Official online magazine of

October 2013

Trizone what a blast! News from recent NMC! Great programme ideas! Tips from Adult Resource Committee And lots lots more! Quote of the Month

Communications

Commissioner Intro Venture Underwater P.41 Welcome to this month’s issue of Inside Out. The action just keeps on coming in Scouting. Most groups are making good use of the relativitly mild weather we are having. Groups who usually put away their tents after annual Camp have this year started off the new scout year camping. Our team have been out and about and have all the action from the various events that have been taken place over the last month. Some of the highlights this month are Trizone the Venture Scout event, loads of programme ideas from the Scout and Venture Scout teams. Adult resources are giving you a few ideas of what the group should be doing in October. The National Secretary gives us a run down on what is happening around the National Management team Table. This month as in every month we feature many articles and Pictures from all around the Country from groups just like yours. So what are you waiting for get your group or county event featured. We are making In this issue... it easier for you to submit your article and pictures. We now have a dedicated page set up to Trizone Report 3 enable you to make a submission Just click here and fill in the details. Communication Workshop 9 If you have any Queries please contact us at [email protected]. Adventure Guides 35 Please forward this month’s issue to all Scouters and Camp Northeast Youth Members in your group. Don’t presume they have 53 got it. Deadline for next month’s issue is 31st October. Dublin Cu Chullains 67 See you next month! - The Communications Team Tri Zone 2013 National Competition Luckily they had fantastic weather for the event and made it in good spirits to Killaloe National Water Activities Centre, Co. Clare to pitch tents for the night. After a BBQ served up by the National Events Team, they all fell into their sleeping bags for a much deserved night of rest.

With an early rise on the Sunday morning, the Ventures competed in canoeing and kayaking time trials in Lough Derg to complete the TriZone event. After a break for lunch the trophies were handed out. The 3rd Cork St. Patrick’s Venture Scouts photographed above had a very enjoyable weekend at the TriZone 2013 Cork Venture Scouts Sam Drugan and Seaghan McCarthy National Competition. It was made all the better when came in 3rd and Eóghan Cronin and Leigh Doyle were delighted they took home the Paudge O’Broin Memorial Trophy to take the runners up trophy. Moreover, they were all content for 1st place. Venture Scouts from all over the Island to be beaten by another 3rd Cork (St. Patrick’s) team of Luke compete against each other in a Scouting Triathlon. Just Cassidy and James Maher. Luke and James completed the short of thirty teams of 2 Venture Scouts each were up entire TriZone in 4 hours and 58 minutes to bring home the at the dawn on Saturday to head off on their bikes for the Paudge O’Broin Trophy. Though with only 8 minutes separating first leg of the TriZone Competition. After a cycle from first and second it was really a very close contest. Great fun was Castleconnell Campsite, Co. Limerick across the border had by all teams and going on the way this years event ran We into Co. Clare, the teams of Ventures took off for a hike would expect even bigger crowds at next years event. along the East Clare Way. Both of the first two legs test their fitness, navigation skills and teamwork.

3 4 5 A New Way to Submit Your Articles for Inside out

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

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

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

See right a screen Shot of the Form.

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

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

Communications Team

6 Combined Meeting of National Youth Reps and the NMC

A combined meeting of the National Scout, Venture and Rover Youth Representatives with the National Management Committee took place on Sunday 22nd September, described as an historic occasion by the Chief Scout, several issues were debated and a number of proposals by the Youth Reps were endorsed by the NMC for further action.

The previous evening provided a social opportunity with dinner and then entertainment, provided by the assembly and lead by the National Secretary’s opening contribution which went down particularly well - you had to be there!

A well worthwhile first outing of what Scouting Ireland intends to be a more regular event.

7 National Secretary’s Desk

One Day NMC Meetings

Preparations are under way to Joint Youth Reps & NMC Meeting restructure NMC meetings to hold more frequent one day NMC meetings to bring about more prudent History was made in Scouting Ireland on Sunday 22nd September when and effective management of the the first ever joint National Management Committee and the National Association’s business. Youth Rep. Panels Team came together to discuss Vision 2020 and bring to the NMC’s attention projects such as non – smoking and anti – bullying policies, Youth Programme Section insignia additions to the uniform, Bidding for World Moot Mental Health awareness, Founder’s Day 2014 and the management of Bidding for World Likewise with this, representations National Council. The joint meeting agreed various projects and in going were also made to host the World forward the National Youth Rep Panels Team will have an input at each Conference Rover Moot NMC Meeting. Sincere thanks to all whoVision made this 2020 happen. Programme Representations were made at the European Conference in Berlin Trust Companies European ISGF recently to seek the hosting of the next World Scout Conference in Information Pack & European Conference Ireland. Logo At this year’s Recharge/Reunion It is expected that this pack will be representatives of Scouting Ireland, Delegate Academy notified to the a Association later this Irish Girl Guides and Catholic Girl for Conference year and which will be of benefit to Guides came together to begin the Scout Groups in ensuring that there The NMC at its September meeting formation of an International Scout & Representatives property is properly and correctly agreed an outline document Guide Fellowship (Ireland) structure vested. based on the outcomes of the and sincere thanks to John Reid Discussions and debate is Provincial and other Transformation currently taking place to provide for co-ordinating this ambitious and Please note that if individuals, Scout Workshops that took place and a structure that will assist and exciting project. Groups or Teams have any queries, it is expected this document will prepare delegates representing require any clarifications or want to be launched to the Association in the Association both at home and make comments or suggestions they October 2013 and will allow debate abroad to be fully briefed and can do so by contacting the National and consulation to commence. informed. Secretary at National Office. 8

One Programme resources on the Website Open to all

At a recent NMC meeting the Chief Commissioner Youth Programme Ian Davy requested that the One Programme Resource section on the members section should be open to all now in light of the fact that over 90% of the Scout groups in the Country have transitioned to the One Programme.

