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.

Fire Bow Pic.jpg

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)

Some Ideas for Games

As a project for the Centenary Badge, members of the National Management Committee (NMC) collected and published 100 games for all use in scouting.  You can download this collection here

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. 

 

Scout Activity - Donadea Forest - 6th March

Our scouts spent a day in Donadea completing various challenges.  Attending scouts were divided into 'Activity Patrols' and completed challanges in pioneering, backwoods survival and cooking.  A good day was had by all.

Click on the picture above for more photographs

 

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.

  Orienteering 2009.jpg

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!!

Beavers orienteering.jpg

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 

 

Scout Section

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.

scouts.jpg

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.

Scout Hike to Ballyteigue Woods, Kildare, 18th October 2009

 

Hike 181009.jpgOur scouts had their first hike of the year on Sunday morning 18th October.  A full report on this activity is available to Download here

Archive of Activity Reports

The following are reports of previous activities that we have engaged in

Hike to Black Hill - March 2008

Scout Camp in Donadea - October 2008

County Camp in Larch Hill - September 2009

Scouts Assist with Donadea 10K Race - Oct 10th 2009

Gang.JPG

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

What is the Scout Progress Scheme?


The Progress Scheme (badges shown on the right) consists of the Tracker, Explorer, Star Scout, National Scout and Chief Scout Awards. The Scheme is

scout-badge.jpgdesigned 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.


 


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.



Scout Badges - Tracker, Explorer and Merit

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 Magazines - Keep in Touch with Your Organisation

InSIde-Out-front-Issue-5.gif              NPN2_Page_1.gif            Smack!-Issue-6c.gif                                                   

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

Scout Magazines.jpg

NEW......... SMACK now has its own website at www.smack.ie  

County Events for Scouts - Dates for your diaries!!

We have been informed of some key dates for Scout Programme activities within Cill Dara County during 2009-2010

  • PL Forum Meeting - Mon. 12th Oct. at 8:00 pm in Salesian College, Celbridge
  • Scout Training days - Sat. 17th Oct. (venue and time tbc) and other dates
  • Orienteering Day - Sat. 7th Nov. in Donadea Forest
  • 'Mock' County Shield - 20th and 21st February 2010 (venue tbc)
  • Two further Training days for Scouts (tbc) in 2010
  • County Shield - 30th April to 2nd May 2010 

The Scouting Trail and Scouting for Boys

Trail Cover.bmp  SFB.jpg

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. 

Code of Behaviour for Scouts (Oct 2008)

Do

 

Don’t

 

þ      Wear the full and proper uniform

ý      Bully others

þ      Respect others

ý      Talk over others

þ      Have Manners

ý      Bring and use mobile phones to meetings

þ      Take our activities seriously

ý      Curse

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

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

Campng

camping.jpgCamping: 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.

Investiture

There are certain things you have to do and to know:

  1. Have a chat with your Scouters.
  2. Join a Patrol.
  3. Know and understand the Scout Promise & the Scout Law.
  4. Know a little bit about World Scouting.
  5. Join your Patrol in the planning and organising of a weekend outdoor activity and chat with your Scouter and Patrol Leader afterwards.

Where do my Badges go?

badges.jpg

The Patrol System

The Patrol System is the basis for all scouting activities, regardless of section or ages  Featurs of the system are

  1. The organisation of scouts into small groups that mimic the ‘gang’ structure that is for many a natural part of growing up.
  2. Patrol members are provided with and develop their own common means of identifying with their Patrol e.g. name, symbol, yells, badges.
  3. Adventure activities encourage the Patrol members to work together towards common goals.
  4. Various leadership and maintenance roles are identified within the patrol, which offer opportunities for scouts to develop personally.
  5. With the support of leaders, Patrols should be the main planning, development and monitoring unit within the Troop.
  6. The Patrol structure should link logically into Group (Court of Honour, Group Council) and County, Provincial and National structures

There is a short PowerPoint presentation on the Patrol System at the following link Download file

