If you have any feedback on how we can make our new website better please do contact us and we would like to hear from you.
Roscrea Scouts and St Vincent de Paul
Between 6th of December and 20th of December 2011 Roscrea Scouts held a food appeal in aid of the Roscrea Conference of St Vincent de Paul. It turned into a very successful collaboration for both the Group and St Vincent de Paul with many items collected which were distributed to those in need in the run up to Christmas.
The link up between the two began on Tuesday 6th of December when John Lupton of St Vincent de Paul visited Tuesday Beavers and spoke to them on the history of the charity, the local conference in Roscrea and about the types of work they do to help those in need. It was a very interesting talk and the Beavers had lots of questions to ask afterwards.
For the two weeks afterwards members of all our eight sections brought food items to the collection point in the hall and it was great to see that the spirit of charity and desire to help others is very strong within the group as a whole.
On Tuesday 20th of December, the President of St Cronans Conference of St Vincent de Paul, Patricia Gleeson came to the hall to collect the items collected, and to thank the Beavers and the group as whole for their efforts and to assure them that all the items would go to those who needed it most for Christmas.
The group are delighted to have played some small part in helping to make Christmas easier for people in our community. We would like to thank St Vincent de Paul for allowing us to contribute in this way and look forward to hopefully being able to help again in the future.
We would also like to wish all our friends and supporters in the community of Roscrea a very peaceful 2012.
Roscrea Beavers visit Santa in Larch Hill
On Sunday 11th December all three Beaver Colonies from Roscrea Scouts paid a visit to Santa at the National Scout Centre in Larch Hill, Dublin. They left Roscrea at 12.20 and arrived in Larch Hill at 2pm where they had their lunch before been met by some of Santa’s Elves. They sang some Christmas songs and chants before heading off to visit Elf World.
Before arriving at Elf World they bumped into Jack Frost and his son JJ who told the Beavers of their plan to take over Christmas and replace Santa with JJ. Despite their best efforts to trick the Beavers into helping them with their plans they had no luck and eventual had to relent and let them on to Elf World.
Once inside Elf World the Beavers had the chance to take part in some arts and crafts like making snow globes, decorating gingerbread men and face painting. They also got to dip marshmallows in a chocolate fountain and send an email to Santa himself. After spending 20 minutes or so in Elf World it was on to the main event and meeting the man himself.
Once inside Santa’s grotto our Beavers presented him with three sleeping bags, one from each colony, which are to be donated to homeless young people in Dublin. Santa then told our Beavers about how he very nearly had to cancel Christmas when he discovered a few days earlier that Rudolph’s nose had stopped glowing, which unfortunately would mean that he would not be able to find his way around the world on Christmas Eve night, and his efforts which eventually led to Rudolph’s nose starting to glow again.
He told the Beavers that they were all on his nice list and that they would have to go to bed nice and early on Christmas Eve as he expected to be in Roscrea at 9.40 on the night. He told them they had to be asleep because strangely Dasher one of his Reindeer didn’t like children and if he heard one awake he would not stop at the house. After talking to the Beavers for 10 minutes or so he handed out a nice present to each of them.
Over 1200 Beavers from around the country visited Larch Hill over the course of Saturday and Sunday and over 40 sleeping bags were donated for the young homeless in Dublin. Our Beavers certainly had a great day and are all now eagerly anticipating Santa’s visit next weekend.
Pirate Adventure night for Roscrea Beavers
On November 19th Tuesday Beavers of Roscrea Scouts held a pirate themed slumber night in the Scout Den. The Beavers arrived in the hall at 7pm on Saturday night in Pirate costume and prepared themselves for a great nights adventure.
At 7.30 there was an opening ceremony where the Beavers were presented with sashes and a Jolly Roger flag was raised, after which there was an hour of games based around the theme of Pirates. At 8.30 there was a treasure hunt, the Beavers had to locate four clues hidden around the hall and finally a treasure map which eventually led them to a treasure chest filled with chocolate coins and sweets.
At 9pm it was time to relax and watch a DVD and then time for a light supper of soup and sandwiches. In spite of lights out at 11pm this was the first night more than half of the Beavers had ever spent away from home and they weren’t about to miss the opportunity to take full advantage, by the time everyone was asleep it was a bit past 11.
