The
MALTASCOUT
Produced by the Scout Association of Malta
Issue No 4
12 PAGES PACKED WITH SCOUTING NEWS
December 2010
Reflections Issue No 4
December 2010
MALTASCOUT: One year on The first year of MALTASCOUT has gone by with this fourth issue. As customary, one looks back to consider what has been achieved with this magazine. I must be sincere in saying that I really don’t know. It kicked off with a lot enthusiasm and hope that it would be a medium for the Leaders to write about their ideas and opinions which they feel should be brought up for discussion and information. It was felt that such a means of communication was missing in our Association and that the MALTASCOUT could be the place where such views would be aired. Unfortunately this opportunity has not been taken up and went by unnoticed. I hope that this barrier is broken in 2011. MALTASCOUT was envisaged to feature informative articles about various aspects of the life of a Scout. There were in fact some contributions which I am sure were interesting to the readers. Most of the content last year mainly consisted of reports on events organized by the Groups and I must say that it was refreshing to read a great number of those that were featured. Notwithstanding all I must be honest and say that I am a bit perplexed on whether or not MALTASCOUT is the success it was hoped it would be. I cannot know the extent of readership. I am sure that at least it was read by the people who forwarded their features. Where there others? I have been told that it was a good publication and others thought it wasn’t. But I received no constructive ideas or proposals. Page 3 . . . Let Kids Have an Adventure Page 4 . . . Largest Indoor Climbing Wall Page 5 . . . A Scout Gone Home Page 5 . . . 100 years of Scautismo in Sicily Page 7 . . . My experience at KISC Page 8 . . . San Gwann in Gozo Page 9 . . . British Scouts visit Malta Page 10 . . . President vests Victoria Page 11 . . . Marsa upgrades Band Page 12 . . . JOTA ? JOTI 2010 Page 13 . . . The Baden Powel Story Page 14 . . . Stella Maris works for Charity Page 14 . . . Victoria Scout Group Page 14 . . . Scout Groups at RTK
It must be stressed that MALTASCOUT belongs to the Groups and its Leaders. Its success and accomplishment will depend on their creative contributions.
2011: The year of Volunteering I am sure that you have all come to know that 2011 is being named the year of Volunteering. That is great then, we will be celebrating ourselves this year because we are all volunteers working for the ideals of Scouting. There is something noble and spiritual in being a volunteer. This is especially when one considers that time is so precious in this age where time is at a premium where everyone is busy. Time is a gift which cannot be valued, once given it cannot be taken back, and that is what makes it priceless. Helping other people is therefore an act of generosity which gives us all a good feeling. The effectiveness of our voluntary work however increases with our ability to network together to succeed in our objective. It is with the coordination of our resources that we can be of better service to others. May I therefore wish you a Happy New year full of opportunities to continue to enlarge our Scouting objective.
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Let kids have an adventure By BEAR GRYLLS, Chief Scout (UK) Published in the Sun: 23 Nov 2010
BRITISH kids are couch potatoes living "virtual childhoods" online or in computer games, a new survey reveals. More than 90 per cent of under16s have never slept under the stars or swum in a lake, the poll by TV channel Nickelodeon found. Teens are far less adventurous than their parents were, choosing a mobile phone over a compass as their essential item to take on a safari trip. So should we be worried? Just how important is mucking about outdoors to raising happy, healthy children? Here, adventurer Bear Grylls, who is also Chief Scout of the UK Scout Association, explains why he thinks it is vital that youngsters take a walk on the wild side. GETTING out and really experiencing what the outdoors can offer is one of the best things that any young person can do. Sometimes it's hard for young people to get the chance to get out and taste the outdoors, and when the wild turns nasty it can be quite an intimidating place to be. But therein also lies the adventure, and it is adventure that can empower and change young lives. As a society, we can sometimes get bogged down with "you can't do this, you can't do that". That's such a shame, as kids lose out on so much of the magic of the outdoors. I want kids to learn how to survive in the wilds, to know how to start camp fires without matches, to build their own shelters, to climb mountains and plan expeditions. If we don't pass on some of these
skills, we are in danger of losing them. A man or woman empowered to survive in the wild is also empowered to live their life with confidence. When was the last time you set out with good friends to explore the great outdoors? I mean really explored, when you set out into the unknown with a map and compass, a rucksack, a tent and sleeping bag - the sort of exploring that makes your heart beat faster. Can you remember the patter of rain on your tent, the sound of owls or the rustling of the wind in the leaves at night?
