From The Courtyard - Issue 132

FROM THE

COURTYARD

January-February 2020

In This Issue:

The St. Aloysius College Scout Group’s sections look back on their respective year in the Group’s newly revamped newsletter.

The St. Aloysius College Scout Group Newsletter - Issue 132

The Pack’s year in pictures, and its plans for the year ahead

Turn to Page 3

Troops enjoys fun-filled 2019

Turn to Page 9

Recalling the Group’s 100th Anniversary

Turn to Page 15

The Rover Crew looks back on a positive 2019

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What’s On What are the events to look forward to in the very near future? Every newsletter issue will double as your handy little calendar, giving you all the dates for all the most important upcoming events for you to add to your diary.

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29 January 2020 at 19:30 - Hot Dog Wednesdays 9 February 2020 - Cub Section Cooking Activity 12 February 2020 at 18:30 - Group Annual General Meeting 21 March 2020 - Cub Section Comino Hike 6 April to 11 April 2020 - Easter Camp 2020 (Cub Camp will take place between 7 and 9 April) 19 April 2020 - St. George’s Day Parade

Newsletter Editor: Albert Galea Front Page Photo: Ivan Consiglio

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A Note From Our GSL Edward Cassola

It’s been nearly a year since we last issued our newsletter The Courtyard. I must admit I was not happy about this after over ten years of monthly issues and contributions by various leaders and former members.

In spite of encouraging members to take the lead and be the editor of this newsletter, I realised that it is very hard for people to commit themselves for long term initiatives.

Work, studies, family, friends and other interests and hobbies compete with the little free time left for adult members to dedicate to scouting.

The Group is blessed to have sufficient leaders and adult help in the sections where it matters most, so finally one has to prioritise how resources are allocated especially when one must be reminded that all this is done on a voluntary basis.

I must admit that I did not give up completely and always hoped that we can kick start this intitiative again and finally a few weeks ago one of our rovers approached me offering to take it up again. I am very pleased that Albert Galea, a professional journalist by trade has taken the lead to revamp the newsletter and get it going again. This is a collective effort which will require the contributions of other members too.

During 2019 our Group was seriously busy and I hope this first issue for 2020 will provide a good overview of what we have done. As usual we had the regular events such as the AGM in January, Easter Camp, Annual Parade, Summer Camp, and other sectional events. We

participated in Association events such as the Ventureathlon, Festa Scout, Annual General Meetings and Training Courses.

We were also busy at our HQ where we started and nearly completed the renovation of the building’s facade and changed wooden beams in the cubroom ceiling. Some works are still pending due to the bureaucratic processes we have to face and the problem of finding workmen to finish off certain requirements imposed on us by the Planning Authority.

Overall, 2019 was a good year for all sections.

Our membership is still strong and growing and plans for the next year are already done.

2020 promises to be an eventful year with the highlight being the EuroJam which will be held in Poland in July. Our Group will be one of the largest in the Maltese contingent and a good number of adults will also serve in the international service team.

Fingers crossed, this year will be a good one and we can manage to keep the newsletter going too! The next decade promises to be an interesting one with new challenges that I hope the Group can handle with the required commitment and dedication from leaders in the Group.

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From The Pack

2019 in pictures, and what to look forward to in 2020 David Pace

The Pack’s Akela David Pace takes us through what members of the Pack can look forward to in the New Year, and gives us some pictorial throwbacks from 2019.

2019 proved to be a busy year for the SAC Cub Pack, with several activities undertaken. These included two sleepovers at HQ, a hike in Gozo, Easter Camp, Anzac Day, the Annual Parade, a joint activity with San Gwann Cubs, a meeting at the beach, Summer Camp, the National Cub Activity, Festa Scouts, the Halloween Party, a Training Camp for Sixers and Collecting Food for the foodbank.

At the end of the year the Cub leader team got together to plan the way forward for next year and we must say that It looks as though 2020 will be even busier. Below please find an indication of the planned activities for 2020 over and above Weekly Wednesday Meetings.