Next morning the Beavers were awake at 8.30 and had breakfast before a closing ceremony and the lowering of the Jolly Roger and then home. A great night was had by all the children with most already looking forward to the next time they get to spend a night away from home.
In other news our Tuesday Beavers also paid a visit to the Ambulance Centre in Roscrea on Tuesday 30th November. They had a great evening been shown around the centre and exploring the Ambulance itself.
Finally big congratulations to Shane Culleton on the news that his Chief Scout Award project was approved by National Office. Shane becomes the second member of the Scout Section to achieve this award in 2011, prior to this year it had been 15 years since the last Chief Scout Awards in the Group. Shane will hopefully be presented with his award in the near future.
Thursday Beavers Slumber Night
Thursday Beavers had a sleepover in the Scout Hall on Saturday the 12th November. A great time was had by all. First activity was a Night Walk around the old sights of Roscrea where the Beavers saw the Rosemary Square Fountain, the Post Office, The Castle/Damer House, The Mall, St Cronan's, The Celtic Cross and the Round Tower, The new Tesco Store (Not that old admittedly), and then up through the car park and down Main Street to go back to the Hall. There were lots of interesting things to see and facts to learn.
On our return to the Hall the Beavers planted their Spring Flowers Garden in an old metal box found in the Scout Yard. We look forward to seeing our Daffodils, Crocuses and Tulips in the Spring. The garden is a new idea and this is the first year we've done it. We have attached signs so people know what it is.
After the garden we played games and had hot chocolate before turning in for the night for a great rest. In the morning we had breakfast before we were collected to go home. What a great night!
Thursday Cubs went on their first overnight of the year in Dundrum Scout Centre on Saturday 12th to Sunday 13th of November. Dundrum provides many different and exciting activities for visiting groups. Whilst there the Cubs got to try out the zip line and assault course, they also played tag rugby and enjoyed themselves in the park.
They also had the opportunity to practice some of their orienteering skills. That evening they got to show off their talents in a game of Cub Scouts got Talent, and also took part in a night hike at 8pm. To round off the night they had a great sing along at their campfire.
The Cubs arrived home at 2pm on Sunday, tired and some a little hoarse from all their singing but after having enjoyed a brilliant first overnight of the 2011 – 2012 Scout year.
Many more overnights and activities are planned for all our sections over the coming weeks and months ahead.
Roscrea Ventures in Achill
In 2011 Scouting Ireland signed an agreement with Gaisce whereby when a Scout or Venture achieves their Chief Scout Award they also qualify for the prestigious Presidents Award. Scouts can also undertake the Bronze Presidents Award when they are 14; the normal starting age for this award is 15. The Roscrea Group currently has 22 members in its Scouts and Venture Sections undertaken their Scout Chief Scout Award / Bronze Presidents Award or Venture Chief Scout Award / Silver Gaisce.
The award involves the Scouts & Ventures undertaking Skill; Physical; Community and Environmental projects over a three to six month period; taking part in an Intercultural Project over a number of days and nights and completing an Expedition.
On the October Bank Holiday weekend 13 Ventures and 4 Leaders headed to Achill Island. After 4 hours on the road in brutal weather we arrived in Achill. After a quick set-up in the Scout Den; it was time for the first hike of the evening – a 9km hike around Dugort. The rain lashed down and at 11pm it was fairly dark; but on the 13 brave Ventures went. After two hours and one or two mishaps in the boggy and sodden ground the hike was over and it was time for a much earned sleep.
Overnight the rain lashed down but thankfully by 8am a let up was in site. After a quick breakfast it was time for the first hike of the day over in Cloghmore. The 13km Atlantic Loop walk with its spectacular scenery was the challenge for the morning. The Ventures were divided into 5 teams of 2 or 3 members and dropped at different points on the hike route. The teams had 4 hours for the hike but walking at a quick pace in windy but thankfully dry conditions each time completed the hike in between 2 ½ and 3 ½ hours. Then it was time for the transfer to Keem on the other side of Achill for the afternoon challenge. En route there was time for a stop in the Beehive restaurant and a much need bowl of soup.
Onto Keem for 2pm where the weather was holding up and an 8km hike in the hills with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. At 5pm it was back to the Scout Den for dinner and then over to the Achill Rovers Football Club for showers. Then it was rest time after a successful Saturday.