The communications Commissioner was requested to open the resource on the Scouting Ireland website to members and also to see if there was a way to have it open to all without So how do I get it? having to Login in at all. We are now please to say that this Type in my.scouts.ie into your have been achieved and the Internet browser and you will be resources are now opened up to taken to the Login page for the all no matter whether you have member’s site. (See right made the transition or not.

Not alone is it available to all members when they log in to the members site but it is now available to all without having to Log into the site at all.

10 JOTA / JOTI

Both the JOTA/JOTI events Some Programme Ideas around take place on 19/20th October. Communications in Scouting. Check out the Event webpage for more details click on the logo. In the next section we feature 20 different resources that were produced to coincide with this years Jamboree on the air (JOTA) and Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI) World Scout events. These resources were put together by Collie Kavanagh who works half the week for Scouting Ireland Programme Unit and the other half for the world Scout Messengers of Peace programme.

These resources are great for Scout ideas that you can incorporate into your Weekly Programme.

To get access to each of these resources in an interactive way which includes access to You tube videos click on each of the subsequent pages.

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Adult Resources

1. Consider holding a Christmas fund raiser – if you are using 12 days of Christmas, remind

Sections of the closing date for returning tickets, allow sufficient Group Leader Calendar - November time to get them to National Office on time. 2. A Christmas good turn in the

You shouldReview hold youra Group Group Council Plan andin November discuss whether to discuss it needs the following: to be Community would be an ideal event • to organise (e.g. Carol Singing at a updated Agree prior toany meeting changes the at County Group CommissionerCouncil and amend to prepare accordingly. QSE. local Nursing Home, helping another It is also the ideal time to visit the Programme Sections to review organisation with a Flag Day or • their Programme and ensure theyAdults understand and check the that requirements all Scouter for event, visiting a local hospital, QSE. putting on a Christmas show in On an administration level you need to ensure that the database is your Den and inviting other Youth • updated, review all pending • Encourage all Programme Groups). Sections to try out fire drills, it 3. Discuss the possibility of might be an idea to appoint a Fire holding a Scouters Christmas Social vetting is up to date. Distribute Marshal in each section. Try it at evening. The Social aspect is very Garda Vetting Forms to those Group Council or at least discuss an important in Scouting from a team who need to renew. While evacuation plan. building point of view and blowing updating the database it would • Provincial Support staff will off steam together. also be a good time to check be able to give you some advice on what Adult awards are due and VEC (new Educational and Training get nominations in as soon as Boards), Library Boards (NI) and possible (watch out next month local Grants, so have a chat with for our article on Awards). Don’t your relevant PSO or GSF to see forget those who have helped what is available in your area. the Group out during the year. • Christmas is just around • You should also ask all the corner and there are a few Programme Sections to let you things you should discuss for the up know when their investitures are coming festivities. taking place so you can plan to attend them.

32 Adult Resources

Parents and Friends Support Group

Establishing a Parents and Friends Support Group (PFSG) under direction of the Group Council offers a great opportunity to gather further adult support for the Group. This has the effect of sharing the responsibilities of the Group Council and frees up Scouters to concentrate of running effective Programme for the young people in the Group. The role of the PFSG is to provide two months. Attendance at Group support and assistance to the Scout Council meetings will also be a The Parents and Friends Support Group will not establish itself by accident Group and is responsible to Group factor for any member appointed. and requires positive initiatives to bringis it betweento reality. 6 Here and are12 members.some Council. They shall hold an AGM Membership of the PFSG should guidelines which may be useful. Potential members include Scout for all parents of the members and be enjoyable and it would be wise Parents or Grandparents, ex friends of the Scout Group (see to encourage a social aspect to the • Group Council should draw up a Scouters or even Parents of Rules 70 and 71). committee to maintain teamwork list of potential candidates. Scouters, but do not limit yourself to and commitment. • Group Council should approach these. The Scout Group Treasurer The role could include the following: individually and the requirements is the Treasurer of the PFSG (Rule • Fundraising explained to them. 72). • Den/Property development / • A meeting of willing members maintenance should be called. Candidates should Up to three representatives of the • Group event support (e.g. catering be briefed on the business of the PFSG may be become members of at an investiture or parents night) group and their role explained. An The Scout Group Council (Rule 50, • Other tasks as allocated by the outline on what their first tasks are item J). This appointment is subject Group Council should be presented at this meeting. to Scout Group Council approval. • There should be a liaison person Members of the PFSG must apply The PFSG should meet as often appointed by Group Council for membership of Scouting Ireland as required to achieve their goals, in accordance with the Constitution, but needs to meet frequently The PFSG may be appointed Rules and policies. This includes enough to maintain momentum annually at the Group Council AGM. undertaking relevant training where and continuity. At a minimum the The most effective size of this Group applicable. Support Group should meet every

33 Adult Resources

It is also important that members of Year of World Friendship Ireland’s part in the Gathering the PFSG share in the identity and 2013 for inside out and would like sense of Community of the Scout to include as much of the events Group. They should be encouraged as possible. Please send a small to attend relevant Group activities bio and photos of your event to to provide a sense of belonging to [email protected] with the the Group. This needs to be done subject titles ‘our gathering event.’ in accordance with SI Constitution and Rules and should not in any Want to be featured in the next way interfere with the role of the Scouting Ireland Promotional Programme Scouters. The Group video? International team is Council should consider providing working on video for Ireland as a members of the PFSG with a polo destination for international scouts shirt or sweat shirt with the Group Have you participated in a Gathering and we need YOUR Help. Please logo to further a sense of belonging. event this year in your local community, send footage of you doing your or have organized your own within your thing in scouts to international@ Don’t forget to say THANK YOU. group? International team wants to scouts.ie with the subject title It is vitally important to recognise hear about them! Next month we will be ‘promo video’. Remember to tell us the work of any adult who provides putting together a spread of Scouting who you are and what group! support to the Group. Remember to include those who work at support level when applying for adult awards.

