Issue 59 Inside Out by Scouting Ireland

Official online magazine of Scouting Ireland

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Venture Scouts have a Ball! Section Resources Keep Coming Backwoods Skills National News Chief Scouts Christmas Message And much more inside

Communications Commissioner Intro

Welcome to this the Christmas issue of Inside Out. We here on the Inside Out team would like to take this opportunity to wish all Scouting Ireland’s members and supporters a very happy Christmas a wonderful new year. Christmas time is always a great time for Scouting and we hope you enjoy your break and if you get a chance take part in some outdoor activities this year. This month’s issue covers all the great Scouting activities that are taking place around the country. We have the latest National News from the National Secretary and some great resources keep coming from the Scout and Venture Scout Teams. We look back at the great night had by the Venture Scouts at their Annual Ball and also images from the Mountain Moot. Another Great Backwoods feature on the axe. The Chief Scout’s Christmas message is also inside.

P. 34 Lough Dan

This month as in every month we feature many articles and Pictures from all around the Country from groups just like yours. So why not send us in an image an a few lines about what you were up to and we will feature in next months issue. We have made 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. If you have any Queries please contact us at communications@scouts.ie. 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 the 31st December. The Communications Team

In this issue... Chief’s Message Cub Scouts Backwoods Former CCAR Gone home Mountain Moot

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all, n us e. i h t i ar lt w be fe ove and c t us f Sc n e i a c l h t e C nt, i e of that but l , iteme e messag r hearts en heart s t c u x o e sc th op ew n ou llow s in n to extend t place i rt, a wide e o My fe h nd rtan hea r ec f yea o share a an impo a giving o e tim asion t eep rt is This ays k mas hea s cc w o l a n d l t it is a iends wil he Chris our frien t r f ll as hat Our ber t rs as we m e rem of othe s think Christmas is a celebration, but the traditions that cluster sweetly around the day will only have significance if we allow them to follow our heart’s intention, in expressing faith, hope and love. These gifts of faith hope and love which cannot be bought or sold, but only given away are and should remain firm and deep within us as scouts during the Christmas celebration. These are the gifts without price, discovered only within oneself and therefore unique. They are not always easy to come by, but they are in unlimited supply, ever in the hearts of one and all.   Let us as Scouts this Christmas, Seek

out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion, and replace it with trust. Share some treasure. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Show your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Find the time. Forgive an enemy Listen. Apologize if you were wrong. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Laugh a little then Laugh a little more. Go to church. Welcome a stranger. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love then speak it again. Speak it still once again You have heard them all before; their influence has never been measured, but they may yet again help us to grasp the significance of the first Christmas and the times we live in. To all scouts across the island let us always remember those less well off than ourselves keep in mind our elders at this time of year, and offer a helping hand to those that need it, for whatever reason. Le Gach dea-ghui i gcomhair na Nollaig is na h-athbhliana With every good wish for Christmas and the New Year. Michael J Shinnick Chief Scout

National Secretary Says

n ace o ch l p k r o C) to ffice, La M N ( O tee nal mmit in Natio o C t en 014 agem vember 2 nick n a M No nal Shin Natio day 23rd el John e h t of Sun t, Micha eting 2nd and e ou m A ef Sc y2 i ry a h d C r emo m Satu aired by n i ) h lence esources i s Hill c s ute lt R t a min ner (Adu h h t g i w u ssio ght Tho thou f Commi g g n n i i e n n hi pe the o former C Ope d e l n t cou enna hief S hnny Br C e Jo Th e late h t f o

Corporate Governance Committee An interim report from the Corporate Governance Committee was noted and it was resolved to extend the terms of reference of the Governance Review Group.

Adoption of the Code of Governance for Community & Charity Organisations It was resolved the Scouting Ireland would register with The Governance Code it’s intention to start the journey to compliance. It was resolved to form a working group comprised of: • • • • • • • •

Therese Birmingham Glenn Webster Morgan O’Sullivan - Chair Ian Davy Ollie Kehoe Jimmy Cunningham Jake Reid Michael John Shinnick

To consider the gaps in compliance and produce a plan to bring SI to compliance. It was noted that external experts will be made available to assist and mentor the working group with it’s work.

Code of Conduct for Board/NMC Members It was resolved to adopt the proposed Code of Conduct for Board/NMC members subject to the noted changes and that the NMC would sign the document at it’s January meeting.

Global Support Assessment Tool (GSAT) It was noted that Scouting Ireland was one of the pilot organisations of the new initiative from the WOSM. The representatives were introduced and they gave an overview of the GSAT. The Global Support Assessment Tool assesses compliance of a National Scout Organisation, on the national level, towards best practices in good governance and Scouting.

The objectives of GSAT are: • Provide a common cross-regional assessment tool. • Measure the capacity and progress in NSOs according to NGO best practices and WOSM policies & standards. • Support the NSOs to address their capacity issues and set their priorities. • Promote synergies between NSOs. • Provide input for further support strategies of WOSM. The individuals were thanked for their work and given best wishes for a successful visit and they left the meeting.

