Our Beavers, Cubs and Scouts finished up last week. They have had an action packed year with camps and hikes in our playground of the Wicklow Mountains, and lots of activities in our Den. BRAVO to all of them, especially our new scout section who have really got into the scouting spirit over the past few months! We’ve had fun den activities, helping in the local community, a fabulous St. Patrick’s Day Parade, hikes, camps and more!This wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our leaders who devote their time and energy to making all these meetings and events happen, and for all their behind the scenes work in preparation, planning and training.Thanks also to all our Parents and Friends Committee, and all the others in the community who have helped us throughout the year.
Looking to next year can all parents of existing youth members ensure that you have added any siblings who want to join to our waiting list at https://www.dalkeyscouts.ie/registering-your-child After we look after siblings and new scouters children we expect to have some places available in Beavers and Scouts so if your kids have friends that would like to join please have their parents add them also on the above link!
Have a great summer!
Beaver Survival Challenge
The beavers completed the Scouting Ireland Beaver Survivor challenge over the past weeks learning about the fundamentals of shelter, fire, cooking, navigation and teamwork and how an Iron Age society might have lived. They were all awarded their badges after they dried out following the “slip and slide” on the last night!
Cub camp
The cubs had a camp in Lough Dan recently. They tried their hand at kayaking, raft building, swimming, campfires and cooking for themselves! Though they seem to have had the most fun playing around in the marsh between the campsite and the lake and their multiple changes of clothes were quickly used up!For their last meeting of the year they went up Killiney building shelters using what materials they could forage and experimenting with using tarpaulins.
Scouts
Scouts found a novel way to practice and test their knot-work and engineering skills in Killiney hill by setting up zip lines and slacklines! They also finished up the year with a slip and slide on the steep ground beside the den.
Wood Beads award
On June 14th David and Michael were presented with the Wood Beads in Coolevin Scout Den by our County Commissioner and Provincial Training Officer Hugh McLain. This marks the culmination of several training modules that David and Michael have completed over the past year or so covering aspects of running a Youth Led Program, managing sections, adventure skill training as well as mentoring with the establishment of our Scout Section.Hugh is stepping down as county commissioner this year. His help and advice over the past three years have been incredibly valuable in making the 17th Dalkey a success. Thanks Hugh!
Recruitment
Thank you to the parents that have offered to become leaders with us! This will allow us to take in more Beavers and Scouts in September, and at least keep the Cub section at it’s current strength.
If you, or someone you know is interested in becoming a leader or assisting with the group please get in touch and we can have a chat about it.
Over the Summer
Although meetings have stopped there will be some activity over the Summer. There is some maintenance to be done in the den including some plumbing and equipment repairs.
We have a grant for materials to repair the ceiling, but still need to find volunteers to assist with the work. If we have any parents or friends with any experience in this area or have access to a lift/scaffolding please get in touch!
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