The below are subject to change, with activities being either added to the list of removed from the list as necessary throughout the year. The dates set for the

first half of the year are indicative, and the indicative dates for the second half of the year will be sent in due course.

Kindly also note that each month will have a number of areas from the Cub Programme being focused on during that month, with the activities both during weekly meetings and outside of it aimed at addressing those areas.

We are also planning a couple of surprises, which we will hold on to for the time being ;) In the meantime, Akela and the Pack leaders would like to wish you and your families all the best for the New Year and remember always do your best and be prepared!

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Month

Pack Activities

Programme Area of Focus

January

25 January - Cookout

Safety in Open Fire Cooking; Fire Lighting; Cooking a meal

February

9 February - Cooking Activity

Personal Challenges

March

21 March - Comino Hike

Packing a Backpack; Nature Hikes; Our Environment; Local Flora and Fauna.

April

7 April to 9 April Cub’s Easter Camp

Spirituality and Scouting History

May

23 May - Ropework Activity at HQ

Knotting

June

Scenarios at HQ

Safety at Home, Dealing with Emergencies and Making Choices.

July

Cultural Activity

Our Country and National Identity

August

Beach Activity

Safety at Sea

September

5 September to 7 September - Cub’s Summer Camp

Camp Safety and Hygiene; Pack a Rucksack; Pitching & Striking a Tent; Stars and Constellations; Cloud Formations.

October

Hike, perhaps joint

Trekking Signs, Country and Highway code, Compass Rose and Compass mapping.

Halloween Party November

First Aid Activity

First Aid

Sixers and Second Sixers Camp.

December

Community Service

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Community Service

Group Activities

12 February -AGM & Investiture

19 April - St. George’s Day Annual Parade

Pasta Night

January 2019: The Cubs practice their campfire songs during an activity at HQ.

January 2019: Having wet their appetites with their rendition of the campfire classics, the Cubs then roasted marshmallows.

March 2019: The Pack partaking in some Arrow work near Mgarr ix-Xini.

March 2019: The Pack enjoying the scenic coast between Xatt L-Ahmar and Mgarr ix-Xini during a hike in Gozo.

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April 2019: The Pack planting Olive Trees at the Black Valley Campsite during Easter Camp 2019.

April 2019: The Cubs get some archery practice in during Easter Camp 2019.

May 2019: The SAC Pack contingent taking part in the National Cub Event - Scolympics.

August 2019: The Cubs enjoy the sea during a beach meeting at Ghajn Tuffieha in the height of the Maltese summer.

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September 2019: The Pack gathers for flag-down at Summer Camp 2019, held at Ghajn Tuffieha Campsite.

September 2019: Cubs practice some First Aid, dealing with different scenarios during Summer Camp 2019.

October 2019: A visit to the Xemxija Fire Station in a joint activity with the Mosta Cub Pack.

October 2019: It’s dress-up day, as the Cubs attend HQ in full costume to celebrate Halloween.

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November 2019: The Group’s contingent of Cubs, pictured here at the national Festa Scout activity.

November 2019: A Cub enjoys a slide at the national Festa Scout event.

December 2019: The Pack painting boxes which will be used to collect food to donate to a Foodbank.

December 2019: The Pack enjoy a fire-building session during a Wednesday meeting at HQ.

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From The Troop

Rafting, Camps, Expeditions: Troop enjoy thrilling 2019 Julian Formosa

2019 was a big year for the SAC Troop. With new scouts picking up where older ones left off, a lot of progress and important scouting activities took place, always bringing new, exciting and adventurous things for everyone involved.

With a growing team of leaders and members, improvements were made to the system, and things which were unimaginable just a few years ago were made possible and new heights were reached.

Many of these were accomplished during camps and special activities, but nothing would have been possible without the dedication it takes to be present every week for the Wednesday meetings.