Imagine

On Monday evening’s from 7pm to 9pm you can lift your phone and talk to a friendly helpful person from the Adult Resource Team on all adult related manners.....

Well, it’s true and they are awaiting your calls with keen interest and a willingness to help. 01 4956300

34 3 Pole Challenge The first of the new Scout Adventure guides, is the ‘3 Pole Challenge’ an excellent selection of short activities for a troop or Scout Adventure Guides patrol meeting.

The National Scout team have put together some Scout Adventure Guides. They are hoping to release one each week.

They have produced 5 guides to date, which you might find useful for a Scout Activity.

Each Guide is designed in two versions One for the Scouts Themselves and One for the Scouters. Please feel free to pass on to your Scouts or Other Scouters.

Click on the image link

35 The 2nd Adventure Guide is an introduction to Geocaching, an Geocaching excellent patrol activity that introduces you to using GPSs. It is also, great for inter-patrol challenges.

Click on the image link

36 The 3rd Adventure Guide is Photo Safari and excellent patrol Photo Safari activity that introduces you to photography.

Click on the image link

37 The 4th Adventure Guide Scouts Own is based around putting Scouts Own together a Scouts own.

Click on the image link

38 The 5th Adventure guide using map and compass is a great activity Map and Compass to put compass and mapping skills to the test.

Click on the image link

39 40 Program Ideas - October

Underwater Investiture -Organise an Investiture with a difference-

Learning Objectives: Physical • Do you appreciate that physical differeces make society better?

Character • Do you put the Promise and Law into practice? Venture Scouts at SUAS phase: • Decide on a timeline and dates for the ceremony. Special Interest Badges: • Working in your Crews find out more about the Scouting way of life, its practices and traditions. • Personal Skill • Understand the Aim of Scouting Ireland. • Physical/Recreation • Discus with you Crew how the Scout Method works in your unit. • Organise the ceremony, divide the tasks – location, transport, guest list, etc. • Decide how to make the Promise underwater – learn to use Sign Language. • Attend a safety briefing and introduction to SCUBA diving. • Go Diving and become Venture Scout. • Carry out a review session after the event.

Venture Scout at TRASNA phase: • Welcome new members to the Unit, run an ‘ice-breaker’ night. • Explain the Scout Method and how the Venture Scout unit works – the Venture Scout Executive, Crews, plan-do-review, etc. • Contact a SCUBA training centre and explain the Units needs. Web Resource: • Meet with the SCUBA instructor and agree how the ceremony will work and any safety issues. • Arrange for a signing lesson to learn how to sign the promise. • Organise the ceremony, include an after party celebration. • Go Diving and invest the new members of your unit. Click on image for video • Lead a review session after the event.

41 Roverchill 2013

42 The awarding is divided into two parts

• The first part is a • The second part is attending an expert panel submission of a log of experience workshop day. These workshops are designed to allow to the review panel, all logs discussion of the standards required. The aim to ensure and backup material should be that all members of the expert panel are ‘singing to the submitted to adskills.camping@ same hymn sheet’, in that we are trying to ensure that all scouts.ie an appendix of the assessments across the country are carried out equally and required material is attached. to the same standard. As part of this day each candidate Whilst this appendix is extensive, will teach elements of the basic camping skills to a patrol of all camp chiefs will appreciate scouts. that these are the steps that they had to do in organising successful The log book and additional notes can be downloaded click camps. on the link below:

Camping Adventure Skills Team Direct Award to Expert Panel Stages The Camping Adventure skills is divided into 9 stages and intended to be attained progressively as a member follows their personal journey through Scouting. The team is also aware that there are many scouters who have a wealth of experience that has been gained prior to the introduction of ‘ONE’. We have introduced the direct award method to specifically accommodate these scouters. International News

The new website we are launching three sites in one: a user-driven site, will become an enabler for young a corporate site and an intranet. people and adults in It will be focusing on people AND Scouting to share, experience content. Permanent on-line Jamboree and learn. Moreover, it will allow User-generated content all Scouts to feel that they are changed the Internet and more starts on scout.org participating in a global movement. broadly the way individuals and Our new website is the centre of organisations communicate. World Scouting’s renewed web People are empowered to share Dear International Commissioners, presence. It is a hub for all of our and communicate directly with On 15 October we are launching a new online platform for World Scouting. digital activities. It brings a new level institutions. To reflect this great shift, It aims to bring together all the Scouts around the world in a permanent of transparency, responsiveness we would like to open scout.org to jamboree. It marks a fundamental mindshift in our communications and will and interactivity. our members. contribute to change the way we are doing business in World Scouting. What is happening: The vision for Technically speaking, the new Also, this moment is very special as we prepare to celebrate another the new scout.org scout.org enables people to create JOTA-JOTI and we hope that this newsocial platform media will platforms contribute have to further started engagement and exchange betweenexpanding Scouts worldwide. to become The an changes integrated to The vision of the new scout.org is profiles, post content, share it, like it part of young people’s lives. We to be an online space where the and comment on it. Personal profiles Movement is living in its full vibrancy of users with photos bring a strong scout.org go beyond creating a new should not only be part of this change but actually help drive it. – 24/7 and 365 days a year. personal identity and connection website. They reflect the way we We want scout.org to showcase the with scout.org and the Movement at see our Movement and its role in diversity, unity and vastness of our large. We want the empowerment the lives of our members. We have Movement. It will be a place where of individuals to be visible from created a platform which will provide Scouts can share projects and the very first moment. Indeed, the constant learning, communication, feature success stories. It will be a bubble-up effect will ensure that sharing and development. permanent online Jamboree and great stories from the grassroots of Why is it happening: Our digital a constant meeting place both for Scouting around the world will make journey Scouts and external visitors. All the it to the headlines on the When we launched the previous developments for the new scout.org homepage of scout.org within website 7 years ago, we were should eventually contribute to the no time. The corporate part of focusing on our SCOUTS brand. development of Scouting. the website placed under “About It was a necessary move, which How we make it: Everyone’s a user, Scouting” will provide a wide array unified our identity and our activities. everyone’s a creator – a dynamic of information about our Movement As people change the way they scout.org and about our organization. Good use the Internet, so must we. Major The new scout.org will consist of content and quality information

