Posted by Conor Crowley | Posted in 2nd Scouts, 47th Scouts, 6th Scouts, Group News | Posted on 17-08-2016
On Thursday morning a Patrol of 7 of our Scouts will embark on a journey to the Mount Mellerary Scout Centre in Cappoquin Co. Waterford to take part in the National Campcraft competition, The Phoenix Challenge.
4 days of healthy campcraft competition, team and skill challenges, special projects and a cooking competition.
On both Friday and Saturday the Patrols participate in an action packed programme of team and skill challenges such as building large pioneering structures, rafting, initiative challenges, emergency situations, mapping projects and many more. During the evenings a mixture of fun activities (such as campfires and themed trade fairs) and special projects (such as debating or environmental projects) take place.
The theme for the Phoenix Challenge 2016 is ‘The age of Reconnaissance, Discovery, and Exploration.’ The theme, like other symbols in Scouting, is about helping encourage an atmosphere of fun and adventure.
This is a huge undertaking for any group, firstly to qualify from your county shield competition and secondly to plan, train and organise a patrol over the summer months and fit in annual camp
For the first time the Douglas & St. FinBarres Scout Group is putting forward a patrol into this competition. It is a credit to the Scout leadership team and to the loyalty of the Scouts involved that we have managed to pull this one off.
As Group Leader it was a massively proud moment to see the Scouts on their last training session in the hall on Tuesday night. I wish them all the luck in the world and no matter what happens they have done this group proud.
I want to also take a moment to thank the devotion and dedication of Eoghan, Vickie, Evan and the rest of the Scout leadership crew who have given so many hours to this event.
By the time the closing ceremony comes around at 15:00 on Sunday all the hard work will have been worth it
Yours In Scouting
Conor Crowley
Group Leader
South Patrol – Phoenix 2016 – Douglas & St FinBarres Scout Group