Author: Barry Kennedy

Scouts complete MPC Diamond

Barry Kennedy
No photo description available.

The Group would like to congratulate three Scouts – Eoghan Halvey, Jack Wall and Jake Walsh on complete the four Mountain Pursuit Challenge (MPC) events this year and, in doing so, achieved the coveted MPC diamond. Thanks to Scouter Neil Ryan for leading this over the past few months.

The MPCs are a series of weekend mountaineering events for Scouts held across the four provinces each. They are designed to be tough and challenging and aim to improve hiking, lightweight camping and navigation skills in the hills.

Their first event was the Munster MPC in the Teermoyle area in Kerry back in April.

Image may contain: 4 people, people smiling, people standing, cloud, sky, outdoor and nature

The second was the Leinster MPC during May in Aghavannagh in the Wicklow mountains and including Lugnaquilla (925m), the highest mountain in Leinster

Image may contain: 4 people, people smiling, people standing, sky, cloud, outdoor and nature

The third event was the Connaught MPC in September along the Twelve Bens, Co Galway. This very wet weekend saw the team summitting
Benbaun (729m)

The final event was the Ulster MPC in Oct, Mourne Mountains, Co. Down. Barry stood in for Neil for this event which saw the Scouts summit Cove Mountain (654m) and Slieve Lamagan (702m). On Sunday, the three Scouts were presented with their fourth and final MPC badge.

Image may contain: 4 people, people standing, sky, cloud, outdoor and nature

Check out the MPC team website for more info on these events

Registration & Fees Evening

Barry Kennedy

The group will be holding a Registration/Fees evening on Wednesday SEPTEMBER 11th from 7-30pm to 9pm at the Scout Hall for all sections.

It is important that the Parents of the boys returning attend and fill out the registration forms and pay the 1st half fee of €85.

At least €50 must be paid on the evening,the rest can be paid at the Boys weekly meetings.

If you cannot attend on the night please contact your childs Leader

Thanking You
Michael O Halloran

Group Leader

Scout Camp 2019

Barry Kennedy

Transport

As you know we’ll be travelling by train. All Scouts need to be in the train station at 4pm on Wednesday sharp. The train will not be waiting for you

We have to take 3 trains to get to the campsite and scouts will be carrying their own gear so everything needs to be in the bag (not carried or hanging off).

Please bring a packed lunch for the trip

We intend to be returning around 7pm on Sunday. (Yes, we are aware that the Munster Final is taking place earlier in the day)

Programme

Wednesday          Travelling

Thursday                Finish Putting up site/Cobh Treasure Trail/Backwoods

Friday                      Fota Island Wildlife Park/Bowling

Saturday                 Fota Island Adventures/Spike Island Tour

Sunday                    Break Camp

Gear List

  • Rucksack
  • Day Bag
  • Neckerchief
  • Rain Gear
  • Hat & Gloves
  • Head Torch
  • Sun cream
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Ground Mat
  • Knife/Fork/Spoon/Plate/Bowl/Mug
  • Water Bottle
  • Personal First Aid Kit
  • Bivy Bag
  • Towel
  • Toiletries/Wash Gear
  • Hiking Boots

No phones, electronics, sweets, fizzy drinks or energy drink permitted

Medication Forms

If your child is on any medication, it needs to be given to Barry in a clear bag at the train station along with a copy of the SI Managing Medication Form

Outstanding Money

If you owe money, please bring it to the Scout Hall this Thursday as the leaders will need to do the food shopping prior to departure

Beaver Camp

Barry Kennedy

Arrival: 10am Saturday, 8th June Castleconnell Scout Centre.
Collection: 11am Sunday, 9th June Castleconnell Scout Centre.

Remember this is a Pirate Themed Camp so Beavers should arrive in Pirate outfit with neckerchief tied [no woggle needed]. Ensure outfit suitable for all types of weather.

Parents please do not be late dropping off your child otherwise the Scouting Program will be delayed. Similarly, when collecting your child Sunday morning remember Leaders have family commitments also so again do not be late.

Camp Checklist:

Essential items marked with*. Please remember to label your child’s gear, including utensils, clothes, sleeping gear, with their NAME & 23rd Limerick using PERMANENT black marker which won’t wash off.

