Official online magazine of Scouting Ireland
August 2013
Camp One Patrols Took Control! Explorer Belt 2013 in the Sunshine in Spain! Venture Scout Challenge in the Sunshine In Ireland! And lots lots more! Communications Commissioner Intro
Welcome to this month’s issue of Inside Out. This month Ireland experienced one of the best July’s weather wise on record. Our Photographers were out and about at all the Scout Events which took place in beautiful Weather. We Feature all the goings on at Camp One – Patrols in control. This was a camp to rembember ran by the Patrol Leaders. We also travel to Northern Spain to follow the explorer Belt teams as they completed their challenge.. Also at the end of the month the Venture scouts took to the roads and lakes around the Midlands to participate in the Venture Scout Challenge 2013. Also our Rover Scouts had the official launch of the World Scout Moot contigent which are all set to head to Canada to attend this event. So it was avery active an busy month in Scouting Ireland.This month as in every month we feature many articles and Pictures from all around the Country as groups get out and about. So what are you waiting for get your group or county event featured. We are making it easier for you to submit your article and pictures. We now have a dedicated page set up to enable you to make a submission Just click here and fill in the details. Lough Dan Page 29.
If you have any Queries please contact us at [email protected]. Please forward this month’s issue to all Scouters and Youth Members in your group. Don’t presume they have got it. Deadline for next month’s issue is 31st August. See you next month! - The Communications Team
In this issue... Quote of the Month Camp One 3 “The open-air is Explorer Belt 8 the real objective of Challenge 2013 12 Scouting and the key New Beaver to its success” Commissioner 16 Baden Powell Mountain Moot II 31 Camp One WipeOut Zone Camp One took place in Larch hill Inernational Campsite over 5 Days and is the This Zone challenged all the Patrols in both Skill and first of 5 camps that will take place over the next five years. These camps are Teamwork. Really Fun Zone in fact it was a total Wipe aimed at giving the patrols the control with the Patrol Leaders leading the way. Out. This camp proved to be a big success with a very interesting and challenging Programme. The Programme Zones were run over 3 days and had 3 very well thought out Zones. We will have a more detailed report next month but for now here is some images of the zones and details of what went on in each.
3 The Jeopardy Zone Tech Maze Zone Tech maze was a very well enjoyed zone with loads of Challenging Activities, The Jeopardy Zone included various challenges including which really got the Patrols working as teams. This Zone included activities the Hunger Games & Crash a mock Helicopter Crash. called Vertigo, Test Tunnel, Makeover & Camp Lab.
4
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 link Below 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
7 to others that you were successful. Whenever you talk to a belter about What the Explorer Belt is truly their experience, there’s this light in about...is the experience you take their eye and bubbling excitement in from those 10 days on the road that their voice...no matter how long ago you originally dreaded so much. it was. This all makes sense as soon The Explorer Belt Experience And believe me, there is no possible as you have literally walked 200km way you will come off that road in their shoe’s (well maybe not their God, this has to be at least my 8th or 9th attempt at trying to write this. without an experience...whether it’s shoes, but you get the picture!), Where the hell do I even begin, how do I explain both the greatest and good, bad or ugly, it’s going to be there’s like this mutual bond worst experience of my life in a few paragraphs? I mean my log book is the experience of a life time. Before especially between the belters who over 500 pages and I still feel like I have more to tell! To be honest I don’t I had done the belt, I had heard all did it with you. You instantly have think it’s possible to sum up the Explorer Belt into a few words...because the stories... a 100 times (after all something in common and because it’s so much more than anything you can put to paper. Its so many different how do you know someone has of this you make some of the best things, but essentially when you get down to it, what belt really is...is an experience. The belt itself is nothing more than a token or a trophy, proof done the explorer belt? They’ll tell friends in such a short space of you) I thought I had it all sussed out, I mean what’s so complicated... walk 200km, complete a series of project, don’t die. Simple right? God I have never been so wrong! I walked onto this belt with a stubborn mind frame...I had convinced myself that every day was going to be hell, but hey, I just had to survive the next 10 days and I’d have that stupid belt that I wanted so badly. I was completely missing the entire concept of what I was doing! It wasn’t until after Day 1 that all those stories I’d been told really started to make sense to me, that I was suppose to embrace each day, not wish them away, that before no time I’d be sad to be off that road.
8 time. For me that was one of the hardest parts about readjusting to far one of the most difficult challenges normality, those 22 idiots I had to leave behind. From waking up to two I have ever had to face, it was worth of them bickering away every morning back on base camp to everyone every minute! One thing my partner and sitting in the middle of the campsite, quiet as mice, after lights out, in I had said to each other before we took the cold just so we could have the banter for that little bit longer! After that final descend to base camp was all these are the only people who really understand what you’ve been that if we were not willing to change through, unlike your friends at home that refer to it as “that walk” or one minute of our experience it doesn’t your parents who called it “your holiday”. God trying to explain what the matter whether we got the belt or not! explorer belt is to these people is as painful as sticking pins underneath And thankfully that was our attitude your fingernails; they just can’t wrap their head around it! Or if I’m really going into each assessment. We were being honest they don’t care enough to try, they think it’s pretty sweet lucky enough to be awarded the belt that you walked the 200km, like that’s a lot right? But you see walking and god damn did it feel good, but is the easy part (when I was first told this my reaction was the exact my point still stands. Don’t go into the same as yours...200km...Easy...yeah good one) and by no means am Explorer Belt looking for a mere belt, go in looking for an experience and you can’t go wrong. To anybody reading this that still has the option to partake in the I belittling the physical challenge, but Explorer Belt, my advice to you would after a few days on the road, your mind be DO IT! Before I went, those who is taken a far worse battering than your hadn’t done the belt told me I’d be an body! The walking is almost therapeutic, idiot if I went, but now I’d have to agree all you have to do is put one foot in front with that list of growing belters, you’d be of the other, for a brief moment there an idiot to miss hands down the greatest is no worries of where you’re going experience of your life. to sleep tonight, do you have enough information for your projects, is there -Orla Mulligan enough food to keep you going until the next shop and have you already done anything to jeopardise that belt that justifies this ridiculous task you have undertaken! Although it was by
9 10 11 The 2013 Venture Challenge
The 2013 Venture Challenge took place in the midlands this year. Venture Challenge is a physical, mental and personal challenge. This year’s event took place in the midlands. Our 12 Venture teams spent 5 days on the road exploring their own and other cultures. They also had the opportunity to complete some of their adventure skills in sailing and kayaking.
The challengeComplete this ayear number asked of theprescribed participants projects to: • Complete a personal challenge • Here are quotes from some of the participants:
• Walk 100 K in total on foot • Carry all your belongings “The Venture Challenge 2013 a great voyage“It takes a lot of effort but at the end it’s all and survive on a limited on the sailing ship of life.” worth it, best venture activities in Ireland” budget Mark Hoare Mark P Lingwood Participants were awarded at three For further details and photos levels, the badge, why not go to Venture page on the certificate and “Life a little bit simpler means things get Facebook. the infamous a whole lot funnier, amazing experience expedition award recommend it and all that” “The Challenge David Horan Woggle”
12 13 14 (109th Cork - Ballinora), who will work delivering the Messengers of Peace programme. At the end of the ceremony neckerchiefs were formally presented to particpants by Formal Launch Of Irish Contingent Claire McAroe (National Management to 14th World Scout Moot Committee) on behalf of Scouting Ireland and Maureen Dillion (President, Irish Girl Guides) on This weekend the Irish contingent to the 14th World Scout Moot in Canada behalf of Irish Girl Guides. met at Glendale Lodge in Co. Wicklow to recieve final information and to formally launch the contingent. Rover Scouts and young Scouters from The participants have moved from across the provinces spent a glorious weekend making final plans for the counting the weeks to counting the Irish presence at the event. days and are now counting the hours to departure! Historically, this is the first full national contingent to a World Scout Moot since the foundation of Scouting Ireland in 2004, with 20 A formal launch cermony was at people in total travelling from Ireland. Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation with guest speaker Colin Murphy, CEO of the Glencree Centre. Colin spoke about the historical surroundings and about Glencree’s role in conflict mediation and inter-community dialogue in Ireland and overseas. His messages were particularly relevant considering that peace education and intercultural learning are central to the Moot’s programe. Indeed Ireland will have a representative at the event, Máire Fitzgerald
15 camp – for two nights now and in the UK too!!!
