campsThe Beaver Chief Scout Camp was held on 20th June in the Faith Mission Centre, Durrow. As part of the award, we had to share an intercultural camp with a group who were the 6th Tipperary Roscrea beavers. Altogether there were 25 beavers, 12 from Durrow and 13 from Roscrea with 8 leaders. This camp was under canvas and tents were pitched by the beavers with the assistance of leaders.
Saturday’s and Sunday’s activities included making and designing knot boards (wonderful colourful displays) and planting of flowers in keeping with the environmental aspect of the programme. A great time was had doing experiments, the mentos bomb was a HUGE hit! We also made lava lamps, managed to pierce balloons through and through without it bursting them! – can you? We then completed a short hike whilst collecting firewood for our campfire. A great number of songs (traditional and modern) were sang and to top it all off we had s’more cakes, yummy!
After a full English breakfast (our intercultural topic) all beavers presented their projects and the morning was finished off with games. Our first CSA Camp in Durrow was a huge success, with Roscrea already wondering how to top it! Many thanks to Mervyn and Rachel Tomb of the Faith Mission Centre for allowing us to use their fantastic facilities. Also thanks to the Roscrea leaders: Mairead, Tim, Niall and Kevin. Also to the Durrow leaders who put in a huge effort too: Debbie, Karen, Delphine and Seamus.
On Friday June 26th, twenty-one beavers (8 boys and 13 girls) with four leaders headed away to the National Scout Centre, Larchill in Dublin. For a nice change we camped in a tented village, which had bunk beds in the tents (very posh!). Only one tent needed to be pitched and two leaders drew the short straw!!! As it was late arriving, we used the playground and took a walk to familiarise ourselves with the site followed by games, hotdogs and bed. To the great surprise of the leaders, we had beavers who slept until 6am…
Activities on Saturday included the Human Maze, a climbing wall followed by an obstacle course. Later that day, we had great fun grass sledging with leaders and beavers participating. All in all only one person came off their sledge… no names! During the afternoon we had made time to have a birthday cake and brownies for one of our leaders Karen. We then did a hike to collect firewood in the evening for our campfire. Games were played, freetime had and camps built within our small woods on site!
Even in the rain, beavers sang brilliantly at our campfire. Their talent show was fantastic. S’mores for all followed! All beavers were fast asleep before 12. Even in very high winds, most slept on until after 7am… On Sunday we packed and prepared to leave after more games and a walk. It was a great camp (even after a burst tyre returning home) and all beavers went home very happy if just a little bit tired.
Many thanks to all the leaders for their time and help with the camp, Karen, Marian, Teresa and Debbie. A huge well done to all beavers especially the newest members this year, it is a brilliant accomplishment to complete two consecutive nights outdoors. Looking forward to a new year of scouting after our well earned summer break! Happy Summer!!!