Annual Camp 2009

 This was our largest Annual Camp yet - 55 scouts, venture scouts and leaders. Originally, we had planned a moving camp on the River Boyne but when it became clear that there would be large numbers attending, the venue was changed to the Scout Centre in Portlick on the shores of Lough Ree, Co Westmeath.

Apart from a few showers over the week, the weather was great and everybody enjoyed the camp. As you would expect, a lot of boating took place over the week, but the site also provided diversion in the form of a zip-wire, crate stacking and a climbing wall. Given the large number of scouts on the camp, it was not surprising that we had an equally large turnout of parents for our now traditional barbecue which was hugely successful and a wonderful way to spend a balmy Saturday evening.

Congratulations to Port Watch who won the overall Annual Camp Trophy in what was a very tightly contested competition.

 

Coastal Rowing

 This year, we decided to register with the Irish Coastal Rowing Federation and try to compete in as many East Coast regattas as we could. So, from May to July we competed in 5 East Coast regattas: Stella Maris, St Patrick's, Dalkey, St Michael's and Arklow.

While we enjoyed competing, these regattas were what you would call 'character building'. The races at all age levels were very competitive where even small mistakes in the boat could see you drop to the back of the field.  Nevertheless, we were always made to feel welcome at the regattas and we enjoyed the experience which provided us with a great opportunity to sharpen up all our crews and give them valuable race experience. And we came away with a modest haul of medals!!

More Cub Boating

 We were happy to help out the Tuesday Pack with a boating activity last night. While the weather was not great, there was no sign of the heavy thundery rain Met Eireann had promised us.

Nevertheless, everybody had a lot of fun and got very wet!!