I will never forget one of the first things I did in the Scouts was to be given one match and one raw sausage and told to go and cook it.
It's a feeling of absolute freedom and belonging, re-establishing our relationship with both ourselves and planet earth.
I remember looking at the match and looking at the sausage and thinking, 'This match is never going to burn for long enough.' Then someone showed me how to make a fire, then cook the sausage. It was a eureka moment.
A night in the outdoors is also a reminder that not everything that is precious and valuable costs a lot of money. One of the reasons I became a scout was to spend more time with friends in the outdoors. It's among the greatest experiences in life and should be accessible to everyone, no matter where they live or what they look or sound like. One of my big missions is to encourage not just kids but also adults who have just a little time, enthusiasm and ability - in whatever field - to reach out through volunteering with the Scouts to put something back into their communities. It's about a lot of people doing a little.
I look back now and I realise it was those early years that inspired what I love so much about my job now. So many times nowadays it is in the outdoors that I find the peace and the strength to tackle everyday life. The wilds can be empowering, and when you see young kids grow in confidence after a weekend in the outdoors it is amazing. These kids literally look taller. Every young person deserves that sort of adventure and I want to encourage young people from every corner of this brilliant country to follow their dreams and live this precious life to the max.
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1st Sliema Scout Group inaugurate the largest Indoor Climbing Wall in Malta Written by David Darmanin
Scouting is associated with adventure and the 1st Sliema Scout Group is always up to organizing exciting activities. In 2003 having a climbing wall inside our headquarters in Depiro Street was just the dream of a couple of the older members, but now seven years on and after a hefty amount of fund-raising, a lot of patience and perseverance it’s finally a reality! The Climbing Wall is actually the largest ‘bouldering’ wall in Malta with routes set up to test the abilities of all persons who want to give it a try, be they climbing novices or experts. Safety is always the main concern and the group members are always supervised by trained adult leaders in a controlled environment. The scouts are encouraged to always preserver in reaching their aim and completing the set route. In this sense the wall is used to practice the sport of climbing whilst also fulfilling the aim of encouraging youth members to do their best in a safe learning environment.
have also the expertise to setting the several routes on the wall. Regular training sessions are held and both kids and adults are encouraged to gain the proper experience and skill so as to be more confident in the sport whether practiced indoors or outdoors. If any group would like to make a joint activity and use the climbing wall or for more information about it, please contact Group Scout Leader David
Darmanin on 99496922 or email on climbingwall@sliemascouts.net
The Group also hosts the recently formed Malta Climbing Club, who use the wall on a weekly basis and
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A Scout Gone Home On the 29th October the St Venera Scout Group received the sad news of the passing away of George Harmsworth. The news spread like wildfire within the Group the Scout Association and also abroad. Condolences were received from brother Scouts in Poland and these are reproduced below.
100 years of SCAUTISMO In Sicily The article below was written by Giuseppe who De Lorenzo Scout Master at Messina, Sicily. The Scout Association of Malta sends its congratulations to our brother and sister neighbours.
1910: - In the autumn of that year, The teacher Russian Angel to Giarre (Catania), the lieutenant Adelitre Borri of the XXII° regiment artillery to Messina (now XXIV°) and Sir Reginald Machcan, general consul to Palermo, gave life to the first movement scout in Sicily with the formation of the R.E.Is. (Boys Italian Explorers). One hundred years are departed and that small flame turned on in these three Sicilian cities, is not extinguished not only, but even so much is magnified to turn himself/herself/themselves into a fire that has inflamed the minds of so many young people approaching them to the movement scout and dressing the uniform with the lily on the breast.