44 International News

team of creators and editors must the next days, my colleagues from the web team will contact you with further assist in bootstrapping the website details to support your NSO’s active presence and engagement on the from the previous website has at the beginning. We all have great new scout.org. been captured, updated and stories about our Movement and So look out for the new scout.org on 15 October! transferred. We will continue about our achievements, which we building our strong identity and would like to share with the world. Yours in Scouting, communicate about our values Now, it is a great moment to do so. Scott Teare To view the new World and our Movement. The intranet We invite you all to visit the new Secretary General WOSM Scout Website click on section is another new feature scout.org and to start sharing your the link for the special benefit of National personal and organisational stories. Scout Organizations. That way we can create success In this space, you will have together. dedicated access to the various We have prepared a web page announcements, resources and dedicated to your NSO on the new Countdown to services that World Scouting offers scout.org. I invite you to make use International Camps to all its member organizations. of this opportunity to have a strong The goal of the intranet is to presence for your NSO on the new improve communications and digital home of World Scouting and Going on an International Camp information exchange between share your Scouting stories on it. In in 2014, Scouts should be World Scouting and NSOs. You will starting to prepare now. Check be able to find information about out this resource Countdown to different events and activities, International Camps developed to as well as reports created by all act as a very useful guide. Offices of the World Scout Bureau and other NSOs. And this part will Click on the image to the right. continue to grow over time as our needs evolve. Creating success together: What’s next? It is extremely rare that a user- driven website takes off on its own. We need to foster and help in the initial phase of organic growth. A

45 46 It is eighteen months since I took on the role of Camp Chief at Lough Dan and returned to main stream scouting after a break of about ten years. The site has been busy but I can’t say that I have seen a lot of “Scouting” taking place.

Either by pure genius or through a stroke of luck BP invented a fantastic system of informal educational. It involved small groups of young people (patrols) organising their own outdoor activities (camps and hikes) and in the process learning from the experience (learning by doing) all in an atmosphere of respect for others and for the environment (the Scout Law The role of the adult in this process Much of what passes for outdoor and Promise). has always been to make sure it education and Scouting nowadays was safe and to subtly sow ideas. is not really experiential leaning It was ingenious because it was so It was not to take over and do it at all. One would have to wonder simple. A group of kids organise all themselves. Of course an adult at the value of taking part in laid a camp, make the arrangements, could do it better and faster but on “splash and dash” activities buy the food, bring the gear, work that is missing the point. A worrying such as crate climbing, archery, together to pitch the tents perhaps trend seems to be where the leaders low ropes courses, and canoeing in the dark or in the wind, cook come down beforehand to set up sessions which may be entertaining their meals on an open fire for the tents, the cooking is done on a and convenient but they are hardly which they had to find the wood communal basis and the clean-up is very educational and certainly no and so forth. During the day they done by the adults rather than the substitute for kids organising their organised their own activities kids. Add to this the laid on activities own activities. There is certainly a such as a hike, having to plan and you begin to wonder where the pressure on Scout Centres to lay on a route, decide on the gear to learning is? Yes the programme activities in part due to a demand bring, navigate, dealing with the needs to be tailored to the age and from leaders and the fact that they elements and all the while learning ability of the group but this should create a revenue stream for the in the process. not mean leaders doing everything. centre. But is it at the expense of Scouts doing their own thing?

47 By supporting young people Yes we have had groups doing one would imagine needs improving to run their own activities they good scouting but many of these with laid on activities to provide for not only learn the skills of have been foreign groups exploiting fun, challenge and adventure. the activity which in a way is the local area to run a challenging Of course I am from an age when superfluous more importantly programme. Do Irish leaders you had to entertain yourself and they learn a lot of inter-personal think there is nothing to do unless while I don’t expect people to make skills when working with the activities are laid on? Lough Dan is their own canoes these days, I just others in the patrol. They get situated on a fabulous lake in the wonder are our leaders being given a chance to develop skills heart of the Wicklow Mountains the imagination to help their scouts such as, planning, decision National Park. It is hardly a place run their own creative programme. making, teamwork, listening and communicating, problem solving, “life skills” useful in any walk of life. BP realised that by using small groups in the out of doors created plenty of learning opportunities because they have to deal with unforeseen At Lough Dan we do provide some real challenges as they arise activities but more importantly we (usually to do with the weather). also have a staff resource that These are tests you cannot get would be glad to help you make through by copying, cheating or the most of your stay in Lough Dan cramming. You either deal with and assist you to run a really good the tent coming down in the wind SCOUT programme. You can get or get wet but chances are you all the info you require and make on will have learnt something in the line bookings on our website www. process. loughdan.com or you can contact me Zef Klinkenbergh at Lough Dan 01-2818205.

48 Booking form for Santa and Elf World International Scout Centre In conjunction with Santa Claus & Elves

Castle Saunderson launches Beaver Santa Day!