Special effort was made by the Patrol Leaders this year to educate the Troop, making up for the

ones from last year who did not leave the troop with exactly the best training. This is however an obstacle we may come across in everyday life, and teaches us valuable skills in dealing with such problems, preparing our boys for the journey ahead.

Chosen after Bulwark last year, the new patrol leaders for most of 2019 would be Julian Formosa building up the Buffs, Antonio Grech bringing up the Bulls, Neil Borg with the Wolves, Robert Sciberras-Herrera helping the Hounds, and finally David Camilleri teaching the Tigers. The

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senior patrol leaders this year were Andrew Abela and Jake Busuttil, ready to guide the Troop.

the members had to be split up amongst the four remaining patrols.

Many things were accomplished throughout 2019, and it is important to keep our memories fresh to remind ourselves that we can do whatever we work for and set our minds to. So, let’s take a look back throughout the year and see all of our greatest events throughout 2019.

When finished from building and from lunch, the rafts were flipped over and the race started. This year, a splicing competition was held two weeks before the activity and whoever won would get a twenty second head-start for the race.

Rafting Rafting is always the first major activity of the year, and new patrols use this opportunity to get used to each other and to working in their new teams.

Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders find time to learn how to take charge effectively and many important knots and lashings are taught while making the raft. This means that this activity serves as preparation and as a taster for new patrols of the year to come.

A lot of preparations had to be made by everyone involved before this activity could take place. The raft designs needed to be prepared from weeks beforehand, the correct amount of materials need to be loaded onto the van, and people need to make arrangements to be able to attend.

This year’s rafting was originally going to be held on the day before the feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck, but got postponed to 23 February, nearly two weeks later, due to the fact that many people could not attend due to exams.

On the day, everyone gathered at Mistra Bay at 9:00am and after the equipment was unloaded and all consent forms were collected, the raft building began. Unfortunately, not enough experienced members were present for the Tiger patrol so

At first, all were against this idea as the winners of rafting should win thanks to their raft and their team, not because of a head start thanks to splicing. However, as soon as the Hounds became the winners of this competition, they changed their minds and praised this idea.

The race lead to one of the biggest differences in timings ever. The Hounds arrived at the finish line a whole forty minutes before the Buffs, who got stuck on a rock and paddled away in vain for fifteen minutes before realising. The leaders eventually had to call them back and they did not finish the race. Unfortunately their misfortune continued, as when they arrived back, the leaders accidentally let go of the rope tied to the raft, and it washed up a lot farther down the beach, from where they had to retrieve it.

When the race was over and everything was dismantled and put away, the Scouts bought icecreams and left home, some wetter than others, but all filled with new knowledge and experiences thanks to the eventful day that passed. The following Wednesday, the logbooks were handed in and one week later, it was revealed that the Hounds had won, followed by the Bulls, Buffs and the Wolves.

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Easter Camp Easter Camp was the first activity of the year which spanned more than a single day, starting on the 15 April and ending on Easter Saturday, on 20 April. Many Scouts took up the challenge and participated in activities which could not take place in the weekly meetings due to limitations of time and resources, undertaking more professional projects whilst learning new skills.

and dew, but learning from others, every patrol enjoyed the view (seen below) and survived their night at the hotel. The following morning, whoever slept in the Megatower would not take part in lumbering up, but instead would help in the kitchen to prepare breakfast (It was cheerios, a welcome change from the usual cornflakes). To be sure, sleeping in such a place was one unique experience not many can say they have had.

This year an advanced party, consisting of the patrol leaders and the assistant patrol leaders along with a few more members who could attend, was sent out to the campsite a day before so that the tents, the kitchen and other basic facilities would be set up by the time the rest of the Scouts arrived the day after.

This needed to be done because this Easter, a new record would be set for the St. Aloysius College Scout Group. This camp, we would undertake a massive pioneering project requiring weeks of preparation, months of planning and years of experience. This year, we would build the Megatower: a cuboidal tower over four metres tall where each patrol would spend a night.