Despite we were looking forward to conversation between our troops, we are very sorry to hear about the premature death of
George Harmsworth We didn't know George, but it is enough for us when we notice an enormous society immersed in the mourning a cheerful, polite and involved in scouting person. The God's judgements are difficult for us all sometimes, especially when they concern such young people, but let's hope, that he has now a joyful life at God's side. Overcome with sadness 54 Scout Troop "Grey Wolves" Poland Mimo, iż dopiero mieliśmy nadzieję rozpocząć korespondencję między naszymi drużynami, z wielką przykrością przyjęliśmy wiadomość o przedwczesnej śmierci skauta o imieniu
George Harmsworth Nie znaliśmy go, jednak wystarczy zauważyć jak wielka grupa przyjaciół pogrążona jest w smutku, aby dostrzec w nim człowieka pogodnego, uprzejmego i pełnego zaangażowania w życie skautowe. Wyroki Boskie bywają dla nas bardzo trudne, zwłaszcza jeśli dotyczą one tak młodych ludzi, ale miejmy nadzieję, iż prowadzi on teraz szczęśliwe życie u boku Boga. Łączymy się w smutku 54 Drużyna Harcerska "Szare Wilki" Polska
Because? When in our fires of I camp out the trembling flame and it staggers, the keeper of the fire quickly intervenes adding new firewood. Us old scouts we are the old flames of the scautismo and the small lupettis and the boy scouts they are the fetterses that have given and they will give vigour to the flame of the scautismo to give light and heat to the humanity. On November 11, in the new Palacultura Antonello in Messina, thanks to the initiative of the old heads, the suggestive celebration of the century of life of this great and universal educational method is developed that is the SCAUTISMO. A touching and suggestive ceremony that you/he/she has seen reunited in an only embrace yesterday's scouts and those of today, reunited around their flags in the sign of the Lily, that symbol represented all over the world even if stylized in different way. Elderly touched in to recognize himself/herself/themselves in old photos had been making yellow for the time: Cuando you verras an esplarador, you esto felix, por que as reperido a hico de ta stiesa mama." This way it tells a song of the scoutses of Guatemala and nothing is more truth. The photographic show, the harvest of presses, articles, heirlooms, collections, were already enough to move the minds before entering the marvelous heart of the Palacultura. Way of living actively the present is the fundamental concept in the words of Riccardo La Fortress, president of the MASCI (Movimento Adulti Italian Catholic Scout), but looking at the future, we build a good to have an excellent tomorrow today. Of accord with his/her words the town alderman Caroniti and the president of the town suggestion Previti that are said available to support and to sustain the scouts, seeing in their job a noble and profitable I bring to the social appointment of the young people and the whole citizen. In memory of the lieutenant Borri founder of the scautismo to Messina, the lieutenant has been delivered artillery to Frisian colonel of the XXIV°, a commemorative plate. This colonel, wearing the military uniform has also said: I am a scout", you/he/she has not said I was or I am an Ex-scout. Continued to page 6 . . . .
