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

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 

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

Hike to Black Hill - March 2008

Scout Camp in Donadea - October 2008

County Camp in Larch Hill - September 2009

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

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)

Paul Fitzgibbon

Group Leader - 22nd Staplestown

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