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Scouting Ireland E-Zine

Issue 3, December 2008

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The National Officers would like extend, to each and every one of the members of Scouting Ireland and their families, a wish for a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

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LARCH HILL NEW WEBSITE

Our Nation

al Campsite, Larch

Hill has

just launched a brand new website.

It

gives details of all th

e campsite

facilities

along with details of

equipment that is

available to re

nt. It also in

cludes a full

interactiv

e map of

the estate a

nd the lat-

est news of event and a photo

gallery.

Scout Notes

FIRST MINISTER TO OPEN NATIONAL

COUNCILThe National Secretary Michael Devins has just received

an acceptance from his invitation to the first minister and

deputy first minister to open the National Council meeting

in Co. Down next March.The acceptance signifies the commitment of the leaders in

Northern Ireland and the high esteem in which scouting is

held. He is also pleased to advise that we will be honoured by the

presence of one of Irelands most successful businessmen,

Sir Gerry Robinson ( former CEO of Granada) who will

speak to the delegates on Sunday.

SANTA IS COMING TO

KILCULLY

On the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th & 8th Decem

ber

Santa will be op

en to Visitor

s in Kilcu

lly. To

ensure Santa ca

n meet all w

ho wish to

come and

visit him

, leaders

are asked to

book in

advance

so that g

roups ca

n be alloc

ated a tim

e to arriv

e.

Along with

Santa there will

be an area for

car-

toons, games et

c.

Leaders are a

sked to con

tact Santa’s helper,

Tony

Nation on

(087) 2

757768. The co

st of the visit

will be €10 per c

hild which in

cludes a pres

ent and

a photo.

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GOSFORD ‘89 REUNION

Gala Dinner Armagh City Hotel

Friday 28th August 2009If interested contact Jack Campbell at

e-mail address -

Eringobraghfiveo@aol.com immediately.

We need to know probable numbers attending without delay.

It’s back, the National Events Team Bulletin - NET FORECAST, with Issue 8 Autumn 2008. This year we won’t only be reporting on National Events but we will be including supplements to assist you in running events at local level.This issue focuses on SCOUT COUNTY EVENTS

& THE 2009 CALENDAR OF YOUTH PROGRAMME EVENTS.

NET FORECAST - Issue 8

ENJOY THE READ

All previous issues can be found at http://www.scouts.ie/events/event-gallery/

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New Scout Programme

After National Council we had Jamboree 08, our

Centenary Jamboree. What an extraordinary event!

Despite atrocious weather conditions, and all for

the problems associated with an event of its scale,

large numbers of our members had an exceptional

Scouting experience. The memories will live on

for many years and will, no doubt, sustain many of

our youth members to go on to be leaders in their

communities and perhaps in Scouting in the future.

All of the Programme Development Team played

their part along with hundreds of others to bring

alive an active and diverse programme for all of

those who attended the Jamboree. Well done to

all.

Well, with Jamboree08 over, the focus has returned

to getting the new Youth Programme ready for

implementation. There is a lot going on and still a

lot to do, so we welcome the opportunity to share

a brief overview with you in this eZine.

Early in November the National Youth Programme

Committee reviewed progress and so did the

National Management Committee, a copy of the

report which they reviewed is included in this

publication here for your information.

Much work is still required to finalise materials

and to prepare the organisation for implementing

the new youth programme. During November

an Open Call issued to the Association inviting

those interested in participating in this work

to volunteer. The working method will involve

a Working Weekend each month from January

through June 2009, with additional work between

meetings via email. Some preparatory work

continues through to end of December and there

will be some orientation and team-forming at the

January Working Weekend. A copy of the Open Call

appears later in this publication.

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Two item of significant importance for the new youth

programme are the proposed age ranges and Section

Names. A questionnaire was sent to all Scout Groups

during November. The purpose of this questionnaire

is to provoke a discussion on the factors which should

be considered when deciding on both of these items.

Each Group is invited to submit three completed

questionnaires to reflect the views of its members.

Groups are invited to organise discussion via Group

Council and the youth involvement fora at Group

level to enable the completion of this important

questionnaire. Completed Questionnaires must arrive

at Head Office not later than midday December 31st

2008. A copy of the invitation to participate in this

consultation is included in this publication.

A short overview of the new youth programme for

Scouting Ireland (the new Scout Programme) is

included below. So too is a response to a number of

questions which have been posed in recent weeks.

The sessions of the new Scout Programme at the

recent Commissioners Conference provided a good

opportunity for County Programme Coordinators

to explore the new Scout Programme, to consider

some of the programme components and to

examine how to support Groups when they start the

transition to the new programme. Not all County

Programme Coordinators were able to attend the

conference so it has been decided to invite all

County Programme Coordinators to attend a similar

session in Larch Hill on January 9th.

This coincides with the start-up of Working

Groups and CPCs are most welcome to join in for

the weekend or simply to attend for the day on

Saturday.

If you have any comments or observations

about this update please send them by email to

progdev@scouts.ie or call one of the Programme

Development Staff at Head Office. They are; Colm

Kavanagh, Karol Quinn, Canice Curtis and Gillian

Keogh . The number at Head Office is 01 4956300.

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Stream Done OutlookPilot Groups Summary of feedback circulated

All invited to a meeting in LHOutcomes circulated

Invite to participate in Working Week-ends Start Network

Communication Meeting of CPCs at Commissioners Conference, good input received

Suggested Terms of Reference for Communications Work Streams received

Organise an open call for help with the work

Organise another meeting of CPCs in Jan-Feb

Organise for ramp up in January

Personal Challenges Proposed as a focus item for Nov Working Weekend

Put in context based on feedback prior to work commencing on youth handbooks

Adventure Skills Work started on determining Stages within each Level

Review Stages, detailed requirements, reference documents & mapping to external standards

Develop a short paper explaining this aspect before Christmas

Special Interest Badges Scheme outline completed, examples listed and samples projects being documented

Complete this work before Christmas

Activity Sheets 5 in progress, incorporating Adventure Skills

Complete this work before Christmas

Design Badges Met with Sea Scout team, they are putting people on the water-based Ad-venture Skills teams and on the youth handbook work stream

Proposal from the Sea Scout team re-garding future for their special badges

Some further work required to capture their Symbolic Framework

Age ranges & Section Names Discussion paper and questionnaire prepared, for issue immediately

Returns due by end of December

Analysis in January

Proposals for first NC mailing

Under 7’s Being pursued by Programme Com-missioner for Beavers

Consider in context of work on Youth Handbooks

Policy & Guidelines List produced at last NYPC meeting Work needed

Training Adults Met with Training Commissioner Establish plans & target datesSection Handbooks Proposed as a focus item for Dec

Working WeekendAgree contents & identify gaps

Adult Manual Nothing done on this yet Circulate to a few for review

Implementation & Support Teams Agreed to meet with Sean Farrell to discuss role of staff

Organise first meeting of this work stream at January Working Weekend

Progress Report - November 2008Update on progress since start of October 2008, as well as outlook to year end.