Applications will only be accepted by post and accompanied by deposit made This is promised to be a great experience for Beavers and expected to fill payable to Scouting Ireland - Castle Saunderson International Scout Centre quickly. It is a magical 2 hour experience, including a visit to Elf World and Contact details Leader in charge Group name/number a chance to visit Santa. This event is only open to Beavers (or similar in Name Number of Beavers attending Postal address Preferred date/day Saturday 30th Sunday 1st guiding). November December

The booking form to the right should be filled in and returned with deposit to the address provided. Email address Payment schedule Phone number Deposit on booking €7.50/£6.50 Final balance €7.50/£6.50 by by 31st October 15th November Very Important please note: Places are limited and the event will fill quickly, Groups are advised to book early as the event may fill before 31st October Places will only be confirmed on receipt of deposits for the numbers booked. Deposits are non refundable if you are accepted, should we receive bookings with deposits and the event has been filled, your cheque will be returned to you. Proceeds from the event will be donated to a Children's Charity Groups should also bring along on the day 1 sleeping bag for donation to a homeless charity. For your preferred day while we will try and accommodate, it cannot be guaranteed. Time slots will be allocated when your place is confirmed It is approximately a 2 hour experience, with a visit to Elf World and to meet Santa. Enclosed deposit payment for Payment should be made Scouting Ireland - Castle Saunderson International Scout Centre Beavers @ €7.50/£6.50 Totalling Your Preferred method of us contacting you Please post to: Post or email Castle Saunderson International Scout Centre Belturbet, Co Cavan

49 SI Twitter updates, news, etc directly to their We asked the Chief Scout to pull out phone or computer. a winner and we are please to say We send out tweets at least 3 times that the winner was the 80th Cork. This month our Scouting Ireland most days. So our members are Twitter feed reached the 5,000 instantly getting news and updates. So why not follow us to get daily follower which is a great milestone updates from Mark and the team. for us here on the Communications To mark the fact that we have now Just click on the link below and then team. Daily over 5,000 groups or 5000 followers we ran a competition click on follow. indivudals receive daily resource for all Scout Groups that follow us.

50 In closing, thank you again for your kind co-operation and we would like to ask you to convey our appreciation to everyone involved.

2013 Japanese Rover Scout interns Yours sincerely, working with Scouting Ireland

Koichi Kimura On behalf of of Japan and our delegates to the 2013 National Secretary Japanese Rover Scout interns working with Scouting Ireland, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to you and your members for the kind and warm hospitalities you extended to our members during their stay in your country.

They returned home safely on 15 September, 2013.

Thanks to your fine arrangements, this internship programme was extremely informative for our members. They were able to get the opportunity to improve their English proficiency and deepen friendship between our two countries in anEuropean cultural environment. Their experience and ability will become a great help at the time of the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in 2015.

51

53 Over the course of the trek we viewed some historical landmarks, such as the cross of Art O’Neill, first man to escape from Dublin Castle, Sionnach Adventure Wicklow don’t you know? 2013 Expedition Report We gave up our lead in the interest of viewing some of the local Friday: landscape. Colm brought us to an We all met up at the den at 7:30 to leave for Wicklow, the garden of Ireland. extra peak, Mount 702, making And with Alex and Adam having a score to set straight after last weeks our 10k hike an 11.5 one. From trip to Achill (according to some reports, a certain ‘patrol member’ found it the top, we had a perfect view of difficult to fit into their Tadpole). We were out of the den by 8 in Mr. Ennis’ Turlough Hill, the Glenmalure Valley wagon of fun, but only after his heroics with John O’Donohue in saving a and Lugnaquilla. If you don’t know distressed mother’s Corsa from the dreaded gate of St. Stephen’s. what Turlough Hill is, the device By 10 o’clock we were turning off at Glendalough to check ourselves in. We that you’re reading this on probably would spend the night. This was wouldn’t be working without it. scheduled to take us 2 hours, but changed into our hiking gear and we had it completed in just a little completed the short 400m stroll bit over an hour. Adam and Alex to Base Camp. Our Tadpole’s were already putting last week’s were pitched ,with everybody adventures behind them. But hey! fitting in, and after a quick supper What happens in Connaught stays of Cadbury’s Rich Tea’s we were in Connaught. set for bed. When we arrived at our High Camp Saturday: we were the first team to check in, We got up around quarter past we pitched our tents and had some 8, and packed away all our gear lunch. There were still another 5.5 without too much difficulty, the kilometres to go. Once again, we weather was good, which is were the first team to check out, and always half the battle. We had a for a good proportion of the hike 4.5 kilometre hike before getting were up to speed with the Sionnach to our High Camp, where we mountain team.

54 overall success was the conclusion. The best part of an MPC, or After this, we rolled down the checked out around 10 and began Sionnach, is always the end, and no side of the mountain (Mount the expedition back to the car. part more than the traditional pit- 632 this time) to High Camp for After a bouldering base, where stop at Supermacs, hot Muffins and some Pot Noodles, dinner of Adam came out on top, we had to all. After our refreshment, the rest champions. Despite our detour, climb over one last hill, there was of the way home was quick and we we were still the 3rd patrol back some slight confusion, but thanks were back in Waterford by 2.30pm at Camp. to some #instadeadly navigating we remained on course and were Report by Matt Gaynor, Troop Sunday: back at the start, some 25 minutes Scribe, 7th Waterford De La Salle We were up at 8:30, tents before the 2nd patrol.nded out first Scout Troop. packed away and all. Once with the organisers referring to us as all our gear was fitted into our ‘Seasoned Hillwalkers’. Photos by Colm Ennis. rucksacks (Which at this stage were more like stuff-sacks) we As Colm went to get the car, me, went up to the presentation of Adam and Alex were given some the badges, ours were ha We time to reflect on the weekend, an

55 Ben Nevis Report by ferry to Troon, by mid afternoon we arrived to our destination in Recently, 11 venture scouts and a the Scottish highlands. Later that leader team from 29th Belfast Scout evening, once we had settled in, group CARRYDUFF travelled to we went over our plans for the hike, Scotland with the aim of climbing checking equipment, route plans, Ben Nevis the highest mountain in weather forecast ect. Great Britain. The group have now conquered the three highest peaks The next morning we drove to our in Great Britain ie Scafell Pike in starting point, a carpark at the England, Ben Nevis in Scotland and base of Ben Nevis and at 9.00am Snowden in Wales and look forward we started our accent. We had to their next challenge later in the calculated our route would take year by ascending Mt Carrantuohill 7 and a half hours to complete in Kerry, the highest mountain in taking into account the distance Ireland. and gradient including rest time for breaks. Although the first 90 Daniel McGrath takes up the story. minutes were relatively comfortable We left CARRYDUFF early on with a gentle incline throughout, Thursday morning and travelled it was the calm before the storm. As we ascended past 800 metres,

