Scouts showcase skills for families at fundraising day

THE Fifth Carlow Town Scout Group brought together young adventurers and their families for a special fundraising day that highlighted the impressive range of skills its members have developed. From the youngest beavers, just six years’ old, to the venturers approaching their 19th birthday, the event demonstrated exactly what modern scouting is all about.

“A lot of people don’t understand what we do,” explained Colin Walsh, the group’s chair and a former long-time scout leader. “We teach life skills to kids from a very early age, starting at six years of age as beavers, and they progress through the ranks until they’re 18 or 19.” 

The timing of the fundraiser was particularly exciting for the group, as their Sionnach patrol had recently claimed first place at the Carlow/Kilkenny County Shield competition in April. This victory earned them the right to represent the county at the national Phoenix challenge, scheduled for 14-17 August in Limerick.

“They were showing their skills off ‒ what they’re actually going to be doing for the competition,” Walsh noted.

The demonstration proved that these young scouts have mastered skills that would challenge many adults. Their pioneering abilities were on full display as they set up a perimeter and demonstrated the art of joining wooden staves using traditional knots and lashing techniques ‒ no nails or glue required. The practical skills continued in the kitchen, where the scouts prepared ‘eggy bread’ and hotdogs that were served to parents and other attendees.

Local politicians including minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, cllr Andrea Dalton, cllr Fergal Browne and cllr John Cassin attended the event, giving them a first-hand look at what the scouts accomplished. “We showed them around and introduced them to all the kids,” said Colin.

The skills showcased represent just a fraction of what young people can learn through scouting. Colin is enthusiastic about the comprehensive education the programme provides, covering orienteering with compass and map reading, navigation by the sun’s position, first aid, CPR and defibrillation, hiking, camping and mountaineering.

“They wouldn’t ordinarily learn these valuable life skills in school,” Colin emphasised, highlighting how scouting fills an important gap in practical education.

For Colin, who has been involved with the Carlow scouts since joining as a boy in 1962, the programme represents something deeper than skill-building. He speaks warmly of the life-long bonds forged and friendships made through scouting.

With humour, he adds: “I’ve been involved a long time; they can’t get rid of me.”