Douglas & St. FinBarresScout Group – 2nd 6th 47th 93rd Cork

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This post is written by 6th Scout Maria.

Today we went on the patrol hikes. My group went to Holywood and the other group went to Groomsport. We walked the coastal route and got there in 3 hours and 30 minutes. With an hour left in the hike we stopped in Tesco express to get some snacks. The we continued to Ikea. While we were on our hike Zara, Eve and leaders Ciara, Sean and Kim went to Chick-fil A. Once we got to Imea we met with Zara and Eve and went shopping. We went to a lot of different shops including Lidl, Home Bargains, Decathlon and Costa. A lot of people got teddy bears in Ikea. Once we were finished shopping we walked back to the campsite.

Once we got to the beach we stopped in Sundees Ice Cream van. When we got back we saw that the Rovers had pranked us by swapping out all our pots and pans and cutlery with miniature versions of them. They also stole all of our wood. We started to make the fire when we came back and we made pizza pockets for dinner. At around 8pm we got brought to the Scouts Own and we were told to bring all the teddies we bought. Richard told us a story and told us to write a happy memory on one side of paper and something you want ot say to your future self on the other side and put it in an envelope. Then we had to write our addresses and a 5 or 10 on the envelope. Then we went to bed.

Maria.

This post is written by Venture Scout Tara.

We had a lie in until 9am. The first activity was raft building while the Scouts did rock climbing. We built rafts out of logs , rope and barrels. After we built the rafts, we tested them in the water. I wasn’t too happy as had to wear shoes in the water and the only pair I brought got soaking wet. (Shoutout to Ruairí for the hair dryer to dry my shoes)

We then had lunch and showers then it was on to rock climbing. There was five different walls we could choose to climb all with different difficulties. I got to the top of all of them except the hardest one, where I couldn’t event get up off the floor.

After a jam packed day of activities. We cooked our dinner on the fire and headed for bed.

This post is written by 6th Scout, Ellen.

Today, we were abtubtly awoken at 6:30am. We quickly got dressed and ate some cereal. Soon after breakfast we hopped on a bus to the Giants Causeway. The bus ride consisted of singing (although some say screaming) songs from Hamilton. Upon arrival we were given small talking machines. You got to click the buttons and hear all about the history and story’s of the giants causeway. We heard the Giants who created the causeway and took plenty of pictures.

After arriving back at the bus we visited a rope bridge and took in the beautiful scenery of the coastline. We then hopped back on the bus and went to Portrush. Portrush is my favourite place we have visited. In Portrush we went surfing. The Scouts went first while the Ventures explored. We were “stoked” to go surfing. It was very fun. We rode some waves and after, while the Ventures surfed we got to go shopping. We visited quite an intriguing Spar and then to a souvenir shop with an interesting amount of “prank stuff” like smoke bombs and water gun gum. We left a bit worried but laughing. We then re-embakred onto the bus and drove back to camp.
We had a very late but delicious dinner (Apache). Overall we had an amazing day.

Ellen

This post is written by Scouter & Rover Scout, Ruairí.

July 3rd
Today woke up to a harsh surprise, like a cold Christmas, we were woken up at 4:15 but Sean Taaffe with a stick screaming that there was an emergency we were required for, that once we rushed to the ready we then discovered was not an emergency, but we were doing a surprise night hike, given 60 seconds to grab everything we could, given a mysterious bag, and a list of peculiar objects picked from the perplexing mind of Sir Seán Taaffe, the only of which we didn’t succeed was bringing home a live hare for our messiahic Camp Chief.

This activity was a surprise to most of us Rovers (Except me although I didn’t know which date it was on) as this event was once a staple of DSF summer camps, with the tame patrol hikes we go on each year historically being these surprise events as these are, and one Rover planning meeting when the only Rover who showed up was me I suggested it.

As we tredged down the road to the nearby town, we discovered the bag contained a load of bread, fruit and a can of Low sugar Low fat Tesco Beans. As we made our way into the town the first thing we discovered was a bus stop, that would take us into the city centre, with the buses coming every 3 hours, but the next one being in another 15 mins, (5:15). This regional bus at an obscene hour in the morning was remarkably full.

From getting the bus into Belfast we then Hiked back to the site, it was long and mainly on side roads, but we got home early enough, so early that we where back before some leaders had woken up.
The Scouts and Ventures did Axe Throwing and other on site activities, and then for dinner in the evening they had a themed cooking competition, each patrol getting a different country and having to make a 3 course meal.

This post is written by Venture Scout Alana.

Today we woke up really early and split the Ventures and Scouts into our activities. The Venture started with crate-stacking ( it was the crate-est). The Scout did archery and got royal-titles. During the crate stacking we got to float and it was fun – we saw a spider. We were supervised by Daisy and Emma they were lovely!!!