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Dates & Location Purpose Attendance

November 15-16Aughrim St. Scout Hall

Focus on Learning Objectives & Personal Challenges

PDT, NYPC, some others

December 13-14Aughrim St, Scout Hall

Focus on Youth Handbook contents & gaps

PDT, NYPC, some others

January 9-11Larch Hill

Familiarisation, and forming Work Streams, preliminary work in Work Streams

PDT, NYPC, people from open call, Steering Committee

February 20-23Larch Hill

Working in Work Streams PDT, NYPC, Work Streams, Steer-ing Committee

March 13-15Larch Hill

Working in Work Streams PDT, NYPC, Work Streams, Steer-ing Committee

April 10-12Larch Hill

Working in Work Streams PDT, NYPC, Work Streams, Steer-ing Committee

May 8-10Larch Hill

Working in Work Streams PDT, NYPC, Work Streams, Steer-ing Committee

June 12-14Larch Hill

Working in Work Streams PDT, NYPC, Work Streams, Steer-ing Committee

Working Weekends 2008-2009

We anticipate that Trainers working on Transition Training and revising existing courses will join the Working Weekends, likewise those developing an approach to implementation and support.

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Invitation to participate in work towards implementation of the new youth programme

4 November 2008

Re: Open Working methods to finish work on the new youth programme

Dear Scouter

As you know, National Council in June 2008 made some major decisions regarding the Association’s new youth programme.

National Council decided that

A child’s Stages of Development would be used as a basis for the new youth programme.The youth programme will start at 6 years of age and end generally at 20yrs 365days.The programme would include Personal Challenges appropriate to the child’s age and stage of development.Each young person should be able to pursue Adventure Skills.Each young person should be able to pursue Special Interest Badges.The Outdoor Adventure Store will ensure an adequate supply of badges during the transition period.The programme material will be based on age ranges decided by National Council.Age ranges need not be consistent throughout all Groups in the organisation.Two major items NOT decided upon at last National Council were - Age ranges and Section Names. Earlier this week, we commenced a consultation process on both of these important issues. We will analyse the results of that process during the month of January.

In the absence of a clear direction on these 2 important items, we are progressing as much preparatory work as possible up to the end of December. We are proposing to start more open and conclusive working weekends from January through June to finalise such maters as: contents of youth handbooks, badge design, policy & guidelines, implementation planning & support arrangements. The Training Team is also starting as push to complete their work to prepare suitable training materials.

If you are interested in joining the working groups during the period January through June please drop a line to progedv@scouts.ie indicating which area you would be willing to assist with.

Yours in Scouting

Kiernan GildeaChief Commissioner (Youth Programme)

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Invitation to participate in survey on views relating to selecting age ranges & Section Names

2 November 2008

Dear Scouter

As you know, National Council in June 2008 made some major decisions regarding the Association’s new youth programme.

National Council decided that

A child’s Stages of Development would be used as a basis for the new youth programme.The youth programme will start at 6 years of age and end generally at 20yrs 365days.The programme would include Personal Challenges appropriate to the child’s age and stage of development.Each young person should be able to pursue Adventure Skills.Each young person should be able to pursue Special Interest Badges.The Outdoor Adventure Store will ensure an adequate supply of badges during the transition period.The programme material will be based on age ranges decided by National Council.Age ranges need not be consistent throughout all Groups in the organisation.With these decisions, the National Youth Programme Committee and the Programme Development Team have been busy during the past few months mapping out a planned course of action which will bring the final programme to fruition early next year.

Two major items NOT decided upon at last National Council were – Age ranges and Section Names. Following discussions with County Programme Coordinators and County Commissioners at the recent Commissioners’ Conference in Carlow it was decided to consult with each Group in the Association on these two major issues.

Could I ask you to read the enclosed documents very carefully, work through the suggested process, and let us have your Group’s views on these two major issues? Please note in particular the description in Section 3 in relation to the number of completed questionnaires each Group may submit.

The closing date for receipt of completed questionnaires is 31 December 2008.

Yours in Scouting

Kiernan GildeaChief Commissioner (Youth Programme)

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The new youth programme for Scouting Ireland has been designed using a number of key underlining principles;

Fulfilment of the aims of the Scouting • The use of the Scout Method • One programme for all age ranges, • Youth Participation within the planning •

processIndividual personal journeys/experiences•

One Programme for all The principle of ‘”One Programme” means that the programme is similar in all age ranges. All Sections incorporate Patrols and Patrol Leaders. Documentation is designed to appeal to the age range of the Section but presents the same concepts to young people in appropriate graphics and language. Badges are also similar for all Sections, with the Section being represented by a distinguishing colour in the background or border.

The Scout Method The Scout Method will be used for all age ranges, it is THE way that all young people in Scouting participate in our youth programme. The Scout Method has eight components which are equally important and, together, they make Scouting what it is. It is through the use of the Scout Method that Scouting achieves its aim; helping young people to develop. The components of the Scout Method are: Scout Law & Promise, adults and young people working together, learning by doing, service and commitment, personal progress, symbolic framework, working in small groups and nature & the outdoors.

The Aim of Scouting The Aim of Scouting is to support young people in all aspects of their personal development: Social, Physical, Intellectual, Character, Emotional and Spiritual. These elements are known as the “SPICES” and are deeply integrated into the programme experience via the Scout Method, personal progress awards and activities designed and organised by young people.

Programme creation Young people are fully involved in the creation and management of their Scouting experience. This is done in Patrols and is overseen by the Troop Council. Young people in Scouting suggest, design and implement their own adventures and experiences assisted and supported by Adult Scouters. This collective experience is the Scout Programme.

The Personal Journey Every Scout is responsible for their personal journey and their experience in Scouting and so each Scout plays a hand in designing and planning that journey. The personal journey is expressed as a series of personal challenges which draw a young person to explore the SPICES and enable them to develop by participating in the Scout Programme.

The programme that the Scouts design, with the help and assistance of Scouters, follows a simple process: PLAN, DO, REVIEW. Activities are planned and executed; then the whole process is reviewed. The review process is an important aspect because it allows young people to learn by doing, to reflect on what has been learnt and to carry this knowledge through to the next programme cycle. The review and reflection process is an important part of the personal journey for young people. It allows them

An overview of the new Scout Programme

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to position themselves on their chosen path and provides them with pathways to future discoveries and experiences.

Recognising progression There are three types of recognition awards, available to Scouts, each is recognised by specific badges. They are:

Progression Awards and Treo Award• Adventure Skills Awards • Special Interest Badges •

Progression Awards and Treo AwardProgression Awards recognise a young person’s progress along their personal journey in Scouting, in other words their personal development. A young person in Scouting receives a Progression Award to show that they have participated actively in the Scout Programme for a period of about a year. It is not based on individual tests but rather on the concept of bringing young people “one step forward”. For some young people this will be easy, while for others it will be more challenging, the important thing is that they “Do their Best”. For this reason, Adult Scouters need to be fully aware of “where each Scout is at” so they can have a fuller understanding of how far that Scout has travelled at each particular stage.

