4th Wicklow Baltinglass Scout Group

4th Wicklow Baltinglass Scout Group started the Scout year in September 2008. The Group comprises a Cub Pack and Scout Troop. Both sections are open (subject to space available) to girls and boys of any religious persuasion who are prepared to take the Scout Promise. The Cub Pack caters for 8-11 year olds. The Scout Troop caters for 11-15 year olds. Our volunteer leaders are Garda vetted and trained to run the Scouting Programme within their sections.

The Cub Pack currently has 25 youth members and five enthusiastic leaders. The Cubs diligently worked on earning several badges throughout the year. Outings included ice skating at Mt. Wolseley, seasonal events at Rathwood, track and trail adventures in Lord’s Wood, County Day in Donadea Forest, Baltinglass St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and the annual sleepover at the Scout Headquarters at Larch Hill. The children learned about gardening at the Tearmann Community Garden. The Cubs are grateful to Tearmann for giving them a garden patch to work in. The Baltinglass Fire Station staff were very generous in giving their time teaching the Cubs fire safety. The next adventure for the Cubs will be to Castle Farm in Athy at Halloween. They will participate in a day of festive activities with other Cub Packs from around the S. Kildare Scout County.

The Scout Troop currently has eleven members and three dedicated leaders. Badge work included, but was not limited to, photography, orienteering, emergencies, campfire leader, and cycling. Activities included a County Challenge, a Leadership Weekend at Mount Melleray, ice skating at Mount Wolseley, orienteering, hiking, Baltinglass St. Patrick’s Day Parade, County Day in Donadea Forest, and a cycling camping trip to the Glen of Imaal. The most recent expedition was a hike up Lugnaquillia.

The Troop demonstrated their creative side by making Christmas ornaments in December. The best ornaments were donated to the Baltinglass Hospital. The Scouts lent a helping hand at this year’s Sunday Funday in Baltinglass Park. They would like to thank Tidy Towns for giving them the opportunity to help their community. The Scouts are very grateful to Nigel Gillis Photography, The Red Cross, Baltinglass Garda Station, and the Baltinglass Fire Station for their instruction in regards to merit badges.

The Group would like to thank all leaders both past and present for all their work. They would like to extend their thanks to the parents, the Parish, and the community for all of their support. This is a great group of kids and they are grateful to everyone who has helped.

If you would like more information, please contact Group Leader Carrie Fleming at 059-64-82722.