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100 years of SCAUTISMO In Sicily . . . . continued from Page 5
And' this the marvellous secret of the scautismo, once scout, always scout. A plate has been devoted then to commissioners Schirò's memory, father and child that for long decades you/they have directed the ASCI(Associazione Italian Catholic Scout), then become AGESCI for the masculine and female fusion of the two branches. Then the president of the CNGEI (Corpo Nazionale Boy scouts Italiani), unico I enliven erect Italian scout in Moral Corporate body and recognized by the State for his tall worths, Charles De Leo, has been called for the delivery of the silver medal for the lent work last year during the floods in the province in Messina. Faithfully, the president De Leo, has wanted on the stage, to withdraw the prestigious recognition, his/her roverses, true protagonists of the valid humanitarian work. Precious the intervention of the historians of the Italian scautismo, Vincent Caruso and Mario Sica that you/they have remembered the teachings of the founder Baden Powell. Touching and entusiasmanti the words of the teacher Eduardo Missoni of the university Bits in Milan, already secretary of the WOSM, the world organization of the scautismo. At the end of the celebration, the
representatives of the various movements scout, AGESCI, ASSORAIDER, CNGEI, FSE, MASCI, has read the PRAYER OF THE Scout
BROTHERHOOD. Not you look at the color of our uniforms, but to the lily that we have on the breast, it will tell that we are brothers the same family. Left Picture: Giuseppe De Lorenzo is the first on the left. Right Picture: 2010 Centenary Celebrations including Eduardo Missoni, (centre) former WOSM Secretary General
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My Experience ‘In Pink’ – Working at KISC Written by Chris Mercieca It all started with our group’s visit to Switzerland in 2009. As part of the 1st Sliema Scout Group contingent, I had spent a week at Kandersteg International Scout Centre, where just out of curiosity I picked up one of the ‘Think Pink’ staff opportunity booklets and took it back home with me. Nine months later I was off on a flight to Switzerland, leaving Malta for the adventure of a lifetime! I had been accepted as a member of Short Term Staff, or ‘Pinkie’ at KISC, meaning that I would be spending three months there helping to keep Baden-Powell’s dream of a permanent miniJamboree alive. KISC is a scout centre set in the unique surroundings of the Alps. It welcomes around 12,000 Scouts and Guides a year from all over the world, each wanting food, accommodation and exciting activities to participate in. Which is where we, as Pinkies, come in, helping each of them have a memorable stay and passing on a bit of the magic of Kandersteg. I spent most of the summer working in the Programme Department as a hike guide, leading groups of Scouts up into the mountains to
explore the breathtaking alpine scenery on the various guided hikes offered by the Centre. As short term staff we also get one swap day a week, where we switch to another department and get an experience of working on campsite, in catering, shop or house. Apart from work, on my days off I had the opportunity to travel to different regions of Switzerland with some new friends from the Scout Centre, and try out other cool stuff such as the via Ferrata climbing route above the village. One of the most unique things about Kandersteg is the international feeling – working with and getting to know other staff from literally all over the world, and then meeting the guests and guiding them on hikes… even when they don’t speak a word of English! I’ve been able to improve my German, learn some Serbian, try some typical Malaysian food, and travel with friends from Central America, all in one
summer. All in all, working as a Pinkie for three months was definitely a great experience, and I’d like to encourage others to go for it! The only requirements are to speak English, be 18 or over and a Scout or Guide. For more information about staying at KISC or becoming staff, visit www.kisc.ch , or feel free to contact me on chris.mercieca@gmail.com . I would especially like to thank all the staff at KISC as well as David Schembri, International Commissioner for making this awesome experience possible. Give it a try, check out KISC for yourself! Above: Staff Team 2010 - Group Photo Left: Staff training hike – knee-deep in snow on the way to Hockenhorn
