Scouting Ireland Scouts
Encyclopedia
Scouts in Scouting Ireland
are aged between 11 and a half to 16 years of age. Each group has a Court of Honour/Patrol Leader's Council which under the guidance of an adult Scouter designs and implements activities. Scouts is the section where activities begin to really challenge the youth member and impart responsibility and self-reliance in accordance with the Scout method and the educational philosophy of Baden-Powell
. The association also currently has Sea Scout and Air Scout programmes. The highest award is the Chief Scout's Award
Until a new programme is introduced, many scout troops are continuing to use the programme of Scouting Ireland (CSI)
. Some other troops continue to use the programme of Scouting Ireland S.A.I.
, which includes the Attainment badge scheme.
In the former CSI programme, in addition to merit badges, the programme has a progress award scheme consisting of five awards. The first award is the Tracker Award. It is completed before a scout is invested. It requires scouts to have a basic knowledge of scoutcraft (navigation, ropework and cooking), show a commitment to their patrol and troop and to understand certain aspects of scouting (uniform, promise, law, award scheme, scouting trail etc). The tracker award badge (a green diamond with a stag on it) is the first badge a scout can earn. After this scouts can continue the award scheme
The next step is the Explorer Award. This award is considered the standard of scouting skills. It has several sections (Scouting Knowledge, Scoutcraft, campcraft, pathfinding, health, cooking, culture,community, duty to beliefs). Most of the requirements can be completed during patrol/troop activities. The Court of Honour decides if the scout deserves the award. The explorer award is a red diamond with a compass on it.
The third part is the star scout award. To earn the award you need:
The star scout badge is a black diamond with a yellow staff on it. It is usually presented in a ceremony.
The fourth part is the National Scout Award. To take part a scout needs to apply to National Office. The requirements for the NSA are as follows:
When applying scouts need to submit 3 hike logs or 2 camp logs and the social awareness/conservation badge work. The NSA is always presented in a ceremony.
The four badges combined to make a large diamond as illustrated. The final part is the Chief Scout's Award
which is considered the highest honour a scout can get.
There's also the Leadership award which tests the leadership ability of the scouts. This is often earned as part of a PL training course.
6-8 scouts make up a patrol. The patrol is the main unit of the scout programme and most activities are done in the patrol. The patrol is led by an older scout known as a patrol leader (pl). He is helped by an assistant patrol leader. All other members of the patrol are given jobs (e.g. cook, first aider, scribe). The patrol system encourages team work and youth leadership.
A standard troop is made up of 20-32 scouts (divided into 3-4 patrols) under the leadership of a group of Adult Scouters. The PLs come together in Court of Honour/Patrol Leaders Council to help the scouters run the troop.
The highlight of the scouting year is the troop annual camp which usually takes place at summer time
competition. It is organised by the National Events Team. Patrols of 8 members qualify from their respective Scout Counties to reach the 4 day event. Patrols combine traditional Scout skills with team games. Tasks vary from year to year, with pioneering, water activities, hiking
, bivouacking
and crafts. There are separate prizes for Campcraft, Cooking
,Health & Safety, activity bases and special projects and the coveted overall winners' prize.
The Phoenix evolved from the Melvin competition of Scouting Ireland (CSI)
and the Smythe Cup of Scouting Ireland S.A.I.
. The name "Phoenix
" was chosen for its symbolic meaning by the National Patrol Leaders' Forum in August 2004. The first official Phoenix Challenge was run in 2005 in Pallaskenry
(County Limerick
). Although, the National Patrol Challenge was held in Larch Hill
in August 2004. In 2006 it was held in Tollymore Forest Park (County Down
). Each Phoenix is themed and all of the activities relate to the theme, Pallaskenry 2005 had the theme "Journey Through Science
", Tollymore 2006 was "The Medieval Experience" The Curragh Phoenix 2007 was themed 'The Flight of the Phoenix', the 2008 Phoenix Challenge took place in Larch Hill was '1908: In The Beginning' and the 2009 Phoenix Challenge which took place in Mount Melleray was 'SURVIVOR: Fun, Friendship & Challenge'.