56 the terrain became increasingly Finally as we climbed the final few more steep and at several points steps towards the summit we posed we were climbing at near 45 for the obligatory photos and then degrees across stony tracks. promptly huddled into the warmth of As we climbed higher the our storm shelters for lunch. scenery was simply breathtaking. After 30 minutes we headed down The sunshine of the valley below the mountain. Over the next couple coupled with the sun bathed of hours as we continued with our peaks all around us, made it hard descent we basked in the warmth to stop taking millions of photos of the afternoon sun. Around 4.30 all along the way. Onwards we arrived back to our bus, tired but and upwards we climbed, only elated. stopping now and again for a well deserved food break. We all agreed that it had been a daunting climb and far tougher than we had imagined but it had been a fantastic experience. During the next few days we visited Lough Ness, took part in highland games in a local village, had an awesome time learning segway riding and we rounded off each night by sitting and chatting around a campfire. Thanks to Pat and Eamonn for supporting us during the trip.

Daniel McGrath. 29th Belfast Venture Scout.

57 Scouts Speaks for Itself Check out a great Video made by UK Scouting.

Year in the life of a Venture Scout section

Check out a great Video made by Catherdavin Venture Scouts which captures a year in the life of a venture Scout Section. Well put together well done.

Leaders use the Patrol System Check out this video made by the Australian Scouts. Do you recognise anyone here. Leaders use the Patrol System.

58 was Petersburg Adventure Centre in Galway, were we did a short hike and had some fun watching the sheep that roam the area. From there we headed to Curragh Chase The Great Leprechaun Chase 2013 Scout Centre in Limerick , via 27th July – 17th August the Cliffs of Mohar, where we did many backwoods activities such as lighting fires, backwoods cooking This summer 29th Dublin Blackrock Scout Group invited both American and Bivying, even seeing some and Canadian Scout groups over for a big annual camp round the country shooting stars. dubbed The Great Leprechaun Chase. They jumped at the opportunity to come to Ireland and planning started. All three troops shared the same sub-camp at the 2012 Michigan International Camporee and were host On the way to Fota campsite in by the American Troop. The Great Leprechaun Chase was registered as Cork we went to Dingle, doing a a Gathering event both with Scouting Ireland and The Gathering Ireland little tourist shopping and buying 2013. Guinness, the Leprechaun Museum, some sweets. After spending time in Dublin Castle and the Oireachtas. Fota campsite and going to Blarney On the morning of July the 27th 5 We got to spend the afternoons Castle and Cork city we packed scouts from Michigan in America showing our visitors some Irish life up once again and got back on the and 7 scouts from Windsor in with shopping on Grafton Street bus. This time we were going to Canada with their 5 leaders and Football. Over the course of the arrived at Dublin Airport where week they also attended a ceili and they were met by our troop and received a Barron lesson. Liam our Camp mascot. To begin the camping part of the trip The trip started with a relaxing we spent a night in with week of home hospitality with our scouts, ventures and our new families in Blackrock. There was American and Canadian friends. an opening BBQ on the Saturday During this short stay in larch hill we night after the visitors had were able to complete the Larch hill settle into there new temporary 75 year Challenge and had our first homes. We brought them too official camp camp-fire which one of many different tourist sites in the our Canadian friends lead. city centre such as Jameson, After a long bus ride our next stop

59 Mount Mellary in Waterford via Mitchelstown Caves. When we got to Mount Mellary we were joined by our cubs. Our activities included a lot of patrol work, orienteering, pioneering and cooking completion between the 6 patrols.

For our last few nights we went back to our own scout den in Blackrock. We were joined by our Beavers for a slumber and our American and Canadian night. During this final night friends presented us with a frame we presented badges from the with a Poster signed by all their various locations that we visited Ventures and Scouters with their camp badges. Our final campfire was held on the final night and it was a night of hugs and tears from everyone. After three weeks straight of living, with each other it felt like we had known each other for years, we reluctantly said a final farewell in Dublin airport on the morning of the 17th of August. We stayed together for as long as possible and got as many hugs as we could.

Author Emma Baker Blackrock Venture Crew

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something “Scouty”. Our Beavers love to hike, so we decided on a sponsored walk. With the help of Maurice Wood, our Beaver coordinator for the county, we Sponsored Walk for Robyn Smyth spread the word through the Scout county. On the morning of Sunday the 6th of October 2013, the Beavers and At 10.30 am, photographs were leaders of the Cluain Torc Scout County gathered at Fairview Scout Den. The Cluain Torc county consists of groups from Clontarf, Beaumont, taken and all the Beavers lined up Drumcondra, Donnycarney, Whitehall, Santry, Fairview, Coolock, Ardlea to start the walk and support one of and Priorswood. They had a mission: to raise as much money as possible their own. It was a glorious morning for the Robyn’s Life Trust. as we walked down Griffith Avenue. Beavers from Whitehall carried a banner promoting the trust. We were fortunate to receive money from

Robyn Smyth is a beaver with the 44th Whitehall Scout Group who is suffering from a rare form of cancer called neuroblastoma. Robyn needs treatment and the Roybn’s Life Trust was founded to raise funds to help with the cost of the treatment. Information on the trust and all current fundraising activities can be found in the links below. When the leaders in Whitehall heard that Robyn’s cancer had returned, we decided that we wanted to do something to help the appeal. But we wanted to do

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After a very successful and enjoyable “Scouty” morning the event finished at 2pm: at the last count the Beavers from Cluain Torc Scout County raised €3254.45 in support of one of their own. Congratulations to all of the Beavers for a fantastic effort. You are amazing!

Finally a huge thank you to all of the leaders in the County for your help. Thank you to Karen Free and Paul Ring for your support. A very special thank you to the following people: Marie, Sam, Jack, Bernie, Sinead, Ger and Jim.