Another interesting part of the first day was learning how to light a hurricane lamp and how to properly clean it, just before international evening. This was a hands-on lecture, useful for many Scouts, as the majority had never seen one of them up close. It is knowledge which may soon prove to be useless, but in learning how to care for them we kept this device alive for just a bit more.

On the second day a unique activity was held, where the patrols made up songs about the various leaders, and recorded a music video singing it and playing instruments/rocks.

This activity took so much effort and planning, as we had to do a mock up during the previous Wednesday meeting to get the correct measurements, and taking the majority of the first day at camp to build, but in the end it was all worth it. Seen above, the tower was pegged down and felt as solid as a rock.

The Buffs were the first patrol to sleep on the tower and, unfortunately, they didn’t exactly have a great time due to problems with the cold

The expedition took place the day after, as predicted by the Troop, and after an English breakfast the patrols had an interesting experience. With the patrol leaders blindfolded, the rest of the patrol gagged and handcuffed together with rope, we were kidnapped and put against a wall next to ÄŚaÄĄar Qim. Then the patrols were then hidden somewhere and the patrol leaders had to find them. Once this was accomplished, the terrorist hunt / expedition could start.

We were all pleasantly surprised by the effort the leaders took to make an interesting story, and we

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were more motivated for the expedition.

Another breakthrough happened: instead of carrying the large heavy stoves we normally use; the leaders had bought ‘The Beasts’ – lightweight and compact but powerful stoves which we were eager to try out. All in all, the expedition took over eight hours to complete and was roughly 25 kilometres long, for the patrols that stayed on track that is. The fried chicken which followed for dinner tasted like the best food we had ever eaten, and for many, they realised that what they thought to be the worst part of camp wasn’t so bad after all.

Another new record was broken after campfire night the following day. As the water had been giving us trouble all day and the amount of scouts at camp was lacking for some patrols, it remains astonishing that we managed to do all the duties after campfire in less than an hour.

The fifth day saw the best game of rounders ever played. The teams were so balanced that with a final score being decided nearly an hour after it started everyone agreed that this was an amazing match. We also tried out human chess, with the grid laid out by ropes on the ground, which most of us had never tried before. An elevator was also built by some scouts using ropes and a pulley

be an experience many would remember for the rest of their lives. After the camp it turned out to be that the Hounds had won the first camp of 2019, followed by the Buffs, then Tigers, Bulls and lastly, Wolves.

Summer Camp Unfortunately, this year’s Summer Camp lasted only five days, starting on 1 September and ending on 5 September - a leap away from the usual seven days. This was due to the fact that many Scouts had other personal commitments such as travelling, and also due to predicted hot weather.

The second day of the camp saw us undertake yet another pioneering project; this time the building of a waterslide.

The planning, designing and building took up most of the day, but after much toiling in the heat, we had ourselves a working waterslide which we assembled on the beach and tried out, much to the amusement of nearby swimmers. Although some members of the Troop slid down wrongly and got slightly injured as they fell off the side at the end, it was a great success with everyone agreeing that it was a fantastic experience. The whole Troop felt like this big pioneering project would be the highlight of the camp.

To everyone’s surprise however, an expedition was what followed this immense task. Suffice to say, none of The troop expected it this time.

Being ill-prepared in fact, it took some time to pack everything we needed and we set out from the campsite two hours later than expected.

before the leaders took it down for being ‘too dangerous.’

This Easter Camp was filled with unique challenges and new learning experiences for everyone involved, breaking records and reaching new heights all in just a few days. It would surely

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As this was a Summer Camp, the expedition took place during the night to avoid the heat of the day, with this year’s sleeping checkpoint being in Xemxija.

emerged that the Senior Patrol Leaders, although not part of the Troop, had managed to win this prestigious title for their hard work throughout the mentioned days.

