National Raft Race - Lough Dan 26th June 2010
Our Scouts were in Lough Dan today, in the Wicklow Mountains, taking part in the National Raft Race. This is open to Scouts and Venture Scouts, with teams of 6-8 building and racing their rafts over a 150m course. We had a total of 14 scouts present with 4 scouters (Jim, Clare, Liam and Sean) Full report is available here
Woodbadge Training Scheme - Paul's Pink Necker!
Some of you have wondered why your Group Leader has recently been see wearing a pink neckerchief!! Well it's not actually PINK but is TAUPE in colour! Paul was awarded his Woodbadge in February 2010 and is now allowed to wear the distinctive GILWELL NECKERCHIEF and two WOOD BEADS. Paul is the first Scouter from 22nd Staplestown to hold the Woodbadge and he looks forward to others following him. Paul has also been appointed to the SE Provincial Training Team, having completed an intensive in-house training for trainers programme. Trainers in Scouting Ireland are going to be very busy in coming months with the transition to ONE PROGRAMME, and Paul will be playing an integral role in this as trainer and as a mentor - expect to see less of him locally over this time!
All scouters can and should aspire to complete the Woodbadge training appropriate to their role. Woodbadge training is very practical and scouters complete a project that should contribute to their current role. It is possible therefore to hold Woodbadges for Beavers/Cubs/Scouts/Group Leader/Trainer/Commissioner etc.
The woodbadge is the sign worn by adults to show they have completed training in their Scouting Association and is recognised worldwide. It is issued by the Training Commissioner on behalf of the World Bureau. The story of the woodbadge dates back to the first training courses run by Baden-Powell in Gilwell Park. If you would like to read more on the Origins of the Woodbadge, click here
The story of the woodbadge also says that a woodbadage is only presented from around the neck of another woodbadge holder and that this creates an unbroken link from the first woodbadge presented by Baden Powell way back in 1919. When awarded with the woodbadge you are entitled to wear the Gilwell Scarf.
Cill Dara Scout County Shield 2010 - Back Home
Our two patrols - and our Group Leader Paul - are by now back home and resting after a busy but fulfilling weekend at the Cill Dara County Shield in Larch Hill. Although we may not have picked up any of the awards, each and every scout did themselves and our Group proud. It was a wet weekend but spirits were not dampened. Both patrols performed well in the the areas of
Campcraft - Setting up camp, building camp furniture and gadgets, fire and cooking skills
Competition Meal - Preparing a 3x course meal for judges (and patrol)
Skit/Sketch - a short skit performed by all members of patrol at the campfire
Bases - Orienteering, pioneering, first aid, team games, backwoods skills
It is difficult for a 'newish' group like ours to match the knowledge and tradition that exists in older groups with a long history of competing. It was apparent that if we want to be significant contenders, then our scouts need more practice and planning in various skill areas. From observing our scouts this weekend, I am confident that they have the potential and enjoy scouting enough to want to do better.
Awards for the weekend were
Overall Winner - Maynooth
Runner Up - Celbridge (The Mill)
Meal - Maynooth
Skit - Maynooth
Camp Spirit - 13th Clane (Young Patrol)
One Programme Resources
There is now a Resource Handbook to assist groups in preparing for transition to ONE PROGRAMME. Check it out - Download file
As a Group, we will be looking at this process in coming weeks.
Scout Camp - Portlick Campsite, April 16-18
Our Scouts were on camp last weekend in Portlick Campsite - a Scouting Ireland Site near Glasson, which is near Athlone. A great time was had by all - two patrols and 3 leaders. A full report will follow. For now, here are some photographs of the weekend happenings.
Dig It! - A new TV show for budding archeologists
Dig It is a brand new RTÉ TV series where a team of three 5th/6th class primary school students from your school have the chance to take part in an exciting and energetic archaeology adventure TV show! Maybe some cubs and scouts (ages 11-13) might be interested in this adventure. Click here for information.
St Patrick's Day Parade in Clane
For the first time ever, we had a contingent from our group involved in the St Patrick's Day Parade in Clane. This was a special year for scouting in Clane as Bernie from 13th Clane (some might say she is the soul of 13th Clane) was chosen to lead the parade as Grand Marshall. It had been proposed to have as many Scout Groups as possible involved in parades in North Kildare. Clane attracted some 6 groups in total.
Staplestown had almost 40 young people marching with leaders and parents. Our beavers did us proud with there colourful decorations and banner. Thanks to all who took part.
Rock Climbing in Dalkey Quarry - Sat 13th March
Our Scouts had a very challenging activity on Saturday 13th March. A tidy crew of intrepid adventurers left Maynooth train station at 7:58 en route to Dalkey and a day spent climbing and abseilling - under the expert guidance of Paddy (instructor). A full activity report is available to download here.
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