If anyone would like to make a passersby. On Griffith Avenue donation or to organise an event, we stopped for a short Conker please contact the Robyn’s Life Collection Break. Then off we Trust on the links below: went again, stopping traffic as we crossed roads. At noon we reached the 44th Whitehall Scout Den where a big surprise waited for the Beavers, a sausage sizzle and a DJ to start the dancing. After the food, Maurice and Karen gave a short speech. Paul Yours in Scouting Ring, the county commissioner, was there to support the initiative. Yvonne Lappin 44th Whitehall Scout Group

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Our Gathering Event during the summer and we had the pleasure of getting our photo taken with Darcey & Keelagh on the steps In June the 41st Dublin scouts of city hall. shared a ‘gathering event’ with the Liffey Descent 6th Bebington troop from Eastham, The book is available near Liverpool. for sale online and Congratulations to Sarah Mc Donagh, Rover & Kayaking instructor with the would make a super Congratulations to Cyril Byrne, 41st Dublin, who won the Liffey Descent in late September. Christmas gift as well the Irish Times photographer who It is a 28km race down the Liffey and is the pinnacle of kayaking as supporting a great photographed the event, and had achievements. It was Sarah’s first time doing it and due to the very cause. dry summer there was very little water on the river, making it a more his photo picked to go on the cover challenging and gruelling race than usual. of the Irish Hospice Foundation fundraising book – The Gathering, Reflection on Ireland. The photo shows Dalkey sea scouts with the troop from Bebington on Dalkey Sarah finished in a time of 2hrs Ireland. It was a very proud moment 55 minutes which longer than for the group to have our photo usual but given the slow flow of chosen and to be invited to the the river it is in line with, and just book launch in City Hall with an ahead of, the other competitors! Taoiseach, Enda Kenny. Photos Sarah won by a good margin (7 taken that night made the inside of minutes) and it is the first senior the Irish Times the next day. race that she has competed in, so this is quite an achievement. It was also a pleasure to meet John It is a very physically and Geoghegan on the night. John is mentally challenging race. Well a director of the World Scouting done, Sarah. Federation and in the book you get to read about his career and the impact scouting has had on his life. Thank you, John! You also can Photos courtesy of Colm Mahady/Fennell Photography/ Copyright read about the Irish Wolfhound Club Fennell Photography 2013 which held its own gathering event

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Gearoid O’Riain, Harry O’Rahilly and their crew from 8U Calafort Dunlaoghaire, who organised the days event and to Malahide Sea Scout group for stepping in at the last The 99th Sea Scout Rowing Regatta moment to provide the venue and on Broadmeadow Malahide set up. This was the 99th year in the events history which makes it the After postponing this year’s Rowing Regatta at Dunlaoghaire by one week oldest scout competition in the World. due to high winds on Dublin Bay the rescheduled event attracted over 200 We are now looking forward to the Sea Scout’s to Broadmeadow, Malahides Upper Estuary on Saturday 14th races centenary in 2014. September 2013. The well attended event had both kayakers and oarsmen Finally to all kayakers, boats crews partake in races from under 13 to under 18’s.The East Coast Skiff races and troops who took part on the day a were over a course of one kilometre. Heats were run for the younger age big thank you and congratulations in sections while the prestigious under 17 race the Woodlatimer cup had taking part in the spirit of the event? seven teams. The results were as follows The day at Broadmeadow did not let Under 18 pair oar cox - 1st 5th Port(W) ,2nd 8th Port(M) , 3rd 7th Port us down with light winds up to force Under 14 Skiff - 1st 8th Port , 2nd 5th Port(W) , 3rd 5th Port Valkyries 3. Crews and spectators enjoyed Under 14 (Female) - 1st 5th Port(V),2nd 9th Port(N) ,3rd 8th Port(F) the calm conditions that gave very Under 15 Skiff - 1st 9th Port(W) , 2nd 8th Port(M) , 3rd 5th Port(W) lively races with close finishes. Under 16 pair oar cox - 1st 5th Port(W) ,2nd 9th Port (W) ,3rd 8th Port(M) Families and friends cheered on ,4th 5th Port(V) the boats crews as they raced the Under 16 pair oar cox (Female) - 1st 5th Port(V) ,2nd 8th Port(F) , one kilometre course. The day’s 3rd 9th Port (N) events ended with presentations Under 17 Skiff (Woodlatimer) - 1st 9th Port(W) , 2nd 5th Port(W),3rd 8th on the green on Lower Texas lane Port(M) ,4th 5th Port(V) overlooking Broadmeadow. Kevin Rowan of the Sea Scout and Water Activities team presented to the crews medals and trophies for first, second and third place. Congratulations to the organisers

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Pet Night with Malahide Cub Scouts

15th Dublin Malahide Cubs had the local Pet Shop (Kinsealy Pet Shop) in for an evening to advise cubs on Pet Care. They also brought some exotic animals with them from Rabbits to iguanas, lizards, parrots and of course a large snake. The Cubs had a wonderful if at some times scary time.

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leaders, crew members for the many hours of training they had put in over the season.

The day’s events were organised A Cracking Race on a Cracking Day! . by the 4th Port of Dublin Sea Scout group of Ringsend. A special thanks to them for their great traditional This year, the three team Malahide Sea Scout crew from the Wednesday hospitality. night troop took first place at the Dublin Bay Long Distance Sea Scout Race. Favourable weather as it was to day does not make the 14 kilometre race any easier. With an 11.15am start in Dunlaoghaire harbour, the five boats raced towards the entrance of the harbour out into the bay The Malahide skiff took an early lead and led by more than 20 lengths as they approached the South Wall at the entrance to Dublin Port. The three Malahide crews had great change overs on the South Wall and at

the Poolbeg Sailing Club and finished first over the line on the Dodder River at 4th Ports den. Placing was as follows. 1st 9th Port Malahide (W) 2nd 5th Port Dollymount (W) This year’s cup presented for the first time is the Earnan Fitzpatrick Memorial Trophy. Earnan was both a scout and a leader with the 5th Port Dollymount Sea Scouts. His many years of service to Sea Scouting were remembered today. Well done boat crews and their coxswains, and to their volunteer

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Dublin Cu Chullains

On Sunday the 15th September 2013 two Scouters from 58th/85th Donnycarney Scout Group Dublin were presented with the Order of Chu Chullain by the Provincial Commissioner Dublin representing the Chief Scout. Both were honoured to receive such an Award.