Chief Executive Officer The report of the CEO was noted.

Annual Report The circulated draft annual report text was noted and approved for final layout.

Youth Programme Effectiveness Review

License Agreement with OAS It was noted that the approved license agreement had been signed with the Outdoor Adventure Store and Scouting Ireland Trust Property Limited

Scouting Ireland App It was noted that a campfire app had been released and is available for download for Apple and Android devices.

Website Development The Communications Commissioner presented an update on the current website content creation process:

It was noted that work is on going with the Youth Programme Effectiveness Review and support is being received from other NSOs. There will be a report made to the Board/NMC prior to the meeting of the National Council 2015.

Larch Hill It was agreed to re-advertise for the appointment of Camp Chief (Larch Hill)

Youth Programme

Castle Saunderson

The report of the Chief Commissioner (Youth Programme) was noted.

It was agreed to reappoint Tony Smith as Camp Chief (Castle Saunderson).

County Team Neckerchief

Resolutions

It was resolved to accept the proposal regarding Neckerchiefs for Scout County Teams and the uniform policy was updated accordingly.

It was resolved to revise NMC resolution 72/2014 to include members of WAGGS organisations.

QSE Adult Resources

International Report

The report of the Chief Commissioner (Adult Resources) was noted.

The report of the International Commissioner was noted.

Management Accounts

Research Presentation

The following set of Management Accounts were noted: • •

Scouting Ireland Scouting Ireland Campsites & Facilities

Financial Statements The draft financial statements of Scouting Ireland were approved and can be signed.

A detailed research presentation was delivered by Dubheasa Kelly (Group Support Facilitator) and it was agreed that research would play a pivotal role in the development of strategies going forward.

NSRAP The National Secretary informed the board/NMC that Bishop Kieran O’Reilly had been nominated to NSRAP by the conference of Catholic Bishops. The National Secretary has met with the Secretaries General of the Church of Ireland and is hopeful that a nomination will be forthcoming shortly.

A presentation on the development of QSE was noted.

Strategy

The National Secretary has been in touch with the following faiths: The Society of Friends • • Presbyterian • Methodist • Jewish • Muslim and is hopeful they will nominate a member to NSRAP.

Standing Orders The circulated amendments to SID 02.03 – Standing Orders were approved.

The importance of the development of strategy was noted and It was agreed to adopt the three proposed strategic aims. It was agreed to hold a full day strategy meeting on Saturday 17th January 2014.

Please Note I would request and value comments and concerns anyone of you may have and ask you to share them with myself and the Board/NMC, then and only then can we move forward to ensure ownership of the Association is by all and for all.

Happy Christmas I would like take this opportunity to wish all our members and families a very happy Christmas and a wonderful 2015 Sean Farrell. National Secretary

Breakdown of Membership Fee Dear Scouter, In This tough economic environment, maintaining openness and transparency over the finances of our association is of the upmost importance. Everyone has a right to know how their monies are spent. The Breakdown below provides an analysis of the 2014/2015 membership fee

I hope the above analysis and commentary is useful Annette Byrne, National Treasurer

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ils deta e h t lise he sC o fina ll be on t t t u d r o al g ha y wi b Sc orkin he activit ternation u w C n bee ar t n In onal i have . This ye aunderso t a m a N t te eS nge Scou t Challe at Castl sed b u u C ity ba heir eld co al v h i S n t o e c i b t b a Cu ill Na ow t ight The National ch and w vern nity to sh ding o n r e is a ortu Rea igned of th 29th Ma . lenge t an opp id, Map l s & e t a i h h t s p C e de 28 ge tA b s m l t s l a r i o u i t C o w F t b Sc eeds outs ods, Scou al Cu Cub Sc Backwo allenge n n o i t Na The mping, cout ch 2015 g Skills. S Ca e h T h as unty Cub tin c u u o s c on S ing skills The Co t . Scou ioneering come first served basis to the Packs P and when spaces come available. The fee for the activity is € 35.00 around these skills to ensure the Cub Scouts are prepared for the National Activity. Please click on this link to download a resource that gives guidance on what should be in a County Cub Scout Challenge. Two teams from each county may qualify for the National event. There will be a waiting list for Cub Scout Packs who don’t qualify. Places will be offered on a first

/ £ 28.00 per team (min 6 Cub Scouts, max 8) Participants must be Cub Scouts and 12 years and under before 31st August 2015. To register for the National Cub Scout Challenge please click this link - https://adobeformscentral. com/?f=OaQl0ytxssefgLOx0Qtrcw# The full fee per team along with the booking forms must to forwarded to National Office by 28th February 2015 (all cheques / postal orders / drafts to be made out to “Scouting Ireland”) Please note: If your county has not at the time of the closing date held a pre-qualifier event, the county must still register the number of

teams it wishes to send to the event, the details of the teams may be forwarded at a later date. Also, this year we will be running the Cub Scout Expedition. This activity will be held in the Northern Province on the weekend of the 23rd/24th May. Further details will be circulated when they have been finalised. As always, if you have any questions about any matters relating to Cub Scouting you can contact me at: cubscouts@scouts.ie Yours in Scouting, Joe Boland, Programme Commissioner (Cub Scouts)