When a young person arrives at the end of the Scout Programme in the oldest Section they receive the Treo Award. This has been designed as a neckerchief badge which they are entitled to wear for life if they choose to continue as an adult member of the association.

Adventure Skills AwardsAdventure Skills Awards set prescribed and detailed requirements for young people, encouraging them to achieve a set standard in one or more Adventure Skills. The requirements are progressive through each age range and ultimately pave the way to outside recognition by an external governing body for each Adventure Skill (where such a body exists). There are currently 9 Adventure Skills at 4 Levels and we are investigating the feasibility of introducing “Stage Badges” to recognise progress towards each Level.

Special Interest Badges Special Interest Badges provide young people in Scouting the opportunity to introduce their own special interests or hobbies into their own Scout Programme. Each Scout may choose any topic and will undertake to improve their knowledge and skills in relation to that topic. There is no set “Grade” for any Special Interest Badge, each Scout will elect the level they wish to strive for, they may of course select a definite achievement level which is recognised in its own right, such as an external certificate or other recognition award. There are 6 Special Interest Badge areas: Skill, Physical, Adventure, Community, Environment and Social (SPACES). Some of these areas align directly to the Presidents Award and the Duke of Edinburgh Award; so, if properly organised, the effort spent pursuing some specific Special Interest Badges may also count towards one of those awards.

The role of the Scouter The role of the Adult Scouter is one of assisting, supporting, facilitating, motivating, being a role model; it not meant to be a directive role. Younger age ranges will require more facilitation and direction but this should be modified through the Sections so that the Scouter becomes a “mentor” or “coach” to young people in the older age ranges. The Scouter needs to be aware of each young person; they should understand “where s/he is” in relation to their personal development. Scouters will support young people to review their activities and will help young people to reflect on their experiences and their personal journey in Scouting.

Background and support materialThe background materials and prototype handbook materials used to date in the Pilot Scheme are available for download from the Programme 2008 website at www.programme2008.ie

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Q How can we work on materials for the

new Scout Programme when the age ranges and

Section Names are not decided?

A Because the new Scout Programme is a

single programme from 6 years through to 20 years

and 364 days, we are able to complete much of the

work on the programme components. For Example;

We are reviewing the wording of the •

examples we had produced for all personal

challenges, we are also reconsidering how their

part in the programme should best be described in

the Youth Handbooks

We are attempting to present each Level •

of each Adventure Skill is a number of Stages so

that each Scout can receive recognition for their

progress on a more frequent basis than previously

envisaged, we are also finishing the job of mapping

the detailed requirements to external certification

levels

We are in the process of preparing a •

number of example topics for Special Interest

Badges, we are also documenting a number of

worked samples for some of these topics

We plan shortly to start work examining •

the proposed content for the Youth Handbooks and

creating suitable text to fill any gaps

This will leave us best positioned to finalise •

work promptly once a decision is made by National

Council on age ranges and Section Names.

Q There seems to be a lot fewer badges

available in the new Scout Programme, than we

used to have, why is this?

A In fact the new Scout Programme has the

following badges and awards:

• Section Badges, a young person will receive

the relevant badge on their Investiture into each

Section.

• Progression Awards, a young person in

Scouting can receive one of these every year they

are involved in the Scout Programme, from age 6

years through to 20 years and 364 days.

• Treo Award, presented to a young person

when they have reached the end of the Scout

Programme in the oldest Section.

• Adventure Skills Awards, a young person

may qualify for 4 Levels in 9 Adventure Skills

throughout the Scout Programme from age 6 years

through 20 years and 364 days. If the current work

in relation to Stage Badges is successful then there

are likely to be 3 separate Stage Badges within

each Level for each Adventure Skill.

• Special Interest Badges, in each Section a

young person may pursue up to 6 separate Special

Interest Areas and may receive recognition for up

to 3 separate projects in each area.

So the number of possible badges for any Scout

who joins at age 6 and continues with the Scout

Programme through to 20 years and 364 days is

138 (Section:4, Progression:15, Treo:1, Adventure

Skills:36, Special Interest:72). If Stage Badges are

introduced for Adventure Skills then the number

becomes 210.

In practise each discrete badge is intended to

be replaced by the next higher-level of the

Some recent questions answered

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same badge, so at any time it is envisaged that an

individual Scout could be wearing 17 badges for

the new Scout Programme on their shirt: (Current

Section:1, Current Progression level:1, Current

Adventure Skill level:9, Current Special Interest Badge

status:6).

It should be noted that badge design ,as well as policy

and guidelines for wearing badges has not yet been

decided by the National Youth Programme Committee

(NYPC), so the above numbers should not be seen

as definitive, but rather as an indication of current

thinking.

Q The Special Interest Badges seem to be

quite like Merit Badges, but why are we not

planning for a separate badge design for each

individual pursuit?

A The idea of Special Interest Badges is to

encourage each young person in Scouting to pursue

their personal development through specific things

which are of interest to them. There are 6 specific

areas: Skill, Physical, Adventure, Community,

Environment and Social (SPACES). Each young person

may choose a topic in any of these areas to qualify for

a Special Interest Badge. Examples will be provided

so as to fuel the imagination and to help those who

might have a problem choosing.

A Specific badge will be designed to represent each

area. It is envisaged that the badge for each area will

be distinguished by a particular background colour

for each Section. Also a method will be incorporated

to recognise a second and a third Special Interest

Badge in an area in a particular Section. In short,

each young person may earn up to 3 awards for

each Special Interest Badge in each Section and the

badges will show which areas they have pursued and

how many times they have pursued each area.

Because the range of topics is not limited, it would

be impossible to develop a badge design for every

topic a young person might choose. Indeed, if we

were to develop specific badge designs for some

topics and not for others then we might inadvertently

end up encouraging young people to choose those

topics for which we had designed badges, rather than

they selecting topics which have most relevance for

themselves.

Q Could we have Adventure Skills Awards for

a few more pursuits please?

A The criteria for an Adventure Skill is an

active, largely outdoor-based skill which:

• Provides challenge and the opportunity to

learn at all ages from 6 years through 20 years and

364 days

• Leads to a recognised level of adult

competence

• Facilitates the full use of the Scout Method

• Enhances and reinforces the Image of

Scouting Ireland

Many of the specific suggestions made in recent

months about additions do not meet these criteria

and could more appropriately be undertaken as

Special Interest Badges.

There is a lot of work still to do to get ready for

the implementation of the new Scout Programme

nationally and at this time there is not a plan to

develop any more Adventure Skills Awards prior to

the launch. It may be feasible, however, to develop

some such additional awards in due course.