For those of you who have concerns about the latest changes in the Say hello to the new Beaver guidelines, please let me reassure Commissioner you – they are there to encourage and support those colonies that are ready to take the next step and Hello my name is Joe and I work in a button factory…… camp for longer or further afield. isn’t it funny how something can just stick in your head?? I just learnt this song with my own beaver colony and no There is no “have to” – if your colony – my name is not Joe – its Karen, Karen Free your new is not ready then it is not ready. As Program Commissioner for Beavers. their leaders you will know your beavers, their capabilities, their Now that we have that sorted, I would like to thank the strengths. outgoing beaver commissioner Stephen Halpin or Halpo Commissioner help your group and your County. But as Leaders of our youngest as he is affectionately known. I scouts, I ask you to consider the Why not have a County night where am going to attempt to fill the very possibilities of camping for one all beaver leaders can get together large hiking boots he left behind – night if you have never camped to discuss the potential of longer beavers have progressed under his before. Two nights if you have done and UK camps. Take it one step careful watch taking their rightful some camping with your colony at a time. Seek the support and place in our Scouting Family. before or how about going to the assistance of other groups within UK – consider the excitement, the your County who have camped for 2 I have many hopes and aspirations experiences, and the life skills. nights. Go on a camp with them as for my 3 year term as Commissioner an observer, without your beavers, but at the heart of those hopes is my I can hear you say consider the grey to see how it is done. commitment to ensure the continued hair of the leaders!! I understand progression beaver scouting. We that taking your beavers away for We are totally dependent on our are scouts – young scouts, smaller the first time, or for two nights or Adult leadership to host any type scouts but we are scouts. We can indeed abroad will be an event of beaver activity – that is why I hike, we can hostel and we can that will be planned and prepared would like to see groups within for so let the office of the Beaver
16 important that ¾ !!) when I told him friendly facebook page – they are each County support each other we (beavers) could now camp in called Camp Donoghnuts and I will in achieving new goals – be it your England (his big brother is a scout be making them for the first time first camp or a trip to Wales – lets so he has very high expectations of at our last den meeting. We are work together to get our Beavers what scouting means!!). having a shorts and shades theme camping. to the evening with some prizes He looked at me very seriously as if being given for best uniform, best Be prepared …… then you can he was considering the ramifications attendance etc. consider taking your own colony. I of what I had just said and know there are colonies that are responded as follows: http://magazine.scouts.org.uk/skills/ happy with den based activities “Why can’t we go to New Zealand? I cooking/camp-doughnuts-camp- and day trips – I am just asking you thought you said you were meeting recipe/ to consider taking your beavers the man with the beard (Chief camping – you won’t regret it. Scout) and you said he was the Why not write to the Inside Out head scout – can he not bring us to team and let us know how you finish On that camping note, I would like New Zealand???” off your scouting year with your to share a resource I found on my beavers? Are you like my group – So on that note, Michael J – the ball is in your court – New Zealand here we come – just let me know when you have a gap in your diary!!
Beaver Commissioner over and out!!
finished until September? Do you meet over the summer holidays – have you any trips planned? Photos would be great too.
Well folks until next time I will leave you with this reaction from my own beaver who is 7 ¾ (very
17 The Adventure Skills Camping Team
The Adventure Skills Camping Team held its first conference on the 29th of June in Applewood Swords. Although the attendance was small the conference achieved its aims of restarting the process of building a team and to define clarity on some of the more ambiguous competency statements.
The major outcomes were • The team will concentrate Three areas already identified for • A more formal certificate for on working with the stage 8’s and these workshops are ‘Equipment’ the expert panel stages will also be 9’s who intern will work with the and ‘Menu Planning’ and ‘leave no issued, in additional to the basic stage 6’s and 7’s at county and trace’ certificate books. group level, who will intern assist in the delivery of stages 1 to 5 • A document outlining • Anybody wanting to become locally. clarifications on both assessments involved in the team please contact • A log book simular to the and the competency statements has [email protected], the hillwalking will be produced to being drawn up and available at the team will hold its first full meeting in allow youth and adult member to link below September 2013 record their process. • A number of workshops on skills development will be arranged along with a conference weekend in 2014.
18 World Scout Jamboree Japan 2015
The World Scout Jamboree 2015 is taking place in Kirara-hama Yamaguchi City Japan
The Event will run from Tuesday 28th July to Saturday 8th August 2015 The GOOD NEWS is Scouting Ireland are Organising a Contingent to attend.
We have now a Dedicated page of the Public page of scouts.ie for Jamboree Information and Booking forms etc. Check it out at the link Below
19 Imagine Headline 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
20 The Crisis management team The exercise lasted about 1 1/2 hrs is Made up of the Chief Scout, and a report will now be forwarded National Secretary, Communications by the conveners of the exercise Commissioner, CEO and 2 Co to the NTPIC. It was felt on the day Crisis Management Major Opted members currently Charlie from the initial feedback that the Mc Guinness and Brendan Mc situation was well handled by the Incident Exercise Nicholas. For this Exercise as team and we can be happy in the all members of the NTPIC were knowledge that our Procedures are The Crisis management Team for Scouting Ireland underwent a Mock present they all were Drafted into robust. Let’s hope that we never Exercise recently to check out that our systems and procedures are up to the situation to help with various have to evoke this team in a real life scratch in relation to how we react to a Incident involving Scouting Ireland aspects. situation. Members.
Such an exercise is carried out in controlled circumstances, so that those participating in the exercise can do so in the knowledge that no one is in danger or at risk. Such a process is essential both from the perspective of learning and experience, as well being best practice in testing the existing to make them, in respect of the aforementioned policy, procedure or crisis management policy, processes. procedure and processes within
Scouting Ireland.
In training and in testing such The Exercise was initiated when existing policy, procedure and a phone call was received by the processes we are building Nat Secretary during a routine resilience and experience so that NTPIC meeting recently. From the if such a situation arises where moment the call came the Crisis such is required to be used, Management team were convened that resilience, that experience and the various elements of the can be used to serve members crisis management plan were of Scouting Ireland, equally too evoked we are afforded the opportunity where changes are required
21 Scouting Ireland representatives meet with Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald -discussions include the important role of non-formal education for young people Representatives from Scouting Ireland recently met with Minster for Children Frances Fitzgerald to discuss the important role Scouting Ireland has to play as the country’s largest non-formal co-education movement for young people.
Many of the activities of Scouting Ireland help to equip its 45,000 members with important life skills, instil leadership skills and increase their employment prospects, as well as helping them to achieve their full potential and become active members of their communities.
Pictured from L-r: Annette Byrne, National Treasurer, Chief Scout Michael John Shinnick, Minister Frances Fitzgerald, Claire McAroe, National Management Committee, John Lawlor, CEO and Noel O’Connor, Operations Manager.
22 With good weather, people love to With so many people driving into the picnic, barbecue and party in the countryside to visit scenic spots, car outdoors. To avoid the damage that parking can be a real issue. This can can be caused when fires get out cause problems, not only for visitors Leave No Trace Summer Message of control, people are encouraged but for local residents. To prevent to use established campsites and parking problems, people are Summer has arrived and as many thousands of people venture into the existing fire rings, or the tidal zone encouraged to use public transport outdoors to enjoy our beautiful beaches, forests, parks, mountains and on beaches, and to avoid lighting where possible, or to car-pool lakes, Leave No Trace Ireland is encouraging everyone to enjoy the fires outside designated sites.. and use car parks. Avoid blocking outdoors responsibly. Disposable barbecues are good, gateways as farmers may need but should be used with care. They access to their fields, and on narrow Maura Lyons, Programme Manager with Leave No Trace Ireland, a charity should be placed on sand or rock, roads remember to leave enough promoting responsible outdoor recreation in Ireland says “This is a great as disposable barbecues will burn space for large farm vehicles or the time to enjoy and celebrate our scenic countryside and the many activities surfaces such as grass and picnic emergency services to pass by. we can do in the outdoors, but we should also try to minimise any negative tables. People are also urged to environmental impacts we may cause by planning our trips a little better take all their rubbish home as Finally, summer time is a busy time and adhering to a few simple messages” nobody wants to see litter in scenic in nature, with lots of breeding birds areas. and active animals, our wildflowers are also in full bloom. We hope Many people love to take their pet you get out and enjoy Ireland’s You’ll have a more enjoyable dogs into the outdoors and while this wonderful natural environment this experience if you do a bit of may be fun for the dog, it can create weekend. Do your best to Leave research beforehand. Choose a problems for other recreational No Trace of your visit by taking location with facilities to suit your users or local farmers. If you are care of the environment and being group. Bring plenty of fluids and planning to take your dog into the considerate of other people and foods that are easy to prepare. outdoors, you are required to keep wildlife. If you’re thinking of doing an your pet under effective control at outdoor activity like walking, all times. The presence of a dog More information on responsible canoeing or swimming, plan this causes stress to farm animals, outdoor recreation and the Leave in advance and make sure you so it is best not to take dogs onto No Trace Ireland education have the necessary skills and farmland or mountain areas, programme is available on www. equipment. especially where sheep or cattle are leavenotraceireland.org grazing.