  • Neckerchief*
  • Rucksack*
  • Sleeping Bag*
  • Ground mat*
  • Hat/Gloves/Scarf/wet gear*
  • Warm jacket & fleece/hoodie*
  • PJs, sleeping buddy [teddy bear] & Pillow*
  • Flashlight/head torch (with batteries)* – essential for Moonlight Hike
  • Change of clothes*
  • Spare runners/boots*
  • Plenty spare socks, t-shirt & underwear*
  • Plate, Bowl, Mug*
  • Knife, Fork, Spoon*
  • Tea Towel*
  • Toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste & face cloth*
  • Rain gear*
  • Strong black plastic bag for wet & dirty clothes*

Rucksack:

You can get special offers in Radar Stores Foxes Bow, Regatta Outdoor Adventure Store in Arthurs Quay, Emerald Alpine on Roches Street (ask for Padraic for Beaver Specials) or American Army & Navy Store Lower Shannon Street. Rucksacks will last the boys 3 – 5yrs if properly looked after. They’re a great investment for boys beginning their Scouting adventure.

Summer Camp bag inspections will take place to ensure the boys packed their gear properly. This is the type of practical scouting we have been teaching the boys for the past 3mths and gives them with a wonderful opportunity implement their learning.

First Aid/Medication

As part of their preparation for the Emergencies Badge each Beaver should have a Personal First Aid kit which they can either buy in Lidl [for €5] or preferably make themselves. Each kit should have the child’s name clearly written on the outside include small sealed bandages, a pair of sanitary gloves, burn-shield gel, antiseptic wipes, a miniature scissors & a roll of bandages. This encourages Beavers to think safety first & develop a valuable life skill.

NB: Upon arrival if your child is on any form of medication please supply the First Aider [Phelim] with a copy of the Medication Form if your child is on any medication [current or regular].

It is important to list all medications taken by your child on a regular basis. In addition, please advise leaders of any allergy your child may suffer from and inform us of any changes that occur prior to camp.

You must provide all medicines in a zip locked clear plastic bag with your child’s name labelled clearly on the outside.   

Food

Please ensure your child has eaten a hearty breakfast before arriving @ camp on Saturday morning. We will provide lunch as dinner won’t be served that evening until approximately 6.30pm.

While it is important you list any food concerns your child may have, we will be limited on camp as to what choices are available. Please do not give your child sweets we will provide all foods, fruit & snacks for the overnight camp.

This is a completely nut free camp. Under NO circumstances are any nuts of any description permitted. Anyone found with nuts will have them confiscated.

Code of Conduct:

There will be a Beaver of the Camp award for the beaver who best displays good friendship, integrates with everyone, helps out on camp, listens attentively to leader instruction and has the most FUN on the overnight camp. Every beaver has a chance @ winning this prestigious accolade.

Each Beaver will be expected abide by the Beaver Code of Conduct terms & conditions. Following earlier meetings held with Parents/Beavers previously everyone should be fully aware of what level of behaviour is expected of their child while on a overnight.

The following items are banned:

ALL electrical goods including iPods, iPads, PSPs, DSs. Also no fizzy drinks, nuts or chewing gum of any description are permitted as they are all BANNED on camp.

Message from our Chairperson

Barry Kennedy

Hi All,

Please allow me to introduce myself to those who do not know me – My name is Bob Halvey and I am the new Chairperson of our great Scout Group. I am the father of two boys in our scout section.

I have been associated with the troop for many, many years, seeing first-hand the wonderful work and dedication from our scouters. Work we need to continue hopefully for many years to come.

As you are most likely aware we have had to carry out extensive renovations to our hall to meet fire safety requirements. These works will, in turn, benefit each and every child who comes into us from Beavers right the way up.

These refurbishments do not come cheaply and, as we highlighted in the section/parent meetings we had earlier in the year, we will need as much support as we can possibly get to assist with our fundraising efforts. Your support in the past has been brilliant, most recently with our Clothing collection which surpassed our expectations. Many thanks for this.

Next up for the unit is the dreaded Bag Packing collection in Dunnes Stores in the Jetland Friday May 31st & Saturday June 1st.

I know it’s not for everyone but this year we really need as much support from parents and friends to fill all the slots ourselves to maximise the potential of this opportunity. Remember, last year we had to bring another group on board to help us resulting in us sharing proceeds with them. We need to avoid this if we can.

If you have not signed up for a slot can you give us some of your time? If you cannot make it but know someone who would be willing to help out let us know.