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The cost of this event will be 850 euros . Any questions email explorerbelt@scouts.ie Otherwise we look forward to seeing you on the Belt!

ver ake o 17 t l l i dw on r um relan s Dublin o I F s s h acro cros Yout from e place a l s a e v n l tak ntati ure atio rese orum wil N Vent p d e e r n uth Th hF a m) a 5, yo nal Yout Foru ) will get re 1 0 h t 2 u o y ti sha al Yo orum nuar e Na vinci l Youth F rate and n rant In Ja City. Th 14. o r P 0 in the llabo ncia t the Dubl anuary 2 ed a he Provi aker, co tions, and will then t c e J l ey spe at t olu e, e & 18 uest te on res urday. Th ovinc , elected g r p a r t pe ce rom and vo t on Sa rovin ts (6 arn f Scou s (6 per p to and le the future cial even . y o t r Scou e to listen r, plan fo t with a s on Sunda h c e e chan ne anoth to the nig ide-gam n o w with ve long i akeover t a r a d an e in cipat parti

The Rover Scout part of the National Youth Forum will be part of a broader event, Roverfocus. Roverfocus is one event with three parts, whose programmes crossover at various times: • National Rover Scout Forum (open to all Rover Scouts); • National Rover Intervarsity (open to all Rovers who participate in third level Rover initiatives like Rover Clubs and Rover Societies); and

• National Rover Advisor Workshop open to all who advise, or who encourage Rover Scouts) The venue for Roverfocus is still to be confirmed, but much of it will take place in Dublin City at the den of 1st Port Sea Scouts (Ringsend). More info to come in the December issue! All queries can go to nyrteamlead@scouts.ie.

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one let al p o y tro at ny P a or an nd a gre being f t r e s ju as ur a lead or atrol reat hono forward good PL Not oree PL! p t n me ista ag ga b n ass boree is put my na uts bein a Jam r o er am sco nI l lead a world J ge reaso ything in al o r t a r e hysic to an v aP p r g t e e e s n i h l b h s l t t e i To trave For som PL. As w after nd aside p k o o o o a p st l a tr ility. an A hance. u mu f the cam onsib in being o c p Y s o . t e o g t r gin ion ly lef ested allen he durat h c inter not simp e t for is an b APL PL c ur patrol A d of yo Pl an le of al needs o r e Th tion emo d n a from being a stand in Mum or Dad you must also make sure everyone and everything is in the right place, at the right time. You then have to make sure everything, including stuff like wash-up, is done correctly and to the expected scouting standard. Because of the huge responsibility that the patrol leaders travelling to Japan will have to undertake the contingent management team organised a training weekend for all the potential patrol leaders. This was held in Sunshine House

in Balbriggan and as I was chosen to be an APL I was lucky enough to attend this fantastic weekend. In my opinion the weekend was a thoroughly enjoyable one filled with seminars on cultural differences, conflict management and the differences between the role of a patrol leader and an assistant patrol leader, the key difference being APLs see the fine details that the Pl’s overlook in the big picture. After the serious sessions in the morning

and a delicious lunch we began a series of team bonding exercises including pitching a tent blindfolded and making our way across a sandpit while not touching the sand. As you can guess we weren’t very successful and it’s amazing the places sand can reach! Communication was one of the buzz words for the weekend. PLs are the official line of communication between the other scouts and the leaders. A Patrol leaders counsel was set up and it rules were agreed. Then it was time to relax for the evening. A small sing song started up and all the usual favourites got an airing with the fields of Athenry being a personal favourite. All too soon Sunday came and after we had simulated, by dressing in plastic bags and doing some fairly strenuous physical exercise, what half the temperature we could expect to experience in Japan would feel like, it was time to go home. In dribs and drabs we reluctantly headed for our respective forms of transport darts, trains, cars etc. Smell? What smell? Amelia Mc Guinness Young correspondent

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Hills Skills Assessment (Level 7 - 9) 30/12/2014 - 31/12/2014 Glenmalure, Co. Wicklow This is a stage 7-9 Hill Skills Assessment. It will be based out of Glenmalure in Co. Wicklow. Anybody who is already a stage 5+ can apply to be assessed but must be able to log the appropriate number of quality day hikes and supporting experience (snow & ice, expeditions, altitude, REC3, etc). Anyone who wants to

National Youth Forum (incorporating Roverfocus) Dublin City Centre Check Out article elsewhere in Inside Out

take part must be comfortable in carrying their own gear for an overnight camp in the hills. The cost of the event is 20 euro. If you are unsure whether you should apply to be assessed please contact the adskills.hillwalking@ scouts.ie.