23 Precautions against being the longer the tick is attached to the skin. However, if the tick is removed bitten by a tick include: within the first few hours after a bite, the person concerned is very unlikely to • Walking in the middle of paths/trails. develop Lyme disease Lyme and Tick Disease Advise • Where possible avoid overgrown • Remove the tick (ideally with vegetation tweezers) by gripping it close to the skin We are in that the period of the year, the Summer when Scout/Scouters • Wearing a hat of the Scout/Scouter concerned. Wash of all ages will be hiking and camping more than ever. Equally too at this • Wearing a long sleeved shirt, tucked in the area as soon as possible afterwards time given the current and predicted forecast, with the heat, people are at the waist and wrists with soap and water understandably wearing less clothing especially when rambling, hiking, • Wear trousers rather than shorts exploring, etc….. It is also the time of year when ticks are at their most • If any of the mouthparts of the tick particularly in areas of dense vegetation are left behind in the skin of the Scout/ active and by taking a few simple precautions, the incidence of bites by equally too in such areas wear boots/ ticks can be reduced. Scouter, then remove as much as shoes, rather than sandals or bare feet possible with tweezers • Consider using an insect repellent • Ensure the Scout/Scouter (and where Ticks Lyme Disease containing DEET. Follow the appropriate their parent/guardian) manufacturers’ application guidelines check the skin area concerned over • At the end of your day out, ensure Ticks are tiny spider-like Lyme disease is caused by the the next few weeks for a rash. Initial that all Scouts and Scouters self check creatures with three life-cycle bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi which redness and swelling on the same day themselves for ticks. Ensure that both stages, the smallest of which is spread by the bite of a tick. This as the bite itself is normal and does not skin and hair are checked, and particularly is about the size of a pinhead. bacterium can cause the person indicate infection warm moist areas such as the groin, backs They are frequently found in who is bitten to develop a rash. It is • If a rash or other symptoms develop, of knees, armpits and neck. woodland, moorland and other important to state and realise that the Scout/Scouter concerned should • If you find a tick, remove it as described grassy areas, where they feed not all bites by a tick will result in like any best practice see their either below, and if symptoms develop consult on the blood of mammals (e.g. the person bitten contracting Lyme their own Medical Practitioner (Doctor) your local Medical Practitioner (Doctor) cows, deer, etc…) and birds. Disease. if at home, or the Medical Practitioner symptoms develop. They are usually found close to (Doctor) local to the Camp or Hostel the ground, especially in moist, Lyme disease can be treated using and report being bitten by a tick shaded areas. Ticks contain the antibiotics. Treatment lasts generally What to do if a Scout/ • The Medical Practitioner (Doctor) bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi for up to three weeks to ensure Scouter is bitten by a tick: will make a diagnosis and prescribe which they can spread to that the bacteria have been killed. treatment if necessary humans through their bite It is important that the full course of • Firstly don’t panic. Only a small antibiotics is taken to prevent wider Further Information minority of ticks carry the bacteria. The spread of the bacteria. risk of developing Lyme disease increases
24 Carrickmacross and actually got a will see brother Scouts during your free stay in the 3rd Monaghan Scout working Day. These Scottish Scouts Den for the Night. They were now are only a small number of Scouts hiking to Bailieborough on the 2nd from overseas that land in Ireland Chance Encounter with Scottish leg of their challenge. each year and enjoy our hospitality and beautiful scenery. Explorer Belt Team I asked them a bit about their challenge and they explained they To keep up to date with their had 10 days to hike around the adventure check out their Driving between Jobs yesterday I spotted what looked like 6 Scouts or North East taking in Carrickmacross, Facebook page Venture Scouts hiking along a country Road about halfway between Bailieborough, Virgina, Kells, Navan, Carrickmacross in County Monaghan (Ulster Champions just though Trim, Maynooth finishing in Dublin. I would drop that in) and Shercock in (County Cavan) So with my Communications hat on I whipped out my Neckerchief and got out to The cost of their trip was 240 or their Website investigate. Pounds and they were given 10 pounds each to spend each day. They had to complete various tasks I knew it couldn’t be a Scouting on the way and had other optional Ireland Venture Scout Challenge ones that they could pick two from team as if it was they were really a list of 8. One of the challenges lost. So I introduced myself and was to feature in the Media so I said proceeded to find out who they that I would help them by putting were and what they were up to. an Article on our Website about their trip . They were a very friendly It turned out the 6 Explorer bunch and after our chat and a Scouts were from Scotland a quick photo they headed off with the place called Paisley just outside music booming out If I could walk Glasgow and they were on the 10,000 miles by The Proclaimers. 2nd day of their Explorer belt which was taking place in the Since then I have got a couple of North East of the Country. The text from them updating me on their guys had been dropped off progress. So always be prepared as in Dundalk and had hiked to you never know when or where you
25 52nd Shankill Venture Road Trip strengths. It was a great team building To round up our trip we had a delicious day. We would definitely go again. We meal in Killaloe. Afterwards some of us also got to visit the Killaloe Scout Centre went fishing with self made rods. We By Ellen Doyle & Katie Kiely and got and amazing trip on a speedboat. didn’t catch anything, luckily we had The lads running the centre showed us dinner beforehand. When we decided to go on a road trip, we had no idea their plans for the future and they look Overall we had a great week and we will what to expect. We decided to hire a van! The Happy Van. really good. miss our Happy Van terribly ... We started off all of us in our matching Venture Hoodies towards the spiritual Clonmacnoise. To say that some of us were educated in Clonmacnoise would be an understatement. Not mentioning any names, but one of us found out the hard way that Monks were not a different species and that there are still monks alive today, they are not extinct!
Our first campsite was in Lahinch in County Clare. Our tents had an Ocean view and we got to camp in crazy winds. We also went surfing with Ocean View Surf School. We got lung full’s of salty water but we got to cleanse and relax in the Jacuzzi afterwards.
For Independents day of the 4th of July, we had a delicious BBQ with everything from fish to couscous. The cliffs of Moher was definitely one of our highlights. We got to lie down at the edge of the cliff. We were really living life on the edge!
Towards the end of the trip we went to the University of Limerick Adventure Centre. We had a fun filled day of activities which included kayaking, canoeing, high ropes and adventure trails. As a team we all showed our
26 Rovering in the Country
14th World Scout Moot - Canada 2013
We’d like to wish the Irish Contingent travelling to the World RoverMoot in Canada in August the best of luck and well done for all your hard work so far. We look forward to hearing about the trip of a lifetime when you guys return! Stay safe and enjoy every minute.
7th Meath Dunshaughlin have been busy schedules doing a balancing having a busy busy year so far! act with college, work and even They’ve been surfing, wall climbing helping in other sections. They’re and team building including the heading off as Staff to Kent for a night line up in Donegal Adventure week and lets just say excited isn’t Centre. They’ve gone on a few the word!! hikes like Kilbride and Newcastle. We want to know what you’re doing. They headed off rafting along the We don’t just want to read it though, Boyne earlier this year and they got we want to see it hear it. We want a super turn out and some camped you the Rovers of Ireland to send the night, even though exams were us in videos of what you and your lurking around the corner. They had rovers are getting up to, whether their group camp recently and had its meeting up for food or drinks or a ball of a time. They are such hard going away or doing whatever. Send working Rovers, whilst having their them to niamhcdonnelly@gmail. own lives they fit Rovering in to their com.
27 RoverChill 2013 -National Event
It’s fast approaching. The peak of the scouting year for Rovers. After the very successful launch of RoverChill last year it’s happening again this year. It’s all happening from the 27th to the 29th of September. It’s hopefully going to be a little bit warmer than last year. It’s the exact same cost as last year at a heap and cheerful €35 which includes everything except for your food which you sort out yourself.
This year we have it themed a very interesting and thrilling one. We’ll be giving you clues over on our Facebook over the next two months but to get your thinking caps on here’s a taster.
“I’m very hard to catch. And if they can’t catch me, they can’t kill me. So don’t count me out.”
