Abbeyside Scout Unit Notes 5th March 2007

4th Waterford Unit
St Joseph’s
Abbeyside
Scouting Ireland

Cub Pack and Scout Troop Notes

05/03/2007

Scout County Fun Weekend

The locals I am sure were wondering what was going on as ‘Cowboys and Indians’ arrived in the hundreds to Mount Melleray Scout Centre. You may think I am exaggerating when I say hundreds but that is in fact quiet true with over three hundred Scouts from around the Waterford Scout County in fancy dress as ‘Cowboys N’ Indians’. It was like the Wild West with everyone scrambling for a place to put their head for the night. The weekend was a lot more popular than expected and put the centre under pressure. Once everyone had found a spot for the weekend it was time for the ‘Wild West Quiz’ being run by the Ventures from around the County with the help of Tom O’Neil. It was a bit of a crush even in the dinning room in the Centre with close on the 300 Scouts all trying to hear the questions and get a space to write on. On with the dancing boots as it was up to the ‘Half Acre’ for some line dancing being demonstrated by Martina from Ferrybank, everyone got stuck in and tried to keep in step. During the wait for supper a fire drill was put into practice. After some supper Paschal did a final round up and made sure everyone went to bed for some sleep.

It was up and straight into action after breakfast and a quick wash. The activities were to work out as follows.
9.30am: Wild West Rodeo Bonanza
1). Gallows, 2) Carriage Races, 3) Archery, 4) Teepees, tin of bean cooking, Face Painting, 5) Climbing Wall 6) Games Room 7) Musical Instrument Making.1.00pm Cook Breakfast wherever, two teams at the base for cooking.

The units were broken into similar size groups of around thirty plus Scout that took it in turns to go from bases to base. Abbeyside was paired up with our neighbours across the bridge Dungarvan. At around 4.30 the Rodeo Bonanza finished up. R&R with the games room and climbing wall being available. The Cubs were already using the Climbing Wall the Scouts went and joined them trying out their skills.

As with the Cubs everyone gathered around five o’clock to watch the big rugby game on the big screen TV. Each unit got called for dinner but were able to dash in and out to see all those great scores.

Everyone devoured a hearty Dinner of spuds, carrots, sweet corn, roast spud, chicken and gravy with some ice cream.

Casino Royale was the first of the night activities involving. The older Scouts, Patrick, Marco, Rhys, Damien and Jack who were full of life and more joined us at this stage.
1) Poker 2) Snake Eyes 3) Roulette 4) Three Card Trick 5) Blackjack 6) Darts and Horse Racing 7) Cocktail Bar 8) Gun Fights

Followed by an ambitious Air Guitar Competition. To round off the evening a Wild West Style Campfire was held, sending songs on the night air.

At 12.00 it was time for Lights Out and sleep, although sleep was far from some peoples minds.

Sunday morning and after Breakfast it was straight into the Wild West Sports day where some of the Scouts looked like they had been rolling in the mud, and yes they actual had been rolling in the mud strange enough they were the older scouts from Abbeyside but they were not the worst. At 12.30am a Scouts own service was held. Lunch was eaten before the big Tidy up started. The weekend ended with a lot of tired Scouts and Leaders packing up their gear and waiting for their lifts home. Some new friends were made and it is hope to meet these people on future events be them Local, County or National.

Cub Pack Meeting

It was back to normal after last weekends away trip. The meeting started at seven with Eoghan saying the Cub Scout Prayer.

It was good to see Cub David back down at the Scout Den after his absence.

The first order of the day was to do ‘Roll Call’ after which it was out with the table chairs as each of the Cubs wrote an account of how they thought the weekend went and what they enjoyed or did not. Then another new game of ‘Nose’ was played Gearoid had six bottles with different liquids in each, they were covered so the colour of the liquid was hidden also. The Cubs smelled each of the bottles and had to guess what was in each. Only one Cub was able to get all six correct, this was Cal, well done Cal.

A notice was given to each of the Cubs about the up coming bag pack. They were also each given ‘good deed’ leaflets, these are part of the ‘Bronze Arrow’ for each good deed they do the person they do writes the good deed on the leaflet thus helping the Cubs in their test work. Each Cub was given five of these leaflets.

Another new game was played of basketball, two teams using the sponge ball and buckets as baskets. It was Malachy’s team that proved to be the winners, 5-3.

The Cubs were told about plans for St Patrick’s Day Parade. The meeting ended with the saying of the Cub Scout Prayer. The Cubs went through ‘Fall Out’ and went home.

Scout Troop Meeting

Once inside the Scout Den it was into Patrol Formation for the start of the meeting and the saying of the Scout Prayer. The Patrols were given Log Books, which they were asked to update with the last three events, Troop Hike, Patrol Activity and County Fun Weekend.

As this was being done ‘Roll Call’ was called and Uniform Inspections, the Older Scouts went for a meeting in back with Sandy and Brendan while Gearoid, David, Michael, Kieran and Eamonn did the Uniform Inspections and tried out the Scouts sense of smell using the ‘Nose Game’ as played with the Cubs.

The timetable for the bag pack was gone through so everyone had a time, any Scouts that are unsure of the time they are allocated should ring Brendan.

The meeting ended with the saying of the Scout Prayer and ‘Fall Out’.

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.

Confined Draw
Tickets are available for this confined draw at a price of €20-00 each there are only 2oo tickets being sold. Top prize is €1,000-00. Contact Paddy Murphy or John O’Donnell.

Blogspot
We have gotten some feedback on some pictures we posted on the blog, there are many others there that may be of interest to others. www.abbeyside.blogspot.com .You can keep up to date with any events down at the Scout Den as well as other pictures.

Scribe.