Sea Scouting in Ireland 100+

Today was a step closer for Scouting Ireland’s 2020 vision but also for its branch of Scouting, known as Sea Scouting. Last Year Sea Scouting in Ireland launched and celebrated the Centenary of Sea Scouting through numerous fun activities, conferences and workshops. As part of its launch back in April 2012 in Croke Park the youth members from sea scouting had an opportunity to meet and discuss with the Chief Scout their future. Since then further visions were expressed at our Annual Conference in Killaloe and out of this a promise was made and kept to go further and finalise a plan of development for sea scouting.

On June 23^rd Sea Scouts / Ventures / Rovers and their leader travelled from our surrounding shores to Poolbeg Yacht and Boating Club in Dublin Port to focus on the Development of Sea Scouting and how the association can support this development. Separate sessions took place with the Watch Leaders and Venture Scouts /Rovers to look at their view on where Sea Scouting is heading in the next 100 years.

The leaders present had their opportunity to air concerns and look at problems facing their group’s development within the community. Items of worry ranged from finances to membership to the present economic difficulties.  However the way forward was expressed in a positive way by the willingness of those present to support the association’s development plan for 2020.

The day’s events concluded with lunch. The afternoon planned program for going on the water had to be postponed due to the high winds. An expression of thanks to our hosts 4^th Port of Dublin Sea Scouts (Dodder),the caterers ,Poolbeg Yacht & Boat Club,  Chief Scout , Chief Commissioner Ian Davy ,guest speakers Ger Smith, Robert McKernan, Pauline Lucas, Kieran Bradshaw, the days’ organisers, Stephanie Mc Cann , Kate O’Farrell, Daniel Kennedy ,Kevin Rowan and finally to all leaders, ventures / rovers and scouts who travelled to Dublin Port. As part of the Annual Sea Scout calendar for the rest of the year a weekend seminar is planned for the autumn.