Abbeyside Scout Unit Notes 26th February 2007

4th Waterford Unit
St Joseph’s
Abbeyside
Scouting Ireland

Cub Pack and Scout Troop Notes

26/02/2007

Cub Pack Weekend

The weekend had finally arrived, and cars of parents and Cubs headed out of town to Mount Melleray Scout Centre. This was long await by the Cubs since it was first announced by the Leaders nearly a month before. Excited and nervous as they arrived, the parents not the Cubs, and the Cubs looking forward to their first weekend away from home. Beds were on the limited side as a very large attendance from the Waterford Scout County Fun Weekend. The Scouts provided the necessary labour to bring in mattress’s to give everyone a soft sleep over the weekend. As the parents left their boys, the Cubs got settled in.

As it was a large number of the Cubs first visit to Mount Melleray Scout Centre they were shown where the facilities are. With everyone settled and their gear put away neat and tidy. It was into jackets and Hi-Vis Vests for a night hike. Gearoid, Sandy and Michael took the fifteen strong band of Cubs out into the night. The Cubs present were Cal, Malachy, Rory, Ruairi, Ross, Ryan, Patrick, Mathew, Darragh, Eoghan, Colm, Conor (H), Conor (F), Jordan and John. Before leaving Leader Brian ‘Muller’ Mulvihill and his daughter Lauren paid a visit they were going to rough it in the Cabin in Glenshelane Scout Campsite & Cabin.

With everyone present it was off on the night hike, during which there were a few showers of ran. One of the Scout Leaders who was visiting Mount Melleray Scout Centre said it looked very impressive with everyone kitted out in the Hi-Vis and we would not be missed. David and Brendan joined up with the hikers. On returning to the Scout Centre it was out of any wet clothes and into dry ones. At 11:45 a ‘Fire Drill’ was run and everyone in the building had to evacuate the building. A ‘Roll-Call’ of the Cubs was done and all were present. Once the Centre Warden was happy that everyone was out and all dorms and activity areas check all were allowed back inside. It was then time for Supper after which everyone went to bed and to sleep.

Saturday morning and everyone was up and dressed by eight thirty and heading down for some breakfast. It was then on with the jackets and into cars as the Cubs and Leaders headed to Glenshelane. The stop point was Lyre Bridge from which Glenshelane is a short walk down river. Here the Cubs were surprised to see a small fire lighting Brian ‘Muller’ along with Gearoid, Michael, Sandy and Brendan held a Campfire, unusual time but great fun all the same. Songs like ‘Bear Hunt’, ‘No Banana’s In The Sky’, ‘Fields Of Athenry’ and ‘Dublin’s Fair City‘ were all belted out to get the Cubs ready for the big Rugby match later in the day. Group Chairman Jimmy Shine was also on hand doing work on the Cabin with Gearoid giving a helping hand. Muller made tea for the Leaders while the Cubs did a Nature Task.

Back to the Centre for Lunch and the afternoon of Activities, ‘Tug Of War’, a skipping competition, and some other games. It was then to the ‘Climbing Wall’ where Sandy showed the Cubs how it should be done, but boys being boys they already knew how to climb. This proved great fun with Ross and Ryan showing how easy it can be, by going all the way around from one side to the other.

Soon it was almost time for the match Live from Croke Park Ireland V England in Rugby, watched by over 300 Scouts, Leaders and of course Abbeyside Cub Pack on the Big Screen TV. While watching the match dinner was served up. Each Troop was in turn called to be fed. After tidy up and some rest it was down to the TV for a DVD before supper. Pizzas were cooked by the Leaders for supper and then everyone headed to bed for a well deserved night of sleep.

Sunday morning was a lot more relaxed, with breakfast and back then to the room to start the packing up process. There was still some time for another turn on the Climbing Wall before heading to twelve o’clock mass in the nearby Mount Melleray Church. Lunch was ready after which some parents had arrived to collect the Cubs and all too soon the weekend was over.

Thanks to all the Cubs for going on the weekend to the Warden and his volunteer Staff from Middleton. To Leaders for giving up their weekend to make this event possible and to the parents for providing transport up and down.

Waterford Scout County Fun Weekend

The theme for this was Cowboys and Indians. We hope to hear how our Cowboys N’ Indians got on over the weekend for next weeks notes.

Bag Pack March 9th, 10th.
We still need Parents to help with the Bag Pack Weekend. The following times have been chosen – Friday 18:00-20:00, 20:00-22:00. Saturday 10:00-12:00, 12:00-14:00, 14:00-16:00, 16:00-18:00. Parents are asked to get in touch with the Leaders. We are looking for Parents to fill Saturday as Friday is taken care of. Thank you for help.

Annual Camp 2007
The venue for this years’ Annual Scout Camp is Arklow Sea Scout Centre, Arklow, Co. Wicklow. The dates for Annual Camp are from Sunday 22nd July 2007 to Sunday 29th July 2007. Any Scout whishing to pay money off can do so on a weekly basis at the meeting.

Full Uniform
Full Uniform is Black Polished Shoes/Boots, Navy/Black Socks, Uniform Trousers, Uniform Jumper (Cubs), Uniform Shirt (Scouts), Group Neckerchief, Woggle, Lanyard (Scouts), Whistle (Scouts), Badges, Group Cap, Uniform Jacket (Scouts). Any Scout or Cub in the Unit longer than six weeks should have this Uniform. Scouting Ireland is a Uniformed Organisation.

Blogspot
During the week we have added one or two old pictures onto the blog, these show parents of present members. You can keep up to date with things happening around the Scout Den and what we have been up to on our blogspot site at http://www.abbeyside.blogspot.com/ we have some old and new pictures on there for you to check out and leave a comment. Also on the Blog there are any notices that we hand out at the meetings.

Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Plans are starting to be put together for this year St Patrick’s Day Parade, with Scouting worldwide celebrating 100 years. We hear that there is something special planned for the float as it passes through the square and the reviewing stand. We wonder what this is? We look forward to viewing this float with interest.

Scribe.