Also new this year, was that, instead of the unstable bivouacs which are normally used as a makeshift tent, this year, the leaders had gotten us new tents. They could fit up to three people comfortably inside, kept the heat in better, and didn’t flap around like a sheet of paper, giving us a better night’s rest than usual.

Camp ended two days later at around 6:00pm, and although we were all happy to see our parents again, this camp proved a valuable learning experience and something worthwhile to do in the middle of summer. For the first time, the Buffs won a trophy, leaving the Hounds with second place, followed by Tigers, Bulls and then the Wolves.

In total the expedition lasted from 7:00pm till 1:00am the next morning and we covered 16km, not including the walk back to the campsite the following morning.

Snorkelling and kayaking the following morning were interesting and, thankfully, relaxing activities.

The Troop ran into some trouble decide what to do as the last activity of the night, but winning by just one vote, a troop campfire was set up by the patrol leaders and with funny imitations of leaders and other patrol leaders, it was a great success.

And now we come to one of the biggest records of the year. That night, Scout Leader Bernard Maniscalco, announced the awards for the Scout of the Day for the three previous days. Beating around the bush for a solid forty minutes, it was the longest we had ever spent in a fall-in waiting to see who the Scouts of the Day were.

When he did finally announce the names, it

The HMS Bulwark Shield The HMS Bulwark Shield - Bulwark for short - is often regarded by many as the ultimate scouting challenge, as it tests our knowledge on every scouting subject both in practical tests as well as theoretical ones. It requires weeks of mental preparation in studying for the tests as well as preparation for the long distances a Scout would walk. Gozo is chosen as the location for this activity as it contains many uphills to torture scouts’ legs, not as much cars as Malta for safety, but most importantly, some scenic views which look great for each patrol’s logbook.

This year, Bulwark took place over the weekend in the mid-term holidays, as always, between Friday 1 November and Sunday the 3rd. The Troop met up at the Gozo Ferry Terminal at around 7:30pm and upon arriving in Gozo sometime later, took a coach to the Bishop’s Conservatory Secondary School in Rabat, where we would be spending the night. This year, we were joined by the Swieqi Girl Guides, who would join some patrols to take part in our yearly activity.

G-Dollars were reintroduced this year following last year’s success, and we were given a variety of things on which to spend them on; while some patrols used their G-Dollars on points to win Bulwark, others spent everything on snacks.

We were given G-Dollars not only for doing well in tests and walking, but for a few special tasks such as taking care of an egg and boiling it at a checkpoint. The G-Dollars were given to us at the

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start of the first day, at the sleeping checkpoint in Pergola, and at the eating-checkpoint on the second day which was Ta’ Pinu Church.

leader, Robert Sciberras-Herrera it was worth it.

The Tigers came second with the very relaxed Buffs close behind, followed by the Wolves and , finally, the Bulls.

Patrol Leaders’ Training Camp PLTC was the last major activity of 2019, taking place between the 12 and 13th of December. Its purpose is to train the new patrol leaders, assistant patrol leaders, and other chosen members of the Troop to be strong leaders who will be able to take charge and help run our Scout Group.

The first day was quite alright as Bulwarks go, and apart from the innumerable hills we had to climb on the second day, the route was not too challenging. This Bulwark was unique because none of the patrols got extremely lost, and the difference in time was mainly due to walking speed. This meant that all patrols walked roughly the same distance (about 36km) which was proof that our Scouts were improving at following the route, which was a great sign. To our dismay, the leaders had forgotten (or were too lazy) to do a story for Bulwark, which took a lot of the fun out of the walking.

This year it came as no surprise that the winners of Bulwark were The hounds, as at every checkpoint they pushed themselves to their limits, so much so that some members they seemed as if they were about to collapse from exhaustion upon arriving at Ta’ Pinu. But at least for their patrol

This year, the patrol leaders, chosen after Bulwark when the older ones moved up to Ventures, were John Vural to teach the Tigers, Julian Galea to help the Hounds, Karl Dazzi to be with the Wolves, Kurt Borg to bring up the Bulls, and Karl Camilleri to build up the Buffs. The Senior Patrol Leaders also changed, making way in favour of Robert Sciberras-Herrera and Julian Formosa.

