Happy New Year
On behalf of our Group Council, I wish all of our youth members, leaders and their families a very Happy New Year - may 2010 bring lots of happiness and good fortune to you all.
Paul Fitzgibbon
Group Leader
Cake Sale - Sunday 29th November
A very big THANK YOU to all who supported our cake sale on Sunday 29th November.
Group Investiture - Thursday 12th November
Our group celebrated the investiture of new members on Thursday 12th November in the parish church in Staplestown. As in recent years, Fr Daly officiated at what was a homely and participative event for all. We were joined by our County Commisisoner, Martine Phelan on her first visit to us in this capacity. She and Fr Daly complimented the young beavers and all others on how well behaved and turned-out they all were - well done!!
Niall Crehan provided some lovely instrumental music on the fiddle as the colour party - Niamh, Shauna and Luana - made their way up the aisle. This was the first outing for our newest flag - the Cill Dara County Flag in traditional black and white with a symbol of a horse to remind us of one of Kildare's greatest heritage areas. Fr Daly blessed this flag during the ceremony
In total, 16 beavers, 1 cub, 1 scout and 1 leader were invested on the night. All other members were asked to renew their promise which is what makes scouting different to other youth organisations. Youth members Oisin, Ciaran, Fiona, Tadgh and Daragh read prayers and Katie read a poem on the theme of 'moving on'.
Awards were given to beavers and cubs who had completed various stages in their progression system in scouting. Scout patrol leaders were also presented with their 'stripes'. Congratualtions to all of you.
It was also an opportunity to award some of our leaders for their contribution to the group. John, Gerd and Teresa were awarded the 5-year service badge. Yes, we know they've been around for longer than that, but awards haven't always been sought when due. We'll be on time for their 50-years of service badges - Promise! Three other leaders received 5-year service awards at county camp in September - Liam, Jimmy and Paul. Thanks and well done to all
After the ceremony, there were various photo-shoots and then refreshments served in the old school-house hall. Many thanks to Mary, Valerie and others who assisted in serving of refreshements.
More photographs of the night are available here
National Orienteering Day 2009 - Saturday 7th November
On Saturday 7th November, the trees of Donadea Forest shook with the sounds of beavers, scouts and venturers having fun and competing in the National Orienteering day of Scouting Ireland. It was a damp and overcast day to begin with, but it brightened up at various stages - between heavy showers!! This demonstrated how important it is to dress appropriately for outdoor activities. Several warm layers, a waterproof jacket and hat along with sturdy waterproof shoes were just the deal.
Scouts were to be starting out from 10:00 and beavers from 12:00. It took a while for things to get going and we had time to hang around and play some games with other troops before the competition started. Leaders and venture scouts had erected a marquee, tent and some barriers. We helped to put up a mess tent for the beavers while we waited.
Eventually, a total of 13 Staplestown Scouts headed off in three groups. We had to use our maps and mapreading skills to find as may markers as possible in the fastest time. When we found a marker, there was a word - something to do with scouting - which we had to write down and bring back for judging. Scouts were gone for over two hours. Staplestown teams did very well overall - the highest score was 22 correct markers. Unfortunately, some scouts from other troop(s) had behaved in an unscouting manner, messing with markers and score sheet. The organisers decided not to give any prize to scouts this year. Disappointing!!
Scouts attending were Fiona, Sarah, Molly, Noel, Brian, Catherine, Niamh, Emer, Tori, Shauna, Beibhin, Niamh, Eoin. Leaders were Liam, Jim, Claire and Paul. A good time was had by all.
A total of 16 beavers arrived at 12:30 and were soon divided into groups with a leader each - Eileen, Theresa, Sheila and Paul. Beavers had an easier deal than the scouts as they had to collect 8 markers/words and had leaders to support them. All beavers had a great time and seemed to have a good idea of how to use a map! Pictures of participating souts and beavers are on the photo gallery here
Welcome
Welcome to the website of the 22nd Staplestown Scout Group. As you explore our pages, you will find information on the activities of our Beavers, Cubs and Scouts; the wider Staplestown area; Scouting in Ireland and within our Scout County of Cill Dara; information of use to youth members, parents and our leaders. Please feel free to contact us with suggestions and/or comments regarding site content.
Paul Fitzgibbon
Group Leader - 22nd Staplestown
Scouting Magazines - Keep in Touch with Your Organisation
Scouting Ireland produce a number of regular magazines and newsletters for members.
Inside Out is aimed at leaders in particular, ideas on programme etc (check back issues)
SMACK has cool stuff for youth members
New Programme News has what its says on the tin!
These are all available on-line at the link below
NEW......... SMACK now has its own website at www.smack.ie
Recycle Old Uniforms
In the spirit of making best use of natural and finacial resources, we encourage parents to recycle scouting uniforms. If you have old uniform(s) in reasonable condition, you can do on of two things
Option 1: Donate the uniform to the Scout Group for resale at a nominal charge - funds to go to group OR
Option 2: We will offer the uniform for sale for you on the website, giving your phone contact details - you make the deal and you keep the money!
Contact Group Leader or Secretary now.
County Camp - September 25-27 2009
All of our cubs, scouts and leaders are now back home from County Camp and enjoying a well deserved rest. What a Great weekend was had by all...........
A total of 13 cubs, 13 scouts and 6 leaders went on the camp from 22nd Staplestown. We were joined on Saturday by 20 cubs and 4 of their leaders. A report on the weekend activities will be published soon, along with some photographs of the gang. Thanks to all who made the weekend such anjoyable event.
2009/2010 Calendar
A calendar showing our planned schedule for 2009 - 2010 is available for download at the following link click here
Climb a Hill, Build a Bridge!! No Experience Required!!
Did you ever think about volunteering to work with young people in an exciting and vibrant national association? Scouting Ireland offers adults as much adventure and fun as the young people we work with. Your local Scout Group needs New adult leaders with energy and ideas. If you're over 18 and would like to find out more, contact Paul Fitzgibbon at (045) 869904 / (086) 8760436 or paulfitzgibbon63@iol.ie . You’ll receive a warm welcome, comprehensive training and support, a wide variety of activities and opportunities to learn new skills. Oh…..and yes, there could be the promise of a suntan and windswept look to go with the uniform!
2009 - Year of the Law and Promise
It has been decided by the National Management Team of Scouting Ireland that 2009 is to be designated the Year of the Law and Promise.
We are all asked to consider what the Law and promise mean to us in Scouting and in our wider lives. A special badge and challenge has been agreed for the year. You will find details at the following link. click here
