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