane and it cathedral was beautiful. The detail of our tents, pack up and move bar suspended by chains quite a bit was back to Ireland. of the paintings was incredible indoors to the Swan Centre which out from the platform. Then when Everybody really enjoyed summer and the architecture was stunning. was really just a big room, but at you were ready you jumped from camp. It was definitely worth all of From St. Pauls Cathedral we went least it was inside. our bag packing. Gilwell Park was to Buckingham Palace and then The SPICES bead we were working on today was spiritual. a lovely place and we met loads of The rest of our spiritual bead will really nice people. Sadly for some of be earned on Tuesday at Shana’s our older scouts this was their last investiture. camp as scouts. Although they will be greatly missed it won’t be long until new scouts will join our troop. Tuesday 17th July Thank you to all of our leaders for Tuesday was an early start. We making this trip possible. were up at 6am and had to have our bags packed and ready to be Rachel Jones loaded into the van by 6.30am so Camp Correspondent it was a bit of a rush even though

most of the packing had already

46 The boys were kept busy all day. They went on a nature trail and played games in the morning, and had a visit from Cork Model Aero Club in the afternoon. This was a Blarney Cubs Flying High After great success; the Cubs learned Pack Holiday all about aeroplanes and they each got to make and fly their own model aeroplane. The Blarney Cub Scouts and their Leaders have returned from a very successful annual Pack Holiday. This year, Leigh-Dale Cottage in After dinner, the boys all worked Carrigrohane was home to the group for the weekend. together to gather twigs and branches suitable for the campfire. First task of the weekend was to settle in and to get them to settle down Parents, brothers and sisters all a little. They were all hyper with excitement, some being away from home gathered for the evening to enjoy for the first time. After some outdoor games and badge programme, the campfire, which was kept going the evening flew by and it was soon time for hot chocolate and toasted for hours. There were a lot of tired eyes going to bed Saturday night! marshmallows. They were just great and went down a treat; it was like they had never tasted There were pancakes any so good before. There for breakfast on Sunday was a bunkroom in the cottage; morning – they never had however a few of the older Cubs it so good, served up by decided to brave the elements the Leopards. After a big and camp out in the Icelandic feed, it was time to pack up tent they pitched in the garden and tidy the cottage. The behind. Cubs were all awarded with a Camping badge before Breakfast, lunch and dinner heading home. were served up on Saturday by the Cubs themselves. The Lion, Leopard and Jaguar Sixes took it in turns to cook and wash up. 47 Blackrock Beavers Overnight at Fota

The Blackrock Beavers recently their supper they watched a movie Blackrock Beaver Investiture spent a night at Fota Scout Centre. before wearily going to bed. After A fantastic time was had by all. The Breakfast the following morning The Blackrock Beaver Colony recently had their annual investiture at a Beavers met at the train Station and there was a hike around For a unique setting at the Cork Civil Defence Head Quarters in Ballyvolane. travelled by train to Fota. After an House and Gardens before a tired The beavers were treated to a tour of the facility getting to explore the fire evening of fun and games including bunch travelled by train back to engine, ambulance, and rescue boat. This was a fantastic experience for a scavenger hunt, and games, the Cork. Well done to all the beavers all the Beavers, parents and family who had gathered for the investiture. beavers practiced their tent pitching and a huge thank you to all the Wearing helmets and safety gear, the beavers also learned many valuable skills. They then enjoyed a campfire leaders who made it happen. fire safety tips. After the tour, the beavers held their investiture inside the with plenty of singing which kept Civil Defence Headquarters, after which the beavers were treated to a some of the animals awake. After party. A huge thank you to all the Civil Defence Members who made the experience such an enjoyable and memorable occasion.

48 75th East Finglas Scout Group 171st River Valley Explorer Cub Pack We are going over to Kandersteg International Scout Centre - Community Special interest Badge on the 30th of July, we will be coming home on the 11th of August. We will be travelling there in a group of about 40, Pictured below are members of River Valley Explorer Cub Pack making a which includes different sections such as Scouts, Ventures, donation of School Uniforms to the local Society of Vincent de Paul. Rovers and leaders. It is the first time for most of the group As part of their chief scout award logbook preparation eight members of the to be there, so it will be a great experience for everybody pack most of whom are starting secondary school this year had the idea that hasn’t been there before. to collect as many of their old primary school uniforms and those of their friends and donate them to the Vincent de Paul as part of giving back to the community. Earlier in the year they also made up food hampers to donate. After spending time collecting them they then spent a day, washing, drying, ironing and finally sorting the uniforms by size.

They were profusely thanked by the Vincent de Paul who said that they already had requests in for assistance with uniforms. Their leaders commented that it was such as simple, no cost (except some electricy and detergent) but very effective project and sometimes the simple ideas are the best and congradulated the cubs on their hard work. For some of these cubs it was completing the final step in their chief scout award and they hope to the have badges ready to present before their link to scouts at the end of the month.

49 and partaking in the international sports in the afternoon. The Venture Scouts began the week with an easy hike up to Oschenenesse Lake Alpine Location for Summer Camp which included some swimming and a trip in the rowing boats.

The 4th Cork Troop (Ss. Peter & Paul’s) report a very successful camp in The Programme for the rest of the Switzerland. week was full of activities, Rock Climbing and Abseiling, Jacobs The party of 34 from the Scout Group headed off to the World Scout Ladder, Low Ropes Course, Campsite in Kandersteg, Switzerland. There were 15 Scouts, 7 Venture swimming in the local pool and a Scouts and 12 leaders and all were in high spirits as they faced the long lot more hiking in the Alps. One of On the journey home they spent journey from Cork. the highlights for the scouts was the another day in London when the Dawn hike which has been renamed group headed to the Science and the ‘Yawn’ hike were they headed Natural History Museums. They On route we had a few hours to off at 4:00am to watch the sun rise eventually got back to Cork City all spend in London so a group of over the mountains. It was some safe and sound and everyone with a the leaders headed off to see sight and one that will be carried in smile on their faces, even though a the changing of the guards at the memories for a lifetime. little tired from the journey to say the Buckingham palace while fitting least. in a little pre-camp shopping. As the Camp came to a close, Eoin Leader Eoin Callanan reported Callanan thanked the leadership that they eventually arrived at team for a great camp which all of the campsite early on Saturday the scouts and ventures thoroughly morning and a relaxing day enjoyed and also the scouts for around the camp site followed. being so well behaved for the duration of the camp. The final bight of business of the camp was the The camp programme started in presentation of the ‘Scout of Camp’ its own right on Sunday with an Trophy and this year it went to adventure trail around the village Shane Cronin.

50 New Website, Blog & Social Media Hub Launched

The De La Salle Scout Group launched its new website, blog and social media hub recently In recent years a lot of content was being channeled through our Facebook page, twitter feed, youtube channel and Flickr account so this new blog based website and social media hub will bring all of those channels together in one place. It is a great example of a new modern design for a web portal.

Just click the page to have a look.

51 August 2012

Contacts Coming next month * Castle Saunderson officially

Public Website:- www.scouts.ie Opened * Phoenix Challenge full Members:- my.scouts.ie coverage Email:- [email protected] * Tent the nation did they do Facebook:- http://www.facebook.com/scoutingireland it? Twitter:- @scoutingireland