Official online magazine of Scouting Ireland
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Communications Commissioner Intro
Welcome to this the Feb issue of Inside Out. This month’s issue covers all the great Scouting activities that are taking place around the country. We look at all the information from the recent National Management Committee meeting. We give you links to the First Mailing for this year’s National Council. Are you heading to the star Scout Show this year? Check out the great packages available for that weekend. We have another great Backwoods feature, Guerrilla Neckerchiefing kicks off in the lead up to Founders Day and much much more. 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.
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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 28th Feb . The Communications Team
In this issue... National Secretary National Council National Activities Eco Park - Lough Dan Tribal Experience
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Quote of the Month
“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”
National Secretary Says
C) e (NM 2015 in e t t i mm ry n nt Co th Janua hael Joh e m e 8 c i g 1 a an day ut, M nal M and Sun hief Sco o i t a the N day 17th ired by C g of n i t atur e l cha A me lace on S Larch Hil p , took al Office n o i t Na nick Shin
Programme Commissioner (Youth Empowerment) Following an interview process chaired by the Chief Commissioner (Youth Programme), Niamh Donnelly was recommended for appointment as the Programme Commissioner (Youth Empowerment) by the CCYP. Following a vote taken by a show of hands, it was resolved to appoint Niamh Donnelly as Programme Commissioner (Youth Empowerment). It was further agreed by the NMC that the clash of dates for meetings of the NMC and the NYF should be avoided in the future.
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Scout Promise It was resolved that the NMC will establish a ‘Scout Promise Task Force’. The NMC will consider a terms of reference for this group at their next meeting. The primary function of this task force will be to review the current Scout Promise and the variation in the context of diversity and inclusivity and make recommendations for the NMC to consider ahead of National Council 2016.
National Spiritual & Religious Advisory Panel It was noted that the first meeting of NSRAP would happen on either Monday 2nd or 9th February (date TBC).
National Council The notice regarding the protocols for up and coming elections to take place at the meeting of the National Council can be seen HERE.
Corporate Governance Committee Strategy The NMC split into three working groups and each working group discussed the adopted paper on Strategy Development and reported back to the NMC. The outcomes of these discussions will be collated and circulated back to the NMC at a future meeting.
An interim report from the Corporate Governance Committee was noted.
The Governance Code NMC Working Group An interim report from the Governance Code Working Group was noted.
Code of Conduct for Board/NMC Members The NMC resolved to fully adopt the Code of Conduct fot Board/NMC Members and the document was printed and signed by all members during the meeting. A general information pieces will be drafted for the website to include the new code of conduct.
Management Accounts The NMC noted the monthly management accounts.
12 Days of Xmas The NMC were informed that the overall 12 Days of Xmas sales had increased in the region of €65k. A full report would be circulated to the NMC for the next meeting
The report of the CEO was noted.
The NMC were informed that the Finance Support Team have been meeting regularly and finance support is being provided to County Treasurers as required.
It was noted that The Scout Shop in Larch Hill was fully open and plans are in place for opening at the remaining four locations.
National Scout Centres The NMC were informed that the Campsites and Facilities Team are working on the following: No Smoking Sites (providing smoking zones) Alcohol & Drug Policy Vision & Mission Statement Standardising camp fees
Annual Report
National Youth Reps
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Scout Shop Locations
• • • •
Chief Executive Officer
Each of the Section Youth Reps was afforded the opportunity to address the NMC, give the highlights of the year and any recommendations they might have for going forward.
Finance Support Team
Den Development Grant The NMC were informed that the notice of application for the Den Development Grant would be issued in the next two weeks. Information can be downloaded from HERE.
The circulated draft annual report was approved and thanks were expressed to all members of the team that worked on the production of the Annual Report.
International Youth Programme The report of the Chief Commissioner (Youth Programme) was noted.
The report of the International Commissioner was noted.
Intention to Travel The International Commissioner drew the NMC’s attention to the Intention to Travel correspondence which can be downloaded from HERE.
Scouting Ireland’s Annual Report 2015 Adult Resources The report of the Chief Commissioner (Adult Resources) was noted.
Scouting Ireland’s Annual Report has been released and to download a copy for yourself click here or on the front Cover Image Below. Big word of thanks to the Team Led by Jimmy Cunningham who put this Together. Did you know it takes approximately 3 months to put a report like this together from requesting the various reports from the various Commissioners, To Proof reading
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all the content, to putting together all the stats, selecting the various photos required for use in the report, to laying out the content and inserting all the Graphics and Images? The Team this year Included Jimmy Cunningham, Martin Burbridge, Sean Farrell, James O
Toole, Tom Clarke, Peter Sheehan, and Neil Mahony. A big word of thanks goes to the Communications team Photography Section who took the majority of the Photos used in the report and to the staff at national office for providing the various Stats required.
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This meeting will be held in RDS Concert Hall, Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. This Annual Scouting Ireland dinner will be held in the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4. Further details regarding the Gala Dinner are contained in the first mailing.
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Stages Requirements
Stage 8 in the backwo ods adventure skills requires an in de pth knowledge of trees and plants. But we should start lea rning about them in beavers.
Why Tree and Plant Identification is Important When we hike or camp the nature around us is often just a backdrop to our experiences, like a painting we look at from time to time when we get a break during the day. Understanding the nature around us, it’s uses and it’s patterns makes the environment active and exciting. The sterile, inanimate painting falls away and we experience a vibrant and living space that becomes part of our adventure in scouting.