For More Info on all upcoming Activities check out the National Events Calendar at the Link right.

Camp Three 15th/07/2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 19th/07/2015 Killaloe See separate advert in this issue

To download the full size version of Next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calendar click the image

To download a full version of the Hillwalking Poster Click the image

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loss and er and s s e sadn mission took e of m s n e e s g Co an which n d i m n n i r u a o Fo prof ormer Tr y) Brenn f a O d n nn ff a th eart ath o ohn (Joh h e Dea d y ut v e J ) Sco r y hea you of th ources r h e b v o s ith a rk (C l ove form lt Re thCo mped al was It is w e must in ner Adu er 2014. 5 2 io b the w He s ca that Commiss h Novem 0’s in e and ha Europe. 5 9 t 1 f te nd r lif Chie on the 13 the la e outdoo the UK a n i e c g pla n th d in outin is sc ry keen o o campe h n s bega as ve as al John . John w eed he h p d Grou untry; in o the C

heavily involved in CBSI’s jamboree ‘Jamborora 77’ in 1977, heading up the Programme Team, for, what is considered by those who were there, as the Country’s most successful jamboree. Such was his belief in the concept of a single Scout Organisation, John returned to Scouting in 2004 when Scouting Ireland was formed, taking up the role of the Provincial Training Coordinator in the Southern Province. He was a natural raconteur and many evenings and early mornings

John could be heard telling stories about Scouting or the ‘Dockyard’ where he spent most of his working life. He will always be associated with campfires and singing, having compiled the definitive campfire song-book. John Brennan was considered to be a brilliant trainer having led many training courses, participants talk of leaving his courses enthused and rejuvenated and ready to change the world after being infected with his enthusiasm and his joy of Scouting. John loved working with both Young People and Adults, and his real passion was for the education and development of those Adults. He held many positions in Scouting including; National Commissioner for Training and Chief Commissioner for Adult Resources. He spent a large part of his life working in the dockyard in Cork, starting life as an apprentice fitter and then moving into the HR Department. As a mature student John attended College and completed a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management. He became a lecturer in National

College of Ireland and once again enthused and motivated many more mature students John was always concerned about doing the ‘right thing’ even when it wasn’t popular or easy.

He was never afraid to deal with difficult issues and while Chief Commissioner for Adult Resources, introduced many initiatives that helped support Adults in Scouting. John was fully committed to the Scout Law and Promise, it was his moral compass and he always did his best to live his life in accordance with the ‘Law and the Promise’. Those people who met and worked with John were often moved by his plain honest decency.

John was a devoted family man; he was supported on his journey by the love of his life Veronica. He was immensely proud of his children: John, Joanne and Veronica Sarah. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís Deep and wide, deep and wide there’s a fountain flowing deep and wide....

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f nds o . a s a u l tho ffer ood 1981 has to o eal w n i e d e v ene he id e sit Nati re op what th ark it is t t n n e a yed ut C al P hD l Sco and enjo s Nation ffer. a n o i Loug ing tain yed Nat to o hanc part Dan have sta low Moun rea has n e h g y u e b ick the a ders e Lo year nits to tak ntre h c Sinc and lea rt of the W all that a ru ne e ce to ts a easo ividuals o e help th scou at the he gateway s g n pi t ind tim Righ amp and e cam tunity for he same nature. h t t c r r t a at k to ppo k st base e kic It is an o tivity and thing bac w n . e ac Da dland ugh able e som At Lo tive Woo nd enjoy t and giv a a in our N orthwhile n footpr o b w r in a r ca 2015 special offer ce ou u d e r 10 trees for only €120 & free camping for 10 scouts for one night. Join us on the 7th & 8th of March 2015 in Lough Dan to plant trees as part of our Native Woodland project. The process is simple just sponsor a tree for €15 and we will have it ready for you on either day along with a stake and protective tube. The Lough Dan staff will be there to assist. Why not camp overnight or just come along and go on a hike and have a barbecue after planting your trees.

The best time to plant a tree was years ago. The next best time is now. I hope to see you there Zef Klinkenbergh

What are we scOUTs or scINs ? I am at present writing up an application for Lough Dan to be accredited as a Scout Centre of Excellence for Nature and the Environment (SCENES). It’s a green flag type of programme for scout centres run by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM). Being at the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park and in an area of outstanding natural beauty Lough Dan has a lot to offer scouts in terms of connecting with nature and environmental education. Besides the traditional on-site activities such as orienteering, camp craft, pioneering, the lake also allows us to offer rafting and kayaking and our location along the Wicklow Way makes it possible to do all sorts of hill walking and overnight expeditions straight from the campsite. In Lough Dan we feel that if you “Experience nature you will often be inspired to take action in favour of the environment” and while it is true that contact with nature is only one component in forming a young person’s eco-strategy, “at

