As
you can all imagine, like everyone else, our thoughts are all centering
on Covid-19 at the moment. And how it’s affecting us all in our daily
lives & affecting our friends and families.
We
also have, as you can imagine, been discussing ongoing Scouting – and
in particular our upcoming Summer Camp in Swansea in July / August of
this year.
While everyone acknowledges that the Covid-19 situation is constantly evolving, as of now we’re currently still planning Camp 2020 as if it is going ahead as planned. This may change of course, and if it does, we will notify you as soon as possible and will refund all monies paid.
Most importantly – Please keep safe and look out for each other.
Given the announcement from the Government this morning we have taken the decision to stop ALL Scouting activities, including, but not limited to, weekly meetings, weekend activities, Group Councils, Group Forums, scouters forums, section councils, quarter master work, for our members.
We are doing all this in the best interest of our Scouters, and our youth members as of 6pm this evening. This means the meetings in the hall tonight, will NOT be going ahead.
Section leaders will now cancel any activity planned until further notice.
The Government advice runs from 6pm this evening until March 29th, we will be working along the same timelines and we will keep you updated as the information comes to us.
As always, remain calm and focused, and thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation.
With regards Camp 2020 we will make a decision on that in due course.
If you have follow up questions please email me eoinfield@douglasscouts.ie.ie or the Deputy Group Leader conorcrowley@douglasscouts.ie
Posted by Admin | Posted in Group News, News | Posted on 11-03-2020 22:15
Scout Groups around the country continue to receive and take advice from the HSE through Scouting Ireland as they are updated regarding the impact on our scouting activities.
Scouting Ireland advises that all Scout Group meetings, volunteer training and weekend activities continue as planned in line with these. However, as this is an evolving situation this advice is to be reviewed daily, in conjunction, with advice from the HSE.
For concerned parents we suggest following HSE advice and refer to the HSE website. There is good advice there with a contact phone number should you be worried.
Please note that in line with the HSE, Scouting Ireland recommends that people who have been to the following affected areas should not attend Scouting events or meetings: • China • Hong Kong • Singapore • South Korea • Iran • Japan • Italy
In addition, following HSE guidelines, we recommend that those people who have: • been to an affected region in the last 14 days and have symptoms or • if you’ve been in close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days and have symptoms should not attend scouting activities.
Finally, should a person who is either over 65 years of age and or a person with a long term medical condition – for example, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes or liver disease, may choose not to attend events and meetings.
The health and safety of the members of Douglas & St. FinBarres Scout Group is paramount and we will continue to update you on the advice we have, as we get it.
Yours In Scouting, Douglas & St. FinBarres Group Council
Posted by Eoin Field | Posted in Group News, News | Posted on 09-03-2020 20:00
No doubt you have seen the parade cancellations nationwide today and with this in mind we have taken the decision to postpone our Annual St. Patrick’s Day Cake Sale and will not be asking members to gather as a Group and take part in the St. Patrick’s Day Church services like we have traditionally done.
The latest update from Scouting Ireland was on March 6th and at that time regular Scout meetings should continue, this advice has not changed and should we be informed of anything different we will let you know.
This is an evolving situation and we will continue to assess the situation, take the advice of Scouting Ireland and the HSE and will continue to pass on these messages to you.
Yours In Scouting,
Eoin Field Group Leader eoinfield@douglasscouts.ie
Posted by Admin | Posted in News | Posted on 07-03-2020 12:31
We are aware that our members have concerns regarding scouting at this time. We are taking our guidance from the HSE and Scouting Ireland. We will update you regarding the impact on our scouting if this changes as soon as possible.
Scouting Ireland advises that all Scout Group meetings, and weekend activities continue as planned. However, as this is an evolving situation this advice will be reviewed daily in conjunction with the HSE and Scouting Ireland. Should anything change we will let you know.
For concerned Scouters and or parents it is recommended following HSE advice
We will do a quick gear check before leaving the car park
We expect to be back at the Kilclooney Wood Car Park between 3 and 4 pm
Hike Gear List
Neckerchief
Hiking boots
Rain gear (jacket with hood & trousers)
hiking trousers (no jeans or cotton tracksuits!)
