Abbeyside Unit Scout Notes 17th September 2007

4th Waterford Unit
St Joseph’s
Abbeyside
Scouting Ireland

Cub Scout Pack, Scout Troop & Venture Scout Notes

17/09/2007

Annual Camp 2008 – Montseny, Spain
The parents meeting held on Saturday 15th September 2007, started at the earlier time of seven thirty. With Parents of Scouts and Venture Scouts who may be interested in going on this Camp Present to listen to Sean Tailor a Rep from JEKA, explain about the proposed site for Annual Camp 2008. Using a display board with photo’s and maps Sean showed the exact location of the centre, the activities available and some of the costs involved. Questions were put to him and answered with everyone better informed to make a decision as to whether they wanted to go or not. Keep an eye on the Notes over the next few weeks to keep up to date. you can also see more about JEKA on their web site www.jeka-grouphoildays.co.uk/ireland.

Cub Scout Pack - News & Information
The meeting was started with John Griffin saying the Cub Scout Prayer. After subs were taken up it was out into the field for a game of soccer to take advantage of the late evening sunshine. Cub Section Leader Gearoid went in goal and Michael and Marco were the linesmen. After some competitive play it was the Tiger Clan who were victorious on a 3-0 score line. Back into the den for some badge work, Gearoid went through the meaning of each line of the Cub Scout Prayer, the outlay of the den, the Cub Scout Handshake and Motto and although aimed at our Newer Cubs the revision didn't go amiss on some of the more Older Cubs either.
Next was a new game for the Cubs called "balloon relay". As with all of our relay games this proved to be very popular and a great source of fun. Then all of the cubs made themselves comfortable for the first of the readings and report that they will all do to finish off their "Book Reader Badge". This week it was Darragh McGrath and Ryan Keane who read a piece from one of the three books and then told everyone else what the other books they had read were all about. Well done to you both.
Before the meting finished Gearoid then reminded everyone that next weeks meeting would once again be full uniform and the new cubs could buy the Troop Neckerchief and Woggle at any Cub Scout meeting. John once again said the Cub Scout Prayer and everyone was dismissed.

New members are always welcome so if there is anyone who may be interested in joining the Cubs have a Parent/Guardian call along with you to the meeting and talk to one of the Leaders. The Cub age is from 8 years to 10½ /11 years. Their meeting night will be on a Thursday night from seven fifteen to eight forty five. If you have any questions before then you can E-Mail the Cubs on cubpack@abbeysidescoutgroup.com and Gearoid will get back in contact with you.

Scout Troop – News & Information
The main focus of this weeks meeting was going to be the parents meeting about Annual Camp 2008 in Spain. After the Scout Prayer was said by all, then it was back to the Patrol Corners where the Scouts had a talk amongst themselves about next years St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This raised some very interesting thoughts.
It was time for the Parents Meeting before which the Scouts and Venture Scouts set out the chairs for the talk to begin.
Deposits will be required of €20-00 per Scout before Saturday 6th October 2007, to book a place on this Camp.
Fund raising was also discussed and there will be a further parents meeting when we have numbers so as we can organise things further.
If there is anyone who may be interested in joining the Scouts have an adult call along with you to the meeting and talk to one of the Leaders. The Scout age is from 10½ years to 15/16 years. Scout Meetings will still be on a Saturday night from seven to nine. If you have any questions about Scouts before we return in September you can E-Mail us at scouttroop@abbeysidescoutgroup.com and Brendan will get back in contact with you.

Venture Scout Group – Information
This weeks meeting was quite busy with the ventures planning their calendar for the year. After just one meeting our programme is looking exciting with at least one activity happening each month and many more ideas still to be discussed. The most exciting of these being the Waterford Scout County Venture events which will include paintball, potholing, climbing and mini explorer event for starters! So watch this space for updates and reports from the venture section.
The next item for of the meeting was Camp ’08. The ventures joined the scouts, leaders and parents for a presentation from a JEKA rep. Spain is to be our destination which has stirred up lots of excitement in the troop. Sun cream rather than waterproofs…what a thought!
Next weeks meeting will be at the usual time of 7.00pm. Ventures are reminded to bring their activity consent forms. This will be a Full Uniform meeting as will every meeting till each Venture has a Full Correct Uniform.
For further information contact Sandy. You can E-Mail the Venture Group on venturegroup@abbeysidescoutgroup.com.

Full Uniform
Full Uniform is Black Polished Shoes/Boots, Navy/Black Socks, Uniform Trousers, Uniform Belt, Uniform Jumper (Cubs), Uniform Shirt (Scouts), Group Neckerchief, Woggle (Plus Spare), 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.

The Scout and Cub Scout Uniform are available from the Outdoor Adventure Store, Mc Curtain Street, Cork.

We carry some items such as Group Badge €3-50, Group Neckerchief €5-50, Woggle €1-50, and Group Baseball Cap €15-00. As well, as some other small items. Just ask the Leaders and they will help you out.

If there is anyone who has been in the Cubs or Scouts and wishes to pass on their Uniform in part or full contact one of the Leaders. Thank You.

Last Weeks Photo’s
As we said last week this photo was taken in the GAA field just above the Scout Centre in Mount Melleray during the track and field activities on the Sunday morning of the Feile Na nGasog. This was a National Competition for those who may not know that involved both sport and drama. Abbeyside were winners of this competition on a number of times during the eighties and nineties. Those in the picture are John Paul ‘Cossie’ Cosgrave, John Paul ‘Bonnie’ Mills, Brain ‘Casper’ Carroll, and Patrick ‘Paddy’ O’Dea. Not too sure of the year but think it may be late 1980’s. if anyone knows for sure they can let me know.

Web Site
We have added some more photos from the past Annual Camp in Larch Hill, and will add in time some of the Patrol Log Book extracts along with photo’s from further back.

Please leave us a comment and tell us what you think, if you have a picture that you would like to have added to the blog get in touch with Brendan. www.abbeyside.blogspot.com .You can keep up to date with any events down at the Scout Den as well as other pictures.

We are also hoping to get our Troop Web Site up to speed with information on each of the sections and the leaders involved. www.abbeysidescoutgroup.com

Check out the Glenshelane Scout Campsite & Cabin web site on www.glenshelanescoutcampsite.com and leave us a message in the guest book, tell us what you think.

Leaders News
The Leaders were busy this past week with meetings in Waterford City, these were to plan out dates for County Events and Activities over the next 12 months. The Cub Leaders were on the road on Wednesday night, the Scout Leaders were on the road Thursday Night and Finally the Venture Leaders were travelling Friday Night. These events will be put into a calendar for everyone to keep.

Best of luck to Leader David Hickey who has gone to Wales to study Primary Teaching and to Kieran Harty who will be returning to college in Cork.

Scribe.