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Q There seems to be a lot of different

terminology and a different way of working with

the new Scout Programme, how will this work

for Groups starting out?

A Over the next few months the content of

the prototype Youth Handbooks will be reviewed

to take account of feedback from the Pilot Groups.

Any gaps will be identified and filled and the

verbal and graphical style will be modified in

some places. The objective is to ensure that the

Youth Handbooks along with Transition Training for

Scouters will enable all Scout Groups to understand

and to quickly get to use the new Scout Programme

effectively once they start their implementation.

Q 6 year olds and 20 year olds will

obviously work a bit differently with the Scout

Method due to their age and level of maturity,

how will this be tackled?

A All aspects of the Scout Method as well

as all of the programme components will be

described in the Youth Handbooks in a manner

which is appropriate for the age range for each

Section. This means that work done prior to

National Council in March will need to be revisited

afterwards to ensure it is lined-up with the age

ranges and Section Names which National Council

will choose.

Q What is happening about Training?

A Work had previously started on developing

a training course, Transition Training to help

existing Scouters understand the new Scout

Programme.

After a short break for the summer months (they

were at Jamboree08 too) the Training Team has

regrouped under the leadership of the newly-

appointed Training Commissioner (Fiona McCann).

Welcome Fiona!

Fiona is committed to ensuring that Transition

Training is available prior to the summer of 2009

and to ensuring that existing training courses are

amended as required to reflect the new Scout

Programme.

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Water Activities Update

LOSS OF T.S. ASGARD II

The news of the loss of “Asgard II” was received with shock and great sadness by all who had ever sailed on her. Many Scouts have enjoyed the “Asgard experience”, especially in the last 10 years, either as a prize in the competition for the Desmond Fortune Trophy, sponsored by the Irish Association of Master Mariners (10 Scouts) or by taking advantage of the “Asgard Challenge” (11 Scouts), or by direct application to Coiste an Asgard for a place (number unknown).

Willie O’Dea, Minister for Defence, announced in the Dáil on October 29, that after a meeting between Coiste an Asgard and insurance company Allianz, tenders for salvaging the vessel would be sought. After consultations a decision will be made whether such an operation will be undertaken or not.

The last Scouts to have sailed on “Asgard II” were Peter Richardson and Ciaran Flood, Ventures from 5th Wicklow (Bray) Sea Scouts, who gained their places through the Asgard Challenge scheme. Their account is given below.

Unfortunately, two Scouts lost out. Aisling Murphy of 3rd Sligo (Rosses Point) Sea Scouts had completed the “Asgard Challenge” during the Summer, and was due to join the ship early in October, and David Kavanagh, a Scouter in 9th Wicklow (Arklow) Sea Scouts had been invited to join an Asgard Watch Leader Course, also in October. We hope that arrangements can be made to provide an alternative activity for these young people.

NO! WE DIDN’T SINK THE ASGARD By Peter Richardson, Venture Scout, 5th Wicklow (Bray) Sea Scouts

The adventure began in Dublin Airport at 4am. We landed in Amsterdam and were picked up by bus and transferred to Den Helder Port to join the “Asgard” crew. Both Ciaran ’Moley’ Flood and I watched the Tall Ships parade – it was fantastic. There were about 50 ships in total.

Next morning it was time for ‘Up and Over’. This is where you climb up the rigging, and is the traditional start to each voyage. We then set sail for Lowestoft in England. We sailed for 2 days solid. Watches were in 4 hour shifts. Next port was Dieppe in France. Again a full day of sailing. We spent the night there and visited the local town.We left Dieppe at ten the next morning and headed to Weymouth in England. We hit some very heavy seas on the way back. It was mad.

We had a lovely day in Weymouth – swimming, climbing to the crows nest and generally having the craic. We had 18 crew from four different countries.Everyone got on really well. We then headed to Falmouth, our final destination, under full sail. It was the best experience I have had so far.

We were very shocked to hear of the sinking of the Asgard on the very next voyage after ours. Just to confirm, we did not leave the tap running or take the bungs with us!! On another note, I hope the Asgard gets raised as I think every Scout should take part in the Sail Training experience.

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Canoeing on the Upper White Nile in Uganda 2008 By Éamonn Ó Ciagáin, Kayak Instructor, 8th Port of Dublin Sea Scouts

Following a very successful first visit to Uganda in 2007, after months of planning and preparation a group of 9 leaders/kayak instructors from Dun Laoghaire Sea Scout Group, returned to Uganda for a Kayak trip on the mighty White Nile. Five of the group had been to Uganda a year ago and their experience had left them longing for a return journey.

We found the way of life in Uganda to be totally different our own. The people were incredibly welcoming and friendly.The White Nile provides 50km of amazing kayaking, divided into 2 sections, called Day 1 and Day 2. The volume of water is enormous and the warm water and blistering sunshine was unlike anything we had experienced. This was a welcome change for our group who were used to scraping down rocky Irish rivers in the middle of winter. The scenery and the wildlife are spectacular.

HAMILL CUP – Junior Seamanship Competition

The Annual Seamanship Competition for under 14s was held this year at the den of 7th Port of Dublin Sea Scouts in Howth Harbour on Sunday 20th September.

Each team consists of 5 Scouts, and progresses as a unit through the various activity bases which include some theory (related to safety, emergency/distress situations, basic boat structure and maintenance, parts of a boat and a sail), and also practical tasks such as rowing a punt pair-oar, anchoring, rowing in a crew in a BP18, rigging a sailing dinghy, pioneering

(building a nautical flagpole and hoisting flags in the correct positions), heaving a line, basic knots.

Results1. 8ú Calafort (DúnLaoghaire) Buíon Manannán2. 5th Port (Dollymount) Wednesday Troop3. 8ú Calafort (DúnLaoghaire) Buíon Fódhla

FRY CUP – Senior Seamanship Competition NINETIETH ANNIVERSARY 1918 - 2008

A Cup for a competition in seamanship was presented by Maj.Gen. William Fry to the Port of Dublin Sea Scout Association in 1918. The first competition was held the same year.

Many details of the competition have changed over the years, to keep up-to-date with changes in water safety rules, advances in radio communications and meteorology, use of new materials in boat construction and repair, etc. But the main section of the event still remains the practical assessment of each team as a boat’s crew.

This year’s competition was held in Dun Laoghaire on 18th October, and five teams participated. Teams consist of 6 Scouts (under 17 years), organised as a boat’s crew, with a coxswain (team leader), 4 oarsmen and a bowman.

Each team is assessed practically as a boat’s crew, and then each crew member is allocated randomly to 2 out of 12 bases, so that the whole crew covers water safety, anchoring, rules for prevention of collision, buoyage, compass, basic chartwork, splices, knots, weather, sail theory, communications and boat maintenance.