If you have signed up thanks in advance for your effort

Sign Up details here – https://www.caherdavinscouts.ie/fundraising/

Or Contact [email protected]

Yours in Scouting

Bob Halvey
Group Chairperson

Bag Packing – Volunteers required

Barry Kennedy

Dear Parents

We have secured another bag packing slot on Friday 31st May & Saturday 1st June in Dunnes Stores. While we appreciate this is a bank holiday weekend, we are asking for as many parents as possible to support us over this two day period by giving two hours of your time if possible. All support is greatly appreciated. Please fill out the form below if you are available and a member of our team will contact you

Beaver Easter Overnight Details

Barry Kennedy

Download Letter
Download Managing Medications Form

Arrival: 3.45pm Saturday, April 27th, Caherdavin Scout Hall

Collection: 10am Sunday, April 28th, Caherdavin Scout Hall

The planned programme of events begins promptly at 4 pm and Beavers are expected to arrive in good time. Scouters must be informed in advance if a Beaver is going to be late. Camp finishes at 10 am sharp. We expect all Beavers to leave at 10 am, please inform us in advance if you are going to be late.

If you need to contact Scouters for any reason during the event, you can do so via the WhatsApp Group or by telephoning a Scouter on call. The Scouters on call for this event are Phelim, David & Fiona. You have access to their telephone numbers via the WhatsApp group.

Overnight Checklist

Please remember to label or otherwise mark all of your child’s gear including utensils, clothes, sleepwear, etc. with their name. Essential items are marked*

  • Neckerchief*
  • Rucksack*
  • Sleeping Bag*
  • Ground Mat*
  • Hat / Gloves / Scarf
  • Warm jacket & fleece*
  • PJs, Sleeping Buddy [e.g. teddy bear] & Pillow*
  • Flashlight / Head Torch & Batteries*
  • A complete Change of Clothes x 1*
  • Spare Runners / Walking Boots*
  • Spare Socks, T-shirts & Underwear
  • Rain Gear*
  • Strong Black Plastic Bag for Wet / Dirty Clothes*

For Meals: (tip: pack together in a zipped laundry net)

  • Plate, Bowl & Mug; Knife, Fork & Spoon; Tea Towel*

Toiletries: (see above tip)

  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste; Face Cloth; Small Towel*

Rucksack

This year, we are asking that Beavers / Parents invest in a proper, suitable, overnight rucksack. There are special offers available in several Limerick outlets: Radar Stores, Foxes Bow; The American Army & Navy Store, Lower Shannon Street and; Outdoor Adventure Store, Cruises Street. Please visit 23rd Limerick’s Beavers Webpage for more information. Colin has also posted links to the WhatsApp Group. The link is www.caherdavinscouts.ie/backpack-for-Beavers. Note: some of the offers include cutlery, a sleeping bag, a 65 Litre Rucksack [particularly suitable for Beavers – easy to carry and pack] and a ground mat. Properly looked after, these rucksacks should last for 3 to 5 years. We consider them a great investment for children beginning their Scouting journey.

First Aid

As part of their preparation for the Emergencies Adventure Skills Stage 2 Badge, each Beaver should have a personal First Aid kit. A suitable one can be bought in Lidl (Approx €5); alternatively, Beavers can make one themselves. The kit should have the child’s name clearly written on it. It should include small sealed bandages, a pair of sanitary gloves, burn-shield gel, medi-wipes, a miniature scissors, and an elasticated bandage.

NB:         If your child needs to take any form of medication (including non-prescription / OTC) during this camp, you must present a fully completed Managing Medications form, on arrival, to the Camp First-Aid Lead [Phelim] along with the medications. The form is available to download on the Beavers webpage. It is important that you include all medications to be taken by your child. All medicines must be presented in a zip-locked, clear plastic bag with your child’s name labelled clearly on the outside of the bag and on each medicine.

Food

Please advise us prior to camp of any allergy / intolerances your child may have. While it is important that you inform us of any food concerns your child may have, we will be limited on camp as to the food choices available. We will however have plenty of fruit and crackers.

Please ensure your child has eaten before arriving at camp on Saturday afternoon as dinner won’t be served until 7.30pm.

Please do not give your child sweets to bring to camp, we will provide all snacks and treats.

This is a completely nut free camp. Nuts of any description are not permitted. This includes whole nuts, nut butters, confectionary or any other item containing nuts.

Code of Conduct

Beavers are expected to abide by the Beaver Code of Conduct. There will be a Parents / Beavers / Scouters meeting at 4 pm on Saturday to review it and ensure that everybody is fully aware of the behaviour that is expected of Beavers and of the consequences of breaching the Code. Leaders give freely of their time to promote fun and learning, and to teach the children new disciplines & skills. If a Beaver persists with bad behaviour, parents will be called (regardless of the time) to come and take their child home.