Sunday brought an extra hour in bed but it was still an early rise. The teams took two different routes choices – the majority took on the 18km challenge of walking from Dooega over Minaun Hill and down into Keel. The weather was extremely wet and the climb to the top on Minaun was challenging. The rest opted for a 10km walk around Saula near Achill Sound followed by a 8km walk around Keel. After 5 hours of walking everyone completed their hikes (the hill walking team having completed over 20km’s due to a detour due to boggy ground) it was off to Gieltys for a feed of chicken nuggets / burgers and chips.
Then it was back to the centre to chill out for the evening.
Monday brought the last of the hikes – a nice 6km hike around Achill’s deserted village. After the hike it was time to complete the logs, reflect on the weekend and tidy up and hit the road for the four hour journey home.
Well done to the 13 Ventures on completing the Expedition element of their Chief Scout / Gaisce Awards ~ Kalen McNamara, Tommy Ryan, Billy Breen, Sinead Flanagan, Shane Culleton, Eoin Hobbs, Mark Murphy, Niamh Marks, Jack Delaney, Fergal Flanagan, Eoin Cooke, Cillian O’Meara and Kyle Cahir.
As the bell to be used in next year's Eucharistic Congress continues its journey around the diocese of Ireland, it was Roscrea's turn to welcome it to the parish on the evening of Tuesday 25th October. Tuesday Beavers were honoured to be asked to provide a guard of honour for its arrival at the Church.
The Beavers took up their positions at the Belfry on Abbey Street to await the bell. When it arrived at 7.15 a few of them got the chance to ring it before marching from the Belfry to the Church. The procession of the bell and icons which are accompanying it then continued up the centre aisle of the Church with the Beavers following behind to the altar, where they turned and returned down the side aisles.
All the Beavers enjoyed the experience the first of its kind for more than half of them. Roscrea Scouts are always happy to oblige the community in so far as we can for requests to help out on such occasions.
Luke McAndrew describes summer in Kandersteg
Luke McAndrew a Rover Scout in the 6th Tipperary Roscrea Scouts was lucky enough to be selected to go to the famous International Scout Centre in Kandersteg (Switerland) to work as a volunteer staff member for the summer of 2011. In this difficult economic climate the opportunity to gain valuable experience was too hard to pass up. The following article is Luke’s account of his experience.
Kandersteg International Scout Centre – Live the dream! Having spent 3 months of the summer in Kandersteg International Scout Centre, Switzerland (KISC) my love for scouting has been thoroughly renewed. KISC is open every day of the year, 24/7, and welcomes over 11,000 guests from all over the world every year! This summer over 7,000 guests stayed at the centre throughout the 3 months, many of which taught me a great deal about their culture and left me with some very fond memories!
Throughout my season at KISC I worked (though it really didn’t feel like work) with 70 people, from over 27 different countries! Working in such a diverse place allowed me to learn a great deal about different cultures and religion. (Most memorably, never offer an Egyptian a plate of food before 9pm during Ramadan without expecting a stern lecture!) The short term staff team (officially called ‘pinkies’) of the centre, after training, were divided into 3 different departments: Chalet Services (Catering, shop and house), Campsite maintenance and grounds, and Programme (Climbers, hikers and in-camp activity management). I was one of the lucky ones, getting selected to be a hiking guide / climbing instructor, a position which taught me a great deal about group management, alpine geography, mountain leadership and rock climbing! My work gave me the opportunity to spend a great deal of time guiding groups of up to 15 people at a time from all over the world on long hikes in the mountains, and also to teach groups of people the finer points of rock climbing in the Alps!
Despite every member of staff having a specific role in the centre, our work often varied: some days I found myself working in catering, helping catering staff cook for up to 400 people, other days I could be serving people food at a barbeque, where one barbeque involved feeding over 1,100 people! Not every day was hectic however, some days I simply relaxed at the local swimming pool, or took a leisurely hike to the local mountain huts or glacial lakes!
For three months I had the privilege of working in a village of 1,100 people and no police force, simply because crime was not an issue there, in a centre where everyone was a scout and also a volunteer worker.
In the words of Robert Baden-Powell, found of KISC and grandfather of scouting, “the most worth-while thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others”. I believe Kandersteg International Scout Centre puts happiness into the lives of all it’s visitors and staff members, it certainly did for me!
