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 

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For more pictures of our beavers at recent funday in Larch Hill, click here

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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  

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The Beaver Scouts are the junior sections of our Association and range from 6 - 8 years of age (changing to 6 - 9 yrs at presnt). Their programme is designed to meet the needs of young people of this age group. The emphasis is on meeting and interacting with people of their own age in a programme based around fun and discovery.

The motto of Beavering is `Sharing' and this is reflected in the programme where the young person learns to share through co-operation, teamwork and effort. Therefore Beavering is designed on a positive group basis

Our Beaver Pack is organized into 'lodges'

Some of the activities enjoyed at Beaver meetings include; games, stories, creative crafts, singing, nature study etc.  Once a month our Beaver colony (group) takes part in a special event or activity, usually outdoors in the Summer months.  These could be hikes, parties, visits, National Beaver Day, picnics etc.

Our Beaver Scout Leadership Team consists of Eileen Crosse (Section Leader) John Bourke, Theresa Noone, Sheila Zebedee, Jane Bighma and Gerd Benndorf, .  Beaver Scouts meet every Tuesday evening from 6:15pm to 7.30pm in St Kevin's GAA Hall, Staplestown.

Beaver Scout Prayer

A Beaver Should Care
A Beaver Should Share
Teach Us Jesus
To Love to Care and to Share

Beaver Scout Promise

I promise to love God
And to help take care of the World

Beaver Scout Law

Beavers have fun , work hard and help their family and friends

Beaver Scout Motto

Sharing , Sharing , Sharing

Code of Behaviour for Beaver Section (October 2007)

• Only one person talking at a time
• No leaving the hall without an adult
• Ask permission to use the toilet
• Be respectful to others at all times - no bad language, no shouting
• Be mindful to share equipment and above all to share each other's company (please don't exclude others)
• No pushing or rough play
• Wear full uniform at all times (jumper, scarf and woggle) and be neat and tidy
• Arrive on time (6:15 pm sharp)

Parents

• Please collect your child on time (7:30 pm sharp)
• Please collect your child at the door of the hall
  

Beaver Badge System - The Footprint Trail

This is the system by which we recognise effort and acheievement in beavers.
Beaver Scout Badges - Where do they go?

Blue Footprint

For their Blue Footprint Badge Beavers Should be able to :
1. Be clean and tidy.
2. Keep their shoes clean.
3. Fold their neckerchief.
4. Tie their shoe laces.
5. Know their Right from their Left.
6. Paint a picture of a Beaver Scout in Uniform.

Green Footprint

For their Green Footprint Badge Beavers Should be able to:
1. Butter a slice of bread.
2. Pour water into a glass.
3. Hop a ball five times.
4. Draw or make a clock showing the time.
5. Be able to identify Irish Coins.

 Red Footprint

For their Red Footprint Badge Beavers Should be able to:
1. Know the safe cross code.
2. Name 8 animals that live in a zoo or on a farm and draw a picture of one of them.
3. Collect 6 things that you would find on the beach or by the river.
4. Visit another Beaver Colony.

 Brown Footprint

For their Brown Footprint Badge Beavers Should be able to:
1. Name 6 birds and find out where they lay their eggs.
2. Know how to care for pets.
3. Collect 6 things for a nature table.
4. Make a collage.

 Purple Footprint

For their Purple Footprint Badge Beavers Should :
1. Learn about water safety in the swimming pool, at rivers, canals and by the sea.
2. Invite a fireman to the Den and take part in a fire drill.
3. Learn about safety in the home.
4. Learn about the dangers of talking to strangers.
5. Take part in a simple road safety activity in or around the grounds of the Den using their bicycle.

Pink Footprint

For their Pink Footprint Badge Beavers Should :
1. Take part in a Beaver Scout meeting with an International theme.
2. Draw a flag of another country and name some of that country's traditional food.
3. Take part in a Beaver Scout Colony meeting with a Garda present.
4. Find out about poor children of the World and talk about how to help them.
5. Make a simple musical instrument from bits and pieces and have a Beaver Scout Concert.

 Black Footprint

For their Black Footprint Badge Beavers Should :
1. Build a model of a spacecraft.
2. Name six things you would take with you to Outer Space.
3. Make up a story about Outer Space.
4. Using your feet measure the length and width of the Den.
5. Find out who Started the Scout Movement.
6. Name the Chief Scout.

 Link Badge (to Cub Scouts)

For their Link Badge Beavers Should :
1. Attend 4 Cub Scout meetings and one outdoor activity with the Cubs.
2. Know and understand the Cub Scout Law, Promise and Prayer.
3. Explain what is Meant by the following. (a) The Cub Scout Sign. (b) Salute. (c) Motto. (d) Handshake.
4. Find out how Scouting started.
5. Be clean and tidy.
6. Write a letter to your future Cub Scout Leader telling him/her about yourself.

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