Frank Ellis received 25 year Service award and a Gold merit Award presented by County Commissioner Paul Ring. Both Mary and Agnes also received 30 year service award presented by their former group leader Peter O’Kelly.

Aidan Smith PC thanked all involved specially the group leader Vinny O’Malley.

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73rd Raheny Group Water Day September 2013

On a sunny September Sunday, trying saying that 3 times, the 73rd Raheny group had a day on the water with the Irish Canoe Union in the Strawberry beds. After the success of last year, running this again this year was an easy choice.

We split the all the groups into 3 main sessions. The first was shared between both of our Beaver sections, the second was shared by both Cub sections and the third was split between the Scouts and Ventures with some advanced Cubs also joining in.

The weather was fantastic and the staff at the centre built on last year’s experience teaching everyone new skills and helping to refine others. The Beavers were especially eager to get out on the water in the kayaks and explore the river Liffey including going under the M50!

All of the sessions finished off with a dip in the river using an upturned Canadian Canoe as a slide. Great fun had ensured it will be repeated often in the future and our thanks to the excellent staff at the ICU in the strawberry beds.

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Phoenix 2013: St Paul’s Parish Centre 3rd October, 2013

Attending this event was City Mayor Cllr. John Cummins, County Mayor Cllr. Damien Geoghan, and National Commissioner for Programme David Shaloo, Chief Scout Michael J. Shinnock and County Commissioner Brian Fanning.

17th/20th St Pauls Runners-Up

7th De La Salle – Overall Winners 19th/29th Ballygunner

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8th Tramore 3rd De La Salle

The Six Patrol Leaders with County Commissioner – Brian Fanning 18th/26th Ferrybank National Commissioner for Programme – David Shaloo Chief Scout – Michael J Shinnock 70 Province News

Port of Cork Raft Race

The first Port of Cork Scouting Ireland Raft Race took place in glorious sunshine last Saturday . The Raft Race was part of the Cork Harbour Open Weekend and was attended by representative teams from the Scout Groups around the Harbour area. The Scout Counties that were represented were Cois Laoi Chorcai by 66th Cork (Aghada), Cork South by 41st Cork (Passage West) and Lee Valley Scout County by 37th Cork (Togher) Scout Group 43rd Cork (Bishopstown) Scout and Venture Group and 109th Cork (Ballinora) with both Scout and Venture Group.

The teams were taking part The Race started at the Post of in the Fun Raft Race and the Cork Yard at Custom House Quay event was won by the Ventures and finished in Shandon Boat from the Ballinora Scout Group. Club Slipway. Many thanks to Port of Cork have said that the Frank Coughlan and the Club for event was a great success and their assistance. The teams were congratulated all the teams that supervised by three Safety Boats on attended. They hoped that the the River from Aghada Sea Scout race would be held next year Group, Cobh Sea Scout Group and which Scouting Ireland have Innishleena Water Activities Centre. said will be the case with more Many thanks to these Group for their groups being involved. The event assistance in the event. will be staged in two categories with a venture race and a Scout All in all the day was a great Race. success and we look forward to a bigger event again next year.

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Recharge Weekend Castle works with the French Scout Group sang Irish songs, recited our scout and the project takes part every prayer and flew our Irish flag proudly Saunderson year. among all the French flags. Chris Everyone was trained in map and Farrelly, Orla Mc Kiernan and compass and radio skills and had Conor Grant gave an excellent to take an exam, before being demonstration of Hurling which went allowed to participate in the Mission. down well. We visited Marseille, Our duty was to participate with had a day on the beach, a visit to the French group in daily 4 hour Aqualand, a trip to the creeks for a shifts and report back by radio, in swim and a chance to do some very French, every 20 minutes to Base challenging climbing and abseiling. Camp. Sometimes, there was an Roisin O’Kelly and Margaret Brady hour’s walk to the look-out point and were in charge and there is no very little cover from the roasting doubt that the Venture Scouts will sunshine. The Portmarnock venture have many great memories they will scouts did their community and treasure in years to come. country proud. They worked hard, in difficult conditions, not a single Roisin O Kelly, Venture Leader complaint, although it was tough. A Scout Trip with a Difference! One of our scouts, Ross King, spotted a fire and alerted the Fire The Portmarnock Venture scouts of control fire. At the time, it was Department who soon arrived by had a very interesting, enjoyable believed that it was caused by a helicopter and distinguished the fire and successful 10-day camp in careless hiker throwing a match to from the air. Well done Ross ! France this Year. The challenge was dry combustible undergrowth. In It was not all work. We had a great to join a group of 200 French scouts 1979, 1,000s of young trees were time too ! In our free time, we had a and help prevent forest fires in the planted by volunteer scouts. The culture exchange with the 18 French beautiful area of Marseille, South of following year, the scouts returned scouts that shared our immediate France. This peaceful forested area in the RED ALERT time, July - Aug camp. We cooked Irish food for is reserved for back packers only, no to prevent further fires. Red Alert is them and tasted Escargots when it traffic whatsoever is permitted. a high risk time when temperatures was their turn to cook ! UGH ! We In the 1970s, a large part of the reach as high as 40 degrees. Nature performed Irish dancing, made and forest was destroyed by an out Environment, a Government group exchanged Friendship bracelets,

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

73 74 October 2013

Contacts Coming next month

Public Website:- www.scouts.ie National News Scout Resources Members:- my.scouts.ie Venture Scout Resources Email:- [email protected] Communications Team Workshop

Facebook:- http://www.facebook.com/scoutingireland And Lots more! Twitter:- @scoutingireland