18

This year’s results were –1. 5th Port, Dollymount (Wednesday) - Fry Cup, 2. 8ú Calafort, Dun Laoghaire (Fódhla A) – Gráinne Lavelle Trophy 3. 9ú Calafort. Mullach Íde (Dé hAoine)4. 8ú Calafort, Dun Laoghaire (Manannán)5, 8ú Calafort. Dún Laoghaire (Fódhla B)

SCOUT LONG DISTANCE CANOE RACE 2008

This year’s event was on 21 September. Nine Troops entered, three less than last year. Daniel Kennedy, Skipper of 5th Port, was in charge of the organisation. Leaders and Venture Scouts from other Groups and other experienced canoeists and safety personnel acted as starters, “sweepers”, judges and First Aiders, providing rescue and support services on the course and at every weir. It was an exciting and enjoyable event. Weather and water conditions were good

The overall inter-Troop results, based on points in each race –(1st – 4 pts, 2nd – 3 pts, 3rd – 2pts, 4th – 1 pt.) are as follows –

1. 32 Limerick (St. Paul’s) 182. 9th Port (Malahide) Wed 143. 3rd Port (Dalkey) 134. 5th Port (Dollymount) Wed 85. 5th Wicklow (Bray) 76. 8ú Calafort (D’Laoghaire) Fodhla 77. 9th Port (Malahide) Fri 68. 5th Port (Dollymount)Valkyries 39. 8ú Calafort(D’laoghaire)Manann 1

24 HOURS ON A RAFT - Sponsored Challenge by Bray Sea Ventures

On the weekend 25/26 October, five Sea Ventures of 5th Wicklow (Bray) Sea Scouts successfully completed a sponsored challenge to stay for 24 hours on a raft moored in Bray Harbour, to raise money to buy a new rescue boat, for their Group. Unfortunately they had to put up with heavy rain, and gale force winds causing waves to roll into the harbour. However, they completed their challenge and raised much needed funds towards €2500 for the new rescue boat

NEW GROUP DEN FOR 5th PORT OF DUBLIN (DOLLYMOUNT) SEA SCOUTS

In 1950, 5th Port of Dublin Sea Scouts, a city centre Troop in Gardner Street, moved into a very small corrugated iron hut on the Bull Wall, inherited from a Troop which had closed (which had never been more than about 9/12 strong). Over the years the den gradually became a larger and rather ramshackle establishment. With further increasing numbers of Scouts, Cubs and Beavers, and the necessity for better boat storage and workshop facilities, it became obvious that a really radical solution was needed. Flooding due to very high tides a few years ago was the final catalyst to build a new den.

A subcommittee of the Parents and Friends Committee was set up, and worked on the project for some years. The result of their hard work, planning, negotiating and fund-raising is a magnificent new building. This was officially opened on Sunday 2nd November by Eoghan Lavelle, who had been the “Boatswain” (ie SPL) of the Troop in 1950, in the presence of the Chief Scout, Michael John Shinnick, and his predecessor, Martin Burbridge, and a very large gathering of parents, former Scouts, guests and friends from Dublin and the provinces, and from outside as well as inside Scouting.

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One of the highlights of the celebration was the performance of the De La Salle Scout Pipe Band from Waterford, which was very well received and much appreciated, not only by those at the event, but also by people walking on the Bull Wall. During the afternoon the Scouts demonstrated canoeing, rowing in skiffs and punts, and sailing in dinghies and BP18s in the lagoon beside the Sea Scout Den – a good demonstration of a practical Sea Scout programme in action. A compliment to the Group was a “Fly-over” by the Coast Guard helicopter.

Another attraction was the Skiff Race for Lord Mayor’s Cup. This event started many years ago as a Sea Scout race in the Ringsend Rowing Regatta, but eventually became a “stand-alone” event, usually held at the end of the boating season. 5th Port offered to host the event this year as part of the celebrations for the new den. Four crews entered for the Lord Mayor’s Cup, and the results were –

1. 5th Port (Wednesday)2. 8ú Calafort (Mannanán)3. 5th Port (Valkyries)4. 9ú Calafort (Dé hAoine)

The weather for the day was sunny and cloudless, probably the most un-typical and unexpected weather so far this year - how did 5th Port Committee organize that?

NEW SEA SCOUT “SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP”

The Mid-West Sea Scout Special Interest Group (SIG) is a programme held one evening each month, 1 evening a week in May, June and August plus two week-ends, one in June and the second in August. The programme is held in the National Water Activities Centre (NWAC), Killaloe, for Scouts and Venture Scouts who have an interest in Water Activities and would like to supplement their regular scout programme with their parent group. The Sea Scout SIG implements a programme of activities similar to that of a Sea Scout Group, emphasising the water activities aspects of the Scouting Ireland programme. To join, the SIG members must already be members of a Scout Group, be at least 12 years old, have a specific interest in Water Activities and be recommended by their Group Scouter. SIG members will progress through the Scouting Ireland Rowing, ISA Sailing Level 1, 2 and 3 plus Power boating 1 and 2. The members will become eligible to wear the Rowing and Sailing Adventure Trail badges as well as the more specialised badges of the Sea Scout programme as they qualify for Coxswain and/or Power boating. http://www.wateractivities.ie

RMS LEINSTER 90th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION SERVICE

On 10th October 1918, the “Mail Boat” - RMS Leinster - bound for Holyhead, was torpedoed by UB-123 about 15 miles from Kingstown (now Dun Laoghaire), and sank with the loss of 501 out of 771 passengers and crew. One of those lost was John Ross, District Commissioner of the Port of Dublin Sea Scout Local Association, and founder of the 5th Port of Dublin Sea Scout Troop in Marlborough Street in 1916. He was traveling to England for a Scout Commissioners’ Conference. B-P sent a telegram of condolence to the Dublin Boy Scouts.

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A couple of weeks later the UB-123 was lost with all hands after striking a mine in the North Sea on her way home to Germany. The war ended on 11th November.

An Ecumenical Memorial Service for those lost on the “Leinster”, and for the crew of UB-123 was held in St. Michael’s Church, Dun Laoghaire at midday on 10th October 2008. The church was full to capacity with relatives, the Garda Band, representatives of Dun Laoghaire harbour and local authority, Maritime Institute, local school choirs and Naval Service personnel. Sea Scouting was represented by Sea Scouts from 5th Port (Dollymount) and 8th Port (Dun Laoghaire). After the Service there was a procession down to the waterfront at the harbour to lay wreaths at the “Leinster” Memorial.

TRAINING

Navigation Courses. A course in Coastal Navigation (ISA recognized) for Leaders started at the end of September, and continues at the Sea Scout den, West Pier, Dun Laoghaire on Monday nights until March, with a break for Christmas holidays. These courses have been run almost every year since 1976

A similar course will take place for Scouts in Transition Year, in the form of two full school-week modules during term time, one before, and the second after Christmas. Scouts must have permission from their parents and their school authorities to attend. Course Completion Certificates are sent to the schools. Practical exercises afloat in Dublin Bay area are arranged in the Summer Term for those who complete the theory course.