Ash Tree 7KH $VK WUHH LV RQH RI ,UHODQG·V PRVW common trees. ,W JURZV WR IXOO WUHH KHLJKW XVXDOO\ ZLWK D single trunk; it’s branches tend to be quite scraggly with no clear pattern of growth. ,W KDV DQ XQXVXDO W\SH RI OHDI WKH VWHP RI WKH OHDI KDV VHYHUDO SDLUV RI ¶OHDÁHWV· (normal looking leaves) on opposite sides RI WKH VWHP ZLWK D VLQJOH ¶OHDÁHW· DW WKH end. The only other common trees to have leaves like this are Elder and Rowan.
ID Advanced of ash is
The mature bark times cream coloured, some ge. with a slight redish tin ooth T The young bark is sm s ha rk ba er old while the LW LQ UHV VX ÀV GHHSHQLQJ and looks increasingly ung like oak bark . Very yo bark . h nis ee gr a trees have
The seeds pods are like little wings (similar to a sycamore pod cut in two). The branches stay thick to the end unlike Beech and Sycamore. The buds in winter are black and they come in pairs down the branch, usually each pair of buds is at 90 degrees to the last pair. The ends of the branches tend to have a strong up-sweep at the end, like the front of a sled
Uses of Ash
$VK LV ZRQGHUIXO ÀUHZRRG ,W JLYHV JUHDW FRDOV IRU FRRNLQJ ZKLOH DOVR JLYLQJ HQRXJK ÁDPH WR VHH DURXQG WKH FDPSÀUH ,I ZH FXW LW LQ ZLQWHU ZH FDQ HYHQ burn it green (without letting it dry out). Excellent tool handles can be made from ash that is less than 1/2 a foot in diameter (when ash gets bigger it becomes more brittle). Everything from axes to bows can be made from young ash timber. Hurling is called ‘the clash of the Ash’ because hurleys are made from Ash.
r nes le co t Alde lder) t i l s E d ha (Not t ground ar nround.
we ea likes almost y r e d The leaf is broadest at Al ins catk the end and narrows a and little at the stalk. The top of the leaf will XVXDOO\ EH ÁDW RU KDYH a little dip. The edge of the leaf bulges in and out and KDV ÀQH WHHWK Note; Alder leaves can vary a lot, even on the same tree. Some leaves can be almost round.
Advanced ID Alder is a river tree and needs wet ground to grow well. ,W QHYHU JURZV WR IXOO WUHH KHLJKW When it is young Alder can be quite bushy in growth but it normally takes a tree shape with a single trunk as it gets bigger. ,Q ZLQWHU $OGHU ZLOO RIWHQ NHHS LW·V FRQHV and catkins which can make it very distinctive. From a distance it can look like it has small dark blobs for leaves.
Younger Alder bark is Y glossy with horizontal orange marks and it varies in colour from purpleish black to dark grey. The older bark is GHHSO\ ÀVVXUHG DQG grey.
The buds of Alder in winter are reddish purple (sometimes looking white because of a pale dust that covers them). The buds often grow on little stalks. Alder buds have a distinctive shape, a little like a gnome’s hat. Throughout the year Alder The twigs usually has have dark, ca catkins and shiny bark little cones with little on it. bright specks This gives the dotted along tree a unique them. r appearance e Ald f but its is o Uses important to remem$V ÀUHZRRG DOGHU LV RQO\ XVHG ber that they IRU NLQGOLQJ DQG TXLFN ÀUHV IRU aren’t always boiling water. present. ,W EXUQV YHU\ IDVW DQG EHFDXVH $OGHU JURZV LQ VXFK GDPS SODFHV LW FDQ EH KDUG WR ÀQG LW GU\ Alder is great for carving though; it is easy to carve when freshly cut and goes rock hard with a reddish brown colour as it ages.
f ad o myri es a r o l stav eat f Haze stems arergorws to scout ar ny ls ma cts from e z a H je t pro scou
Note: The leaves of Hazel can be confused with young Wych Elm .
Hazel bark is silver in colour and very smooth and shiny. ,W FDQ VRPHWLPHV EH confused with silver birch which is whiter and has Ă DNLQJ EDUN
The leaves of hazel are broad and don’t narrow much near the stem. They often have a single big tooth at the end of the leaf.
Young bark is very smooth and oval shaped.
Along the edge of the leaf there are tooth shapes and within the large teeth there are smaller teeth again. The young stems and leaves usually KDYH VKRUW ÀQH KDLUV RQ WKHP WKH\ IHHO à XII\ WR WKH WRXFK 1RW VFUDWFK\ like Elms.)
Older bark tends to undulate and has a muscle like appearance. Hazel’s buds in winter are green and very blunt in shape. The very young stems will have little red hairs on them and the tree also has fresh catkins on it over the winter.
More advanced
The nuts of the hazel appear in late summer and ripen through the autumn. The nuts look like oak acorns but they have a skirt covering where e they join the stem instead of the oaks solid cap. Hazel grows as a mass of fairly straight stems, even when it is mature there will be several trunks and many smaller stems growing up from the same root. The young branches grow so straight that they can help identify the tree.
Uses of Hazel
+D]HO LV EHVW DV D NLQGOLQJ ZRRG RU D Ă€UH IRU ERLOLQJ ZDWHU ,W EXUQV TXLFNO\ ,W¡V OLJKWQHVV DQG VWUHQJWK PDNH LW ZRQGHUIXO IRU VFRXW VWDYHV DQG LW¡V Ă H[LELOLW\ DOORZV XV WR PDNH ZLWK\V VHH Âś&RUGDJH¡ GRFXPHQW DQG RWKHU camp tools like broilers and ‘bow drill’ sets. Hazel is easy to carve when its fresh and is often used for making spoons. And of course the nuts in Autumn are delicious.