Lough Dan we believe there is a fundamental relationship between being close to nature, and having respect and care for nature and becoming environmentally active”. We believe this because we have seen it happen over the years both here at the centre and also on National events such as PEAK, The Sionnach Adventure, the MPCs and Explorer Belt to name but a few. Surprisingly recent research by the Scout association of Sweden found that despite its great outdoor credentials scouting is lagging well behind many youth organisations in terms of environmental education and environmental awareness. Many of the leaders when

interviewed felt that Scouting was still possible even without nature and without the use of the out of doors!!! If it is true it is a worrying trend and a major divergence from Baden Powell’s original idea. The indoor meeting was a place to practice and make ready your outdoor skills (first aid, knotting, menu planning and packing a rucksack, learning how to use a stove and planning route cards or do a few team building games) but it was never intended to be a replacement for the out of doors. As the age profile of the organisation decreases and we have proportionally more beavers and cubs compared to scouts and ventures there is the possibility that we might become a more indoor focused organisation than in the past. In researching for our SCENES application I noted that when you Google images of scout activities you are as likely to get kids playing indoor games and pioneering with bamboo canes in the scout hall as you are of young people camping or hiking. Getting the younger age ranges to participate in the traditional outdoor scouting activities is a challenge especially when many leaders are just roped in parents with little or no outdoor experience. It’s a challenge that the organisation

needs to address with more training opportunities and supports for the less experienced leader. That’s where Lough Dan can help On the campsite we are developing the philosophy of “pitch and get out” encouraging as many groups as possible to get out and enjoy Wild Wicklow instead of running bases with contrived activites for yet another version of the crystal maze. We are currently reviewing our support material, adding new activities like night hikes and Geocaching treasure hunts to make sure we can help all age groups capitalise on the great opportunities our location has to offer, everything from simple nature trails to serious expeditions.

We are also looking at our infrastructure and removing any clutter that takes away from the feeling of being in the middle of the great outdoors. We have removed some outdoor lighting so as to minimise light pollution and hope to turn the centre into a Dark Sky Reserve allowing kids to see the stars the way their forebears did. If you are one of the old type scouts who likes to get out into the wild once in a while or a new leader not so experienced we might be able to help you put that “OUT” into your scouting. Just contact us through our website www.loughdan.com or phone us on 01-2818205 See you at Lough Dan Zef

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h it roug een h t t n lear ve b er d QSE sons ations ha he Scout d, p to s u e l e n an t, t ent any veryo nd m e 2. Pres rge even workshop ope a ng e i e r t a b ple to eh has ech tion Time e com lling out p at the R aff induc ss and w ill be s a h w e t ilot” p ged in ro underson vincial S on progr ow that P ‘ e N th enga astle Sa , the Pro p to date w Year. With now e C le u e r a tly in Green Is brought y in the N n we e c as arl the e re mad rence in e NMC w rkshop e o h e Conf eekend, t gh the w ou last w them thr t to pu ting! es r inte day. This is delivered and led by experienced, Volunteer Scouter It might be opportune to remind Advocates and driven by Provincial everyone that QSE is not a Staff implementation expertise replacement for the SQS, that in a combined team providing still exists on the Scouting Ireland the consistency of message but database alongside, and as part of, with a flexibility to suit each scout the Annual Census as a statistical Groups particular environment and exercise. demographic. init n this

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QSE, by contrast, is a qualitative analysis workshop process resulting in a Strategic, Group Development Plan. This is a genuine, from the ground up, process involving the entire Scout Group through it’s representatives, youth and adult, in an engaging and inclusive workshop over one

It will be your plan, to your needs, made by you, for delivery by you whilst identifying any assistance you may need and where to obtain that. The QSE workshop is the journey towards providing a Quality Scouting Experience for everyone.

It is in every Scout Groups best interest (regardless of size or current competency) to participate in QSE as the plan resulting from it will be the tailor made blueprint through which the adults in scouting will be enabled to facilitate the youth members to achieve our aim; responsible citizenship. The Scout Method and Plan-do-Review ethos will help to deliver a quality programme of exciting and adventurous activities whilst keeping the good governance requirements in check by ensuring the group has efficient systems and the right people in the right places to make it so. Yes, it’s mandatory but we would hope you will want to rather than have to do it. QSE is sponsored by the Chief Scout, managed by Joe Marken (Manager Support Functions), implemented by the Scouting Ireland Research Unit; Dubheasa Kelly (GSF West) and Mike Randall (GSF Dublin) directed by CEO John Lawlor. Volunteer Team Lead and QSE concept designer; John Watmore Provincial Commissioner South East Province. Please contact your Provincial Support Officer to book your QSE workshop day. Thank you

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“I don’t remember all the words...” “I only know the chorus...” “I don’t know how to start...” Scouting Ireland Campfire Songs endeavours to banish the excuses with a collection of songs, with an Irish flavour, loved by scouts of all ages. Having over 150 songs available on your smartphone will allow you to plan, learn and practice a new song for your next campfire and when you step forward to sing at the next campfire you will have the confidence that the words are only a swipe away.