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San Gwann Troop Goes to Gozo Written by Stephanie Malliea It’s been a few years since the San Gwann Troop set foot on our Gozitan sister island. With a troop currently composed of new members, most of whom weren’t even cubs, the troop leaders set an aim to give a new experience to most of them. Thus Gozo quickly became an interesting possibility. Using our half Gozitan GSL’s contacts we managed to obtain permission to use the premises used by the Xaghra Scout Group with the kind permission of the Xaghra Parish as well. Camping outdoors was considered risky due to the unpredictable December weather. The scouts thus on Saturday 11th December had an early wake up call. Half asleep they started to gather at the San Gwann HQ in the early morning. Their last pampering being the transport to Cirkewwa, from then on the soles of their feet were in for a hard time. Previously known as the island of
the three hills, now for the troop section, it is probably known as the island of the too many hills as they hiked through quite a bit of them. On the first day they trekked the east side of the island and few were those who were not relieved at their arrival at the Xaghra Youth Centre where we were going to stay for the night. This didn’t mean that their activities were over. Whilst cooking was already being handled by some helpers/leaders the troop still had a hand to lend in the kitchen. In order to enter the Christmas spirit, they set to prepare Christmas Logs. However, these were finished with a twist and instead these Christmas logs ended up in different shapes in order to involve everybody in their making. Sunday morning, after breakfast and Mass in the nearby Xaghra Parish, the troop left again to continue exploring the island. A visit to Ninu’s caves to admire the stalactites and stalagmites and a visit to Homer’s mythical Calypso Cave were within the program. Lunching in an empty Ramla l-Ħamra was also in the route. Unfortunately, at this time the weather turned wet (and some feet showed blisters) and thus
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we were welcomed for a break in a 400 year old farmhouse in Xaghra, again thanks to relatives of our GSL. The rest of the afternoon was spent in and around xaghra trying to keep close to safe places in case the heavens decided to throw bucketfuls. Returning back to the Xaghra Youth Centre, a huge melee then was held in the form of a basketball game with a half blown up basketball. Leaders against scouts. Almost all the troop joined in and some actions within the game will be remembered for the eagerness of players defending their ball, even if it’s from their own mother (our VSL who joined us for the weekend). After dinner, the troop held a campfire without the fire (not allowed inside L) but the stunts, mainly revolving around gozitan legends such as that of St. Dimitri but which were coloured with modernity (GPS’s and Iphones) and some additions to the stories. After calling it a day, everyone went back to their sleeping bag for some rest, as the next day in the early morning the troop had to hike back to the ferry and return to Malta. A truly enjoyable weekend. MALTASCOUT
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1st Keswick Explorer Scouts visit Malta Written by Daniel Cuschieri In August of 2007, the Stella Maris College Scout Group visited England, as part of their 50th Anniversary celebrations. There, they met up for various activities with 1st Keswick Scout Group. In June of 2009, as the friendship between these two Groups grew, we were invited the to setup a twinning project. As a result, an Explorer visit to Malta was planned. A group of 10 Explorer Scouts accompanied by two adult Leaders, Mr. William Walker and Ms. Tina Appleby arrived in Malta on the 22nd October 2010. District Commissioner Mr. Richard Palmer also accompanied the Group. The group camped for a whole week at IHQ Floriana. Some of the activities that they organised were a treasure hunt in Valetta, and a diving course at St Julian’s where they all got their first diving certificate. Three of them also achieved their open sea diving certificate. Upon their arrival to Malta, Ventures and Rovers from the Stella Maris College Scout Group accompanied the Explorers to the Val-
letta Waterfront for some socialising. On Sunday a full day together was organised, which started with Holy Mass at the Mdina Cathedral, followed by a tour of Mdina and a visit to one of the Mdina media experiences. After tasting the famous Rabat pastizzi the group made its way to Buskett Gardens, Clapham Junction and Ghar il-Kbir. The day together came to an end at Dingli Cliffs, as the sun was setting over the horizon.
Thursday 28th October, for an evening of sports and a Maltese night. Gifts were exchanged, and badges and scarves were traded. The group left Malta the following day.This visit served to solidify the friendship and excellent relationship that exists between these two groups, and the Stella Maris College Scout Group will surely be reciprocating by visiting their hometown on the shores of the Lake District.