Tips
Learning a large number of trees and plants from a book is impossible. +RZHYHU ZH FDQ GR LW E\ ÀQGLQJ H[DPSOHV RI WKH WUHHV DURXQG ZKHUH ZH OLYH work and scout. ,I ZH FDQ ÀQG DQ H[DPSOH RI D WUHH RQ RXU URXWH WR VFKRRO RU ZRUN ZH FDQ EH reminded of how it’s buds, leaves, bark, etc. look every day. Very quickly we can develop a deep understanding of the trees around us.
ts Scou founder y b tion the r e lebra -Powell, k e c c e wid den Kne world obert Ba a l a l r i s i rr ief fo uary hday of R h r c b r e e Gue birt nd F neck ing their gs Scout e ay 22 brate the ve. r D a ’ s e rw der hin Ola ow cele nd, t rate all t o last yea and Foun here to his wife a l e r I b d yw ele ung s . Als oss ever uting, an , acr der and c this year mber, yo s and thi s t o u c o f e c n e n i i u S m h a of S ag erc ery ited ur fo this e inv morate o to do this h and ev ry in neck n again w , r aig ed eac yea me unt Last y to com ncourag allenged er the co me camp e a a v h the d couts are er and c elp us co run the s h t h o S r t d u t d f an step gether an . We wan a t wen Join to ess succ o t e , v i d l s o s a ma was
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year and let’s make it even bigger than last year. The idea is simple!! We want to see neckerchiefs everywhere on: • As many statues around the country as possible. At the very least, pick a statue, put a neckerchief on it, take a picture and then be on your way. For the more ambitious amongst you, after seeking suitable permission, you might select a statue and let him/her/it wear a neckerchief for the entire weekend to celebrate Founders’ Day.
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• As many Irish Celebrities, Politicians and Local Community Hero’s as possible. At the very least, identify one of the above and get them to wear a Neckerchief with some Youth Members from your Scout Group, snap a picture and upload it. • Don’t forget our former members – there are thousands
of young people and adults in our communities who have been scouts and if you know who they are why not ask them to wear a neckerchief for the day also.
Survivor 2015 What is Survivor 2015? Survivor is the newest, toughest and most challenging activity on the Scout calendar. Teams of 4 will be put through their paces to see if they can survive ‘The Crash’. Scouts will need to deal with the scenario, locate missing objects and overcome any challenges they are faced with, all this with only limited resources. Each team will receive a ‘Skills Pack’ at the end of the weekend containing all the skills cards and technical information used over the weekend. These packs can be used to complement programme and transfer knowledge back to the rest of the Troop. What do we need to do? Your team will need to decide which one of the skill levels you would like to sign up for. All of the levels offer your team great opportunities to explore and learn new survival skills. When you sign up you will receive a information on certain skills you may wish to practice. Please ensure that you prepare appropriately for the level you are taking part in. Alpha Survivor – At this level the participants will only be allowed to bring the required list of equipment. This level is not for the faint hearted, Alpha survivors will have to build shelters, prepare and cook food with no utensils and live in the wilderness. As with all the levels there will be opportunities for the participants to learn new skills. Stage 5 of the backwoods adventure skill is a guide for this level. Participants will be instructed on sections from this level and above.
Whatever you and your group decide to do, make sure to take a picture and email it to communications@scouts.ie or post it on Facebook to https://www. facebook.com/ScoutingIreland for for everyone to see. The aim of this action is to get Scouts noticed across the country in an exciting, novel way. The more statues, celebrities, politicians and local community heroes that get ‘neckerchiefed’ the better, but
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please be careful and courteous to everyone and do not attempt to put a neckerchief on a statue (or person!) if you cannot do so safely and with permission. The very best of luck in your efforts in getting Scouting in Ireland noticed through “Guerrilla Neckerchiefing”.
Bata Survivor – At this level participants will be allowed bring a limited number of extra equipment and food. Participants will learn the skills needed to progress to Alpha survivor. Stage 4 of the backwoods adventure skill is a guide for this level. Participants will be instructed on sections from this level and above. Delta Survivor – At this level the participants will learn new skills as well as perfecting others. Percipients should have some experience of shelter building and fire lighting. Stage 3 of the backwoods adventure skill is a guide for this level. Participants will be instructed on sections from this level and above What is the cost? The cost of the activity will be a €100 per team of 4 Scouts. This fee will include camping fees, programme and food for the weekend. Do we need a Scouter? One leader is required per group; these Scouters will help the organising staff run the programme over the weekend. Scouters will be catered for, cost per Scouter €10. Scouters will be required to provide their own Tentage.