Scouting Ireland Campfire Songs offers a collection of traditional songs with favourite songs among scouts along with favourite Irish songs like Rathlin Bog and An tAmhrán Náisiúnta. Scouts of all ages can help their Lodge, Pack, Patrol & Crew strengthen and broaden their songs repertoire with the Scouting Ireland Campfire Songs App

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Mountain Moot 2014

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Presentations were also made to numerous leaders including a Chief Scouts Commendation for services to Scouting to Mary Harford and Fifteen Year and ten Year Service award to Fiona Fitzgerald and Sinead Roach respectively.

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a ew the tre kin 30th sted into ty other n gth to S by ta d t y u a o d n e c un tre nv igh este aS On S TD was i th over e o from S mes r was inv ith his o c i g e y dw iste lly b Reill . Along w is set to orma The Min presente w Scout , f in e l r n b o o u D em was pers nds. e Ne in Br oung their frie oole and nnick. Th y Dubl a ith hi en O’T is wh e along w r James el John S e r u t is ti ha ne Inves out Prom mmissio cout Mic c o S the S vincial C e Chief th ro by P rchief by e neck

Leaders were also invested by the Provincial Commissioner and they then invested the Beaver Scouts Cub Scouts and Scouts in turn. The Scout Group, which was formed in response to the growing need in the area for more Scout places, has established itself on the northern side of Balbriggan; hence the name “Bremore”. The Group is affiliated to Scouting Ireland and the members have been on numerous activities since its inauguration in September of this year.

Bouquets of Flowers were presented to Fingal Co Commissioner Bernie Reddy and from Lisa Reilly from Tesco who have helped in the Groups establishment.

The Group has drawn its leaders from the local community, and is lucky to have a number of leaders with scouting experience from other Dublin Scout Groups who now live in the area. The assembled members were addressed by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr James Reilly TD as well as the Chief Scout, Michael John Shinnick. The event was be hosted by Fingal Scout County Chairman, Dave Clarke from Rush. As part of the proceedings the Chief Scout presented members of the Group with their certificate of Registration and their new Flag.

Also in attendance was Fingal Scout County Commissioner Bernie Reddy from Skerries, North Eastern Provincial Commissioner James O’Toole as well as representatives of other Scout Groups in the Fingal Area. Also in attendance were members of Fingal County Council, Local Community Groups and businesses.

New Group in Bremore

Group News HQ Scouts Cub leader receives CDYSB Outstanding Volunteer Achievement Award Elaine Cashin, Senior Cub leader who has been with HQ Dartry Scouts for the past 20 years, was recently presented with a City of Dublin Youth Services (CDYSB) Award for Outstanding Volunteer Achievement. As she couldn’t attend the award ceremony in a plush Dublin Hotel due to a cub hostel weekend away, the award was presented to her by our Group Leader Michael Campion at our outdoor investiture ceremony in the den, on Sunday 16th November.

5th/22nd Killaloe Pinewood Derby Both Cub Scout Sections took part in the Pinewood Derby finals recently. What is the Pinewood Derby you ask? Each Cub Scout is given a piece of wood measuring 7 inches long by 1 ¾ inches wide by 1 ½ inches deep, along with 4 nails and 4 plastic wheels. They must design a gravity powered car, then carve or cut out their model, paint and decorate it and all the while making sure that it comes in under the required 5 oz weight limit. Trial runs are done on the purpose built Pinewood Derby Racetrack. This enables the Cub Scout to finely tune their cars weight and design. This work is carried out at home while the trials are carried out at a Cub meeting and finals are held in public with parents and friends invited along to witness the spectacular designs and the serious racers. Pictured with their winning cars from this year’s race are: Max Huddlestan (1st prize), Éanna Coleman (2nd prize) and Eoin Gilmartin (3rd prize). Nathan Miller scooped the prize for best overall car design. Well done to all the participants who produced some very impressive cars.

Group News

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, ridge b e l i Sixm O’ Scou tloe, ned “12 b a r u C of pe oups e newly o nty C r u G t o cou d th eC the S lara hike e. y m Clar o r heav lar lon d ts f C C n u a o y d t c rain oun bS a an 5 Cu non, Tull ishen, C iving ro to the trail. r 4 d 1 e y k th an ntl Kil Eu he Rece Mountsh g trail in ult by n of 145 ment of t c fi f i , d n o i p s tati elo ade Enni Hills” hik e, m a presen uture dev k i k h c o Cl ade .5km the f the 8 Scouts m ittee for f o d omm Cub e en At th the 145 pment C , lo going en Deve h Kilkis

Foxford Scouts & Scouting Ireland – Community Celebration Recognition Awards The 7th Mayo Foxford Scouts contributed to their community, by volunteering to help out at the annual 10k and 5k charity run in our town of Foxford. Martin Boyle was a very popular and energetic 26 year old, who tragically lost his life in a car accident a short distance from his home in 2009. His family and friends organise a 10k and 5k run in his memory each year, with all proceeds going to local charities. The ‘Run for Boylo’ as it is known, was held on Sunday April 27th 2014, and Foxford Scouts were on hand to help out in a variety of ways. Firstly, we met with the family a few days before to see in what way we could be of most help. The Beavers were really eager to help out at the water stations, while some of the Beavers and Cubs wanted to actually run in the 2km Children’s race, so it was all planned in advance with the Scouts themselves having an input into what they would most like to do.