The Mountain Pursuit Challenges (MPCs) are a series of weekend events for teams of 4 scouts aged 13–16 with a leader. There are four events — Munster (April), leinster (May), Connaught (September) and Ulster (October). There is also the locally organised County Expedition and County Pursuit Challenge which are aimed towards younger scouts.
The Sionnach Adventures were originally run by SAI. There are 3 events run each year.
Patrol Expedition Adventure Kamp (PEAK) is a week long training adventure for Scouts aged 14–16 run over Easter week in Caponalea Outdoor Education Centre is Kerry. Scouts learn hiking and teamwork skills.
. See also National Venture Forum Committee
. The committee members each represent a Scout Province and are elected by delegates from that Province at the National Youth Forum. One of the primary roles of the nine member team is to present the successful motions of the National Scout Forum to the associations National Council. National Council is the AGM of Scouting Ireland at which grassroots
members from all over the island meet.
Scouting Ireland
Scouting Ireland is the World Organization of the Scout Movement-recognised Scouting association in the Republic of Ireland, although it also has Scout Groups in Northern Ireland. Scouting Ireland is a voluntary, non-formal educational movement for young people...
are aged between 11 and a half to 16 years of age. Each group has a Court of Honour/Patrol Leader's Council which under the guidance of an adult Scouter designs and implements activities. Scouts is the section where activities begin to really challenge the youth member and impart responsibility and self-reliance in accordance with the Scout method and the educational philosophy of Baden-Powell
Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell
Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, Bt, OM, GCMG, GCVO, KCB , also known as B-P or Lord Baden-Powell, was a lieutenant-general in the British Army, writer, and founder of the Scout Movement....
. The association also currently has Sea Scout and Air Scout programmes. The highest award is the Chief Scout's Award
Scouting Ireland Chief Scout's Award
The Chief Scout's Award is the highest award for Scouts in Scouting Ireland. The precise criteria for the Chief Scout's Award in Scouting Ireland as a result of the merger of CSI and SAI are unclear at present . It is the final step in the personal progressive scheme of the former CSI...
Scout Awards
Scouting Ireland (CSI)
Scouting Ireland was a WOSM affiliated National Scout Organisation in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland from 1927 to December 31, 2003. It has since merged with Scouting Ireland S.A.I. to form Scouting Ireland...
. Some other troops continue to use the programme of Scouting Ireland S.A.I.
Scouting Ireland S.A.I.
Scouting Ireland S.A.I. was an Irish Scouting association, formed in 1908 and merged into Scouting Ireland in 2004.- History :Scouting Ireland SAI began in 1908 as the Dublin City and Dublin County Boy Scouts. Around the same time, a number of Troops in Co. Wicklow formed the Co. Wicklow Scout...
, which includes the Attainment badge scheme.
In the former CSI programme, in addition to merit badges, the programme has a progress award scheme consisting of five awards. The first award is the Tracker Award. It is completed before a scout is invested. It requires scouts to have a basic knowledge of scoutcraft (navigation, ropework and cooking), show a commitment to their patrol and troop and to understand certain aspects of scouting (uniform, promise, law, award scheme, scouting trail etc). The tracker award badge (a green diamond with a stag on it) is the first badge a scout can earn. After this scouts can continue the award scheme
The next step is the Explorer Award. This award is considered the standard of scouting skills. It has several sections (Scouting Knowledge, Scoutcraft, campcraft, pathfinding, health, cooking, culture,community, duty to beliefs). Most of the requirements can be completed during patrol/troop activities. The Court of Honour decides if the scout deserves the award. The explorer award is a red diamond with a compass on it.
The third part is the star scout award. To earn the award you need:
- The explorer award (or certain combinations of the explorer award sections)
- Camper and Emergencies merit badges
- either the hiker, water activities or air activities badges
- 7 other merit badges (1 each from campcraft, scoutcraft, service, adventure, faith/environment, Physical Ability)
- Either the faith or scripture badge
- to take part in a county event
The star scout badge is a black diamond with a yellow staff on it. It is usually presented in a ceremony.
