Scouts conquer Torc Mountain

Well done to our 12 Scouts and 5 Scouters who successfully summited Torc Mountain (535m) in Killarney over the weekend.

We started at the lower car park (V967 847) and headed up the path to the impressive Torc Waterfall. After the waterfall, we continued on to the upper Car Park (V967 840) where we joined the Old Kenmare Road. We stopped briefly to do some map-reading at the fork by the Old Torc Bridge (V965 837). We continued along the road until we reached the turned off. From here, we follow a stone path with some railway sleepers to the summit of Torc Mountain.

At the summit, we had lunch. We also attempted some feature recognition of the various peaks in the distance such as Mangerton and Purple Mountain. We descend the mountain and headed back to the Car Park (with a slight detour at the Fork to complete the loop of the Waterfall trail)

After the hike, we stopped into Supermacs before heading for home. Thanks to Scouters Barry Kennedy, Neil Ryan, Bob Halvey, Mike Boland and Mike O’Halloran for helping run this great day in the hills. We’ll be back in Kerry before long to take on Mangerton, Purple Mountain and, maybe, even Currantoohill.

Details for your logbook

Scouts should complete their logbook of this hike in order to progress in the Hillwalking adventure skills and for the Four Seasons hike badge

Number in Party17
MapOSI 78
Duration4hrs 22mins
Distance9km
Height Gain 468m

Feel free to show your log to one of the Scouters for feedback.

Beavers – Air Activities

Our Beavers are currently working on their Air Activities badges. We’re asking parents to help at home to reinforce information. In particular, several of our Bree Beavers (Beavers in their first year) haven’t yet visited an airport. This might make a good family outing someday.

Full requirements

Resources

Here are some links that might help:

Things that fly

Making a Paper Airplane

Making a parachute

Parts of an airport

Parts of an airplane

Torc Day Hike (Scouts)

We are organising a day hike for Scouts to Torc Mountain (535m) in Killarney on Saturday 16th November. This is a fairly easy hike that passes the stunning Torc Waterfall and (if the skies are clear) offers a fantastic view over Killarney National Park, the Lakes and the McGillicuddy Reeks

Parents need to let Barry know if they will be attending by 5pm Thursday

Location Torc Mountain, Killarney
DateSaturday 16th November
TimeMeeting 8am at the Scout Hall
Cost€5 petrol contribution + money for Supermacs

We aim to return to the Scout Hall between 6pm and 7pm. We’ll update parents via Whatsapp when we are leaving Killarney

Gear List

Due to the time of the year, warm clothes and a headtorch are essential as well as the usuals 

  • Scout Neckerchief
  • Day bag
  • Raingear
  • Hiking boots
  • Hat & Gloves
  • Warm Clothes (layers)
  • Water (2ltr min)
  • Packed Lunch
  • Bivy Bag
  • Change of Clothes/Shoes (to be left in the leaders’ cars)
Image result for packing a rucksack scouting ireland

All Scouts need to have paid the full fees for the first term and have submitted their activities consent form in order to attend this hike.

Scouts complete MPC Diamond

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

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

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

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

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

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