Group Leaders Report to the AGM
2011 saw the 6th Tipperary Roscrea Scouts mark their 40th Anniversary. In April 2010 the Group marked the occasion at an event attended by the Chief Scout and several National, Provincial and County officers of Scouting Ireland. A lot of work was put in getting the historical archives of the Scout Group together during the early part of 2011 and these were displayed in the newly renovated Scout Hall. At 2pm the Chief Scout cut the ribbon on the renovated hall; from there the Group retraced the steps of the first investiture in 1971 with a parade from the Scout Hall to St.Cronan’s Church. The Catholic, Church of Ireland and Methodist communities were all represented at the Scouts Own Investiture and Awards ceremony.
The highlights of the 2010-11 Scout Year were many and varied and a fitting way to mark 40 years of scouting in Roscrea. Highlights included:
The redevelopment of the Scout Hall;
The opening of two new Beavers Colonies on Tuesday and Wednesday nights and one Cub Pack on Tuesday nights
The implementation of the ONE Programme
The securing of grant aid from Laois Partnership and Scouting Ireland in excess of e42,000 for the redevelopment of Srahan Scout Centre
The first Chief Scout Award in some 15 years awarded to Kalen McNamara
National Scout Awards for Sinead Flanagan and Shane Culleton
Annual Camp in Castlegregory with the Eagles PL Jack Delaney winning the Best Patrol on Camp.
6 Members of the Group taking part in the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in Sweden, the first from Roscrea to attend a World Jamboree. Francis Minogue lead the Feoras Troop (one of 15 Irish Troops to go to Sweden) with Kalen McNamara PL; Tommy Ryan PL and Billy Breen APL all members of the Feoras Troop. Brian Shaw attended the Jamboree as a member of the International Service Team and Conor Abbott going to Sweden as part of the pre-build.
Luke McAndrew one of the Rover Scouts spending the summer in Kandersteg International Scout Centre as a Pinkie (Volunteer Staff)
Great Leaving Cert results for the Rovers
Joe Kelly, Gillian Lupton, Brian McNamara and Eoghan Talbot taking part in Scouting Ireland’s tent pitching service at Oxegen raising some e10,000 for charity.
Francis Minogue leading Scouting Ireland’s contingent to the World Scout Conference in Brazil in January.
The first ever Beaver Chief Scout Awards for Clodine Treacy, Aimme Monahan, Kelly O’Meara and Niamh Gegarthy.
The Scout Section coming 1st and 2nd at the first ever Slieve Bloom County Shield
Achieving Gold and Silver with the two Patrol entered in Scouting Ireland’s All Ireland campcraft competition; the Phoenix. With the Gold standard team achieving an amazing 12th place in this very challenging event.
The three Beaver colonies visiting Santa in Larch Hill.
Adult Service and Merit Awards for Caroline Marks, James Marks, Paul Spencer, Sean Delaney and Alwyn Stapleton.
Tuesday and Thursday Cub Packs enjoying Pack holidays to Portlick
Build up Camps to for the World Jamboree in Clane, Faithlegg and Carne
An excellent float and marching party for the St.Patricks Day parade
All three Beaver Scout Sections camping in tents with Tuesday Beavers attending the National Beaver Camp in Larch Hill and Wednesday Beavers doing a second night in the rain in July.
Membership of the Group now stands at some 160 young persons between the age of 6 and 21 across over 8 Programme Sections and supported by some 45 adults. Membership is drawn from the community of Roscrea and neighbouring communities including Borris-in-Ossory, Clonmore, Rathdowney, Moneygall, Shinrone, Kinnity etc etc.
The Group would like to thank the community of Roscrea and all our sponsors for their continuing and vital support.
Roscrea Scouts at the 22nd World Scout Jamboree
6 Members of the Roscrea Group took part in the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in Rinkaby in Sweden during July and August. Over 40,000 Scouts from some 140 countries from all over the world attended the Jamboree which takes place every 4 years. This was the first time that members for Roscrea Scouts ever took part in a World Jamboree and for those who took part it was a never to be forgotten experience.
Conor Abbott travelled to Sweden from Saturday July 16th to Saturday July 23rd to work on the pre-build team of the Jamboree. Conor assisted in the building of the Conquest Assault Course which was part of the Quest programme zone (which was one of four programme zones at the Jamboree which was been run by the Scouting Ireland in conjunction with Scouts from Denmark.