#pledge4community 46

The day of the run was a really lovely sunny and warm day, so our Scouts and their leaders met up at the various water stations along the route, it was great fun to run alongside the athletes. It proved more strenuous than we thought with the weather being really warm and at the end of the day the Scouts themselves were almost as exhausted as the athletes!! Six of our Scouts took part in the 2km childrens race, this was a great fun challenge for them all. They completed the race and made

Group News

it back in record time, to cheers from the crowd and bottles of welldeserved water from their fellow Scouts! We had all our Scouts doing a litter pick around the areas of the water stations and along the route, so the principles of ‘Leave no Trace’ were firmly adhered to, much to the appreciation of the run organisers. The Boyle family also kindly had refreshments afterwards for all participants of the run, with some of our parents also contributing with sandwiches and cakes. We were all invited to refreshments afterwards and the Boyle family made sure all scouts were looked after. Each and every Scout even received a medal on the day for their efforts which meant so much to everyone. All in all it was a fantastic day. The weather was lovely, so many people turned out to partake in the run and to cheer on the athletes. It was a huge success for the Boyle family and the local community, and our scouts experienced a great sense of achievement and fun! By giving

us the opportunity to partake and help out with the run the Boyle family are doing us as a Scout group a huge honour to be part of their personal experience in remembering Martin, but also to be able to give something back and to have our small efforts appreciated in such a meaningful way. We very kindly received a donation from the Boyle family, which we are putting towards buying a new dining tent for the group, which we will proudly call “The Boylo Tent”. All scouts and their leaders are aware of and appreciate the kindness of the Boyle family, the concept of giving something back, and the

sense of community spirit, especially when we will be sheltering from the rain and wind on our next campout!

We are already looking forward to next year, now where are my runners!!!

And finally, we could not think of anyone more fitting to award our Special Interest Community Badges than members of the Boyle family who attended our Investiture and badge awarding night on the Thursday last, 20th November in the Den. Our Scouts proudly accepted their badges from a family who have made an outstanding difference to the local community and who in every sense of the word, deserve the recognition that this very award personifies. “The Run for Boylo” and “Community Spirit” go hand in hand!

#pledge4community #leavenotrace #scoutingireland Coverage of #pledge4community and Foxford Scouts Community Recognition Award

Facebook Twitter Mayo Coverage Scouts.org Messenger of Peace

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Dartry HQ Investiture 2014 Muireann Ní Bhraonáin gives the scout promise as she is invested into HQ Dartry Scouts

Muireann Ní Bhraonáin receives her neckerchief as a new scout at HQ Dartry Investiture

Dartry HQ Investiture 2014

Group News

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Shoe box wrapping and filling was the challenge the cubs set themselves to help those less fortunate at this special time of year. Cubs began by collecting unwanted toys and gifts that they each had at home these were added to other very welcome donations received from other family members and friends. The work put in wrapping and filling then we dropped them off for collection to begin their journey where we hope they give plenty of joy to someone.

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The Venture scouts were split in two groups and each had to build as robust a fort as they could from available materials that they could find in the woods. Each group were also given a flag which they had to place and guard in the fort. Once the forts were build they then had to try and capture each others flag after a tiring and challenging game of capture the flag in the woods. It was then time to cook, backwoods style on an open fire and it is fair to say some faired better than others. There is no doubt that when they got home had not difficulty in eating

what was put in front of them, nearly to the stage of licking the plate. A Great day was had by all and was attended by Ventures in Rathcormac, Fermoy & Kilworth. The common phrase seemed to be ‘the craic was mighty’

Group News

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g w le ty assa nd Cub s e event reet in Co de the ci other ro of P t s h i s t a s u ts r 41 S rt The ir Beave h Fort fo Barrack round ou on vario station. A site. t e k f g f e e e h o ag for t d Elisab tar fort o on high and it to nd polic herit a e s , m n t , n s o r y i i n e r r t o o f p u u a o c e nt ris s a to fortifi nd th ks, p th-ce a 17 efensive rew arou y barrac lopment a d g e ar as a entually s a milit nder dev a v u e e s s city gu ort i the f ludin – inc ry 2014, a Janu

Following kind permission from Cork City Council to use the Fort it was decided to create a mini Olympicstyle event based on games with Medieval and Elizabethan tradition. Beavers and Cubs were invited to wear costumes appropriate with the chosen time periods. The event kicked off early morning on Sunday the 05th of October and not even a yellow weather warning for later that day dampening anyone’s spirits. Spirits were high as the day kicked off with an orieentering event within the confines of the Fort. Combined