Powerboating. A Safety Boat course was held in mid-September in Dun Laoghaire. Further Level 2 Power and Safety Boat Courses are being planned.

VHF Radio A course for the Short Range Certificate in Radio Telephony was run in Malahide on 1/2 November by Brian O’Daly, 2nd Kerry (Tralee) Sea Scouts, who is a certified radio instructor. There were 9 participants, from 7th Port (Howth) and 9th Port (Malahide). An examiner from the Maritime Mobile Service examined the candidates after the course and all were awarded the certificate.

Sailing The ISA has revised its Small Boat Sailing Scheme, and has made some fairly radical changes. These were originally presented for consideration at the Instructors’ Seminar held in Schull at the beginning of March, which was attended by four instructors from Scouting Ireland. Since then the proposals have been refined, and are now coming into force. The ISA is arranging meetings of Sailing School Principals and Instructors around the country to introduce and discuss the revised scheme. The first such meeting was in the Royal Irish Yacht Club on 4th November, and was attended by two Sailing Instructors from Scouting Ireland. A certain amount of re-training will be required to implement the changes efficiently.

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Fellow Scouts,

At the 2nd Venture Scout Moot 2008, it was decided by Venture Scouts that their programme would benefit from focussing on specific issues for given periods of time. By venturing into communities to try to affect some of the same changes, it was felt, that the true aims of Venture Scouting could be achieved.

The Venture Scouts present agreed that disability and the issues surrounding it, both inside and outside of Scouting, would be the first theme promoted to Venture Scouts nationwide.

Letter from the Venture Commissioner

The programme resource pack on “Scouting & Disability - Accessibility & Involvement” is available now online at http://www.scouts.ie/ventures/accessibility/ or http://www.scouts.ie/ventures/ with Scouting for All - Reaching Out, a guideline. Venture Scouts will be encouraged to take on projects in their communities, resulting in profound change nationwide when all efforts are added together.

Having resolved, at National Council 2008, to implement a renewed programme in 2009 based on personal challenges, adventure skills and special interests, I remain committed to providing resources to ensure that senior programme prospers in the interim. I hope that this pack will provide Venture Scouts with renewed inspiration for the next year.

The Programme Commissioner (National Events) will support this initiative with the National Events VIBE and VMOOT in 2009. VIBE is designed to act as a checkpoint during the programme year, where Venture Scouts can share their experiences in a fun and supportive environment. VMOOT is the celebration of individual groups’ projects in the already legendary VMOOT style at the project fair, alongside the adventurous day trips, external workshops and VMOOT ball.

It is essential that all Venture Scouts have the opportunity to engage with this initiative so that they can drive change in their community and in their own personal development.

Yours in Venture Scouting

Steve

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December 2008

Hi all welcome to Cubs Corner!

As we all know it has been really, really cold and frosty for the past few weeks, our native birds and wildlife have had a tough time finding food in the harsh weather. Here are a few ideas that you could use to make sure that the birds and small animals get something to eat.

• If you have nuts left over from Halloween – put them under bushes and on branches – the squirrels will love them!• Birds love crusts and crackers - so don’t throw them in the bin – put them outside for the birds.• A saucer of fresh water will provide a drink and a bird bath for little Robins and Starlings.• Make a bird feeder and hang it in your garden.

As well as the weather being cold and frosty, the evenings have gotten really dark so you must be sure to stay safe when you are out and about. Read about how you, your friends and family can stay safe on the roads. Be sure to always wear a reflective arm band when you are out walking so that passing cars can see you.

I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas and remember ……..Cubs Rock!

Annette

“Bless us Lord, this Christmas, with quietness of mind;Teach us to be patient and always to be kind>”

Cubs Corner

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Bird Feeder

You will need:

• 1 packet of cooking fat or lard• A small cup of peanuts (not salted) or raisins• Linseeds (or any type of small seeds)• A mixing bowl • A big plate• 120 cm of sisal • 1 scissors• 1 small tray

How to make your bird feeder:

• Cut the sisal into 4 pieces each measuring about 30cm’s• Mash the cooking fat in the mixing bowl until it is soft (like plasticine)• Add in the peanuts or raisins and mix – use your hands!• Take about a handful of the mixture and mould it onto the bottom half of one piece of sisal - say about 10cm’s • Put the linseeds onto a plate and spread them out• When the mixture is moulded onto the sisal roll it in the linseeds so that the mixture is covered with the small seeds• Place this on the tray • Repeat moulding the mixture onto the sisal and rolling in the linseeds until you have used up all the mixture and the sisal• You should have four feeders on your tray• Put the tray into the fridge and leave to set overnight • The next day you can hang your feeders from a branch or a fence but make sure to get an adult to help when you are hanging up your feeders and make sure that they are out of the reach of any cats!

Watch and see how many types of birds visit your feeder.

Can you name the birds that you saw?

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Road Safety

Walking 1. Stop, Look and listen. 2. Don’t try to cross the road between parked cars. 3. Never cross at a bend. 4. If there is a footpath, walk on the right hand side of the road, facing on-coming traffic and keeping as close as possible to the side of the road. 5. Walk in single file if the road is narrow or there is heavy traffic.Cycling • Make sure that other people on the road can easily see you. Wear a reflective belt and bright clothes. It is important to wear suitable clothing when cycling. Make sure that your shoelaces are tied correctly before you begin cycling. • You should wear a helmet. Wear it correctly at all times with the chinstrap buckled. • A bicycle must have a red reflector. At night you need a red rear lamp and a white or yellow front lamp. Reflective armbands and belts are a must. • You should ride in single file to avoid overcrowding the road. You should not try stunt riding or giving passenger lifts.On the bus• Take care as the bus comes to close to the stop - stand well in on the footpath or grass verge. • Wait for the bus to come to a complete halt before going toward the door. • Don’t push when you are getting off the bus. • While waiting for the bus to pull away, stand well in on the footpath or the grassy verge. • Don’t walk in front of or behind the bus - wait for it to move.In the car• Always wear your seatbelt - Front and back.

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Welcome Back to North East Provincial News!

6th Monaghan Investiture

The province was delighted to see the investiture of 6th Monaghan, a new group in the Cavan/Monaghan Scout County. On the night there were 11 Leaders, 30 Beavers and 30 Cubs invested. It is great to see those numbers in a rural group like 6th Monaghan Killanny/Inniskeen. The Group Leader, Paddy Martin, thanked everyone involved in helping set up the group especially the very dedicated leaders of 6th Monaghan. The group hopes to start up a Scout Section by the end of scouting year. The province wishes to congratulate the group on a very successful investiture.