Brian Shaw one of our Rover Scouts who returned to 600 leaving cert points travelled to the Jamboree as a member of the International Staff Team (IST). As IST Brian meet people from all over the world while working on delivering the People Programme Zone.
Francis Minogue travelled as Troop Leader for one of the 15 Irish Troops to attend the World Jamboree. The biggest ever Irish Contingent to travel to a World Jamboree. Each Troop consisted of 36 Scouts and 4 Leaders. All the Irish Troops were called after native Irish trees and our Troop was called Feoras (Spindle Tree). Tommy Ryan, Kalen McNamara and Billy Breen were Scouts in the Feoras Troop with Tommy and Kalen selected from their peers to be Patrol Leaders and Billy Breen selected to be an Assistant Patrol Leader.
The 16 night experience was one never to be repeated and was jam packed with highlights. Highlights included travelling through Dublin Airport; singing on the Airplane; arriving at the campsite to a great Irish welcome at 2am in the morning in the Irish Food house (probably the best food house at the Jamboree); pitching tents as the sun rose; the opening ceremony with Tommy Ryan carrying the National Flag on behalf of the Troop; meeting people from all over the world; sharing an excellent dinner with the Troop from South Africa; digging trenches around the shower block and organising its reconstruction; coming 2nd in the Irish Troops campcraft competition; the Feoras gateway; meeting the Secretary General of WOSM in the Irish House; the Feoras Troop singing, dancing, drumming and playing the bagpipes in the Irish House; meeting the King of Sweden; the camp in camp where scouts experienced true Swedish scouting; the different programme zones; the campfire on the second last night; the different programme experiences; the cultural festival day teaching others irish cooking; the tug-o-war and hurling; relaxing in Kristianstad; bivvying out in a thunder storm; the joint Road Safety iniative with the Greek Scouts; the Irish Camp in Nasby Gard for 4 nights after the main Jamboree; swimming in the Baltic Sea. It was a surreal experience, unbelievable and never to be repeated.
Scouting is a worldwide brotherhood and the good scouting can do was there for all to see at the Simply Scouting World Jamboree in Sweden. The World Jamboree was an experience of a lifetime one full with good fun and great memories. The next World Jamboree is in Japan in 2015 and hopefully Roscrea Scouts will be represented at that event for the first six members of the Group to attend a World Jamboree representing Roscrea and Ireland superbly.
Roscrea Scouts achieve Gold Standard at Scouting’s National Competition
Scouting Ireland’s National Campcraft and Scouting Skills competition (The Phoenix) took place in Pallaskenry in Limerick from Wednesday August 17th to Sunday August 21st. Roscrea by virtue of coming 1st and 2nd in the Slieve Bloom qualifying competition had two Patrols entered in the event. This was Roscrea’s fourth time to enter this event. Throughout the year the Scouts had been working on their skills in preparation for the event.
Leaving Roscrea at 5pm on the Wednesday the two Patrols (Eagles and Badgers) the air of anticipation and excitement was there for all to feel. Practice had gone well and both teams were confident of meeting the challenges ahead. Arriving around 8pm in Pallaskenry to be greeted by a site of some 51 other troops arriving from all over the country. After the opening ceremony it was time to start building the patrol site which consisted of tents; open fires; cookers; constructed table & seating and much more.. The competition inspections started straight away with first the uniform inspection and later the first site build progress inspection. Late on Wednesday evening there was time for a movie on site and then it was off to bed.
It was an early start on Thursday morning to continue with the site build. After lunch it was time for another inspection and then the first of the programme bases/challenges. The challenges consisted of making some of the most complicated knots and making a compass; alpine basket and more besides. After this is was time for the Environmental Project which involved making a water filtration system. Dinner was next. After dinner it was time to head off on the 7km hike to the Curraghchase forrest. After working hard for 24 hours and having to carry a lot of gear the hike was a big challenge. Upon arrival the patrols had to build a bivvy shelter using a plastic tarpaulion to sleep in. Next up was the sub camp campfires with each patrol performing a sketch. Thursday night was the coldest night of the 4 nights.