We encourage the children to bring Board Games, Top Trumps & Playing Cards to camp as these toys encourage sharing and inclusivity. In the spirit of this, no Trading Cards, please.

Beavers will be sleeping indoors in tents. The aim of this is to simulate a camp environment. To that effect, kit inspections will take place to ensure Beavers are packing their gear properly in preparation for their outdoor camp this summer. This is in keeping with the ‘practical scouting’ programme of learning and gives them a perfect opportunity to implement it.

The following items are not permitted and will be confiscated:            

  • Electronic items (phones, tablets, personal gaming devices, etc.)
  • Trading Cards
  • Nuts of any description
  • Sweets and Chocolate
  • Fizzy Drinks
  • Chewing / Bubble Gum

There will be a Beaver of the Camp award presented to the child who best displays good friendship, integrates well, helps out on camp, listens attentively to Scouters’ instructions, enthusiastically participates in activities and has the most FUN on camp.

We strive to make Beavers a fun and above all a safe environment for every child. Thank you for your cooperation with the camp requirements and we look forward to seeing you all on Saturday.

Yours in Scouting,
23rd Limerick Beaver Scouters

Backpack for Beavers *UPDATED*

Barry Kennedy

Hi Parents, as you know we have our overnight coming up on the 27th in the Scout hall and the County summer camp in June. It is essential that the Beavers have the correct equipment for this.

The Outdoor Adventure Store (Scout Shop) on Cruises Street are currently running a special offer (see below) for a 65L Backpack, a 2 season sleeping bag and a kit/ground mat. This kind of set up would serve them for the next few years – through Beavers and on into Cubs. If anyone registers online for the outdoor adventure store they will receive a 5 euro voucher off their first purchase and it’s free delivery over €50 euro.

It will allow them to fit everything they need into one bag for their camping adventures. This is especially important as they will be expected to carry their own gear into and out of camp.
This is only a recommendation; please do not feel you have to buy this one, we just feel it’s a very good set up that will last them a few years.

Radar stores in Foxes Bow Limerick will also do a deal for the recommended beavers kit. 65L backpack, vango 2 season sleeping bag and a roll mat for 75 euro this includes a Caherdavin Scout group discount.

65L Backpack, 2 season sleeping bag and ground mat:
https://outdooradventurestore.ie/product/starter-pack-652

Starter Pack 65

65L Backpack, 2 season sleeping bag, ground mat, head torch and cutlery:
https://outdooradventurestore.ie/product/scoutscouter-rucksack-deal

Scout & Scouter Rucksack Deal

Survivor

Barry Kennedy

Scouts are to be at Castleconnell Campsite on Friday by 8pm at the latest. There will be a gear check at this time. The event should be finished by 12.30pm on Sunday

Activity Theme

Survivor 2019 has been designed around a theme of ‘’The Aftermath’’. Following years of extreme weather conditions, civilisation has been reduced to the population living in Factions. These factions obtain food and equipment through a series of challenges that are decided by the Directorate. If your Team excel at their challenges they may be moved to the next higher faction, BUT if they don’t they may be moved to the next lower faction. Upon arrival at the Wastelands, the Directorate will check all Faction team members and their equipment.

Border Security

All Gear will be checked at the entrance to the ‘Wastelands’ to ensure that prohibited items do not enter the Wastelands. These items will be confiscated, particularly electronic items (excluding torches) such as phones, etc. Any food or equipment outside of the provided team equipment list will also be confiscated.

Equipment

  • Raingear (Jacket & Trousers)
  • Hat & Gloves
  • Hiking Boots
  • Warm fleece
  • 2 x Changes of clothes (1 Change packed in rucksack, 1 left with Scouters at the start of the event)
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping mat
  • Survival bag
  • Torch (with spare batteries)
  • Bowl, Cup and Cutlery
  • Penknife (suitable for survival tasks)
  • Water Bottles – filled and in your Back Pack (To carry 2lt of water)
  • Toiletries
  • Personal First Aid Kit
  • Rucksack – ALL personal and Team equipment must fit into, or be
  • attached to the Rucksacks

All equipment needs to be packed in the participant’s backpack or attached to it. Participants will NOT be allowed to proceed beyond the check-in with items being carried – this is a Safety measure set out by the event organisers. Please leave some room in your bag for team gear.