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

This blog is brought to you by two of our Venture Scouts Katie and David.

After a late night of escapades certain scouts went to bed quite early.

From 9am most campers were awake, aware and eating a nutritious breakfast of cereal, juice, hot chocolate or tea.

The first enjoyable activity to partake in was Zip-it where one camper completed the hardest circuit. After pushing our limits in regards to patience and bravery we began heading back to our site.

After a well deserved ten minute break we enjoyed a lovely lunch of salad and hotdogs.

A list was compiled and eager and wary campers packed bags for an overnight stay on Orchard Island.

Rowing across the scouts enjoyed listening to aesthetic and high energy music such as Queen and ABBA. After arriving and unpacking we prepared shelters we hope not to need.

We discussed the likeness of our campsite in the forest and certain books and novels as well as comparing interesting phrases for example a miasma of discombobulation and the vibrant fire juxtaposed to the midnight sky.

We made wrap-pizzas with some campers running out of cheese and our leaders coming to the unfortunate realisation of a lack of easily accessible caffeine in the near future. Our sympathies were with them.

Our older campers managed to nab the last tarp for their shelter and after watching the enchanting sunset they helped the younger campers gather fern for their shelter.

The day came to an end and the night began with high spirits all around. The darkness creaped in quickly and the forest was submerged in a fiction-worthy night.

Smores and other chocolatey treats were enjoyed and we began one of our more risky ventures when we decided to forgo sleep in favour of a night of messing and procrastination.

Sadly (or sensibly) some campers retired to the previously prepared shelters from early in the morning.

Games, fun, music and gossip were exchanged around the campfire leading to a memorable trip and might be recalled for years to come.

– Katie & David

Post script: younger scouts accompanied by a leader were attacked/interacted with some local and friendly bats as well as one memorable moment were one camper had an unsettling encounter with a mouse.

This blog is brought to you by two of our Scouts Slaney and Emer.

After an eventful Sunday us tired campers had a late start to breakfast at 10 past 9.

Eager campers prepared their bags and waited to be told what activities lay ahead for the day. At 10:30 we set off to the lake on foot. We arrived shortly after and split into three groups before heading in rowing boats to Trinity Island.

The island proved tricky to find with one boat up on the rocks unable to move, some steering in the wrong direction and one boat never arriving.

Once we reached the island we explored the historical remains and discovered some locals on and around the island such as caterpillars, spiders, a dead fish and swans.

On leaving the island a boat was scratched and damaged but it didn’t stop an exhilarating race back, which resulted in many blistered hands.

After a fun experience out on the water we journeyed back to camp for lunch. After over two hours of rest we ventured back to the lake for an educational boat tour around the islands. We learned many facts such as a house with 365 windows for a different view each day of the year and were intrigued by a 6 foot long pike fish with 700 teeth caught by a local fisherman.

We arrived back to the shore safe and sound. We headed back to camp but some peckish ventures stayed behind at a nearby cafe.

The remaining campers continued their voyage back and started to prepare for dinner. The next few hours consisted of hard working labour as we built tripods, gathered firewood, prepared the pots and began cooking. A few slackers arrived back to camp to unfortunately discover half the work was completed.

After eating a hard earned meal of spaghetti bolognese and some scrumptious cheesecake. Later in the evening we enjoyed some smores while we reflected on yet another eventful day.

– Slaney & Emer with credit to Katie, Tomás and Darragh.

Our first and last Sunday on Camp 2022 officially started around 8:30am however some Venture Scouts and a Scouter were up much earlier as they couldn’t sleep and may have woken a few others!!

Once breakfast was done and wash up was completed we piled onto the bus and headed to Lough Gara Stables & Country Pursuits which was about a 30mins drive from our site. When we arrived we met Adrien, Jimmy and their team.

We split up into two groups, one group headed off and got set up to get on horses while the other group went off for some airsoft shooting. Both so different but equally as fun. When the sessions ended the two groups swapped around so everyone got to take part.

After our packed lunch the next set of activities started, group 1 headed off to do some Archery while group 2 were shown around the rest of the centre, got to interact with the goats, the pony’s, the donkeys, the rabbits and everyones favourite Percy the pig. The group also got to learn about caring for and how to groom the ponies. Again, the two groups then swapped around.