On Friday morning it was time for more bases and challenges including first aid, obstacle course, pioneering, nature and navigation. Lunch was a welcome break but then it was back to bases including making clay pots; building a friction bridge, semaphore, mapwork, tyre run and building a beacon. With the bases successfully completed it was time for the hike back to Pallaskenry. There was no time to waste with the open fire test meal immediately upon arrival back on the site. Both patrols did an excellent job on test meal the main course for which they only found out what they were to cook less than one hour before the test started. After the test meal there was some relax time and time for the Patrols to meet their leaders.
On Saturday there was another campcraft inspection and then it was time for more programme bases including memory challenges, mathematical puzzles, compass work, pulley bases and map making. On Saturday evening everyone got to relax at the traditional Disco.
Sunday was time for the final inspections and the taking down of the campsite. The nerves were building the Scout Leaders and Ventures had all arrived for the award presentation. All the Scouts had worked hard and despite the fact that it normal takes many years practice to get to the highest Gold standard; which required a score of greater than 80% everyone went in hope to the closing ceremony that after a few short years it was possible that the Roscrea Eagle Patrol would of achieved the highest award. Nerves build in the main hall as the results were called out one by one. Then came news everyone was waiting for Site C10 6th Tipperary Eagle Patrol Gold. Well done to the Patrol lead by Niamh Marks (PL) and Billy Breen (APL) with Shane Culleton, Jack Delaney, Allana Rigney, Shauna Fitzgerald, Eoin Cooke and Fergal Flanagan. Then the wait continuing for the result for the 2nd teams result; the 2nd team (Badger Patrol) had started nervously on Wednesday and Thursday but their experience and skills had started to come through as the event continued and by Saturday they had established themselves as a strong patrol on their sub camp. Then came the great news that Site W8 6th Tipperary Badger Patrol had achieved their challenging target of a Silver standard. The team was lead by Kyle Cahir (PL) and Ciara Lupton (APL) and the team members were Padraic Marks, Ciara McCabe, Ciara Moloney, Eoin Hobbs, Luke Spencer and Georgina Abbott.
Well done to all 16 Scouts and all the Ventures and Leaders who trained the team on achieving two excellent awards in Scouting Ireland’s premier competition after only a few short years taking part. The Gold Standard achieved by the Eagle Patrol brought the team to the highly impressive 12th Place. There has been many highlights in the 40 year history of the Roscrea Scouts and for sure August 21st in Pallaskenry will now rank among the best highlights of the Group’s history.
The first party took place on the way home in Pizza Hut in Limerick with the Badges presented to the team when they got home. The big party is yet to come....
Roscrea Rovers attend Oxygen as part of Scouting Irelands tent pitching service
Four members of the Rover Section of Roscrea Scouts, namely Joseph Kelly, Gillian Lupton, Eoghan Talbot and Brian McNamara went to Oxygen, Ireland’s largest music festival from Wednesday the 6th to Monday the 11th of July. They went as part of a group of 50 Rovers from across the country with one aim, to raise as much as they could for a children's charity by offering a pitching and repairing of tents service. Their catch phrase was 'Need a hand getting it up?' which drew much attention and needed money!
They arrived on Wednesday night and set up the tents. That night they got to know all the other Rovers and had a relaxing night before the work began. It was an early rise on Thursday morning and they started pitching tents at 10 o'clock. From the outset it was clear this was going to be a tiring few days. A long day ensued finishing at half 9 but they were able to have a good laugh talking to people from all over the country and further a field, everybody was there to have a good time. That night they were able to sample all that was on offer to the ordinary festival goers and had a brilliant night.
They were up early again on Friday morning determined to make even more money for charity. Friday evening came quickly and they were delighted to stop and relax for the evening enjoying the music. Saturday they had a well earned day off and had a chance to enjoy the hot weather and decided to have a small barbeque. They saw acts such as Two Door Cinema Club, Plan B and an amazing performance by Foo Fighters on Saturday.
On Sunday they had a three hour shift which mainly included tent repairs, and some really did need repairing. After a group photo and final congratulations on the effort put in by all, they were free to enjoy the rest of the music festival. As well as experiencing the atmosphere in the Red and Blue Camps (and the mess therein) they were able to relax knowing that they had raised €10,000 for a children's charity (to be decided at a later date). A real achievement for 50 young people trying to make a difference. To top off the weekend on Sunday evening they saw Ryan Sheridan and Kesha and two incredible performances by Beyonce and Coldplay with a special appearance by Christy Moore! This was an amazing event, between raising so much money for a good cause and experiencing the music and atmosphere on offer. Hopefully more will follow next year!
