Scouts camp under the Northern Lights
Our scouts were very lucky to be camping in Lough Dan during one of the best displays of the Aurora Borealis for many years.
The camp also gave the patrols a chance to practice all the camping skills they have been working on this year. Including pitching the new vango tents that we purchased and using a couple of our traditional Icelandic canvas tents as dining shelters. They enjoyed it so much they are already starting to plan an international Summer camp for next year!
Cubs Hiking
The Cubs were also out and about recently with a hike around Crone Woods.
They had great weather and a great chance to lean about navigation and our woodlands.
The cubs will be in Lough Dan this weekend for a fun filled weekend camp!
Beavers Exploring
The Beavers have been exploring in recent meetings. We took bark rubbings, talked about different trees, and tried to spot squirrels in Killiney hill. And on Killiney Beach had a forage for interesting rocks and stones, talked about water safety and did a beach clean!
Over the final weeks we’ll be working on the Scouting Ireland Beaver Survivor Challenge. This is a set of tasks that many Beaver groups around the country will be taking part in, learning about skills that our Iron Age Ancestors would have used.
Training Update
Albert passed his Mountain Skills assessment recently. This two day assessment took place on various terrain around Wicklow. There was a great sunset over the Glen of Imaal before the rain set in to make a challenging test of night navigation!
David and Mick are working on the final components of their Wood Badge training at the moment.
Penny and Andrew have also recently undertaken the Scouting Ireland Overnight training which covers all the rules and procedures for bringing groups away on camp.
Recruitment
As we approach the end of the scouting year our thoughts are already turning to September and how many Beavers, Cubs and Scouts we can accommodate. This is dependent on the number of adult volunteers we have.
Unfortunately we have fewer scouters now than we did when we opened in January 2023. And although we have a couple of new leaders in the pipeline awaiting Garda Vetting and Being a Scouter Training, we will still be short in September, meaning that it’s unlikely we’ll be able to take in new members in some sections.
If you know anyone who’d like to volunteer please put them in touch with us!
Grants Update
We’ve been awarded almost €1000 under the Local Enhancement Programme. This will cover the cost of replacing some of the rain damaged ceiling panels in the den and the insulation behind them. However the grant will likely only cover the materials so if we have any tradespeople reading this who could assist us in getting some scaffolding or platform and help replacing the boards please get in touch!