Scouting an everyday adventure for everyone
by PAUL CLYDESDALE
THE new Scout year is upon us and groups around Lisburn are starting back after their summer break. So what will the groups throughout Lisburn be doing for the next 9 months? I think the new tagline Scouting - Everyday Adventure sums it up perfectly. Adventure is at the core of scouting. It's the very heart and soul of everything we do. I don't mean roller-blading down the side of Everest or flying to the moon, though incidentally 11 of the 12 people who have walked on the moon were former Scouts, it's not about that. The type of adventure Scouting does offer is the chance to experience something different and the opportunity for young people to challenge them-selves.
When a Beaver does a mini-assault course that's an adventure. When a Cub wakes up after their first night at camp that's an adventure. When a Scout overcomes a fear of heights by doing their first abseil that is an adventure. This is the type of everyday adventure Scouting offers right here in Lisburn. Of course we are not about activities just for their own sake after all there are plenty of places to go and jump on a quad bike. We encourage young people to try something different, enjoy the challenge and then reflect on what it means. Did they have fun? Did they make new friends? Did they work well as a team? Do they want to try it again? Do they want to help someone else have a go? We believe that through adventure we challenge young people so they can learn and experience new things that will enrich their lives.
The year ahead is packed full of activities for all our members. Here is a brief outline of what is ahead for the sections over the next few months:
Beavers - Aged 6-8 - The Beaver Leaders have created the following outline program for the District. This program supplements the weekly meetings of each Beaver Colony. At their weekly meetings Beavers play games, make things, and sometimes go outdoors and lots more.
The District will be organising the following: October - Beaver Sponsored Walk around Hillsborough Forest Park,
November - Tug of war competition, December - Christmas Party
Cubs - Ages 8-10 - Again the following is the District program for the coming year. This though is only a small part of what Cubs do during the year. Most packs meet weekly and boys take part in a whole range of activities both inside and out-side, weather permitting of course. Cubs play games, learn new things for badge-work, explore the outdoors and make new friends. Most packs also hold at least one camp each year.
Some of the activities planned by the District for this year are as follows: 5 a-side Football Group Stages and Finals - November 2005, Cub District Quiz - January 2006, Expandite Shield - March 2006, 8 a-side Football - April 2006, Sports Day & Athlete Badge - May 2006, Cub 90th Anniversary Celebrations - Saturday June 3, 2006.
The 90th Anniversary Celebrations will be one of the highlights of the year with a big day out planned in Wallace Park. Lisburn City Council has kindly given us some financial help and we hope to have a great day to include inflatable fun activities, Fire Service & PSNI Displays, side shows and many other games and activities.
Scouts - Ages 10 - 14 - Again most Scout Troops meet on a weekly basis were they take part in a vast array of different and interesting activities. To supplement the weekly troop program the District program this year will include: November - 5-a side Indoor Football, December - District Fundraising U14 Disco at Lisburn RFC, March/April - 6-a side Outdoor Football, May - District Outdoor Challenge Competition.
There will be other events at during the year such as a quiz and these will fit into the calendar where possible.
Explorers - 14-18 - The explorers first meeting was last Friday September 23. With potentially 40 members this years they have an exciting program ahead. They are going to camp at Crawfordsburn in early October and they are off to the Mournes at the end of that month. The also have a few social occasions planned before Christmas. Their next monthly meeting is Friday October 14 at St. Marks Hall, Ballymacash. If you want to contact them before then e-mail Colin on scoutcentre@aol.com
Scout Network - 18-25 - Yes you are right. This age range is not exactly for the kids although they are definitely young at heart. Former scouts and anyone interested can find out more by logging onto www.scoutsni.com and following the links to Network. You will see there are a number of activities planned for the weeks ahead. Surfing at the Strand at Portstewart, camping at Crawfordsburn and caving at Corralea. But all this doesn't happen by chance: Adults in Scouting - Challenge yourself and help us with the Adventure.
It's around this time of the year that the papers and media are advertising evening courses at college and a lot of people sign up to do something, indeed anything to stimulate them mentally.
People are often looking to do something different, get them out of the house and have a change of environment. Of course basket weaving is a very noble pursuit but there is another way to do something different.
Scouting always needs adults, to assist, to organise and to plan. To fundraise and above all to help the children have fun. So instead of possibly doing a pointless night class that you'll never use again think about the contribution that you could make to Scouting. We will train you, we will help you and above we will help you help the members to get the most from the everyday adventure that is Scouting.
Fundraising, service and fame for local scouts
FOR those people in the Lisburn area who are currently working toward their Silver or Gold Duke of Ed the Scouts have opportunities for you to complete the service section of your award.
There are groups meeting every night of the week and at many different age ranges who could use your help as an assistant leader.
Should you wish to do something perhaps more interesting and exciting then contact yjr, on lisburndistrictscouts@hotmail.co.uk and yjr will put you in touch with a group near you that meets on a night that suits. It's that simple.
35 Boys and Leaders from Hillsborough Scout Group were in the audience for a recent recording of the BBC Sunday evening show What Kids Really Think'.
The show, starring Ian Wright, had chef Ainsley Harriott as the special guest and will be on screens in the coming weeks. Everyone had a fantastic time and they got a special group photo to round of their day.
Last but not least - congratulations to Davy and Tracey Hilland on their new addition to the family. They recently had a boy who will be named Thomas David Hilland.
Also many congratulations to Mark and Louise Robinson (2nd Lambeg) on the birth of their baby daughter Madison.
Ulster Star
06/10/2005