Beaver Chief Scout Awards for Roscrea Scout Group
On Sunday 17th July four of the Tuesday Beavers of Roscrea Scouts were presented with their Chief Scout Awards. Clodine Treacy, Kelly O’Meara, Niamh Geraghty and Aimee Monahan became the first Beavers from the group to achieve this award. They are also the first Beavers from the Slieve Bloom Scout County, which covers Laois, Offaly and some of North Tipperary to complete the award.
The Chief Scout Award is the highest award a Beaver Scout can earn and involves a lot of work. Each of the Beavers had to complete six other badges, partake in a 10km walk and spend two nights on camp, one of which they did at the National Beaver Camp in Larch Hill in Dublin.
Group Leader Francis Minogue presented the girls with their awards in a short ceremony in the Scout hall attended by the Beavers and their families. Each of the Beavers received a certificate signed by the Chief Scout and their Chief Scout Badge that they will wear on their Cub Scout Uniform from next September. After the presentation there was time for some photographs with their families, and then on to Supermacs for a well-earned treat.
We wish the four girls the very best as they move on to Cubs and hope that the experience they have gained from doing this award will serve them well throughout their time in Scouting. Hopefully their achievement will inspire other Beavers from the group to take up the challenge in the years to come.
The Wednesday Beaver Section had an end of year camp in Srahan on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th July. They arrived in Srahan about 10:30 am Saturday morning where they got settled in and unpacked.They then set about putting up the tents.They managed to get some of the tents up before heading off to Kilvahan pet farm.Here they got to feed and meet all different sorts of pets and animals such as: pigs, sheep, goats, llamas, dogs, cats, donkeys, miniature ponies, camel, zebra and many more.Only the bravest attempted to feed the camel.
They all took a fancy to the Jack Russell puppies following them around.Afterwards they took a trip on one of the horse drawn carriages.This was a relief as the rain had started to become quite heavy and it was nice to be sitting in shelter.The horse had a bit of a struggle going uphill, but with a few pushes from some of the leaders, they eventually managed.
Once they got back to Srahan it was time to get the rest of the tents up.After a couple of hours of heavy rain, they finally had them up and got going to make dinner. While the rain was light the Beavers were able to gather twigs to make their “camp crowns” which were topped with marshmallows.They had hoped to be able to hang “face totem poles” that they made, from the tents. As the evening went on it was clear the rain and wind were not going to die down, but the Beavers were adamant that they camped.After a game of “X factor” everyone settled down for hot chocolate and with teddies and blankets in hand, off they went to brave the “storm” and settle into their tents for the night.
They returned home the following morning and everyone agreed a great weekend was enjoyed by all.
Here’s looking forward to September and the new scout year.
Four of the Rover Scouts, Joe Kelly; Gillian Lupton, Brian McNamara and Eoghan Talbot took part in Scouting Ireland’s tent pitching service at Oxegen which raises money for charities supported by Scouting Ireland. Unusually for Oxygen, and summer in Ireland, the wellies were barely needed as the weather for the weekend was excellent. All four had a great weekend and also got the chance to help out with a very worthwhile cause.
Scout Shop
Any member requiring replacement Uniform or Badges is requested to contact the Scout Shop directly on www.oas.ie or 01-8722212
Dont forget to quote the Group's OAS Loyalty Card Number
On-Line Membership Applications Please visit News & Notices - Apply to Join. If you don't receive a confirmation email within 48 hours please ring (086)2211227. The earlier you apply the more chance you have of success.
The link up between the two began on Tuesday 6th of December when John Lupton of St Vincent de Paul visited Tuesday Beavers and spoke to them on the history of the charity, the local conference in Roscrea and about the types of work they do to help those in need. It was a very interesting talk and the Beavers had lots of questions to ask afterwards.
Before arriving at Elf World they bumped into Jack Frost and his son JJ who told the Beavers of their plan to take over Christmas and replace Santa with JJ. Despite their best efforts to trick the Beavers into helping them with their plans they had no luck and eventual had to relent and let them on to Elf World.
