Exciting journey for Nenagh Scouts - new members welcome

During the dark winter evenings of 2014, a group of like-minded adults got together for a number of meetings in the old Tax Office in Nenagh – most of these individuals had one thing in common, having been Boy Scouts or Girl Guides in their youth. These organisations have since merged, now forming Scouting Ireland.

With no Scouts troop in Nenagh for over 20 years, these individuals were determined to kick-start this organisation again in our community. And so, with the guidance of senior members of Scouting Ireland (Gasóga na hÉireann), 2nd Tipp Nenagh Scouts troop was reborn.

In spring 2015 the first registration night took place in the Business Innovation Centre on Stafford Street. We were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the public as 60 children were registered on the night. In March 2015 the newly trained Scouters (leaders) started holding weekly Beaver and Cub meetings.

The highlight of that year was our summer camp in the fantastic Scouting Ireland facility at Dundrum International Scouts Campsite, nestled in Weston’s Wood, just outside Dundrum village in south Tipperary. This rustic facility is set amongst the trees on a three acre site, offering both indoor and outdoor accommodation, forest trails and streams to be explored and a covered outdoor campfire facility – all of which perfectly suited the needs of our first camping expedition.

Sixty youth members and 12 Scouters set up tents, lit camp fires, sang camp songs, practiced our orienteering skills as we trekked through the forest with maps and compasses, built bivouacs (temporary shelters using only natural materials such as branches, leaves, moss), practiced our pioneering as we taught the children how to build simple structures from wood and rope. A fantastic fun-filled experience for all involved with friendship, learning and memories to last a lifetime!

JAMBO RÍ 2018

Another highlight of the Nenagh Scouts journey to date was International Jambo Rí in July 2018 when 17 of our Scouts and five Scouters spent nine days in the beautiful grounds of Stradbally Estate in Co Laois –all learning through fun and outdoor activities about science, the environment and getting along with other cultures.

NENAGH SCOUTS TODAY

Unfortunately due to the pandemic, we have not been able to hold meetings since March 2020 for one reason or another. We now have four Sections: Beavers: Aged 6-8 years, Cubs: 9-11, Scouts: 12-15, Ventures: 16-17 (all mixed boys and girls).

SCOUTING IRELAND – HISTORY & TRAINING

We understand that parents may have queries and concerns following the media coverage relating to the two legacy Scouting organisations. Scouting Ireland prioritises the safety and well-being of children. All Scouters (leaders) must undergo a strict recruitment process including Garda vetting as well as Reference checks.

As part of the recruitment process all volunteers must also complete an eLearning Safeguarding module before completing a weekend training course, once the Garda vetting has been completed. Part of this training weekend includes a three and a half hour Safeguarding training module which is mandatory for all new Scouters. The Safeguarding training is recognised by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the National Youth Council of Ireland.

Once this training is complete Scouters may interact with the youth members – this is always done in the company of other Scouters.

Thereafter there are many levels of training which Scouters can choose to complete. A number of our Nenagh Scouters have completed all levels of training and are proud to have earned their Wood Badge and Beads.

As an organisation Scouting Ireland is dedicated to enabling and empowering young people to realise their potential – it aims to encourage the social, physical, intellectual, character, emotional and spiritual development of young people.

Friendships and memories made in Scouts can last a lifetime. Skills like leading a group, teamwork, planning, project management, dealing with difficulties and weather, packing, budgeting, first aid, cooking, navigation, building structures, volunteerism and making a shelter will always be useful and underpin future careers and life choices.

NEW MEMBERS/LEADERS NEEDED

If you think that your child(ren) would like to be part of this exciting organisation, please send a text or WhatsApp to 086-6028272 or email nenaghscouts15@gmail.com

We always need new Scouters (age 18+) so we would love to speak to you whether or not you have children joining our troop and even if you do not have previous Scouting experience. For further information: tel: 086-6028272 / email: nenaghscouts15@gmail.com.