If you still haven’t been persuaded check out these photos from last years event:
You can book with form below and code (13-NE-278):
28 www.loughdan.com
Lough Dan Scout Centre directions, activites, photo gallery or - Base Camp and Gateway to adventureshould you just have queries email enquiries@loughdan. Situated at the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National • Regular hostel Weekends; Park and yet only 30km from The newly refurbished hostel with Dublin, Lough Dan is the perfect full cooking facilities, showers, base camp and gateway to all toilets etc. can accommodated that the area has to offer. Over groups of 32 with the option to use the past year we have continued the upstairs hostel for larger groups. to make more changes to the centre and can now offer a range In the common room we have installed a wood of stay options and activities to burning stove. Hostel overnights are still at help you create a fun challenging only €11 per person per night for those staying and adventurous programme for a minimum of 2 nights with no less than 20 you members. members. In that great tradition of Scouting • Bank holiday hostel weekends; Same Lough Dan is a volunteer deal as above but you get the third night at half run centre with a mission of price supporting local scout groups implement a great scout • Up-stairs hostel. The upstairs hostel has programme for their members. It two 8 person dorms and a leader’s common is best to go to www.loughdan. room with one bunk bed. It is ideal for small com for on line bookings and groups doing Gaisce expeditions who want reservations as well as all to travel light or who are doing it in the winter other site information such as months and don’t want to camp. Cooking is al-
29 • Activities; Many groups that • Gaisce Groups; Lough Dan is For on line bookings and all come to Lough Dan do their own ideally situated on the Wicklow Way other information go to www. fresco in the camp kitchen or in the thing such as hillwalking, navigation almost half way between Crone Wood loughdan.com barn kitchenette. It can be booked practice, camp-craft and pioneering and Glendalough. Why not use it as your You can Emails your queries on a one night basis and costs only but we also have other activities on overnight location either camping or in to [email protected] €8 per person with no restriction on site both self-led or staff supported the hostel for your Gaisce expeditions. minimum numbers. such as crate climbing, rafting, No minimum group size is required I look forward to seeing you in • Hostel “Summer Camp”; archery, and dragon boating, and mid-week during term time. Camping LOUGH DAN the Base Camp Why not use the hostel for your we are continually adding to the list. costs €4.50, the upstairs hostel is €8 and Gateway to adventure. summer camp? You still have the See our website www.loughdan.com per person using the barn kitchenette or Zef Klinkenbergh use of the rest of the site’s facilities for details. stay in the main hostel with fill catering Camp Chief Lough Dan and can camp out if you wish. 4 facilities for €11 per person. 083 1267170 (texts preferred) nights midweek during the summer cost only @ €11 per person per night with a minimum group size of 20. The site has plenty of activities both self-led or staff supported to help you make the most of your stay.
• Camping. With over 60 acres of varied camping pitches and bivvy sites it is still only €4.50 per person per night. This includes use of the wet weather shelter, fire wood and altar fires, the toilet / shower block as well as a variety of onsite activities. Fridge freezer facilities are also available
30 Mountain Moot II
- 15th to 17th November 2013 The adventure skills Hillwalking are pleased to anounce Mountain Moot II. This year it will be held in the Glendalough Hotel in Co Wicklow on the 15th to the 17th of November
The cost is €100 and is also open to youth members once there are supervising scouters present. Participants can choose from a range of workshop and assessemnent options Draft Programme Outline Booking forms will be available in late august, all queries to adskills.hillwalking@ scouts.ie Venue: Glendalough An Oige Youth Hostel and the Royal Hotel Glendalough
Friday 15th November 7pm Onwards Registration 8:30 pm (sharp) to 10pm – Explanation of the hillwalking stages (Hostel Conference Room 10pm Onwards – Social aspect in Royal Hotel
Saturday 16th November 8:00am Breakfast – & Make Pack Lunch 9:00am Workshops start Stream 1 – aimed at stages 1 to 4 • Basics of Navigation • Menu Choices for Outdoor activities • Gear Choice • Emergency Procedures
31 • Steep Ground – Assessment & Security MS Standard – upper lake Stream 2 aimed at stages 5 - 7 • Emergency Skills Assessments - Niamh has confirmed – Conference Room / Garden • Gear and Equipment for mountain Camping tents / • Camping Skills Assessments - Logs in advance and by appointment – reception area stoves etc 15:00pm Closing of Moot – Garden area – reception if wet • Menu Choices for Outdoor Camping activities • Mountain Weather Separate Programme for Assessment Stream 3 Basic Out door first aid 3 hour 7:00pm Friday Meet at Hostel and depart for night navigation, camp out return 7pm Saturday for dinner and Sunday Programme as above Stream 4 Leave no Trace (3 hour Basic Session)
12:00pm Hiking Groups Depart
Group 1 Hike - Stages 1 to 4 Basic navigation legs (1:6) Group 2 Hike Stages 5 to 7 i mproving navigation including night nav (1:4) Group 3 Hikes Level 8 training (1:4) ML Refresher (1:4) Group 4 Hike Environmental awareness hike
7:00pm Hiking Groups Return 8:00pm Dinner in Royal Hotel – Followed by after Dinner speaker TBC introduction of expedition 2015 and social evening
Sunday 17th November 8:00am Breakfast 9:00am Workshops start • Rock Climbing - upper lake • Leave no Trace - TV room and outside • Teaching Navigation – Games and other tactics • River Crossings - outside
32 International News
56th Jamboree-On-The-Air - 17th Jamboree-On- The-Internet, 19-20 October 2013 Assessing the Impact of the World The 56th Jamboree-On-The-Air (JOTA) and the 17th Jamboree-On- Scout Youth Forum and the Youth The- Internet (JOTI) will be held Advisor System over the weekend of 19 and 20 October 2013. The World Scout Youth Forum (WSYF) and the Youth Advisor (YA) system The JOTA is an annual event in have been long which Scouts and Guides all over perceived as interim measures for achieving a higher level of youth the world make contacts with each participation in decision making at world level in Scouting. However, their other by means of amateur radio. impact has rarely been assessed in the previous years. As a response to Resolution 8/11 (Youth Involvement in Decision-Making in Similarly to the JOTA, the National Scout Jamboree-On-The-Internet connects Organizations and within WOSM), the Youth for Change Priority Area Scouts using Internet techniques. The JOTI is held on the same
Working Group of the World weekend as the Jamboree-On- Scout Committee has, as one the-Air. Groups can choose to take of its tasks during the current part in either event but are warmly triennium, carried out an impact encouraged, where possible, to give assessment of the World Scout both a try! Youth Forum and Youth Advisor system. To view all the information in relation to these events Click on the link To read the Report Below click here
33 Theme award which was presented by guest of honour, Mayor of Donegal, Colr. Frank McBrearty at Camp Ailigh the closing ceremony. 15th Donegal (Quigley’s Point)won the Best Group at Camp and a special prize of Cub Scouts from all over Donegal, Derry and Tyrone descended on Lifford “Spirit of Camp” award went to the for the annual weekend Camp “Camp Ailigh” which was part funded by the 20th Donegal (Bocan) group for their Peace Through the Riverine” project and supported by Lifford Celtic FC, unselfish and helping Cub Scouts Lifford Athletic Club, Naomh Padraig GAC, East Donegal Coursing Club who offered to help others during the and Eclipse Cinema’s. . Despite the wet weather the Cub Scouts spirits camp. Camp organiser Joe Boland, were never dampened and they enjoyed the many activities provided by said that the camp was a great the organising committee. The Cub Scouts participated in a wide and success and despite the inclement varied programme of activities such as Kayaking down the River Foyle, weather everyone had a great time. cooking in the forest, building shelters from their surroundings as well as He also paid tribute the local clubs who gave of their facilities freely and building structures just using worked with him throughout the lead wood and rope. They also up to camp. participated in a fun zone where they learned to etch glass’s Joe would like to acknowledge the played games including a large support from the Peace Through the hurley game. On the Friday Riverine Project who part funded night they all completed a some of the activities and thank orienteering hike and after that all of the organising team for their they were treated to a midnight contribution over the past 6 months. showing of the new Superman movie courtesy of Eclipse Cinemas. The on-going theme of the camp this year was the Land of the Celts and 12th Donegal (Manorcunningham) won the Best Interpretation of the
34 35 36 Province News
Lough Keel summer camp Poland 2013
Ballinamore, longford,carrick on shannon, 12th roscommon ballyboro and 87th dublin polish troop all took part in 8 day camp in krzeczkow poland
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Tiller Troop
9th Wicklow (Arklow) Sea Scouts Tiller Troop First Summer Camp
Tiller Troop started in 2012 and this year was our first Summer Camp. We had 23 Sea Scouts and 9 leaders.
