A great contngent of scouts and cubs spent last Friday night 4th December in Glendalough International Youth Hostel with their leaders. A full activity report is available at the following link Download file
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
The Scout Section is for young people, usually aged between 10 to 11 and 15 years. (changing to 12 to 15 yrs at present. Scouts are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities as part of their programme. "Participation" rather than meeting set standards is the key approach and for the Scout who wants to be recognised for his or her achievements there are a number of Awards and Activity Badges. Scouts take part in a balanced programme that helps them to find out about the world in which they live, encourages them to know their own abilities and the importance of keeping fit and helps develop their creative talents. It also provides opportunities to explore their own values and personal attitudes.
A Scout Troop is organized into ‘Patrols’ with Patrol Leaders (PLs) and Assistant Patrol Leaders (APLs) guiding and supporting their fellow scouts. Our Patrols are the KESTREL, STAG and SPARROW Patrols
Our Scout Leaders are Liam Disney (Section Leader), Paul Fitzgibbon, Clare Young, Ciara Fitzgibbon and Jim Lawlor. We meet on Thursday nights from 7:30 to 9:00 n St Kevin’s GAA Hall.
Our scouts had their first hike of the year on Sunday morning 18th October. A full report on this activity is available to Download here
The following are reports of previous activities that we have engaged in
Hike to Black Hill - March 2008
Scout Camp in Donadea - October 2008
A good contingent (9 Scouts and 4 Leaders) of our Scout Section helped to provide the water station at today's 10K race in Donadea. This was our second year assiting with this event as part of our aim to contribute to our local community - To Serve our Community and Help Other People (The Scout Promise). Funds raised by the Donadea Running Club will go to the Little Way Cancer Support Centre which is based in Clane.
We arrived at 10:00 am to set up the water station near the 9/11 monument. This allowed us plenty of time to fill cups of water and to build some useful 'furniture' - a stand for the Group flag and a coat hanger! The first runners came past at about 11:15 and there was a steady stream as the 600+ runners made their way around the forest course twice. We finished up about 12:30 and left the area clean and tidy as we had found it (Scouts leave NO TRACE!) mention should be made of some of our younger members who where there with their family - Seán, Daithí and Mary Marron did a great job in picking up cups as the runners disposed of them. Well done to all our Scouts and Leaders!!
More Photographs are available here
The Progress Scheme (badges shown on the right) consists of the Tracker, Explorer, Star Scout, National Scout and Chief Scout Awards. The Scheme is The awards are not earned by sitting back and learning bits out of different books. They happen by playing an active part in the activities of your Patrol and Scout Troop during your life as a Scout. To be fully accepted as a Scout you are expected to achieve the Tracker Award. After that it becomes a personal challenge to find out and try as much as you can.
designed to measure the progress of a Scout as they discover all the different Scouting Skills such as tent pitching, building shelters, cooking, using map and compass to find your way in familiar territory and knowing the right gear to have so that you are prepared for anything. In other words they are the skills which allow you to camp comfortably and enjoy real Scouting. If a Scout is particularly interested or good at any of them, they can have a go at an associated Merit Badge, of which there is a wide range to suit all tastes.
This section will be further developed as a resource for scouts and leaders.