The fourth part is the National Scout Award. To take part a scout needs to apply to National Office. The requirements for the NSA are as follows:
- Star Scout Award
- Leadership Award
- Hike Leader or Camp Leader badge
- Social Awareness or Conservation badge
- World Friendship badge
- Participate in a national event
When applying scouts need to submit 3 hike logs or 2 camp logs and the social awareness/conservation badge work. The NSA is always presented in a ceremony.
The four badges combined to make a large diamond as illustrated. The final part is the Chief Scout's Award
Scouting Ireland Chief Scout's Award
The Chief Scout's Award is the highest award for Scouts in Scouting Ireland. The precise criteria for the Chief Scout's Award in Scouting Ireland as a result of the merger of CSI and SAI are unclear at present . It is the final step in the personal progressive scheme of the former CSI...
which is considered the highest honour a scout can get.
There's also the Leadership award which tests the leadership ability of the scouts. This is often earned as part of a PL training course.
Troop Structure
Scouts are divided up in patrols and troops.6-8 scouts make up a patrol. The patrol is the main unit of the scout programme and most activities are done in the patrol. The patrol is led by an older scout known as a patrol leader (pl). He is helped by an assistant patrol leader. All other members of the patrol are given jobs (e.g. cook, first aider, scribe). The patrol system encourages team work and youth leadership.
A standard troop is made up of 20-32 scouts (divided into 3-4 patrols) under the leadership of a group of Adult Scouters. The PLs come together in Court of Honour/Patrol Leaders Council to help the scouters run the troop.
The highlight of the scouting year is the troop annual camp which usually takes place at summer time
The Phoenix Patrol Challenge
The Phoenix Patrol Challenge is the national ScoutcraftScoutcraft
Scoutcraft is a term used to cover a variety of woodcraft knowledge and skills required by people seeking to venture into wild country and sustain themselves independently. The term has been adopted by Scouting organizations to reflect skills and knowledge which are felt to be a core part of the...
competition. It is organised by the National Events Team. Patrols of 8 members qualify from their respective Scout Counties to reach the 4 day event. Patrols combine traditional Scout skills with team games. Tasks vary from year to year, with pioneering, water activities, hiking
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
, bivouacking
Bivouac shelter
A bivouac traditionally refers to a military encampment made with tents or improvised shelters, usually without shelter or protection from enemy fire or such a site where a camp may be built. It is also commonly used to describe a variety of improvised camp sites such as those used in scouting and...
and crafts. There are separate prizes for Campcraft, Cooking
Cooking
Cooking is the process of preparing food by use of heat. Cooking techniques and ingredients vary widely across the world, reflecting unique environmental, economic, and cultural traditions. Cooks themselves also vary widely in skill and training...
,Health & Safety, activity bases and special projects and the coveted overall winners' prize.
The Phoenix evolved from the Melvin competition of Scouting Ireland (CSI)
Scouting Ireland (CSI)
Scouting Ireland was a WOSM affiliated National Scout Organisation in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland from 1927 to December 31, 2003. It has since merged with Scouting Ireland S.A.I. to form Scouting Ireland...
and the Smythe Cup of Scouting Ireland S.A.I.
Scouting Ireland S.A.I.
Scouting Ireland S.A.I. was an Irish Scouting association, formed in 1908 and merged into Scouting Ireland in 2004.- History :Scouting Ireland SAI began in 1908 as the Dublin City and Dublin County Boy Scouts. Around the same time, a number of Troops in Co. Wicklow formed the Co. Wicklow Scout...
. The name "Phoenix
Phoenix (mythology)
The phoenix or phenix is a mythical sacred firebird that can be found in the mythologies of the Arabian, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Chinese, Indian and Phoenicians....
" was chosen for its symbolic meaning by the National Patrol Leaders' Forum in August 2004. The first official Phoenix Challenge was run in 2005 in Pallaskenry
Pallaskenry
Pallaskenry is a village in County Limerick, Ireland. The village is located about west of Limerick city close to the River Shannon estuary. The town is reached by travelling about five kilometres north off the N69 National Route that runs west from the city...
(County Limerick
County Limerick
It is thought that humans had established themselves in the Lough Gur area of the county as early as 3000 BC, while megalithic remains found at Duntryleague date back further to 3500 BC...