All had a fantastic time as for most it was their first summer camp as scouts. We travelled from Arklow to The Share Centre in Co Fermanagh on Lough Erne for a packed week of activities both on the water and off. The scouts took part in Sailing, Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Combat Corps,
Banana Boating, Jetty Jumping and Bivvying. We also had a Camp Challenge Badge for all scouts to earn while participating in activities and working in their watches. These challenges also helped each scout to work on their Adventure Skill levels.
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Aughrim Street Blarney Venture Scouts at Gilwell
Eleven Venture Scouts from the 45th Cork (Blarney) are also camping at Gilwell Park International scout campsite. In speaking to their leader Cian Sheehy, he said the camp was super and relaxing and they were having a smashing time. He went on to say “The best activity we enjoyed on site was the Fan Descender and the best off site activity was going the Warner Brothers Studio where we saw how the Harry Potter Movie was made with all the trills and spills. This was our first time coming to Gilwell Park and the place is really cool and we have made many new scouting friends”
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Balbriggan Cub Scouts Visit the RNLI in Skerries
02-Jul-13: The Balbriggan Cub Scouts visited the RNLI in Skerries this evening to learn about the work that the RNLI do and check out the lifeboat station. The RNLI crew David Knight, Emma Wilson, Eoin Kelly, David Courtney, Mary Courtney and Geraldine Beggs gave the cub scouts a great welcome and an an insight into what it’s like to be a crew member. From trying on the helmets to lifting the dead man and getting a chance to climb into the lifeboat and check out the onboard equipment great excitement
was had by all . The cub scouts presented the RNLI with a cheque for €329 and received their community badge in recognition. A great and insightful visit for all...
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Eddie and Evan Darcy Attend Scouting Remembrance Day in Larch Hill
Eddie and Evan Darcy Attend Balbriggan Cubs Build a Chariot Scouting Remembrance Day in Larchill30-Jun-13: Scouting has been & Push it 5km for Charity around now for more than 100 years, and in that time, thousands of young 29-Jun-13: The Balbriggan Cubs love nothing more than a challenge and people have become Scouts and this was evident yesterday evening as they hit the open road for a 5km trip experienced the many aspects of with the chariot which they had built while singing camp songs. The cubs Scouting. Many people have laid the had recently learned about tying different types of knots and they got to test trail for present Scouts to discover their skills on the chariot which they called the Bat Mobile. The cubs would and enjoy. like to thank Charlie Curtis for all his help in the building process. The As the life of Scouting progresses, chariot was decorated with bunting and a monkey mascot dressed in cubs many Scouts have also ‘Gone Home’ uniform and the cubs raised over €300 for the Balbriggan Cancer Support and it is in recognition and memory Group in the process. Well done to all involved! of those you have gone before that the The Scouting Trail 2013 - Remembrance Day was established.
Eddie Darcy and his grandson Evan headed off to Larchill today for the ceremony. They took with them their group Stave which had a number of ribbons, one ribbon for each member who has ‘Gone Home’ and provided a list of the names so that they could be placed on an official ‘Roll of Honour and Remembrance’… once a Scout always a Scout...
What a wonderful day for Grandad and Grandson to spend together...
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Everybody had their favourite activity, but when asked what activity they would never again do, nobody could pick one! The leaders suggested that the low point of Carlingford Camp for every day was, actually having to Ballincollig Scouts finish the activities.
The Wednesday night section of Ballincollig Scouts had a home camp this year. They travelled to Carlingford Lough Activity Centre. It was non-stop activity from the minute they arrived in the Centre. Every day was jam packed with activities which started at 8.30am each morning and went on until 9.30pm each evening with down time until 11pm. Each morning the boys were out on the water, either sailing rafting, canoeing, Kayaking or wind surfing. The afternoons were land based and included a 3D maze, Zorbing, High ropes, Low Robes, Abseiling, rock climbing and laser guns. In the evenings the activities were centred on team building and The Leaders Caroline O’Keeffe and personal achievements. The John Walsh would like to extend boys also spent a full day sailing. their warmest thanks to the staff There was also an afternoon and management of the centre who shopping in Newry. made this the best camp ever! No While the centre is not a Scout request was too much trouble and Centre, the staff there took on the boys had a fantastic activity filled board the requirements of the week and brought home loads of badge work to be completed happy memories. They would also by the boys to achieve level like to extend thanks to the boys two in both rowing and sailing. who made life on camp so easy for Congratulations to all the boys them, and also to wish them every for working so hard on the success in their future, both within badges. Scouting and their personal lives. . 42 Province News
tank, Cadbury’s world and sea life. We also went to Alton towers where there was something for everyone.
This year’s summer camp has given Birmingham Delight for the Scouts a fantastic opportunity to Ballincollig Scouts do lots of activities and things that youths who are not in scouts don’t get a chance or opportunity to do. All The Thursday night Scouts are just back from what can only be described who were on the camp came back as one of our best and Scout like camps that we ever had, said Scout having had lots of fun, hard work, Leader Ronan Mahony. We left the Scout hall in Ballincollig and travelled learnt a lot and grew both physically to Blackwell Adventure Scout camp site in Birmingham. The Scouts set and mentally. They made friends, about putting up the tents and later helped each other with the erecting of put into practice their leadership the Marquee and mess tents. skills and learnt cooperation. Long after the Scouts leave the Thursday night Scouts they will still remember their summer camps. The site activities were very good including a heated pool (not like the old days) all the modern high team building activities like high all aboard, multi scramble, 3 g swing and zip line. They also had old favourites like grass sledges and a lake where the Scouts had to build a raft and race against each other.
Birmingham City had lots to offer, when we travel abroad, we like the scouts to experience things which they cannot do at home. We went to the Think
43 Province News
Ballinora Scouts Adventure in Carlingford
The Leaders of the 109th Cork (Ballinora) Scouts and Venture Scouts, Carmel Drinan, Dave Waldock, Brendan Mulcahy and Catherine Waldock have just returned from their annual summer camp and filed the following report.
This year the scouts had a joint camp with our venture scouts and went to one of the most idyllic places in Ireland. Carlingford Adventure Centre was a well run centre with activities of the highest standards.
Situated in the village centre it had beautiful pier front walks, cobble street and plenty of local history to keep the group occupied. The scouts participated in activities including kayaking, canoeing, pier jumping, high ropes, team challenges, archery, body zorbing, laser tagging, night lines and much more.
Going off site the group visited Newgrange and finished the camp with a trip to Tayto Park, which included a tour of the factory and the animal park.
44 Province News
Sheila Power Receives Cu Chullainn Award
On the 19th of June in the Carrick in General. The Night ended with on Suir Scout Hall a large gathering refreshments being served to all Blackrock Beavers around the Harbour of Scouters and family and friends present and a large cake which from the Tipperary Cuis Suire Scout Sheila cut with her granddaughter County gathered for what Group Recently, the Beaver Group from Blackrock had two fantastic days out who will be joining the Beaver Leader Sheila Power believed was in Cork Harbour. The first saw the group visit Spike Island. The beavers Section in September when she a night to thank leaders for their assembled at the train station and travelled to Cobh. It was the first will continue the family tradition of time some of the beavers had been on a train!! On reaching Cobh, they service to the Scout group in Carrick scouting. walked the short distance to the pier where they caught the ferry to Spike. on Suire. What Sheila did not know Fortunately the sun was shining which aided the enjoyable tour of the fort, was that the night was to honour her the guns, the parade ground and the old prison. Three was also some time for her incredible service to Scouting for a few games in front of the fort. On returning to Cobh, fun was also had not only in her group but also in the in the playground before returning to Cork tired after a great day out. County and the Southern Province. Chief Scout Michael John Shinnick was on hand to present to Sheila the highest award in Scouting it In June the beavers also had Sheila with her family and friends in the opportunity to visit the Naval attendance as well as the County Base. They had a fantastic Commissioner Michael Dempsey guided tour of the base which and the Provincial Commissioner included a delicious Lunch and Morgan O’Sullivan. It was all the a spin on a launch around Cork better for the Chief Scout as he had Harbour. The beavers also saw worked with Sheila when he was the naval ships that were berthed Provincial Commissioner and was at the base and the resident delighted that she was caught totally seals who were basking in the by surprise on the night,. sunshine on the slip. A fantastic Also present was the mayor of day was had by all, and a huge Carrick on Suir who praised her thank you to all at the base who service to the wider community made it possible. of Carrick on Suire and Scouting
45 Province News
Gilwell Park has Lasting Memories
Gilwell Park Scout Campsite at Chingford Essex has proved quite a popular spot this year for Cork Scout Groups with the 57th Cork (Farranree) and the 45th Cork (Blarney) Venture scouts choosing the venue for their annual summer camp. The 7th Cork (St. Finbarr’s Doyle Road) are going there later in the month.