After that we had lunch, the sandwiches there epic, miam! (Yum in French) After lunch we did Archery, the lovely lady made Fornite jokes, it was so fun. We each got 5 shots and then we played “the cake game”. It was really confusing but we won. We did a competition for royal titles. Billy won and was crowned as king. Emer got sewage cleaner, Fionn was carriage cleaner and Zac was a fisherman.

After that, our lovely Rovers organised a quiz for us (Fionn thought it was silly) thank you Eoin Kilgour! After the quiz we had dinner, (din-din time!) We had pasta and I got pesto for the first time!

SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING WE got challenged by the Dublin scout group to a volleyball match! We lost :(.

The end!

Alana R.

This post is written by Venture Scout, Michael

The day started with an 8am wake up, meaning it was 8:30. Breakfast was cereal, and we were told the plan was going to either Donadee or Holywood. Slaney’s and Jim’s patrols went to Donadee. Darragh’s and Isabel’s patrols went to Holywood. In Bangor we stopped off at ASDA and a card shop. People wasted a lot of money. We took the scene route along the coast.

At Groomsport we discovered 2 extras who travelled late and were immediately dropped on a hike. At this point we were getting tired, and it was a push to Donadee. When we got to Donadee we rested up, and tried to cool down.

We shortly made our way back to Bangor, we took a route we weren’t supposed to. We stopped off at a shop and filled up our water and staggered back to the train station.

Michael K.

Day 1 is written by Venture Scout, Zac.

On the first day of camp, it was the first travel day and the bus ride was quite short, only around 6 hours. The bus ride was very smooth. On arrival, the campsite made a great impression with everyone, the high quality facilities and open field. Our original field was unfortunately flooded. We had the luxury of staying in a homely hostel on the first night. This provided a lot of comfort and we were really thankful for the stay.

Day 2 is written by Scout Sadhbh & Venture Scout Julie C.

This morning, before we set up our site the group were on a walk to check out the beach. We stayed there for around an hour and hung out on the beach and ate ice-cream (which my friend got for free 😉) and paddled around in the water. We spent the rest of the evening setting up camp, and hanging out with our friends. We finished the day with hot chocolates and showers. Overall it was a very fun “first” day of camp.

In just 6 weeks time our Scouts, Venture Scouts, Rover Scouts, and Scouters will be heading off on Camp 2025 to Crawfordsburn Scout Campsite near Belfast Co. Down.

Here are a few bits to note.

• Travel – IMPORTANT
  We are departing by coach from the car park of Frankfield church on Saturday 28th of June at approx. 9am, this time may change
• Passport & EHIC Information – IMPORTANT
  Passport’s are NOT required as we don’t need them to travel into the North of Ireland. However, as we are leaving the republic and EU, we all require an EHIC card. They are free of charge and can be ordered online. https://www.sspcrs.ie/portal/ehic/pub/application
• Consent forms – IMPORTANT
  This must be signed by parent/guardian of each youth member in attendance and handed up to the leadership team by Wednesday 18th of June the very latest. It will be posted here and copies will be available from the pre-camp meetings.
• Spending Money – IMPORTANT
  We operate a Camp Bank during our summer camps. All youth members will hand up their spending money before we head away. Spending money MUST be in STERLING. Over the course of camp the Scouts and Ventures will be allocated their own money during days out & when deemed necessary.
  This is to ensure a) Scouts & Venture Scouts don’t loose their money and b) Scouts & Venture Scouts don’t spend it all at once!
  This service is not optional and all youth members must hand up their spending money by Wednesday 18th at the latest. The spending money MUST be in STERLING.
  We will not take Euro currency as spending money
• Personal Gear
  All personal gear should and must fit in a suitable camping rucksack, should include your sleeping bag (can be tied onto your rucksack as tidily as possible) and enough changes of clothes for two weeks. Gear list can be accessed here.
• Meetings before camp
  As the weekly section meetings draw to a close for this Scouting year we’ll move to meet with everyone going on camp on a weekly basis in the run up to camp itself. Meeting on Wednesday nights from 19:00 starting on the 28th of May.
• Activities during camp
  Activities during camp are going to be varied and will include a mix of rope, water and ground activities. We have engaged with Crawfordsburn on a daily programme. We will of course have our own self lead activities including patrol hikes and of course a big day out!
  More details as camp progresses!!!
• Expensive items/mobile devices
  We are camping for the 2 weeks; There are NO charging facilities in Crawforsburn. We are in a camping field.
  There will NOT be an opportunity to plug a mobile phone in while we are onsite.
  If a Scout or Venture Scout brings a mobile phone/iPad or other mobile device with them on camp please note the following: The Group takes NO responsibility for any loss or damage caused to a device while we are travelling, while we are away onsite or on an activity. The Scouters (leaders) will NOT mind, look after, charge or hold onto such items while we are travelling, while we are away onsite or on an activity.
  It is therefore preferable that Scouts & Venture Scouts do not bring mobile phones/iPads or other mobile devices with them on Camp.
  Having said all of this we know people will completely ignore this message so please don’t get annoyed with us if your son/daughter comes home without their mobile device or with it broken…
• While we’re away
  While we are away we will from time to time, when activities allow and we have coverage, update this website with a Camp 2025 blog. This will give people at home, parents and everyone else, a sense of what is happening on our 2 week excursion.
• Emergency contact
  In the event of an emergency only and a parent needs make contact with us you can ring any of the scouters attending, (mobile phone will not always be to hand so please leave a message). Please help us by understanding that our numbers on camp are increasing every year, and we really don’t have time for general “how’re things going” phone calls!