Where and when will it be held? The activity will be held in Castleconnell Campsite in Limerick from the 10th to the 12th of April. How do we book in? You will need to fill out the National Activities Application form. Further information will be emailed to all teams closer to the activity. Booking Form: https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=aPwnUeXih-4sl1gO6QqpDg Staff Form: https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=1iI2CY06RSdBD1mmadQhig Closing Date for Application Forms: 25th of March How do we prepare for the event? You and your team should practice elements of the backwoods adventure skills and be able to build shelters and cook food using methods in the scouting trail. Additional relevant information and suggestions will be sent out after booking. What equipment do we need to bring? Below is a list of the required equipment and additional equipment permitted at different levels. Please note that at all levels the participants will be moving location over the weekend and will need to be able to fit this in their bag and carry it. Required Personal Equipment: (all Levels) Raingear Hat Gloves Boots Warm fleece 2 x Changes of clothes Sleeping bag Ground mat Survival bag Torch (with spare batteries) Plate, bowl, cup and cutlery Rucksack Penknife Water Bottle Toiletries Alpha Level Team Equipment: Note book and Pencil Washing up liquid Tea Towels Flint and steel Roll of plastic bags (strong) Axe and Saw Trowel First Aid Kit
Spare survival bag Tin Foil Toilet Paper 4 x 3 meter lengths of rope Bata Level Team Equipment, as above plus; 12x chocolate bars Sheet of plastic Rope Sisal Additional survival bags Delta Team Equipment, as above plus; One Pot Matches
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of C d a e e H 16 – e, Franc took tly 0 2 016 y n l 2 l a y i a w v rece r rw e b e e h t v l v o m n Ja Ro for R as held i ernationa nds , s g t n n t e u ti nting e event w bville In cular gro d o C Mee f m n h o y- Ja lds a pecta ead 14. T a s H 0 fie f the ember 2 r Roverw d on the amping o g n eti n fo Nov uate nd c st me 8th-30th p locatio tre is sit f forest a r fi e n 2 am Th ce so from tral c The acre place nced cen Centre. includes entre. e u c , anno and Guid chateau aris city t P h u c ren Sco from old F an hour n a f o n s tha is les
The weekend provided the Irish Contingent Management Team with an opportunity to gain an insight into the progress, ideas and concepts being developed for Roverway which aims to attract over 5000 scouts and guides from all over Europe! The French planning team presented a number of their impressive piloted programme ‘pathways’- each of which will surely deliver excitement, cultural diversity and adventure to any future participant. During our trip, we also visited Paris during the trip where a lock was placed on the Pont des Arts bridge to represent the Irish Contingent for Roverway, France. We hope to return to the lock in August 2016 with hundreds of fellow Irish scouts and guides to release it (#LeaveNoTrace?) as part of our pre or post-event contingent camp.
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Roverway 2016 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. If you or any of your ventures/rovers will be aged between 16-22 in August 2016 and would like to find out more, visit our contingent facebook page @ Roverway2016IRE or the official event website www.roverway2016. org #SurLaRoute #OnTheRoad #ArAnmBóthar
will re we t o f e it b en now respond k t ’ n r wo Co 015 g, we m Young 2 n i k e c i is t rt fro bore nd clock ’s a repo s n w far a Jam o e o n r d s t o e i rat oun n, h one d the c for Japa op prepa has d . We ha ly d p n o a o r o e ! n t r n 5 t a r a 1 p e n sane Its 20 rding a p bon on h Japa trols in Ja were in sed the y m ib oa pa ese t du tion be b he Fitzg para gs of our p and th t time an hould ac e r m p i s s m o n e i r a a h e k fi t c C se wor out ww the out g ab r secret ndary Ba roup for ch as ho d also ab n i k l e a an ag up et , su ege will b out the s ore the l meet as matters e mean) f s b w o e u t a l also eetings b ere able ore serio an usua h t w m m t ore two cial. We lk abou an (m fi a t p e a n o t J e b ty ers in rtuni oppo spect oth re and the different things we will need to live comfortably in Japan. At that time, the most important thing was getting to know everyone and not mixing up Arron and Aaron! During our second camp, the main goal was to see who would be in what patrol and who would work best together. We were placed in temporary patrols for the weekend and were given different team building tasks- some of these involved too many people and not enough chairs..... Great full all around.
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A Patrol typically has 8 members. In Japan, each patrol will have a Patrol Leader (PL) who takes care of the technical stuff and makes sure everything is running smoothly. There is also an Assistant Patrol Leader(APL) who is there to help the Patrol Leader, take over when the PL isn’t there, to provide a bridge between the PL and the rest of the patrol and really just to be there emotionally for the scouts. We have been warned that things can get a bit hectic over there and that a lot of people can get homesick. If this were to happen, the scout in question can go to their PL or APL and the problem can be fixed :) The
patrol system is designed so that the scouts can work independently from the leaders. Not counting the countless emails and Facebook exchanges, our next camp was the contingent camp. This camp was more orientated towards preparing the contingent so I’ll leave the telling of that to other people :) As a troop we have been told of the different things we will need and also things that will help us when were in Japan. I hope I’ve done a good job of explaining and I hope you enjoyed reading. Caoimhe
Book Here
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Out and About with Scouting!
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Out and About with Scouting!
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#POW15 (Patrols Online Weekend)
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Sea Scouting Conference
27/02/2015 - 01/03/2015 - County Cork More Info
Camp Three
15th/07/2015 – 19th/07/2015 Killaloe See separate advert in this issue
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Mountain Havoc (Leinster)
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06/03/2015 - 08/03/2015 This Is A Local Activity Being Held Throughout Ireland
Youth Achievement Awards
21/02/2015 - Banqueting Hall, Trinity College, Dublin The Youth Achievement Awards are an annual event hosted by the Chief Scout to recognize special achievements by our Youth Members during the past year. This year the ceremony will take place in the Banqueting Hall, Trinity College, Dublin. Along with the Community Celebration Awards and Youth Member Honour Awards, Chief Scout Awards will be made to Scouts and Ventures Scouts.
Patrols Online Weekend (#POW) is a Patrol Activity that is facilitated by the Scout Team. It involves Patrols completing a selection of tasks over a weekend, which are then shared online with other Patrols from across Ireland. Each task will be a fun challenge for each patrol to complete by a certain time; no particular skills or expertise will be needed. Closing Date for Application Forms: 27th of February Please contact David at scouts@ scouts.ie if you have any questions in relation to this activity. Click HERE to book Full details are available via the link to the information pack right.