The Farranree Scout Troop took in a visit to London Bridge and the Towers and were quite fortunate that as they were there a sailing ship came along and the bridge was opened which was quite a sight for all the scouts. They also went to Buckingham Palace and part of the usual tourist trail. They had such a great time at Thorpe Park that they decided to go back for a second day. On a scouting front all was not forgotten either with many on site activities and with the weather so good they went on a bevy out one night and slept in shelters or surprisingly enough most had fair nights sleep.
46 Province News
Rathcormac Summer Camp
Rathcormac Scout enjoying their recent Summer Camp to Glenshelane Scout Campsite Cappoquin and surfing at Tramore beach.
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From Navan Road to Norway!
July 4th saw the departure of 15 scouts and 5 leaders from the Navan Road Scout Group on an adventure to the Norwegian Jamboree in Stavanger in Norway. The trip started out with an overnight stay in a scout house in Oslo which turned out to be an old church! From there the scouts travelled on an 8 hour train journey through Norway to Stavanger with amazing views of the Norwegian countryside. On arrival at site they were greeted not only by a host of welcoming Norwegian neighbours but by an amazing view of the North Sea! The jamboree was back to basics with ample excuses for pioneering and with no shortage of Norwegian spars the scouts were
48 Province News
while Seamus provided cookery lessons Source to Sea – Report on how to make Irish potato cakes kept occupied constructing their (which went down a treat)! Yet in true site for the first day or two. Navan Road style there was also plenty Source to Sea – It’s what exactly Swimming in the North Sea, of time to make new friends with visitors it was ,for the members of the 24 hour patrol hike and a trip to the Navan Road site from around the Malahide Sea Scout group who to Pulpit rock were all part of globe and there was even time to catch took up the challenge recently to the programme laid on by the up with old friends with the 3rd and 4TH raise funds towards the renovation Norwegians. However some of Louth Scout group also on site. of their den and Pieta House. The the best laughs were had when The trip was wrapped up with some head present premises was built in 1983 the neighbourhood day came spinning experiences in the tea cups of and opened in the following year. A around and the two Navan Road the local theme park and some souvenir two storey building that now needs patrols were replaced by two shopping in Stavanger! The jamboree up dating both inside and outside Norwegian patrols and the leaders was an amazing experience for all to cater for the present 600 strong had to provide a programme with involved but with 22 hours of sunlight membership. The overall project will an Irish flavour! Needless to say in Norway and reports of temperatures cost approx. €600,000 but will put Anne got into the swing of things hitting 28 degrees in Ireland it wasn’t too the group in a far better position to by providing Irish culture classes hard to return home!
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was to take on a part of the journey cater for its present numbers and either by hiking, sailing, cycling, to deal with the ever increasing kayaking, and rowing. Each team waiting list. carried the baton to pass onto the next team, until the whole journey The idea was routed back in was completed. November and officially launched earlier this year by the Bosun The scouts commenced the Dave Clarke. Around him he built Friday morning and followed the a team of leaders that would plan rivers journey from its source to and supervise the adventure crossing the Blessington lakes, onto trek from the source of the River Newbridge, Naas, Clane, Leixlip, Liffey in County Wicklow to the Lucan, Palmerstown, Chapelizod, mouth of the river at Dublin Port. Islandbridge, through the city and The journey took 3 days over the finally finishing Sunday afternoon in 125 km route. Team leads were Dublin Port. established whose responsibility
By journeys end each of the The group is ever grateful to all who programme sections had completed participated from Beavers. Cubs, the challenge and had the best of Scouts, Ventures, and Leaders and fun and raised to-date over €7000. to our supporters and sponsors You can still support the scouts and Europcar, Fun Galaxy. Pieta House online by following the link.
50 Province News
18th Dublin Santry Recent Leaders Awards
Over the last few months Several Leaders in the group received following awards Gordon Brown Silver Merit Terry Curran 10 years service and Bronze Merit Mary McGrath 15 years Service and silver merit Chris McGrath Silver Merit Joann Kelly 10years service and Bronze Merit
All Awards presented by County Commissioner Paul Ring and all thoroughly deserved
51 Province News
De La Salle Scout Pipe Band
13th International Folklore Avalanche Festival Spree-Neisse and Oberspreewald-Lausitz Districts Germany 27th June to July 1st 2013
Indonesian group practicing their act in the car park by its twinned band from North After tuning, the band boarded a On Thursday evening June 27th Berwick in Scotland. After becoming bus and was taken to Luebbenau 2013 twenty-eight members acquainted with its surroundings the the first of its performances of the of the De La Salle Scout Pipe band settled down for the night and weekend. This is a beautiful location Band boarded the Waterford got some sleep. with some natural waterways which City Youth Committee bus and On Friday morning the band were has been turned into a major tourist headed to Dublin for an onward out of their beds early and had attraction. The activities of the day flight to Berlin to take part in a their first views of Germany in day began with a parade through the very entertaining and enjoyable light. It was a beautiful, warm sunny village and this was followed a boat weekend in East Germany. On morning and everyone was in good parade of the nations through the arrival in Berlin the band was met spirits even if they would have natural waterways. This was a very by Diana and Katja who were preferred to have had more sleep. pleasant and enjoyable experience to be the band’s guides for the After breakfast preparations began which was enhanced by some weekend. From Berlin the band for the day and acts from various impromptus performance by various travelled on to Cottbus where it countries began to prepare. pipers along the way to entertain was to be accommodated during Indonesian group practicing their the crowds that had gathered on its stay. On arrival we were met act in the car park. the banks of the waterway at many locations.
52 Province News
received very well by the crowd. Ireland made there way onto the The performance also included Irish stage. The performance time was On returning from the boat parade pieces being played by John Stone longer than the previous day so the and having been fed the Festival on the whistle and Chris McAuliffe band added a number of additional was opened and the separate on the fiddle. On completion of all Irish pieces to its programme. performances of each of the fifteen of the acts the Festival concluded countries participating commenced. for that day and the band returned Given that the band’s performances Our turn came just after six o clock to its accommodation for some well had been so well received by the and we put on a fifteen minute deserved rest and recreation. audiences the organisers decided performance of all Irish pieces and add an additional act and invited this commenced with James and On Saturday morning the band had the De La Salle Scout and the North Elaine doing a lovely rendition of a bit of a lie in and after breakfast Berwick Pipe bands to join forces Raglan Road which was followed by there was a little time to explore the and play a number of popular piping the full band playing The Dawning immediate locality. pieces including Amazing Grace of the day. The band then played a and Highland cathedral to close the variety of other Irish tunes, some of Then after tuning it was time to hop day’s public proceedings. which had been especially learned on the bus to be transported to Burg When the audience had left it was for this festival and these were for the second day of the festival. time for the participants to party and despite the heavy rain that commenced just as the group struck On arrival the proceedings began up, everyone had a very enjoyable with a parade which was followed by time. The day’s proceedings then each participant releasing a balloon concluded with a fantastic fire works into the sky to commemorate their display. presence at the festival. It was a great spectacle to see over five Sunday morning was sunny hundred balloons rise into the sky but a good bit cooler than the and fly away with the wind. previous two days and proceeding commenced with an Ecumenical This was then followed with each Worship Service which was country performing and again just attended by a large number of after six o clock the De La Salle participants and visitors to the rose Scout Pipe Band representing gardens in Forst. Band pictured at the Bismarck monument in Burg
53 Province News
breakfast everyone packed and Then it was time for the band to Then a 1 o clock the Festival was got ready for a day’s sight seeing make our way to the Airport where opened and the De La sale scout in Berlin. Diana and Katja played unfortunately, due to a major Pipe band were first to perform. a vital role guiding us through the thunder storm, it had to stay for a Its performance was for twenty various historical sites in the city and good few hours more than expected minutes and was very similar to we saw the Brandenburg Gates, as the flight to take it home had to the previous day. Again the band the German Government’s building, be diverted. was well received by the audience the Holocaust Monument, parts and there was great applause at of the demolished Berlin Wall and Eventually its flight took to the sky the conclusion of the performance. some even went on to see Check and all had a very comfortable flight There were many activities going Point Charlie while the rest took the with most people trying to catch up on in the festival location for the opportunity to do some shopping on their sleep. Paul’s van was then day and the members of the band and to eat. loaded with the band’s gear and had the opportunity to wind down the bus was boarded and the band and relax. To conclude the day’s arrived home happy but tired in proceedings and the full festival Waterford after four in the morning. the two pipe bands were again invited to join forces and do a final performance.