The final activity was an assault course which was really good, some people did it more than once and even some of the Scouters took part!

Sadly the day had to end but it was a brilliant way to spend it and we headed back to site. The weather today was really sunny and very warm so after some time to make sure we had enough water and sunblock we started on dinner. Pocket pizzas, a camp favourite, especially over the open fire. A game of soccer followed then by a surprise visit by the ice cream van so what a treat that was!

When the ice cream was done various games of Uno were underway however we ended up combining 3 decks and played one huge game that ended at 11:15pm when it was time to call it a night.

All tucked up in our tents now and can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Well can you believe it, Camp 2022 is finally up and running? As we settle into our tents tonight it feels so good, for some us it’s been a few years doing this and for others it’s a first time experience.

Setting off from the Scout Hall this morning shortly before 10:30am by bus and by car there was a level of excitement and nerves but once the journey got underway everyone settled down and began to enjoy the experience, the banter with your fellow Scouts and making a few new friends.

After almost 2hrs we stopped off at the Midway Services (Junction 17) for lunch and a chance to stretch the legs. We jumped back on the bus about 45mins and across the country we went, nearly 3hrs later we arrived onsite to Lough Keel Scout Campsite in Boyle Co. Roscommon.

First things first was to shake off the travel tiredness and shortly after the bus arrived Ronan pulled in with a trailer full of gear in tow! Time to unload the trailer and start setting up the site. The Scouts and Venture Scouts have a selection of tents and everyone has space to be comfortable. The Scouters have a number of tents too and we’ve a central tent, known as ‘the grubber’ where a lot of our spare gear, equipment, cooking equipment and food is stored. The site has communal fridges that we share with the other groups onsite.

Once our tents were up we had a chance to sort our our personal gear while the Scouters and two volunteers got to making dinner of burgers and beans in the grubber. Yum!!!

When dinner was over and everything washed away we headed over to Lough Key forest Park to check out the lough itself and get our barings around the site.

Tonight was very relaxed, card games and chat with hot chocolate and donuts for supper. Bedtime was around 11pm and we can’t wait for tomorrow already!

Hi All, the time has come – we’re leaving tomorrow – and can’t wait!!

PLEASE remember to bring suncream, and a sun hat of some description! Yes, we’ll still need raingear, but it looks very likely that sun protection will be what we’ll really need! Happy Days!! 😊😊

Please check back here – this list may & probably will be added to!

• Full & correct Uniform – Worn travelling and possibly at other occasions
• After discussion, a lot of people are missing or grown out of uniform parts since covid / lockdown etc. Because of this, we’re no longer requiring full uniform. However everyone MUST have a Neckerchief – this will be worn nearly all times throughout the camp.
• Hiking boots (if you have them).
• Water bottle – At least 1 litre
• Sleeping Bag
• Ground Mat or Small Inflatable
• Track-ends/Leggings
• Warm Sweater
• T-Shirts
• Insect Repellent
• 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, Comb
• Towel
• Swimming costume & hat
• Tea-Towel & Dish Cloth
• Sun hat
• Sun cream
• Unbreakable – Cup, Plate, Bowl, Knife, Fork, Spoon
• Torch
• Rucksack or similar type hold all
• Day trip bag
• We would ask not to bring any electronic devices. They can easily get lost / stolen / damaged and we will not accept any responsibility for them.

If you choose to bring a mobile phone on camp (at your own risk), please be aware that it’s likely that you might not be able to charge it. Also, use of same may be limited to specific times etc.

Due to the nature of the activities planned, we’d recommend not bringing good / expensive clothes.

Please check back here often. This list may & likely will be added to!

Location: Cuskinny Court Activity Centre, Cobh.

Date: 18th June 2022

Start Time: 9.30am

Collection Time: 6.00pm

Cost: €25 – Covers all activities and snacks.

Pay online by following this link Online Payments System When logged in select “Cuskinny Activity Day” from the list.