). Although, the National Patrol Challenge was held in Larch Hill
Larch Hill
Larch Hill is the national campsite, and administrative and training headquarters of Scouting Ireland. It was previously owned by Scouting Ireland .-Overview:...
in August 2004. In 2006 it was held in Tollymore Forest Park (County Down
County Down
-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
). Each Phoenix is themed and all of the activities relate to the theme, Pallaskenry 2005 had the theme "Journey Through Science
Science
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe...
", Tollymore 2006 was "The Medieval Experience" The Curragh Phoenix 2007 was themed 'The Flight of the Phoenix', the 2008 Phoenix Challenge took place in Larch Hill was '1908: In The Beginning' and the 2009 Phoenix Challenge which took place in Mount Melleray was 'SURVIVOR: Fun, Friendship & Challenge'.
Winners
- National Patrol Challenge
- 2004/Larch Hill - 34th Limerick (PallaskenryPallaskenryPallaskenry is a village in County Limerick, Ireland. The village is located about west of Limerick city close to the River Shannon estuary. The town is reached by travelling about five kilometres north off the N69 National Route that runs west from the city...
)
- 2004/Larch Hill - 34th Limerick (Pallaskenry
- Phoenix Patrol Challenge
- 2005/Pallaskenry - 17th/20th Waterford (St. Pauls)
- 2006/Tollymore - 34th Limerick (Pallaskenry)
- 2007/Curragh - 17th/20th Waterford (St. Pauls)
- 2008/Larch Hill & Lough Dan - Gold Recipients: 91st Dublin (Bluebell), 11th Belfast (St. Colmcille's), 7th Waterford (De La Salle), 18th/19th Cork (FermoyFermoyFermoy is a town in County Cork, Ireland. It is situated on the River Blackwater in the south of Ireland. Its population is some 5,800 inhabitants, environs included ....
), 17th/20th Waterford (St. Pauls), 3rd Cork (St Patrick's), - 2009/Mount Melleray & Glenshellane - 7th Waterford (De La Salle)
- 2010/Larch Hill & Lough Dan - 17th/20th Waterford (St. Pauls)
- 2011/Pallaskenry & Curragh Chase - 17th/20th Waterford (St. Pauls)
Mountaineering Events
Scouting Ireland has 3 mountaineering events- the Mountain Pursuit Challenge, Sionnach Adventure and PEAK.The Mountain Pursuit Challenges (MPCs) are a series of weekend events for teams of 4 scouts aged 13–16 with a leader. There are four events — Munster (April), leinster (May), Connaught (September) and Ulster (October). There is also the locally organised County Expedition and County Pursuit Challenge which are aimed towards younger scouts.
The Sionnach Adventures were originally run by SAI. There are 3 events run each year.
Patrol Expedition Adventure Kamp (PEAK) is a week long training adventure for Scouts aged 14–16 run over Easter week in Caponalea Outdoor Education Centre is Kerry. Scouts learn hiking and teamwork skills.
National Scout Forum
A National Scout Committee represents Scouts on all national administrative bodies in line with the associations Youth Participation Policy. The NSC meet regularly to discuss matters of importance to Scouts nationwide. The nine member committee is elected annually at the National Youth Forum and meets at Larch HillLarch Hill
Larch Hill is the national campsite, and administrative and training headquarters of Scouting Ireland. It was previously owned by Scouting Ireland .-Overview:...
. See also National Venture Forum Committee
Scouting Ireland Venture Scouts
Venture Scouts in Scouting Ireland are aged between 15 to 17 years of age. The awards scheme is called Rogha, an Irish word meaning Choice. Although many groups use Gaisce, The President's Award as part of their programme also...
. The committee members each represent a Scout Province and are elected by delegates from that Province at the National Youth Forum. One of the primary roles of the nine member team is to present the successful motions of the National Scout Forum to the associations National Council. National Council is the AGM of Scouting Ireland at which grassroots
Grassroots
A grassroots movement is one driven by the politics of a community. The term implies that the creation of the movement and the group supporting it are natural and spontaneous, highlighting the differences between this and a movement that is orchestrated by traditional power structures...
members from all over the island meet.