On returning to the accommodation block the members of the band had an opportunity to meet and mix with members of some of the other acts and to renew old acquaintances with the members of the North Berwick Pipe band who have been to Ireland on a number of occasions to play with DLS in St Patrick’s day parades and at other events.
Monday morning presented the opportunity for a little lie in and after
54 Province News
Gilwell is famous for its training and Scout Leaders from all countries of the world have come to Gilwell Park for their Woodbadge training. It is one of the landmarks of the world Togher Scouts Camp at Gilwell Park scout movement.
The 37th Cork Scout Troop (Togher) are just finished the first week of their For the Togher Scouts it has annual summer camp. This year the location of their camp is Gilwell Park been all go from the moment Scout Campsite located at Chingford, London just on the edge of Epping Forrest. The travel went very smooth with the scouts travelling by the group Mini Bus, Jeep and trailer with camp gear. The group availed of the Irish Ferry Service from Rosslare to Pembroke. working in London and again Ian Gilwell Park is a campsite and activity centre for Scouting Groups, as well as a training and conference centre for Scout leaders. It was purchased in Twohig presented him with a new 1919 directly after the first world war and the site which covers 109 acres scout shirt and neckerchief. Three days of last week were spent to London visiting all the historical is in an ideal location so close to sights. For most it was their first the centre of London. It is only a trip to London, so it was all new. half hour by train from Chingford Speaking to the scouts their most Station to Liverpool Street Station. enjoyable and memorable parts were The site is extremely well laid out the visit to the London Dungeon, a with some of the tree plantations they arrived and there was also two hour guided tour and the exploits going back hundreds of years. The a change of camp chief after six and mystery of ‘Jack the Ripper’ site contains camp fields for small years. Ian Twohig handed over and of course the hours spent in groups or can cater for larger groups the reigns and responsibility to the Natural History and Science up to 1,200. There is also indoor Eoghan O’Donoghue with a suitable Museums. Today the scouts are accommodation available and there presentation to mark the occasion. spending the full day at Thorp Park is a whole range of activities all The group were also pleased to Amusement Park staffed by trained personnel along welcome Seán O’Regan one of with life guards for the swimming the leaders who is now based and pool.
55 Province News
track and be a positive role model groups on the island of ireland is e.g. help with budgeting, making “crazy” he believes. meals, cleaning up their chalet,” “My dream, and it’s a vision that I’ve Tony explains. “Our ethos is to try to had for many years, is that there make a difference in a child’s life.” would only be one group in all of Tony Smith’s buzz from making a That morning he had brought a Ireland. You only need one. Both difference to many young lives group of eight-to-ten year olds to the associations take all religions, all beach where they fished for crabs cultures, all nationalities and yet Outside children are ‘zorbing’ on the green lawns (rolling downhill inside in the rock pools. Afterwards, one we still have two; it doesn’t make a transparent plastic orb) and their laughs and cries can be heard far and young boy who had never been to any sense. If it is going to be for the wide. the beach before said: “Tony that good of the youth or of this country, And that’s just his day job. was awesome.” This meant the my vision would be to have one Tony has been a scout all his life. He was eight years old when he snuck world to Tony, who says: “That wee group.” off from his Enniskillen cub scout leader Pat Lunny and caught his first comment and the way his wee eye’s He adds: “We recently held a few fish in the Cladagh River using a bamboo pole. It was at that moment looked at me means that joint camps which was great but you that he “caught the scouting bug”. Tony has now moved up the ranks everything I’ve done this week has put a scout neckerchief around a been worthwhile.” child’s neck and send them into the Tony is grateful to Extern Manager forest; they’re all the same: that’s of Scouting Ireland to become Tony has worked at Roscor Youth Mark Rogers who allows him to what we need to keep drumming County Commissioner for Scouting Village, outside Belleek, for eleven have “the best of both worlds”. “He home. We are on the right tracks Ireland (he’s responsible for the co- years and recently took up the allows me to work hand-in-hand with and we are getting there. It’s slow ordination and management of all post of co-ordinator on the site. my scouting work because he sees but steady, the mindsets among the the groups in Erne Scout County). Employed by Extern, Tony organises the benefits of it in giving back to the youth are changing.” Tony is also Camp Chief at Castle and sometimes instructs the ‘Time community.” Children should be taught to focus Saunderson International Scouting Out’ programme, where emergency Passionate about making a on the simple things, Tony believes. Centre and will soon be travelling to respite is given to young people who difference in children’s lives, Tony “Get the kids away from the X-Box,” Japan on a reconnaissance trip to are in crisis e.g. struggling in their believes that it’s time for more he states. “We don’t have anything prepare for the 2015 World Scout home environment, their parents not integration in society. Scout groups like that in our house. I came home Jamboree in Yamaguchi City. being able to cope, or an emergency and most schools already take the other evening and my eight- The ethos of scouting founder foster placement. Children are often children from all religions, he says, year-old son Adam had built a Robert Baden-Powell is Tony’s referred by the HSE or the Western but he predicts that “it will take a few shelter in the front garden and had mantra in life: “The most worthwhile Trust for a four day residential that generations to ‘sort out’ Northern all his gear, saying: ‘I think I’m going thing is to try to put happiness into entails a lot of one-to-one work. Ireland”. to sleep in this.’ That’s what we live the lives of others.” “We try to put them on the right The fact that there are two scouting for. My whole family are scouts.”
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made a world peace centre by the at the Jamboree and 10 days World Scout Foundation (there are travelling along a route Tony and his Outside children are ‘zorbing’ on the Married to Debbie (who has been only five of them in the world). Over colleagues will have mapped out. green lawns (rolling downhill inside a scout leader for over 20 years the next five years, money will be Tony is adamant that this will include a transparent plastic orb) and their and was recently awarded her made available so that kids from climbing Mount Fuji. laughs and cries can be heard far Woodbadge Beads for completing conflict zones around the world (e.g. Asked for his favourite campsite, and wide. her Leader Training), the couple Israel and Lebanon) can come to Tony replies: “I have always had it in And that’s just his day job. have three children; Megan 17, Castle Saunderson where they can my heart that if anything happened Tony has been a scout all his life. Rebecca 13 and Adam 8. Because have discussions about how they to me that I’d be cremated and that He was eight years old when he scouting takes up most of his can help bring peace through the my ashes be spread in Claddagh snuck off from his Enniskillen cub spare time, Tony is grateful for scout movement. Glen because it is very close to my scout leader Pat Lunny and caught his wife’s patience and that, since “Therefore I was sent to to Saudi heart: the massive fir trees when his first fish in the Cladagh River he has become ‘boss’ at Castle Arabia, where scout leaders from you go in, the rushing of the river. using a bamboo pole. It was at that Saunderson, he can take his family across the world had been invited by It was my first campsite as a cub moment that he “caught the scouting along with him too! the Saudi Royal family to participate scout when I was eight years of bug”. Tony has now moved up the “I’m almost living my dream in a peace and dialogue event,” age.” ranks of Scouting Ireland to become through my kids because I have Tony explains. He adds: “Castle Saunderson is my County Commissioner for Scouting always lived for scouting,” he On 26 July, he will travel to Japan, baby now as such and I’ve fallen in Ireland (he’s responsible for the co- reflects. representing Scouting Ireland in the love with everything about it.” ordination and management of all After working as a manager in Irish contingent reconnaissance for Every campsite (including Australia, the groups in Erne Scout County). Dunnes Stores for eight years, the 23rd World Scouting Jamboree Thailand, America, all over Europe Tony is also Camp Chief at Castle Tony decided it was time for a in Yamaguchi Japan. and the UK) has its own memories, Saunderson International Scouting change and applied for a position Tony explains: “Before a country Tony states. One of his favourite Centre and will soon be travelling to in a is allowed to host a world scout parts of camp is sitting down around Japan on a reconnaissance trip to Children’s Home through the jamboree, two years prior they the fire with the camp blanket and prepare for the 2015 World Scout Western Trust. This led to his role have to host a very large jamboree, singing and story-telling; “giving Jamboree in Yamaguchi City. with Extern. As his professional in order to organise the food, the kids that ‘down-time’ making The ethos of scouting founder career “snowballed”, so too did his programme, the logistics.” hot chocolate, marshmallows and Robert Baden-Powell is Tony’s scouting career. He will spend one week at the chocolate biscuits” (or one of Tony’s mantra in life: “The most worthwhile Scouting has brought Tony around jamboree site and one week favourites: bananas stuffed with thing is to try to put happiness into the world, from Saudi Arabia, to travelling from Yamaguchi to Japan, chocolate buttons wrapped with the lives of others.” Australia, Thailand and soon, looking at potential hospitality sites. tinfoil!) Tony has worked at Roscor Youth Japan. The attendees will spend 10 days Village, outside Belleek, for eleven “Castle Saunderson has been