Directions (Google Maps): https://tinyurl.com/5cpzmy8f

The group have organised an activity day in Cuskinny Court activity centre for all our Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Ventures.

Activities will include archery, climbing wall, grass sledging, zipline, squirel trail, forest maze, some activities have an age limit. We will also have a combined age games event, so lets hope the leaders can keep up!!

Gear to bring:

• Knapsack lined with a bin bag.
• Rain gear (coat and waterproof pull-ups)
• Boots or old runners
• Old clothes
• A change of clothes and shoes
• Lunch
• Water bottle
• Sun hat
• Sun lotion
• A compass, if they have one.

Mobile Devices: Leaders will not take responsibility for any devices brought to the event and there are no charging points at the centre.

Dates: 3rd – 7th August 2022

Depart: 3rd August Scout Hall @ 14.30

Return: 7th August Scout Hall @ 15:00

Location: Castletownbere

Accomodation: Under canvass

Cost: €188 – Covers all transport, food, snacks and activities.

Pay online by following this link Online Payments System When logged in select “Scout Camp West Cork August 2022” from the list. The payments structure will be 4 payments of €47. An initial deposit/payment of €47 followed by 3 payments of €47 that will be automatically collected every 2 weeks.

Camp Theme: The theme of the camp will be “Search & Rescue” and most events over our few days away will have an element of that theme associated with it.

Activities: We’ll have a number of activities including sea kayaking. The kayaking will be run by Outdoors Ireland a well established local kayaking guide and training business. The other activities will be land based and subject to weather we may have a day at a local beach.

Gear List: your scout must bring these…

• Neckerchief
• Rucksack lined with a large bin liner
• Napsack for daily events
• Hiking boots
• Rain gear ( coat and pull-up waterproofs )
• Water bottle – 1 litre minimum
• Compass
• Whistle
• Headtorch + spare batteries
• Sleeping Bag
• Ground matt
• Travel / camping pillow
• Cup/Plate/Bowl/Knife/Spoon/Fork/tea towel in a string pull bag
• Change of clothes for 4 days
• Warm fleecy + hat incase evenings get chilly
• Old clothes suitable for water activities.
• Wash gear – towel / tooth brush etc
• Sun cream
• Insect repellent
• Sun hat
• Personal 1st aid kit
• Musical instument, if they play one they should bring it. Excluding a drum set!!

Optional gear they can bring

• Walking poles
• Gators
• Dry bag
• A platypus for extra water
• Swim gear

Medications: If your scout needs medication for anything no matter how trivial you must inform the leaders before leaving for camp.

Previous Medical History: If your scout has had any history of allergies, hayfever etc you must inform the leaders before leaving for camp.

Return to scout hall: When we return back to the scout hall all scouts will be needed to help unload and put away gear and hang up tents in the hall if they are wet.

Electronic devices: Leaders will not take any responsibility for any devices brought to the event and there are no charging points on site.

Have you any questions? You can WhatsApp the 2nd Section leaders or email AndrewBreslin@DouglasScouts.ie

Date: Sunday 29^th May

Location: Mangerton, Killarney

Start Time: 9:30am

Finish Time: 2.30pm

General Directions: Take N73 west. To avoid Killarney town centre: Aprox 1km after Glenflesk filling station/church, take left turn signed for Mangerton.

Google Map Directions: https://tinyurl.com/4es77zpe

Food before hike: A very good breakfast is essential to fuel your Scouts walk until their 1st food break.

For the health and safety of all our scouts if we deem any inappropriately dressed for the hike they will not be permitted to attend. Parents are asked to wait until check is completed.

Spare clothes and footwear should be left in the car that will be collecting them.

Date: Sunday 22nd May

Location: Cush, Galtees

Start Time: 9:30am

Finish Time: 2.30pm

General Directions: Take M8 north and exit at Jct 13 Mitchelstown. Keep on Mitchelstown bypass until R513 at the Aldi Warehouse on your left take 1st jct on r/about.

Google Map Directions: https://tinyurl.com/4c9fxc3u

Food before hike: A very good breakfast is essential to fuel your cub scout on their walk until the 1st food break.

Spare clothes and footwear should be left in the car that will be collecting them.