Our next Scout event is Survivor, the National Backwoods challenge. 

Important information

Start: Fri 1st April 8pm
Finish: Sun 3rd April 12 PM (TBC)
Location: Castleconnell Scout Campsite
Cost: €50pp

This event will be for teams of 4. There are three levels- Delta, Beta and Alpha. We will have 3 teams on the Delta Subcamp. Places have been filled based on previous expression of interest – if in doubt, message the Scouters

Required Personal Equipment:

• Raingear (Jacket & Trousers)
• Hat & Gloves
• Boots
• Warm fleece
• 2 x Spare pairs of Socks
• 2 x Spare Underwear
• 1 x Spare Base Layer
• (1 Change of Clothes in separate pack with Scouter and NOT presented at Check-in)
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat
• Survival bag/ bivvy bag
• Torch (with spare batteries)
• Bowl, Cup and Cutlery (NO utensils that can be used as Pots, etc)
• Knife/Penknife (suitable for survival tasks)
• Water Bottles – filled and in your Back Pack (To carry 2lt of water)
• Toiletries – NO Deodorant/ Sprays, etc
• Rucksack – ALL personal and Team equipment must fit into, or be attached to the Rucksacks. Participants will NOT be allowed to proceed beyond the check-in with items being carried – this is a Safety measure. Allow room for some team gear

Directions

Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/7T9HSgZbv9HeJJhz7

Dear Parents,

We have come to the end of what has definitely been the most challenging year many of us have ever experienced. While many of our usual Scouting activities have had to be put to one side this year, the core concepts of Scouting (doing our best, helping each other and facing challenges head-on) have never been so important. Watching our Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Ventures face the challenges of 2020 has been inspirational.

I’d ask you to take a moment to thank your child’s leaders. Despite everything, they continue to give up their time and energy so that the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Ventures get to experience the adventure of Scouting. Many Scout Groups simply shut their doors in March and haven’t reopened. This was never an option for the Scouters of the 23rd Limerick. They continue to look at ways to adapt what we do and keep the adventures going.

I’d also like to thank all of you for your support, patience and understanding this year, in particular your help with our fundraising campaigns. These efforts help keep our group active and are greatly appreciated.

I would like to wish you and your families a happy and safe Christmas. Let us all look forward to better times in 2021.

Yours in Scouting

Barry Kennedy
Group Leader

This time of year is when we’d normally be selling our 12 Days of Christmas tickets in Dunnes or Mace. With the current restrictions, unfortunately, that is not possible this year. Instead, we’re moving ticket sales online this year with a new online ticket portal:

As always, the prizes are fantastic and with far fewer tickets being sold this year the odds of winning are greater than ever. We would ask you to please share this link with your family and friends. Your support, as always, is greatly appreciated.

Prizes

1^st A week in Las Vegas for two with €3000 spending money to the value of €6500 or €6500 cash.

2^nd A weekend break for two in Barcelona with spending money up to the value of €3000 or €3000 cash.

3^rd A Laptop of your choice to the value of €1250 or €1250 cash.

4^th A Smart TV to the value of €650.

5^th A weekend in a Health Spa of your choice.

6^th A one4all Gift Voucher to the value of €650.

7^th A weekend break for two in a hotel of your choice in Ireland.8^thMondello Supercar Experience.

9^th A €650 voucher for an Irish International Rugby Game and accommodation.

10^th Dublin Theatre weekend for two and accommodation.

11^th A collection of kitchen top appliances to the value of €650.

12^th Shannon Cruise weekend to the value of €650.

Thanks to Eoghan Calnan for his help setting up the online portal for this.

This week’s activity for Scouts is a Street View Orienteering course (based on the Tulla course we did a couple of weeks back). Thanks to Eoghan for putting this together.

Getting Started

Load up Google Maps and search for “Limerick” and open Streetview

https://www.google.com/maps/@52.6660206,-8.6312691,3a,75y,152.03h,84.1t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sPBqF5enkHVvKlBxgIE1OVw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Use the map below to guide your way around Limerick and answer the questions at the bottom of this page.