57 Province News
put a scout neckerchief around a my kids because I have always lived Tony is grateful to Extern Manager child’s neck and send them into the for scouting,” he reflects. years and recently took up the Mark Rogers who allows him to forest; they’re all the same: that’s After working as a manager in post of co-ordinator on the site. have “the best of both worlds”. “He what we need to keep drumming Dunnes Stores for eight years, Employed by Extern, Tony organises allows me to work hand-in-hand with home. We are on the right tracks Tony decided it was time for a and sometimes instructs the ‘Time my scouting work because he sees and we are getting there. It’s slow change and applied for a position Out’ programme, where emergency the benefits of it in giving back to the but steady, the mindsets among the in a Children’s Home through the respite is given to young people who community.” youth are changing.” Western Trust. This led to his role are in crisis e.g. struggling in their Passionate about making a Children should be taught to focus with Extern. As his professional home environment, their parents not difference in children’s lives, Tony on the simple things, Tony believes. career “snowballed”, so too did his being able to cope, or an emergency believes that it’s time for more “Get the kids away from the X-Box,” scouting career. foster placement. Children are often integration in society. Scout groups he states. “We don’t have anything Scouting has brought Tony around referred by the HSE or the Western and most schools already take like that in our house. I came home the world, from Saudi Arabia, to Trust for a four day residential that children from all religions, he says, the other evening and my eight- Australia, Thailand and soon, Japan. entails a lot of one-to-one work. but he predicts that “it will take a few year-old son Adam had built a “Castle Saunderson has been made “We try to put them on the right generations to ‘sort out’ Northern shelter in the front garden and had a world peace centre by the World track and be a positive role model Ireland”. all his gear, saying: ‘I think I’m going Scout Foundation (there are only e.g. help with budgeting, making The fact that there are two scouting to sleep in this.’ That’s what we live five of them in the world). Over the meals, cleaning up their chalet,” groups on the island of ireland is for. My whole family are scouts.” next five years, money will be made Tony explains. “Our ethos is to try to “crazy” he believes. Married to Debbie (who has been available so that kids from conflict make a difference in a child’s life.” “My dream, and it’s a vision that I’ve a scout leader for over 20 years zones around the world (e.g. Israel That morning he had brought a had for many years, is that there and was recently awarded her and Lebanon) can come to Castle group of eight-to-ten year olds to the would only be one group in all of Woodbadge Beads for completing Saunderson where they can have beach where they fished for crabs Ireland. You only need one. Both her Leader Training), the couple discussions about how they can in the rock pools. Afterwards, one associations take all religions, all have three children; Megan 17, help bring peace through the scout young boy who had never been to cultures, all nationalities and yet Rebecca 13 and Adam 8. Because movement. the beach before said: “Tony that we still have two; it doesn’t make scouting takes up most of his “Therefore I was sent to to Saudi was awesome.” This meant the any sense. If it is going to be for the spare time, Tony is grateful for Arabia, where scout leaders from world to Tony, who says: “That wee good of the youth or of this country, his wife’s patience and that, since across the world had been invited by comment and the way his wee eye’s my vision would be to have one he has become ‘boss’ at Castle the Saudi Royal family to participate looked at me means that everything group.” Saunderson, he can take his family in a peace and dialogue event,” I’ve done this week has been He adds: “We recently held a few along with him too! Tony explains. worthwhile.” joint camps which was great but you “I’m almost living my dream through On 26 July, he will travel to Japan, representing Scouting Ireland in the
58 Province News
Tony Smith is “living Irish contingent reconnaissance for the dream”. Under the the 23rd World Scouting Jamboree shadow of the stunning in Yamaguchi Japan. Magho cliffs, his office Tony explains: “Before a country at Roscor Youth Village is allowed to host a world scout looks over shimmering jamboree, two years prior they Lough Erne. have to host a very large jamboree, in order to organise the food, programme, the logistics.” He will spend one week at the jamboree site and one week travelling from Yamaguchi to Japan, looking at potential hospitality sites. The attendees will spend 10 days at the Jamboree and 10 days travelling along a route Tony and his colleagues will have mapped out. Tony is adamant that this will include climbing Mount Fuji. Asked for his favourite campsite, baby now as such and I’ve fallen in chocolate buttons wrapped with twelfth weekend for a ‘Hunger Tony replies: “I have always had love with everything about it.” tinfoil!) Games’ themed adventure. it in my heart that if anything Every campsite (including Australia, “Any camp where you have to the He concludes: “I have eight cubs happened to me that I’d be Thailand, America, all over Europe chance to sit with the kids and let moving up to scouts who came to cremated and that my ashes be and the UK) has its own memories, them camp under the canvas, in me on Sunday morning saying: spread in Claddagh Glen because Tony states. One of his favourite the woods and is special to them, is ‘We’re not happy we are moving up, it is very close to my heart: the parts of camp is sitting down around special to me.” we’ll only go if you come with us.’ massive fir trees when you go in, the fire with the camp blanket and Tony says that he values his role For young kids of eleven to say that the rushing of the river. It was my singing and story-telling; “giving as Enniskillen Cub Scout’s leader means everything to me.” first campsite as a cub scout when the kids that ‘down-time’ making above all the others. Every Friday I was eight years of age.” hot chocolate, marshmallows and night is kept free for “his cubs”, He adds: “Castle Saunderson is my chocolate biscuits” (or one of Tony’s whom he is taking away over the favourites: bananas stuffed with 59 Province News
Tuesday Beavers from 5th Carlow Town. A great night was had by all. Two of the songs sung on the night have gone into a Larch Hill song book.
Carlow Cub Scouts succeed in Challenge As well as doing the challenge the Cubs upgraded their camping, Cub Scouts from Castle Pack 5th Carlow Town successfully completed the pioneering and backwoods skills Larch Hill 75th Anniversity challenge over the weekend of 28th – 30th June. over the weekend. They also These challenges are open to all Scout Groups to commemorate the 75th managed to do tie dyeing and many anniversary of the campsite. different and amazing shapes were created. A suprise visit by a member The CubsGood and deedsScouters for thehad site. to do These a series were of pickedchallenges with comprisingthe help of theof: of the Garda Mounted Unit went 1. down great with the Cubs. Meitheal staff from Larch Hill. Even though all were very tired on Saturday night they went on the Larch Hill ghost walk and heard 2. Activities with another many interesting stories about Pack. Here they had to organise characters you could meet if lucky games / activities with another in Larch Hill. None were met on the Pack and run them. They joined walk but they may meet some of up with 11th Louth in this. One was them when back again. a circle painting, and the other an orienteering event. 3. Run a camp fire. Again they This was one of the many events had to organise the campfire from and camps the Pack attended this lighting fire to inviting Groups to year. Other events were Portlick attend. Each Six in the Pack picked camp in June. Many Scout County different songs to use and along events as well as hikes and camps with Marie Therese and Kevin used with the Sixes within the Pack. Four them during the event. They were Cubs are putting the final touches to joined by Cub Packs from Dublin, their Chief Scout Award Wicklow and Louth along with
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Volunteer Short Term Staff Vacancies September 2nd – December 6th 2013 The New “Scout” Range
Basic requirements The New range of “Scout” branded apparel designed by Communications team in Association with the Scout is available for sale online at the link You must be registered to a Scout or Guide Association recognized by WOSM or WAGGGS 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. You must be 18+ years old You must have good communication skills in English.
Are you willing to Learn new skills, Run an excting programme of activities, Work as part of a Team in Europe’s newest International Scout Centre, Meet new Scouts/Guides that will be friends for life?
Check us out on www.facebook.com/castlesaunderson
For more information and to get a copy of our Staff Booklet please
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
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62 August 2013
Contacts Coming next month
Public Website:- www.scouts.ie The Phoenix Challenge all the action World Scout Moot to Canada Members:- my.scouts.ie Annual Camps from all over Europe Email:- [email protected] And Lots more! Facebook:- http://www.facebook.com/scoutingireland Twitter:- @scoutingireland