He told the Beavers that they were all on his nice list and that they would have to go to bed nice and early on Christmas Eve as he expected to be in Roscrea at 9.40 on the night. He told them they had to be asleep because strangely Dasher one of his Reindeer didn’t like children and if he heard one awake he would not stop at the house. After talking to the Beavers for 10 minutes or so he handed out a nice present to each of them.
At 9pm it was time to relax and watch a DVD and then time for a light supper of soup and sandwiches. In spite of lights out at 11pm this was the first night more than half of the Beavers had ever spent away from home and they weren’t about to miss the opportunity to take full advantage, by the time everyone was asleep it was a bit past 11.
In other news our Tuesday Beavers also paid a visit to the Ambulance Centre in Roscrea on Tuesday 30th November. They had a great evening been shown around the centre and exploring the Ambulance itself. 
Kandersteg International Scout Centre – Live the dream! Having spent 3 months of the summer in Kandersteg International Scout Centre, Switzerland (KISC) my love for scouting has been thoroughly renewed. KISC is open every day of the year, 24/7, and welcomes over 11,000 guests from all over the world every year! This summer over 7,000 guests stayed at the centre throughout the 3 months, many of which taught me a great deal about their culture and left me with some very fond memories!
Despite every member of staff having a specific role in the centre, our work often varied: some days I found myself working in catering, helping catering staff cook for up to 400 people, other days I could be serving people food at a barbeque, where one barbeque involved feeding over 1,100 people! Not every day was hectic however, some days I simply relaxed at the local swimming pool, or took a leisurely hike to the local mountain huts or glacial lakes!
It was an early start on Thursday morning to continue with the site build. After lunch it was time for another inspection and then the first of the programme bases/challenges. The challenges consisted of making some of the most complicated knots and making a compass; alpine basket and more besides. After this is was time for the Environmental Project which involved making a water filtration system. Dinner was next. After dinner it was time to head off on the 7km hike to the Curraghchase forrest. After working hard for 24 hours and having to carry a lot of gear the hike was a big challenge. Upon arrival the patrols had to build a bivvy shelter using a plastic tarpaulion to sleep in. Next up was the sub camp campfires with each patrol performing a sketch. Thursday night was the coldest night of the 4 nights.
Sunday was time for the final inspections and the taking down of the campsite. The nerves were building the Scout Leaders and Ventures had all arrived for the award presentation. All the Scouts had worked hard and despite the fact that it normal takes many years practice to get to the highest Gold standard; which required a score of greater than 80% everyone went in hope to the closing ceremony that after a few short years it was possible that the Roscrea Eagle Patrol would of achieved the highest award. Nerves build in the main hall as the results were called out one by one. Then came news everyone was waiting for Site C10 6th Tipperary Eagle Patrol Gold. Well done to the Patrol lead by Niamh Marks (PL) and Billy Breen (APL) with Shane Culleton, Jack Delaney, Allana Rigney, Shauna Fitzgerald, Eoin Cooke and Fergal Flanagan. Then the wait continuing for the result for the 2nd teams result; the 2nd team (Badger Patrol) had started nervously on Wednesday and Thursday but their experience and skills had started to come through as the event continued and by Saturday they had established themselves as a strong patrol on their sub camp. Then came the great news that Site W8 6th Tipperary Badger Patrol had achieved their challenging target of a Silver standard. The team was lead by Kyle Cahir (PL) and Ciara Lupton (APL) and the team members were Padraic Marks, Ciara McCabe, Ciara Moloney, Eoin Hobbs, Luke Spencer and Georgina Abbott.
They arrived on Wednesday night and set up the tents. That night they got to know all the other Rovers and had a relaxing night before the work began. It was an early rise on Thursday morning and they started pitching tents at 10 o'clock. From the outset it was clear this was going to be a tiring few days. A long day ensued finishing at half 9 but they were able to have a good laugh talking to people from all over the country and further a field, everybody was there to have a good time. That night they were able to sample all that was on offer to the ordinary festival goers and had a brilliant night.
The Chief Scout Award is the highest award a Beaver Scout can earn and involves a lot of work. Each of the Beavers had to complete six other badges, partake in a 10km walk and spend two nights on camp, one of which they did at the National Beaver Camp in Larch Hill in Dublin.
Once they got back to Srahan it was time to get the rest of the tents up.