After setting up the area, the Scouts started being taught how the scouting system works and some important points about being a good leader. This would be the main theme of this training camp, and, along with some light games and lectures about scouting knowledge, the Scouts learnt many valuable things about how to lead others properly, and by the end of this camp they were ready to be the ones who would take action and control how the Troop works in the coming year as leaders.

Now, as the year 2019 is over, we should realise what a wonderful year this was for the Troop of the St. Aloysius College Scout Group; one which was full of new experiences and amazing achievements. Truly, many great things were accomplished this year, and now with a growing Troop full of both new and experienced faces, the coming years are sure to be as exciting as this one, and we can look to the future of the Troop with hope and with pride.

The route, as taken by the patrols during the expedition.

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From The Archives

New to From The Courtyard will be a feature based around the group’s history.

St. Aloysius College was founded in 1916, meaning that the group holds a vast treasure trove of history - some of which is likely yet to be even unearthed and it would be a complete travesty to leave the group’s story untold. This section of the newsletter will be dedicated to sharing that story.

The Group celebrates its 100th year

The most natural place to start is, in many ways, Fr. Jimmy Bartolo and the Scout Association of Malta’s Chaplain Fr. Anton Briffa kicked off the only a short while ago. evening, before H. E. President of the Republic St. Aloysius College Scout Group was founded of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca visited the in 1916, and has since then been the only scout headquarters and unveiled a special plaque to group in Malta and Gozo to continue functioning commemorate the occasion. Her speech to a packed courtyard augured another successful 100 in an uninterrupted manner. years for the group.

15 October 2016 saw the celebration of the centenary of the group through a night of A gangshow organised specifically for the occasion activities. An exhibition was held around the followed the ceremony, closing off what was a headquarters, including in the newly opened memorable night which will be written in the group’s history forever. room which now hosts the Troop Room.

A Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by College Rector The photos overleaf were taken by Luca Tufigno.

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A packed courtyard listens on as H.E. President of the Republic of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca delivers her message on the occasion of the Group’s 100th anniversary.

College Rector Fr. Jimmy Bartolo celebrates a Thanksgiving Mass marking the occasion.

Venture Scout Leader Andre Brincat leads the way in the singing at the Gangshow.

Members of the Rover Crew recite their parts in the Gangshow, complete with period costume.

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From The Crew

Looking Back: A positive year for the Rover Crew comes to a close Albert Galea Rover

2019 was, all in all, a positive year for the SAC Rover Crew, with the group’s oldest contingent hosting scouting counterparts from abroad, and reaching new heights in international competition.

Even though the Rover Crew is perhaps one of the less overtly active sections of the group – at least on social media - 2019 has, like many other years, been an eventful one for the Crew and its ever growing contingent of members.

The likely highlight of the year was the Crew playing host to the Rutten Scouts from Belgium in a week long camp titled MedEx – short for Mediterranean Experience – in the beginning of July. Based not far from the Dutch border, the 12 or so strong contingent was hosted by the SAC Rover Crew at Ghajn Tuffieha Campsite, and treated to a jam-packed programme which

combined scouting skills and activities with more leisurely, tourist-style activities.

Indeed, the Rovers treated their guests to a couple of hikes, a period of kayaking, and a spot of snorkeling – although the latter was cut short due to inclement weather. The camp programme also took the Maltese and Belgians alike to sights such as Mdina, along with expeditions to the sister islands of Comino and of Gozo. A campfire was also, of course, on the agenda, with the groups sharing and exchanging traditions and songs throughout the night and the rest of the week.

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Rutten Scouts were the first crew which the SAC Rovers had hosted in a fairly long period of time, however following the positive feedback received and the extremely positive experienced enjoyed by all present, it will likely not be the last.