Tracker Badge Requirements in PDF Format here
Explorer Badge Requirements in PDF Format here
Individual Merit Badge Sections are available to view and download below
Adventure - Hiker, Hike Leader, Hill Walker,
Air Activities - Aeronautics, Air Mechanic, Air Navigator, Air Researcher, Air Spotter, General Aviation, Meteorologist, Model Maker, Parascending
Awareness - Social Awareness (Civics), World Friendship, Consevation
Campcraft - Camper, Camp Chef, Campfire Leader, Quartermaster, Camp Leader
Crafts - Leathercraft, Basketry, Bookbinder, Artist, Photographer, Printer, Collector (see firts page of Nature)
Electronics - Electrician, Electronics, Radio, Computer Skills, Computer Programmer, Computer Applications
Entertainment - Bell Ringer, Bugler, Musician, Entertainer, Irish Dancer
Languages - Gaeilge
Nature - Angler, Bird Watcher, Pet Keeper, Gardener, Sea Fihing, Equestrian
Natural Science - Archeologist, Astronomer, Geologist, Farmr
Physical Ability - Orienteer, Cyclist, Athlete, Sports, Self Defence
Public Service - Public Health, Public Speaking, Consumer, Secretary, Librarian
Scoutcraft - Map Maker, Pioneer, Signaller
Services - Fire Safety, Emergencies, Guide, Interpreter, Life Saver, Advanced Life Saver, Home Maintenance
Skills - Wood Carver, Wood Worker, Metal Worker, Home Management, Car Mechanic
Water Activities - Swimmer, Advanced Swimmer, Skin Diver, Canoeist, Advanced Canoeit, Boatsman, Boatswain, Coxwain's Mate, Coxwain, Pilot, Sea Navigation, Sailing, Helmsman (Sail and Powerboat)
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
We have been informed of some key dates for Scout Programme activities within Cill Dara County during 2009-2010
The Scouting Trail - Scouting Ireland's resource for Scouts -and Scouting for Boys - Baden Powell's Book on the Scouting Method. Click on the images to access the books online.
Do
|
Don’t
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þ Wear the full and proper uniform |
ý Bully others |
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þ Respect others |
ý Talk over others |
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þ Have Manners |
ý Bring and use mobile phones to meetings |
|
þ Take our activities seriously |
ý Curse |
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þ Act Responsibly |
ý Use dangerous items without supervision |
|
þ Act Our Age |
ý Make people do things they don’t want to do |
|
þ Know and live the Scout Promise |
ý Boss others around |
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þ Make sure PLs and Leaders know where you are |
ý Damage the environment or property of others |
|
þ Have Fun!! |
ý Laugh at others |
Camping: There are few better ways to discover the world of nature than by taking a camping holiday. As well as the daytime adventures of exproling the countryside, there's the excitement of sleeping under canvas or even under the stars.
For a beginner camping may be a bit rough at first but you soon find loads of ways to make it comfortable. Heading off and getting away with your friends makes it really worthwhile
There are lots of different ways to go camping. Although you'll cover more distance on wheels than on foot, without a special mountain bike you'll be limited to tarmac roads and carrying all you need can be difficult. If you're planning to keep on the move, make sure you travel light. One way of avoiding the weight problem is to choose one site as a base cap for day trips.
There are certain things you have to do and to know:
The Patrol System is the basis for all scouting activities, regardless of section or ages Featurs of the system are
There is a short PowerPoint presentation on the Patrol System at the following link Download file
When you accepted the position of patrol leader, you agreed to provide service and leadership to your patrol and troop. No doubt you will take this responsibility seriously, but you will also find it fun and rewarding. As a patrol leader, you are expected to do the following:
The Assistant Patrol Leader’s role is to ‘Assist’ the PL, so most of the above will apply. APLs deputise for the PL when the PL is not available or present. APLs will not be expected to attend County or Group Council meetings – unless they are asked to deputise for the PL.
On my honour I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to God
To serve my community
To help other people and
To live by the Scout law
We do our best to live by the following code:
1. Scout is trusted.
2. A Scout is loyal.
3. A Scout is friendly and considerate.
4. A Scout is a friend to all Scouts.
5. A Scout has courage in all difficulties.
6. A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property.
7. A Scout has respect for themselves and for others.
Lord,
Teach us to be generous,
To serve You as You deserve,
To give and not to count the cost,
To fight and no to fear harm,
To work and not to ask for rest,
and to seek no other reward,
than that of knowing that I do Your Will, Amen.
(Prayer of Saint Ignatius)
ACTIVITY GEAR
EATING GEAR
SLEEPING GEAR
CLEANING GEAR
- Respect farmers, their land, machinery, crops and livestock.
- Respect wildlife.
- Guard against the risk of fire.
- Leave gates as you find them.
- If you have a dog, keep it under control.
- Do not damage fences or walls.
- Get permission to walk across private property and stay on path.
- Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone.
- Take all your litter home.
- Do not damage wildlife, plants or tress.
- Make no unnecessary noise.
- Do not pollute water.