Ten Tips to Being a Good Patrol Leader

  1. Keep Your Word. Don't make promises you can't keep.
  2. Be Fair to All. A good leader shows no favorites. Don't allow friendships to keep you from being fair to all members of your patrol. Know who likes to do what, and assign duties to patrol members by what they like to do.
  3. Be a Good Communicator. You don't need a commanding voice to be a good leader, but you must be willing to step out front with an effective "Let's go." A good leader knows how to get and give information so that everyone understands what's going on.
  4. Be Flexible. Everything doesn't always go as planned. Be prepared to shift to "plan B" when "plan A" doesn't work.
  5. Be Organized. The time you spend planning will be repaid many times over. At patrol meetings, record who agrees to do each task, and fill out the duty roster before going camping.
  6. Delegate. Some leaders assume that the job will not get done unless they do it themselves. Most people like to be challenged with a task. Empower your patrol members to do things they have never tried.
  7. Set an Example. The most important thing you can do is lead by example. Whatever you do, your patrol members are likely to do the same. A cheerful attitude can keep everyone's spirits up.
  8. Be Consistent. Nothing is more confusing than a leader who is one way one moment and another way a short time later. If your patrol knows what to expect from you, they will more likely respond positively to your leadership.
  9. Give Praise. The best way to get credit is to give it away. Often a "Nice job" is all the praise necessary to make a Scout feel he is contributing to the efforts of the patrol.
  10. Ask for Help. Don't be embarrassed to ask for help. You have many resources at your disposal. When confronted with a situation you don't know how to handle, ask someone with more experience for some advice and direction.

Patrol Leader Duties

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:



  • Plan and lead Patrol Time, meetings and activities.

  • Keep patrol members informed.

  • Assign each patrol member a specific duty.

  • Represent your patrol at


    • Troop planning meetings

    • All patrol leaders' council (or Court of Honour) meetings within our troop

    • County Patrol Leader Forum meetings

    • Group Council Meetings – PLs are invited to at least two per year


  • Prepare the patrol to participate in all troop activities.

  • Work with other troop leaders to make the troop run well.

  • Know the abilities of each patrol member.

  • Set a good example.

  • Wear the Scout uniform correctly.

  • Live by the Scout Promise and Law.

  • Show and develop patrol spirit.

  • Bring any concerns to Scouters.


 

Role of the Assistant Patrol Leader

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.

Scout Promise

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

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.

Scout Prayer

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)

Kit List for Camping

ACTIVITY GEAR

  • A complete change of clothing
  • Shorts
  • T-shirts
  • Warm sweater
  • Underwear
  • Hiking socks
  • Waterproof anorak
  • Hiking boots
  • Trainers
  • Woolen hat
  • Swimming togs

EATING GEAR

  • A plastic plate & bowl   
  • Knife, fork,spoon
  • Mug  
  • Tea towel 

SLEEPING GEAR

  • Sleeping Gear  
  • Sheet bag   
  • Ground sheet or bivvy bag   
  • Pyjamas or warm sleeping gear (a track suit is ideal) 
  • Foam mat

CLEANING GEAR

  • Towel   
  • Wash kit - including toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, comb
  • Personal first aid kit  
  • Torch (spare bulb and batteries) 
  • Pen and paper  
  • Clasp knife

The Country Code

- 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.

Packing a Rucksack

  • Try to fit everything inside the rucksack. Pack clothes in plastic bags to keep them dry. Bring extra in case you need to pack wet gear.
  • Adjust the straps on the rucksack properly. The waist strap should take the weight.
  • The items you may need in a hurry should be easily reached - keep your rain gear near the top!
  • Know where everything is. Always pack things in the same place
    The rucksack should be balanced and comfortable to wear so do not put all the heavy things on one side. Keep them near the middle and pack the soft things so they are against your back.
  • If you are bringing a hot drink, why not bring hot water in a flask - then can make more than one type of drink Ilike soup or hot chololate). If a flask full of water gets broken, the mess is not as bad!

22nd Cill Dara (Staplestown) Scouting Ireland Group