National Trainers Conference

The province will be hosting the National Trainers Conference for 2009 which is happening on the weekend of the 17th and 18th of January in The City North Hotel, which is situated just off the M1 outside Drogheda.Also we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Fiona McCann on being voted in as the new National Training Commissioner. We are sure that Fiona will bring a lot of knowledge and experience to this role that the whole association will benefit from. The new Training Calendar for Spring 2009 will be sent out in the next couple of weeks and will be put up on the Provincial Webpage.Scouting Leadership Course

North Eastern Provincial News

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Date Location TimeWednesday 14th of January Brackenstown Scout Den,

SwordsEvening: 7:15 – 10:15

Wednesday 4th February Navan Scout Den Evening: 7:15 - 10:15 Thursday 5th of March Mullingar, Westmeath Evening: 7:15 – 10:15

Over 30 Leaders participated in this course which was lead by Sinead Bermingham in Mornington on the weekend of 17th – 19th of October. This is a very prestigious course as it is the culmination of Woodbadge Training System. All participants are now working on their Woodbadge Project and we look forward to presenting their beads in the very near future. Well done to all involved in the course team and to each and every participant.

Two County Commissioners Resign

Two County Commissioners have resigned recently Danielle McGoldrick in Átha Cliath 15 and Robert Kennedy in Fingal. Both Counties were disappointed to lose their commissioners but thanked them both for all that they did during their tenure. Temporary administrative arrangements have been put in place in both counties and they will hope to elect new County Commissioners in January.

Provincial Programme Idea Workshops:

The Province are in the process of running Programme Workshops throughout the Province. The 1st workshop was run in 3rd Monaghan Carrickmacross Scout Den and the feedback was very positive. Below are the dates, times and locations of the remaining Workshops.

To book these workshops download the booking form from the provincial webpage and send it to James Fox. Maximum capacity for each workshop is 32 Leaders and the remaining workshops are filling up fast so book now so not to miss out. Check the provincial webpage for more information on the workshops.

Provincial Sectional Challenges/Events:

These Challenges plan to push the section outside their comfort zone a bit with challenge and adventure being the main aspects of the activity. The agreed dates and events would be:

Section Description Date LocationBeaver Small hike in the town

with fun games on the way

14th of March Drogheda

Cub Orienteering Course in Dublin

28th February/1st March

Dublin

Scout Night Hike with bases on the way around

23/24 May Kingscourt

Venture Provincial Venture Challenge

8/9/10 May Boyne Valley, Co. Meath

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There will be a prequalifier for all sections run in your county and the top three teams will sent on to the provincial challenge. For more information, check out the provincial webpage.

Provincial Summer Camp 2009

Next summer the province plans to run a camp for scouts from around the province form the 3rd to the 7th of July in Portlick Campsite, that’s situated outside Athlone, Co. Westmeath. This camp is geared towards scout sections that don’t traditionally have an annual camp. The dates for this camp are from the 3rd to the 7th of July. More information on this camp can be found on the provincial webpage.

New Groups/New Sections

The province is in the process of reopening a scout group in Virginia, Co. Cavan. The leaders have done their basic training and are ready to register youth members early in the New Year, so watch this space!

There are many groups around the province starting to open new sections in their groups. One of which is 5th Cavan Cootehill who plan to launch a cub and maybe scout section in the new year with help from the county and province.

If there are any groups out there who feel that they are ready to open a new section and aren’t sure how to go about it, please contact your county or province.

Keep up to date with Provincial News and events by regularly checking the North Eastern Provincial Webpage on www.scouts.ie. This has recently been updated and includes things such as: current training calendar, Booking form, provincial directory, up and coming events in each county and much more. If any group wants a report of an event that they took part in you can forward this along with a few pictures to James Fox on jfox@scouts.ie for inclusion on the website.

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Castlesaunderson The Last Chance

The Castlesaunderson Committee, which was elected by the NMC on the 30th June 07, had a raft of meetings to formulate proposals in conjunction with Cavan County Council, for the Development of the Campsite At Castlesaunderson..

The County manager of Cavan County Council, Mr Jack Keys, personally attended these meeting and the following actions were agreed:

• Scouting Ireland to examine the possibility of providing a facility/campsite on part of the grounds of Castlesaunderson.

• In so doing, details of proposed facilities required by Scouting Ireland to be produced.

• Cavan County Council will carry out preliminary analysis of the site.

• It will carry out more detailed analysis following receipt of details referred to above.

• It will investigate current possibilities in relation to Cross Border Funding as will Scouting Ireland.

Biggest Ever Investment In Scouting Ireland

To be given to Castlesaunderson

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• Scouting Ireland will attempt to finalise arrangements with Coillte re land acquisition, agreement on use of adjacent Coillte lands etc.

The Support Officer for Campsites and Facilities, Damien O’Sullivan, prepared and submitted plans and costings to the Committee and Cavan County Council for agreement and for use in preparing Funding Applications. Coillte were written to, to request a reinstatement of the previous agreement on the original Castlesaunderson project.

In relation to Cross Border Funding the joint committee agreed to apply for 2 strands of grants knowing that if one was successful the other would fall so we had 2 bites at the cherry.

At the Committee meeting on the 15th August 07, it was agreed that an application would be made to ICBAN for funding for a smaller scale Castlesaunderson Camp Site based on our proposal In March 2008, Jack Keyes, Cavan County Manager contacted National Office and indicated that the council had applied to the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation 2007 – 2013 Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland (Peace III) under Priority 2 Contributing to a Shared Society, Measure 2.1 Creating Shared Public Spaces

There was no guarantee that funding would be received but funding, if it became available may be 100% and the acquisition of funding may be facilitated by the active partnership of Cavan County Council on the project.

The agreed joint campsite proposals

• 30 acre site • Tarmac access road to be built terminating in tarmac car park area with capacity for 200 vehicles. • Camping areas to be developed with drainage and levelling of ground with water points• Sewage treatment facility to be provided with sufficient capacity to cater for 1,000 persons on site• Toilet Block and Shower Block with sufficient capacity to cater for 1,000 persons on site.• A wet weather Shelter Similar to Crawfordsburn.• An indoor accommodation block to be built with a capacity for 26 - 30 persons, not unlike the recent construction design in Larch Hill• A campsite reception building to accommodate office space and living quarters for at least 6 volunteer staff.• Storage/Garage facility for equipment The Work Continued

Over the following 7 months various meetings took place with all parties in relation to funding, Working out the details of the sale, Meeting various politicians both sides of the border to gain support, Meetings with Coillte to sort out access and numerous meetings with Cavan county council to draft replies from the funders in relation to various questions raised.

First indication It was going to be good news

In late August just after my return from the Jamboree we were informed verbally byThe manager of Cavan County Council who indicated that news on the securing of the Grant from the above Fund was imminent and he anticipated that the announcement could occur by mid-September 2008. He was also optimistic that the maximum amount sought of €3,000,000 will be received as to date he had not received any negative feedback. He also indicated the announcement would more than likely be made by Mr Brendan Smith the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and that the announcement would take place in Cavan.