Attention Mountain Havocers! Here are the details for the Leinster Mountain Havoc Date: 6th to 8th March 2015 Location: Lough Dan Scout Centre, Roundwood, Co. Wicklow Check-in Time: 20.00 – 22.00 (6th) Finish Time: 13.30 approx (8th) Accommodation: Camping Price: 30.00 euro per person (Price includes camp fees, badge, activity, all programme, administration & all internal transport. Price does not include food while on the activity or transport to and from the activity. Click HERE to Book If you require any further information on this activity please contact Trish on venturescouts@scouts.ie For the full information on this activity please access the information pack via the link right
Closing date: 28th February 2015 (all cheques / postal orders / drafts to be made out to “Scouting Ireland”)
The Star Scout Show
21/03/2015 - 22/03/2015 St Patricks College, Drumcondra, Dublin See separate advert in this months edition
Each County Cub Scout challenge needs to be designed around these skills to ensure the Cub Scouts are prepared for the National Activity.
28/03/2015 - 29/03/2015 Castle Saunderson
Two teams from each County may qualify for the National Activity. There will be a waiting list for Cub Scout Packs who don’t qualify. Places will be offered on a first come first served basis to the Packs when spaces come available. The fee for the activity is € 35.00 / £ 28.00 per team (min 6 Cub Scouts, max 8). All participants must be Cub Scouts and 12 years and under before 31st August 2015.
The 2015 National Cub Scouts Challenge is an overnight activity based on Scouting Skills. The Cub Scouts will get an opportunity to show their scouting skills such as Camping, Backwoods, First Aid, Map Reading and Pioneering.
The full fee per team along with the booking forms must to forwarded to National Activities Bookings, Scouting Ireland, National Office, Larch Hill, Dublin16
National Cub Scout Challenge
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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.
If you require any further information on this activity please contact Joe at cubscouts@scouts.ie To register for the National Cub Scout Challenge Day, please click on the link below: Click HERE to Book.
“To download the full size version of calendar click here “
“To download the full size version of calendar click here “
Star Scout Show
March 21st & 22nd 2015
Scout Show Bus Challenge
Show Deals â‚Ź22
Why not take part and explore dublin city as part of the scout show challenge. Spend the afternoon exploring the sights of dublin on a private open top tour bus exclusive to scouts & venture scouts. Visit the well known sights followed by an evening of entertainment at the scout show
Choose your package from the 3 options below for a great Day out.
Dublin Zoo Why not visit dublin zoo in the morning and spend the afternoon at the scout show. Bus will pick you up 1pm at the zoo and bring you to the show and return you to station after show.
National Aquatic Centre Why not spend 3 hours at the aquatic centre followed by 2 hours shopping and then 3 hours at the scout show. Bus will pick you up from aquatic centre and bring you to the blanchardstown centre followed by an evening at the scout show. Bus will drop you back to blanchardstown or anywhere by arrangement.
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To book any of these offers or indeed just tickets to the show itself click this link And for more Details check out
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Dan h g Lou rs t a k ar gge P u H sa o e Ec e ited a I r t d e u T r c o ) c nd Sc a be a SCENES t s o s t r r n i Da re ( d’s f -Warrio l ough and Natu n site is. bitat r L o r o W co ent 0 ha tion f h Da ds E plica Environm the Loug re over 2 ationally p e a e N r an the ue en re a
iq ar n or he the toge ellence f ial and un untains t e habits nservatio of g n i t s c t f Co f Ex f the ersity spec w Mo e pu Whil Centre o just how e Wicklo everal o l Areas o se biodiv S t ia n h Scou to realise earth of t e centre. as Spec he imme t d h h e t e o nat t to cam d in the dd t jacen een desig ue and a te d a a c o d L al in an ave b wn v types ant and h ve their o rt a impo but all h ) C (SA ea. r the a
As well as offering our traditional activities such as camp-craft, pioneering, orienteering, rafting and many more we at Lough Dan would like to broaden this out to include environmental education and if possible turn Lough Dan into an Eco- Park. At the very least this would be encouraging everyone to use the Leave No Trace principles and Minimal Impact Camping as well as implementing an environmental management plan for the centre. We will also continue to encouraging everyone who comes
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to Lough Dan to “pitch and get out” and reconnect with nature in Wild Wicklow and all that it has to offer. Onsite we have started by setting up a small Eco-base where scouts
can make bird and bat boxes. We are also looking into the possibility of establishing a “Green Way” nature trail through the site to give scouts an opportunity to see the different habitats and to identify the differing flora and fauna associated with each. We have already started to turn the centre into a Dark Sky Reserve by removing all unnecessary outdoor lighting so that today’s young people get a chance to see the night sky like their forebears did. And of course we will be tree planting in our Native Woodland during national tree week on the first weekend of March. Volunteer eco-warriors and tree huggers needed To implement these changes it will take a little money and a lot of time and effort. I can’t be the only