Map

Click here for PDF

Questions

1. How many traffic lights are at the cross roads.
   a. 10 b. 9 c. 6
2. What year is on the statue on the right.
   a. 1915 b. 1917 c.1916
3. How many pints of Guinness are on the wall of the pub.
   a. 5 b. 8 c. 6
4. How many flags are hanging from the Savoy.
   a. 12 b. 5 c. 3
5. Outside Savins, what is their motto Audio – Video – __.
   a. Power b. Party c. Control
6. How much does a summer sizzler cost from Supermacs.
   a. 22.50 b. 14.50 c. 19.95
7. Quarter to two is on the Penny’s clock
   a. True b. False
8. What road should you take to travel to Killaloe (on right)
   a. M50 northbound b. N253 c. R463
9. What is an absolutely fab event (on sign outside the old Tourist Office)
   a. Abbey Lane b. Rubber bandits c. Peppa Pig the musical
10. What phone network is advertised on the bus stop shelter
    a. Three b. Vodaphone c. Eir

Thanks to Jake for putting together this Flags of the World Quiz

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So while we’re all at home, why not take the opportunity to earn a Special Interest Badge. Special Interest Badges (SIBs) allow you to earn badges for your hobbies and interests and can be done at home by taking on a project. Here’s how you do it.

1) Choose an interest

This can be a new hobby or an existing one – its up to you.

2) Choose a challenge

Come up with a project for you to improve yourself in your interest area. The keyword is CHALLENGE. This has to be something that challenges you (so it can’t be too easy). A good tip to break your project up into 3 parts – something to learn, something to do and something to make.

Need some inspiration. Here are some sample projects for each section (not all of these are suitable in the current situation but we encourage you to be creative):

• Beavers
• Cubs
• Scouts
• Ventures

When you have an idea – email to us and we’ll review your project idea.

• Beavers: [email protected]
• Cubs: [email protected]
• Scouts: [email protected]

3) Complete your challenge

This is the fun part. This will take some time. You can spread it out over the next few weeks. You can involve your family but you have to do most of the work

4) Make a record of your work

This could be a diary, videos, photos, a poster or any combination of these. The idea is to capture the work you did on this badge

5) Share your project

Email your leaders (see above) when you’re done and tell us how you got on. When we’re all back together, you’ll need to tell your lodge/six/patrol/crew

At this time, we understand your kids may be nervous about what they are hearing. Barnardos Ireland have published this guide on how to talk your kids about Covid-19. Please share so more parents can see it

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We have developed guidance to support parents when talking to their children about Covid-19 (Coronavirus). For more live and up to date information please go to hse.ie

1. Keep calm. Check in with yourself, how are you currently feeling? When parents are feeling anxious children can notice this and begin to feel stressed too. If needed, take some time for yourself or talk to another adult about your fears before talking to your child.

2. Talk to your child. As parents, we instinctively want to protect children from things that might frighten them; however not talking about something can make children more scared. Ask your child to tell you what they have heard about the virus and ask them how they are feeling. Let your child know that they can ask you questions. If you do not have all the answers, that is ok, tell your child you will let them know when you know.

3. Answer questions. Many children will have heard about the virus and may already be asking questions. This is an opportunity to talk openly to your child and to share fact-based information. Answer your child’s questions in language they will understand with a level of information appropriate to your child’s age. Avoid sharing too much information, as this can be overwhelming.

4. Create a safe environment. Your child might be worried they will catch the virus. To reassure your child talk to them about everything you and they are doing to stay safe, for example washing their hands, using and disposing of tissues etc. Try to limit your child’s exposure to news reports and discuss your worries outside your child’s earshot.

5. Maintain a daily routine. A consistent daily routine is very important for children as it creates a sense of stability and predictability. This will be of particular importance if your child’s school or crèche closes. Keep the days structured with consistent mealtimes, playtime, bedtime etc.

6. The best way you can support your child whenever they are feeling anxious is by reassuring them. Tell them you understand how they are feeling and let them know you are always there to listen, support, take care of them and give them a hug when needed.