As you would well imagine this was cause for great celebration among the Sub Committee but nothing could be said until the letter of offer was received and the announcement made.

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Chief scout and Minister Brendan Smith

The Official Announcement

Left to Right Back Row Jack Keyes Co Manager Cavan County Council, Johnny Hancox Member of Sub Committee, Pat Colgan Peace III, Eamonn Lynch Ceo SI, John Quigley Sub Committee,Front Row Michael John Shinnick Chief Scout, Minister Brendan Smith TD, Seamus O Reilly Sub Committee, Jimmy Cunningham Chairperson Sub committee, John Scott Sub Committee, Damien O Sullivan Campsite Manager SI

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On Monday 17th Nov at a gathering in the Hotel Kilmore, in Cavan, Minister Brendan Smith TD, accompanied by the Cavan County Manager, and Mr Pat Colgan from Peace III, and the Chief Scout, Michael John, announced that the Castlesaunderson Project, is to receive a total of € 3,052,000 in grand aid, this will be administered through SEUPB, and we are receiving this in partnership with Cavan County Council, who, through the County Manager, Jack Keyes has been very supportive to this project. All this money is to be spent on developing our campsite and the sale of the 70 acres will realize €800,000 to the coffers of scouting Ireland.

The chief scout in his address stated that it has been an aspiration of Scouting Ireland to have at least one National Campsite in each of the provinces. The funding announced today will bring us closer to achieving this aspiration. Scouting Ireland is celebrating a 100 years of scouting in Ireland in 2008, and has a considerable track record of being able to manage and maintain their scouting facilities, this year sees the 70th anniversary of their scout centre at Larch hill.

Cavan County Council and Scouting Ireland are the lead partners in the project with the support of the Northern Ireland Scout Council of The Scout Association.

The proposed 30 acre site will with modern indoor and camping facilities, and located in such a rural setting, be a big addition to scouting in the Northern Province and to Scouting Ireland in general. It is the aim of Scouting Ireland to provide centres of excellence each providing a unique support to the scouting programme, and with the development of Castle Saunderson, there is an opportunity to enhance and fulfil this aim. When completed and open for use the campsite will provide a neutral space in natural surroundings where young people can meet and engage with each other in an interactive and non threatening environment. The programme of outdoor activities will encourage young people, to know their own abilities, the importance of keeping fit, and to find out about the world in which they live. They will help them develop their creative talents, show initiative, demonstrate resourcefulness and ultimately to show respect for each other. All of the activities will have a strong team building emphasis. The Chief Scout also recognised the efforts of the local Provincial Scout Committee in keeping alive the aspirations of this project.

Cavan County Manager Mr Jack Keyes stated in his address thatThe proposed campsite will be primarily for use by young people in Scouting from the eligible area. The main reason why the centre is being developed is to meet the needs of young people in the border areas and to this end it is envisaged that the major usage of the facility will be by people from the area. Negotiations are also underway with a number of youth organisations in the region (including Community Games) who are interested in utilising the facility. Cavan County Council has developed links with youth organisations throughout the southern border counties and Northern Ireland. It is envisaged that the Castlesaunderson development will enable these groups to meet regularly and to engage in deeper cross border work. The campsite will serve as a centre for cross-community interaction, which will lead to reconciliation, dialogue, mutual understanding and respect.

It is envisaged that a small number of national events could be held on the site .The purpose of these events will be to raise the profile of the facility and to attract people to the region who would not normally visit a border location.

The Work Starts here

So where do we go from here. This project will happen very quickly as this project has to be completed by 2010. Already meetings have taken place with the design team from Cavan County Council and members of the Subgroup in regards to designing the facilities that will be put in place on the site. Also meetings have taken place to forward the sale and the legal end of the deal.

Chairpersons Thoughts and Thanks I want to thank all members of The NMC past and present for their patients with this Project. Honestly when I took on the role of Chairperson of the Sub group on Castlesaunderson I Knew it was the poison chalice. This project had a lot of history and scouting had burned a lot of bridges with various Funding bodies. It was always

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going to be a tough challenge to first of all hold back the enthusiasm of the Local scouters in the area who had such a personal attachment to this Project and to try and get scouting Ireland to think outside the box in regards to realizing the value of this site in various different ways. Add to this mix of dealing with a Co Council and the slow way they make decisions didn’t help either.

So when we got everyone together for our first meeting the most optimistic anyone felt in that room was giving this project a 20% chance of succeeding. But I suppose the one thing I clung to leaving that night was the genuine commitment on all sides to make this project work because everyone knew this was the very last chance. As the meetings went by my feeling was that this project was coming together and had a good chance if we could get everyone to give a little. When we got to a draft agreement (after a lot of give and take on all sides) I knew this could work if everything fell into place. I was relieved when I made the presentation to NMC and it was supported by everyone there. This was a brave decision by all especially given the disappointment that had come on all other occasions. But I felt this was the crucial decision taken in the process and instilled in me a great sense of faith in Scouting by everyone concerned and At that stage I knew this was going to work. Work on the application for funding really took off from here and momentum started to build and a lot of work was pulled together in a few weeks to make sure that the Application got sent in on time. Crucial to that was a decision by Scouting Ireland to put in place a Full time campsite Manager and this helped no end to achieving this. When working with a government body such as The Co Council and Funders they like to work with Professional full time people and our appointment of Damien earlier that year was a big element of making this happen. Also the professional relationship built up between the two CEO’s Eamonn and Jack Keyes Cavan CEO went again a long way to securing the funding. Both men trusted one another and that was crucial. So I knew then that this would succeed (it was only a matter of holding our nerve and having faith) it was only a matter of Time because the wheels of Government turn really slow and you have to stay cool and be patient in waiting around for the decision to come. Come it came last Friday when the letter arrived stating that we had secured a grant of slightly over 3 million euro and the dream had come reality. This announcement is the biggest ever investment in Scouting Ireland and gives us all a major boost and is something that in years to come we can all be proud that we played our own little part in. This was a team effort and something that gives me a great sense of achievement. Nearly everyone in scouting Ireland played their part in this from the people who initially took the decision to buy this site, to the members of national council 2 years ago in Kerry who give us a chance to have one last stab at making this work. Also at this year NC after the progress report given we were allowed to proceed without deadlines been imposed. There is so many people that should be thanked but I wouldn’t dare try to list everyone that played their part in making this happen but I would like to think that this effort showed the real strength in scouting Ireland “working as a team rather that individuals does always work better and the results are in all cases better”. I know this site will be used by many thousands of scouts over it’s lifetime and forget about the 3 million we are getting and the €800,000 we are getting for the sale of the 70 acres the real worth of this site will not be measured by Euros but by the many smiles and friendships that will be made while staying in Caslesaunderson. Thanks again to all for their support and this goes to prove that anything is possible if we all move forward as a team. A very happy Chairperson of The Castlesaunderson Sub Group

Jimmy CunninghamProvincial Commissioner North East Province