person in Scouting Ireland who is concerned about the state of the environment and climate change imparticular? And who is prepared to do something practical about it in a scouting sort of way. Are there any other eco-warriors or tree huggers out there young or old who would like to help turn Lough Dan into the world’s first Scout Eco-Park? A place where we can help young people become more environmentally aware while also taking part in scout activities? What with climate change, over population, resource depletion, habitat and species decline maybe environmental education is the new “Be Prepared”. If you are a like-minded tree hugger with some time on your hands contact me “the Birdman” of Lough Dan at zef@loughdan.com or on 083-1267170. The usual conditions apply, long hours, no pay etc. “While 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”
ng couti and S e f th nd ns o ers o ting Irela i b t m a e cou to m sent e tary rvice to S Ireland. r e r P c SI g se le in al Se ation utstandin ung peop N e y th or o f yo tion b ompany f pment o a t n e elo tC Pres Trus o the dev d n a t l t Ire itmen comm
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Presentation by Mandy Mc Cann County Commissioner Gleann Na Boinne to 3 Leaders from the County Recently
Group News
North Eastern Province Group Leader Support Day run in Navan
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Group News p, p, Grou u y t r o u r o a s Sc the ut G nnivers o liver ’ e visit of ion of c O S . t t S ver’s ts 50th A s part of theturday with tthhe presenta i l O St. ted i oop, which istyle on Soaop flag and a r b in tr Tr cele immy cout iversary of a new . n rell, J uth S rs
n g o e Far intan ionin 0th a 4th L Lead Sean sioner F MC The ated its 5 commiss al Scout y r a r mis e c cret d as celeb Scout, th to two lo al Se unty Com alsh acte roup n o i t f s W Na Co n. G Chie al award nick, nel, and er David sentatio roup n i n h o i S G e a r . ad nat ual p ent of the ael J Awards P cout Le s h i c v i itm ut M nal udio ce. S f Sco the Natio ttendan cellent a he comm e i h a x C t an e es of all in bout Holm an were lso gave spoke a a id ck Sher day and cCorma e M for th r, Glenn The National Secretary, Sean Farrell, e d Lea then read a citation of honour in regard to David Walsh who has held and it’s contribution to the Drogheda various positions in scouting including community and to county Scout Group Leader, County Programme activities. Co-ordinator and many national and international scouting events. Scout Conan Daly spoke very eloquently on behalf of the boys and their myriad activities at home and abroad. The commissioning of the flag was effected by the taking down of the 50 year old flag which was presented to Pat Hanratty the First 4th Louth Scout Leader in 1965. The new flag was presented to the Section Leader, Noel Synnott, by the Chief Scout, Michael J. Shinnick, and was then attached to the flagpole.
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He also cited David’s commitment to scouting in the North East and presented him with the gold meritorious award. This is one of the highest honours that can be bestowed on adults in Scouting Ireland. The National Secretary then read a citation of honour regarding Pat Hanratty who joined the 3rd Louth Scouts in 1956 and was appointed First Leader of the 4th Louth troop
in 1965. Pat has held various positions at regional, county and local levels, including Regional Commissioner and both Secretary and Chairman of the Louth County Board. Pat was awarded the Order of Cu Chulainn, which is the highest procedural award for adults in Scouting Ireland and the Chief Scout placed the ribbon and medal around Pat’s neck. This award is given for outstanding commitment to scouting over many years, and investiture is only made at functions with an appropriate level of importance. Pat joins a short list of national recipients with only three other Drogheda members receiving this award – Paddy Roe, Austin Marley and John Reid.
Group News ing
ut o c S to
me por t e R ad so able key h p S o t S Sh 4 t my T er the no 1 o u 0 n o o 2 ev ec Sc for Irish 014, how d e h n t f a 2 o of Irel year ctors riod
cial st se e pe finan h mo during th t s i u w o ried line revi ths he p d car t all in ing mon r n n e a i v s 0 O ad 5,00 ation llows ult tr ublic f €14 p o diffic are as fo d d an s elan dges 525,000 point ng Ir a i t b u s o Sc ear of € form ion to ring the y of all uni this area t a n ly in • Do ition du supp ck for SI d e d h t a o d In e st fund ekly • We rage we ve an a
• We manage in excess of one thousand individual items
In addition to direct funding of groups and at National level TSS have also successfully supplied
• We have had in the region of 250,000 scouting items transacted in the past 12 months • We have agreed investment in excess of €60,000 in capital spend on the development and upgrading of retail units in 2015. • We are currently funding the contingent purchases on behalf of the WSJ team
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• Donated publication of €15,000 in 2014 • Donated €65,000 to SI in 2010 • Donated €150,000 to SI in 2012 • Donated €100,000 to SI in 2013 • Donated €145,000 to SI in 2014 • Rewards issued €41,500 in 2011 • Rewards issued €98,017 in 2012
• • • • Overall TSS has funded SI to the value of €615,000 in the past five years This consisted of the following:
The National events team The National Campsites The National Training teams
Also in 2014 we enhanced the service to Scouting Ireland members by way of the following: • Additional investment in TSS website with LOWER members prices.
• Longer opening hours in our Bray location • New lower pricing on uniforms by way of package deals was further enhanced • New uniform subsidy to new groups opening in 2015 • New lower pricing on camping and outdoor goods for groups launched with aggressive pricing Our overall focus for the next five years is to ensure that we are relevant to all our members at all levels and to fulfil our primary function of supplying the needs of Scouting Ireland through the various channels of distribution.
