At Last.............
At last the Eagle has Landed! Our long awaited container was delivered today to the Parish Field in Staplestown. Paul, Gerd and Tadgh were on hand to stop traffic and assist with maneuvering the 40' box into place. We can now look forward to getting it in order for storage and on-site activities in coming weeks.
We can thank the generosity and vision of Fr Patrick Daly for agreeing to allow us to use the field under license. This is a great facility for us to have so we all owe a debt of gratitude to him and the parish.
Next jobs will include
- Wire brushing and painting external surfaces
- Dry-lining the interior
- Building shelving units
- Completing an inventory of all Group Equipment for storage
Parents and scouters are asked to help with time or materials.
Has anyone an old but serviceable ride-on mower? We need a means of keeping the grass under control. Any ideas. No Ciaran....No GOATS!!
Planning for Transition to ONE PROGRAMME
We are current;y planning for the transition of our group to ONE PROGRAMME, a new approach to scouting that was launched by Scouting Ireland in 2010. Scouters, Venture Scouts, PLs/APLs will all attend a one-day training course on a date to be arranged soon. Sixers and Seconders will attend for half of that day.
Scouters, Venture Scouts, PLs/APLs who have not responded to the survey at SURVEY this far should please do so as soon as possible.
Getting the Field Ready
A committed hardcore of youth and adult members spent two Saturday mornings over recent weeks getting the Parish Field ready for the container and activities on site. Thanks to youthful Cillian, Catherine, Tadgh, Conall, Eamon and Rionn. Adults to be commended are Gerd, Clare, Sean, Ciaran and Paul. It will be all worth it in the end! We'll all get benefits from this.
Rafting in Roberstown
On Thursday night 23rd June, our scouts were in Roberstown building a raft to use on the canal. This was the second year doing such an activity - though you'd never think it! There was plenty of banter and lots of chiefs giving direction to the few Indians!!
Finally, some 90 minutes after we started, the craft was ready to launch. With a firm hold being kept by Jim on the rope, a hardy band of volunteers made their way gingerly onto the HMR (Her Majesty's Raft of course) and surprisingly she did sink, turnover or run aground. After several efforts to get wet, Tadgh Fitzgibbon managed to fall into the murky depths of the canal. He managed to catch up with the crew as they sped away, and then was joined in the water by Monty.
It looked like fun and we await a chance to truly try out our skills at racing and fighting off the opposition on the water.
A Challenge for our Scouts!!
Our scouts are challenged to design, build and demonstrate a working 'Fire Bow', by the end of June. A prize of €20 gift voucher for the scout shop (outdoor adventure store) is offered for the best response to this challenge.
Scouts can find a number of articles and videos showing how a fire bow can be made at the following links
http://wildwoodsurvival.com/survival/fire/bowdrill/pmoc/basicbowdrill.html
http://artofmanliness.com/2011/01/18/traditional-firestarting-part-ii-fire-from-friction/
http://www.ehow.com/how_12589_make-bow-drill.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLm9gLoGHOU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_twLri9UjE&feature=related
Scout County Shield - 13/15 May 2011
Our scouts will be attending the annual county shield on the weekend of 13-15 May in Portlick campsite at Glasson near Athlone. We will have one patrol competing and expect to have 4-5 scouters attending the weekend competition. Scouts will compete and be marked on a number of activities including camping craft, cooking, hygiene, team spirit, scout skills bases and a skit. They so all this without the direct support of scouters, but generally have a great time making new friends and learning to operate effectively as a team.
We wish our patrol well under the leadership of Fiona Young (PL) and Daragh Bergin (APL)
Child Safety and Welfare - Overview
At a recent Group Council Meeting, Paul gave an input on child safety issues and what is expected of scouters in this area. The following document is an overview of Child Safety and Welfare for our Scout Group. Download file
The SI Code of Good Practice is our major guidance for working safely with youth members. It can be downloaded here Download file
NEW SCOUTING IRELAND WEBSITE!!
Check it Out!
The Scouting Ireland Website has been relaunched with a great new look and feel.
WWW.SCOUTS.IE
You can register for chat etc.
Check it OUT.......................
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.
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.
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