The event represents the Crew’s renewed effort to spread its wings outside of Malta, with members having already travelled to Scotland the year before on a grueling mountain expedition and with other members travelling to Eurojam in 2020, which will be held in Gdansk, Poland.

Another highlight from 2019 was, without a doubt, the Crew’s participation in iScout. iScout has become an annual tradition for the SAC Rover Crew, with the 2019 edition being the fifth year in a row that they have taken part in the international competition. For the first time this year, the SAC Rover Crew also welcomed with open arms their counterparts from the Swieqi Girl Guide Group, with whom the group has very close ties.

the end of the four-hour game period will win the competition.

This year’s edition saw the Rovers complete all sorts of tasks, ranging from the creation of a makeshift Brexit border post (pictured below), to the collection of an assortment of 20 different

pairs of socks, to the baking of iScout branded birthday cupcakes, to a spot of supermarket bowling (below), to even creating a scouting gym.

Those Rovers camped inside the depths of the SAC Headquarters answering Travel Questions also had their hands full, with questions which led to a variety of wild and wonderful places.

For the uninitiated, iScout is an international competition which takes place every March and combines brains with resourcefulness and ingenuity. Teams must complete a set number of tasks, each of varying nature and difficulty, to gain credits. These credits are in turn used to unlock Travel Questions on three separate branches of questions. Each group’s resident brain-boxes will then have to answer the Travel Questions, which all point to particular place or point on the world (or sometimes even further beyond) map.

Each correct answer helps the team gain a Travel Point. The team with the most Travel Points at

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It was a night of work which ended in success: the SAC Rovers finished the competition in 20th place out of a total of 477 scout groups from across the world. The Crew’s placing is its best-ever in the five years it has participated, and ensured that the SAC Rover Crew is also the best performing Rover Crew in the whole of Malta for a fifth year running.

These two activities were of course only a snippet of the calendar that the Rover Crew followed throughout 2019.

This year’s edition saw the two participate in a football match held at the St. Aloysius College grounds, with the Rovers vying to take back the crown from the Unit after the latter broke a several-year long streak of defeats in 2018.

Alas, the less than star-studded team of Rovers were no match for their younger and more physically fit counterparts, falling to a 3-1 defeat by the full-time whistle.

Another first which took place in 2019 was the Crew’s participation in the Joti-Jota - a Jamboree on the Air and on the Internet. Through this, the Crew and later also the Group made contact with various scout groups from across the world, continuing to broaden their horizons.

The Crew joined up with their counterparts at Sliema Scout Group for two joint activities during the year, one of which saw both Crews carry out some voluntary work at Island Sanctuary in Marsaxlokk, while participation in activities organized by the National Scout Association of Malta or its subsidiaries also featured, with the Crew participating in Festa Scout last November and in Kamp Bla Hitan, which was organized by the National Scout Youth Council last March.

This is of course not to mention the service that the Crew gave to the group as a whole over the course of 2019. A number of its members are engaged as section leaders across the group, but that did not stop the Crew from also lending a hand and leading the supporting team in a number of integral activities such as the annual SAC Pasta Night and both Summer Camp and Easter Camp, with the Crew having organized a group-wide activity during the latter.

All in all, 2019 was a good year to be a Rover, and with a couple of new additions from the Venture Unit the Crew can look forward to continuing to grow into the new year and the new decade, with a jam-packed programme filled with some more innovative activities being planned for the coming year.

The Rover Crew also participated in another annual in-group staple activity - the John A. Mizzi Cup. Held every summer, the activity sees the Rover Crew face-off against the Venture Unit in a sporting contest, with the sport of choice varying each year.

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Contact the Group Pack - cubs@sacscouts.org Troop - scouts@sacscouts.org Unit - ventures@sacscouts.org Crew - rovers@sacscouts.org Newsletter Editor - newsletter@sacscouts.org