Group News ears y y t for
y rthda i B h rtiet ut ate r it’s fo hree Sco b d e e t ebra the t Group s cel t p cel . One of u o o o the r iday tinct Sc day T big party 75 when isting Fr s is e n Sea 9 1 ex wo d nt ed t ra n e i o W o f h t t d s n t g we it i nd me ou rin s for nt site a bers, spl hen they a Sc a Gathe a e w S ith em urre 6w hide roop es. Mala recently w up, the t on the C undred m er tin 197 ct identiti n h ro n h ical Party in the G Scout de over one mp toget own disti Naut s t r a r i s p d o c r e o e o l fi h a t ch tro its outd annu d rea loped ired rous u t acqu which ha ps shared fter deve n dve a o an a uts. troop . The tro nd there s e o d i a s prov venty Sc troop embourg y l t e n x er S curre to Lu oop me for ov r t y sda am edne ed progr W e s Th ba landand The evening also provided an opportunity to recognise the achievements of the Scouts in the Troop during the year. Among the awards presented were Scout of the Year - Andrew Desmond Canoeist of the Year - Daniel Crothers Sailor of the Year - David Seagrave Hiker of the Year Ronan Allen Oarsman of the Year - Reuben Allen Seamanship Award - Kian Hopkins Leader of the Year Colum McCaffrey.
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Present for the Celebrations was Group Leader Colin Lynch who noted that the upcoming year is no less ambitious with major challenges affecting the Scout Group as a whole. On the Cards is a total Scout Den refurbishment, A Gala Ball fundraiser in April (Tickets available
from gala@malahideseascouts.ie and an attempted sponsored Row from Hollyhead to Malahide in June. Summer Programme will continue while the Den is out of service with all three troops already planning their annual camps. While most will Camp in Ireland this year a party of twenty five Malahide Sea Scouts will form part of the Irish Contingent to the World Scout Jamboree in Japan in July. With the Den out of Service until after next Christmas Scouts will continue to participate in the kayaking, boating and Sailing programmes with the kind Support of Malahide Yacht Club and Malahide Marina.
Group News e. th tim r 6 e fo r th ge fo ing funds is n e l l e a s th g n k Ch ay of rai y as e t a i l e c l P e aw uch e4 n th Cha k on th llenge as Centre i and as m a g n i e ay tak cha rity 4P p are lete the d Heart D this cha u o r p r e 0 fo com en Sacr out G s Sc ears we €550 l s u d o a e o s h c ai St. P very 2 y have out we r ies. e e W n e . u R ivit im ity char ty. Last t ising act l a c lo ra ari fund s’ ch year via other again
We will be completing the challenge on May bank holiday weekend 2015. Already we have Scouts, Ventures, Rovers & Scouters signed up. We have organised some fundraising activities including sponsorship cards, bag pack and a draw. Prizes for the draw include 2 pairs of tickets to One Direction gigs. We have not set any target but we are hopeful of reaching €6000. Last time out we had Waterford Senior Hurling Panel members including Noel Connors, Kevin Moran and John Mullane take part in bag pack. Here’s hoping we get another couple big names to lend us a hand.
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Group News
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ty r, Coun of Winte ff k r o y ri C orth e last da nockater t r N o e c d th nK , bu ry th Rath ende st Janua k betwee Galtees t t a s bac e 31 cout n the ure S ees on th Glen and winds o t n e ac V rong ock Galt eonr w and st corm t up the g h i t p a R n sno long The king eve up a ere was l s a u Th ll. hillw ute took ppul. had by a o a r c a e r h t as Ly and ay w Beg oyable d nj an e
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The Rathcormac Venture Scouts kayaked the castleconnell river on Sunday the 9th of February. It was a very cold and foggy day and the straps on the cars froze on the drive down. It was minus one when we commenced kayaking and it didn’t heat up much by the time we finished.
Group News
nual th An ree. 5 e bo st th ill ho cout Jam s from w g d a t ver rlan ld S ders witze the Wor l bring Ro vities S n n a i K wil tre k to acti t Cen lpine Lin 2015, we week of ring their u o c dS and sha ust he A in a Worl ek: T th of Aug couting nal crew, od, tents e e h t W , e fo atio year he 8 ate S over This ational R f July to t to celebr an intern k after th o n loo as her Inter the 28th oget s will live while we t d l r From d the wo . Rover recipes, t n ps arou Swiss Al and bes s in the , tradition tivities. c s song es, and a i l p sup The week will take them to our beautiful glacial lake, up to our Swiss Mountain Hut, down to the local pool to relax and will include our August 1st Celebrations! On this day, we celebrate Scouting Founders Day and Swiss National Day with a carnival with over 1,000 Scouts from around the world. The cost of the week is CHF 400 Swiss Francs and is open to all Rovers aged 18-30 years old who is registered with a WOSM or WAGGGS registered association.
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What we were hoping is that you would consider sending out some form of information about this event to your members. If you would send out an e-mail, share us on Facebook or Twitter, or even better, include us on your website or your national magazine, we can provide all of the necessary materials, making this as easy as possible for you. Please visit the website for the event here, and thank you again for supporting International Scouting.
Used Battery Collection As part of the Group initiative Tonnta Cub Pack are taking part in ‘Recharge the Earth Challenge’ designed to promote battery recycling and awareness among our Youth Members, whilst reducing the carbon footprint of our Scout Group. Upon filling 4 boxes (100kg), The Group will be awarded a Tree to plant in our local community in order to ‘Recharge the Earth’. As you can see they are well on the way.