Cub and Beaver teams had to find letter clues and solve an anagram related to the Fort. Despite the event being targeted at Cubs and Beavers we had participation from the 41s Passage West Venture and Scouts in setting up the various games making it a truly inclusive event. Neither group hesitated in offering their support and were up bright and early to assemble the various structures. The list of games included an Orange Shy (coconuts proved to be in short supply in October!), pillow jousting, boules, and sack racing. The skills of the group in both “combat” and building were tested by the pillow jousting event in particular but the orange shy was also to prove very popular on the day. The day at Elisabeth Fort was made fully complete however by the attendance of representatives from Legion Ireland; the Roman Military Society of Ireland. They are a living history and re-enactment society dedicated to portraying the Roman Army in the first and second century’s A.D. Portraying all aspects of military life including

the Legionaries, Auxiliaries, Allies of Rome and even the civilians who were part of the Army and its entourage. The 41st troop were kept enthralled by a detailed explanation of roman weaponry and turned green by the explanation of field medical tools and procedures carried out on campaigns. The Group was also treated to a tour around the Fort that was ably conducted by Peter Looney of Cork City Council Heritage. Peter was the main facilitator in terms of use of the Fort and we acknowledge his assistance both prior to and during the event. Beavers and Cubs had a multitude of questions for Peter

Group News

following a concise walking history tour of the Fort. The parade area of the Fort also proved an ideal location for a number of mock battles between Cubs and Beavers with thankfully all disputes resolved before it was time to close the event and head for home. It is the ambition of the 41st Passage West Scout Troop is to open the event to other Cub and Beavers groups within the Cork in 2015. This first event was a

test case in terms of deciding which games worked and how to accommodate them within the Fort. As the heavens broke at the end of the day and an early call for collection was made to parents some thoughts were given towards staging the event earlier in the year were considered. I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the leaders, scouts and ventures who provided their support on the day!

130th Priorswood Investiture Thirteen Scouts from 130th Priorswood made their investiture on Saturday 15th November. The Scouts wanted to something a little bit different for their investiture and so with the help of the Dive Inn Scuba centre in Donameade they were invested underwater. Well done to all. The video of the investiture can be viewed on 130th Priorswood facebook page.

Group News

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Group Water Day 2014 2014 has been a busy year in out group for backwoods skills. Leaders from all sections attended the backwoods skills weekend in Castle Saunderson early in the year. On the back of this weekend the leaders worked on their skills and did a further weekend back in Castle Saunderson to put those new skills into practice. This enthusiasm has spread through all of the sections. As part of gaining these new skills we bought some backwoods equipment, we got great support from the CDYSB to help us. New knives, good quality backwoods axes, new saws, tarps, fire steels and of course hammocks were bought. Such was the interest that some leaders bought their own hammocks and

on annual camp spent the entire week sleeping in them! Our initial small purchase of hammocks proved a hit and we bought some more so that an entire section could sleep out on any given night. In total we now have 32 and already our Ventures were in Lough Dan camping out in them. Our Scouts also wanted to use them but we were unable to get to a campsite. Undeterred we setup the hammocks in the den for a nights indoor hammocking. It was a great introduction to the world of hammocking and in total we had 33 setup and used on the night, We had so many down from our Monday and Tuesday night Scout sections that we had to borrow a leaders hammock to make sure everyone had a bed and the leaders were confined to sleeping on the floor. The new year will be new adventures for all the sections and all of the sections are especially anxious to speed a night in a hammock.

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Aghadoe Weekend for Ballinora Scouts Last weekend 19 scouts and their leaders from the 109th Cork (Ballinora) set off to Aghadoe Hostel outside Killarney for what has now become an annual trip for the scout troop. The weather was dry, good and crisp and the weekend programme got off to a great start with a night hike through the local forest. You can just visualise the imaginations with some thinking that they might be attached by wild boars and the ghosts of the night. Saturday saw the group off hiking again, going from Fossa through the National Park with a packed lunch at Ross Castle. On the return journey the troop went into Killarney to view the festive lights and do a little early Christmas shopping. Back at the Hostel each patrol put their culinary skills to the fore with each of them preparing and serving a five star meal. Later each patrol prepared a sketch for some after dinner entertainment. The weekend ended with the awarding of the Patrol award which went to the Wold Patrol led by patrol leader Cian Murphy and assistant patrol leader Erin O’Shea. The leaders for the weekend were Carmel Drinan, Dave Waldock, Norma Barrow and Simon Murphy.

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If you just Click on this image to the right it will take you to a form where you enter your details and then attach your article and photos. Then when you have all done press submit. If your article is received you will get an automatic reply to say we have received your article and a thank you. See right a screen Shot of the Form. If you need any help at all with this contact me at communications@scouts. ie and I will endeavour to help. Now wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

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Contacts

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