Warm clothes – multi light layers are best.
Water – minimum of 1 ltr
Hat & Gloves – it will be cold!
Torch & spare batteries
Bivvy bag or large heavy duty refuse sack
Healthy packed lunch
In separate small bag: Change of shoes + warm hoody for after hike
Optional, if cub scout has these…
1st aid kit
Whistle
Compass
Gaiters
Electronic Device Policy: It is advised that scouts do not bring electronic devices, Douglas & St Finbarres Scout Group, its leaders and Scouting Ireland will not be held responsible for any electronic devices lost or damaged.
Posted by Admin | Posted in News | Posted on 19-02-2020 7:33
In 2014 we kicked off our Parents & Friends Committee. This was a team of 6/8 parents who could not give their time to weekly meetings or activities but work in the background, meeting once every few months, on fundraising projects for the group.
The committee welcome new members/parents again in 2016 who brought more ideas and helped arrange fund raising activities and ideas for the next 24 months such as our annual Patrick’s Day Cake Sale and our Family table quiz.
We are now looking to establish the committee for 2020 so if you are interested in giving your time this way to the group then please get in touch by email let me know if you can join the team.
This is a facebook post to me this morning. Chris is one of our really good friends from Silver Cross campsite near Swansea.
I’d just like to remind everyone that we will NOT remind him of this post, every day, for two weeks in July!! ????????????????????????????????????????????????
To those going on Camp 2020 and to those still thinking about going (yes we have a few spaces left and can accomodate people who sign up late) here is a quick update:
Dates are confirmed and Camp 2020 will take place from July 18th until August 1st and we have finalised the cost of €595 per Scout. This is being paid in installments via the Easypaymentsplus system.
What do I bring: A full gear list will be issued in a few months time but remember this will be a two week camping experience so think about what you bring on a camping weekend and we’ll be expanding on that list
What activities will we be doing: We have signed up to a number of onsite and offsite activities but as plans can change we keep that information under wraps usually until the night before or the morning of an activity. Trust us though – it’s going to be great!
I haven’t signed up but I’m still interested in going: Drop us an email camp2020@douglasscouts.ie and we can answer any questions you may have before you decide to sign up. Summer Camp is a fantastic experience for every Scout and every Scout should get to experience it at least once along their Scouting trail.
We still can accomodate Scouts or Ventures who want to sign up at this stage, we will be making ferry ticket purchases soon so don’t delay and jump on the Camp 2020 bandwagon, you won’t regret it!
I am going but I have a question: Drop us an email at camp2020@douglasscouts.ie and we’ll get back to you with an answer!
Depart Frankfield Church car park at 1830hrs on Friday 31st
All must travel in full uniform.
Please ensure all have dinner before departure.
Beavers
Depart Frankfield at 1000hrs on Sat 1st
All must travel in full uniform.
Everyone will return to Frankfield Church carpark on Sunday 27th Jan at approx. 1530hrs.
Keep an eye on our social media (Facebook & Twitter) for updates on the return journey
Gear List Parents and Scouts please take note that there is no need for sweets or snacks as all food and treats will be provided throughout the course of the weekend. There is also no food allowed in the dormitories.
The group takes NO responsibility for any electronic equipment brought on or damaged while on camp
GEAR LIST – Cub Scouts, Scouts & Venture Scouts (Please have your child pack themselves or assist you with the packing so they’ll know whats in their own bag)
Tea Towel & a J-Cloth
Sleeping Bag & small pillow
Full set of wash-gear i.e. Soap, Facecloth, towel, Toothbrush & Paste, Deodorant
Good walking & hiking shoes or boots
Three full complete changes of clothes
Pyjamas
Spare underwear and socks
Rain gear
Torch plus extra batteries
GEAR LIST – Beaver Scouts (Please have your Beaver Scout assist you with the packing so they’ll know whats in their own bag)
Tea Towel & a J-Cloth
Sleeping Bag & small pillow
Full set of wash-gear i.e. Soap, Facecloth, towel, Toothbrush & Paste