bal i r T s cout es Day S r ave alleng e nal B h d Natio s a r C h o l s f i r he I e wa Wex Persona e in t st. Ther y c t a l n p ok ps. b La Cou ience / ay to e 7th Fe 11 Grou d t u r r Sco ford on th part from Expe eave x g
Part Two of Day (PERSONAL CHALLENGES): Beavers chose from the following personal challenges that can be used towards skills badges/ achieve SPICES • Cliff Face Scramble (note height restriction applied) • Activity Playground (for those that did not meet the height restriction above) • Hiking Challenge: Hazelwood Trail, Wet Wood Trail, Estuary Trail
dB kin We exfor rycarrig, mbers ta W y t r 4 me n Fe Coun The ge Park i h over 14 it a Herit turnout w t grea
Part 1 of Day (TRIBAL EXPERIENCE): Upon arrival, groups were assigned a guide and were escorted through the Irish National Heritage Park. Groups re-entered the park and chose from the following additional activities: • Panning for gold • Megalith • Wattle your own house • Scriptorium • Rock Art
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Group News s aver e B r s Eage ergencie e d i s Bay f Em 32nd as part o ecial 1 e sp ree tion or th day f gade Sta ll given a nt into th big the e t a d e i we Bri re a ow a gr Bays was a St Fire n we we s and we e saw h use one n a J r .W st to Ta t ver atio at 31 a trip to at the st e 25 bea e station o we got a helme S y a h r n n d t n s Tod ent o we arrive There we a tour of et tall. Al ole ,try o t to go o w e o 0 fe eg ap. as w . When t on the p ball c hen wen s over 10 e down s when w e e g s d a a b a b a lid pt atch d it w ian s trip w grou Firew s. Each r was an fighter Br rt of the e a p e grou gine ladd , see fir he best p t n s . fire e fire hose room but rs job l e e o t h r h t g n of t o fire fi the c t the ,see brigade. u o b re ga the fi arnin e l n at fu d gre a h We
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Group News
k kroc c a l B
lony o C ver a d the e B visite -
ided s ader ents prov e L ar d6 rs an . Cork. P . e v k a r Be hall , Co t Co st. 24 Midleton ur scout s a l 1 y 5 r chip o a / n of a t Janu Station i km from s r t 17th s e 1 dang cue ut ou ut 24 ay, 2 n the try and p had nesd ire & Res on is abo o d e n to ers atio On W ounty F the stati onstr se water the Beav crew C m s k e a r Co the ou u port had d all rans n wit pens if y lored an ne and in a g e the t it b ngi exp hap ’s vis nd what ine was the fire e g n i n eng l of eve ng fire a The i e fire the whee h h t c t s a i c r th ind pan . Afte to sit beh e r fi the ce chan their
compartment, with the fire crew present explaining about all the equipment. The evening lasted close to a hour with the finale being the sounding of the fire engine sounders and the flashing lights. Thanks to the fire crew present for their assistance and to the parents for providing the transport on the night.
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Group News
unt o M e
ai
ges n a nR
rk n rd Co angerto 3 4 e M h t n b on Joh and ctio a ugh) now clim ’Neill and r o t L t A O aS The ork ( t activity, n, David m Cork. C h t a o ss the 5 t in a join an Caln f dawn fr m mpa o o h r r f c o to g a s o p k d t c an ou ok lose y E he cra c c o b n t s o g i d ) t e n wn Th . Le chi ick at t viga opsto Kerry eparted p na t off. Rea fter a qu a m (Bish ain, Co. d s on dy to se icken. A w that ops nt ader th no e l ea Mou e, the tro e h ere r started to through s n ht a t w l i l l i l w p a S w s, ng ion sess safety tip ound sno ain walki n o i t r i g a tu with rd a the g After gs along h Bowl” nd upwa c a in bear evils Pun onward s D a “ it w the stop h c n lu
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reached up to the waist levels at times. Then came a heavy snow fall and it was time to descend but not before a bit of rolling around in the snow and snow ball throwing. A Huge “thank you” to Michael Pattwell, for driving the Togher Scout bus. A fantastic day was had by all and well done to the Scouts for braving the cold.
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Group News
ts
cou S e r u
ees
alt on G
ld as he w r a ing e ye nt of th ed climb ween t e n V e v ty ev nvol k bet ork C coun s. This i and bac h s t t u len Sco tain Nor nture tee Moun ock, the G r e V athe l rk e a R o w G n C o d e col ilst North on th te of Pige e the rs. Wh t i First Sunday u p . e o l s r e h T e t ov d ppu d de ng th e las raca e an ly no left s enjoye u Q on th ltees alo g and Ly a n a e ertai Bar-B ich w the G aterriff B or a re was c climb wh f e k the at s tim Knoc it wa fine and nd a gre e s a a to b nage inds eturn ed to ma strong w r n O and seem they was snow there
by all. It was a good day for hill walking with nice food to top it off. There was a good turnout with Venture Scouts from Rathcormac and Fermoy participating. Here’s to a packed year of events.
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our Y t i d bm u ps an ps and u S o r o rou mG ay t ide out g fro sier for G e love to W n i t t w e re g it ea h. And w A Ne s for Ins we a to make nt s e l e l d rtic h mo c e c i A d t a i f e c r o A de tos me
r ave olu Pho d you ht the V nth we h les and a f o o l p e ig mo rtic us can u ack stra u Beca ies each it their A o y b m t ge ere Coun ies to sub e wh a messa . g a p t get ted ived Coun m all. edica assle and een rece d e h a t h ed get sb esign s with no rticle ha d e v o a t a r ow h r Pho t you We n and you now tha k le Artic to let you away
If you just Click on image to the right it will take you to a form where you enter your details and then attach your article and photos. Then when you have all done press submit. If your article is received you will get an automatic reply to say we have received your article and a thank you. See right a screen Shot of the Form. If you need any help at all with this contact me at communications@scouts. ie and I will endeavour to help. Now wouldn’t it be great if we got a small article from every group in the country just to let everyone know that you are there! Communications Team
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