Our weekly pre-camp meetings will start from Wednesday 28th May at 7pm and will continue until 25th June.

If your child has any medical conditions that the Scouters need to know off then please speak, in confidence with me or speak with any of the Scout Leaders and we will deal with you directly.

If your child has any serious food allergies that the Scouters need to know off then please speak with us, again in confidence, and we can deal with that.

We will cater for those Scouts/Ventures that have dietary needs but please make sure we know BEFORE we go that they have any.

For now that’s all. We will have more regular updates over the next 5 weeks. If you’ve any questions please don’t hesitate in contacting your section leader directly

2nd Cork Scouts (Tuesday) andrewbreslin@douglasscouts.ie
6th/47th Cork Scouts (Wednesday) ronancoughlan@douglasscouts.ie
Venture Crew seantaaffe@douglasscouts.ie

Come back to me with any queries,

Yours In Scouting

Sean Taaffe

Hi all,

It might seem like a long way to go yet. But remember it all starts in June.

Passports and EHIC’s

Passport’s are NOT required as we don’t need them to travel into the North of Ireland. However, as we are leaving the republic and EU, we all require an EHIC card. They are free of charge and can be ordered online. https://www.sspcrs.ie/portal/ehic/pub/application

Gear List.

Things you will need are:

• FULL UNIFORM.  We will depart in full Uniform.  No Exceptions!  Now is a great time to check you have all parts of your uniform.
• Spare neckerchief.  While not essential, would be useful as a spare, or if you wanted to swap yours etc.  (You must always have a Douglas neckerchief, so if you’ve only one with you, then you can’t swap it if the opportunity should arise).

• Hiking boots will be necessary.  Remember too that it’s VITAL to “wear in” hiking boots.  If you need to or choose to buy new boots, you MUST have them “worn in” before camp or you’ll be VERY uncomfortable in them!
• Water bottle – At least 1 litre – possible 2 x 500ml’s would be a good idea.
• Sleeping Bag
• Pillow (optional) 
• Cup, bowl, plate, cutlery.
• Track-ends/Leggings
• Warm Sweater
• T-Shirts, NO JERSEYS
• Changes of Underwear
• Plenty of Socks
• Warm Nightwear
• Change of Shoes or Runners
• Shorts & Trousers
• Raingear – Waterproof Jacket & Trousers
• Warm Hat & Gloves
• Wash Gear – Toothbrush & paste, Shower Gel, Shampoo, etc.
• Towel
• Swimwear & hat
• Tea-Towel & Dish Cloth
• Sun hat
• Sun cream & Lip salve
• Torch & Spare Batteries
• Rucksack or similar type hold all
• Day trip bag
• Sunglasses (optional) 
• Walking Socks

Just for information, there are NO clothes washing facilities at the campsite.  As far as we know there are no launderette facilities nearby – so either have enough of clothes for the duration or be prepared to do a hand wash yourself!

Spending Money

We operate a Camp Bank during our summer camps. All youth members will hand up their spending money before we head away. Spending money MUST be in STERLING. ££££. Over the course of camp the Scouts and Ventures will be allocated their own money during days out & when deemed necessary.
This is to ensure a) Scouts & Venture Scouts don’t loose their money and b) Scouts & Venture Scouts don’t spend it all at once!
This service is not optional and all youth members must hand up their spending money in advance at one of the pre-camp meetings (these will take effect in late May/early June). The spending money MUST be in STERLING.
We will not take Euro currency as spending money.

Obtaining Sterling

From past experience not all of the Irish banks will supply foreign currency at this stage- even on order. So this is also something that needs to be looked into in advance. We BELIEVE that Bank of Ireland and AIB do allow you to order foreign currency. Please check it out with your bank! Credit union or post office are also worth enquiring with.

That’s all for now.

All new information will go up here.  Travel information will go up here very soon.  Also, we expect that the “gear list” above will be added to.  If that happens, you’ll read about it here!

Any queries do not hesitate to reach out – seantaaffe@douglasscouts.ie

Cheers,

Sean