The two groups met up again on
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The President of Malta visits the Victoria Scout Group at their Headquarters Written by Anita Muscat
His Excellency the President of Malta, Dr. George Abela recently visited the headquarters of the Victoria Scout Group. On his arrival at headquarters he was welcomed by the Group Scout Leader, Mr Lorrie Saliba and the Group Council. He then met the leaders and the members in the hall. The Chief Scout, Mr. Kenneth DeMartino and the Hon. Secretary of the Scout Association of Malta, Mr. Robert Gonzi were also present for the meeting. The Group Scout Leader, Mr. Lorrie Saliba welcomed the President to the Headquarters and talked briefly about the history of the Victoria Scout Group. He explained that although it was the
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first time that the Group had participated in the Strina campaign, it was certainly not the first time that the Group had taken the initiative of helping others. In fact the members, in accordance with their Scout Promise to help others at all times, are regularly involved in their own fund-raising activities and several local and foreign organizations as well as individuals have benefitted from the proceeds of these activities during the previous years. The President thanked the members for their welcome and congratulated the Group on its premises. He said he was very much aware of the contribution made by the Scout Movement towards the development of young people and the values which the Movement imparts to its members, which values help their character formation. He said it was very important that the members embrace
these values in childhood and retain them in adulthood and that they practice what they learn. The President thanked the members for their efforts to raise funds during last year's Strina campaign. The Victoria Scout Group had collected the amount of €4606 and had been chosen as the President’s Scout Group for 2010. The President encouraged the Group to do their best once more during this year’s edition of the fundraising event as many people in need stand to benefit from funds collected during these events. Then the Group Scout Leader presented a gift to Dr. Abela. This memento was a small model of a campsite in silver and included a tent, a campfire and a flagpole. A group photo and a Scout yell MALTASCOUT
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A new uniform for the Pipes & Drums Of the Marsa Scout Group by Tony Mercieca On Sunday the 14th November 2010 the 1st Marsa Scout Group wrote another important date in its history as the Pipes and Drums wore for the first time the new kilts during a ceremony which started with Holy Mass followed by a reception. This event was in our plans since the day the Group introduced the bagpipes on the 17th September 1961. Permission for this to take place was held up twice by IHQ in 1964 and 1975. For the record, permission was granted in 1964 to wear a khaki or green kilt when the Band took part in a Folk Festival in Agrigento, Sicily. It was after many years that this dream became a reality and this started when Alex Cutajar took charge of the Band in 2009. He put all his energy to raise the standard of the Band and its instruments. Interest in the Band developed up to a point when it had to be split in two sections, the Pipes & Drums and the Drum Corps. Once the Pipes & Drums were formed the kilts were next in line so as to complete the uniform of the section which led to this event. The tartan colour was in fact produced by the members of the Band and given the name of Marsa Scout Group Tartan. This event started with Holy Mass at the Holy Trinity Church which was attended by guests which included the Chief Scout Mr K. De Martino, the Chief Commissioner Mr L. Bonnici the District Commissioner Mr M. Bonnici and the Deputy Mayor Mr Christopher Spiteri. Holy Mass was said by the Parish Priest Fr Joe Saliba OFM Cap.
blessed by Parish Priest Fr Paul Bugeja OFM Cap. Pictures were taken and guests were entertained with a reception at the San Piju tal-Pjagi Hall. Present was the whole Group together with many parents and sponsors who helped in the financing of the kilts. Presentations were made and these included that from the President of the “Banda Trinita Qaddisa� who offered a commemorative plaque. Alex Cutajar urged everyone to continue to show interest so that the good name of the Group, the Band and Marsa continue to grow. He declared that the Marsa Scout Group is the first and only one in
Malta to have two bands; the Pipes & Drums and the Drum Corps. This could only have happened thanks to the hard work by everyone. The Group Scout Leader, Mr Alfred Savona, made the closing speech by thanking everyone, including members, parents and supporters for their hard to enable the Group to fullfil this dream. He said that whilst fundraising for this project was going on the Group continued by updating its Scouting equipment which included ther purchase of a new Marquis Tent. The event was concluded with the Group marching off to its HQ.
Afterward the Band marched to the Maria Regina Church where the Band and the kilts were
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16-17th October 2010 53rd Jamboree-On-The-Air – 14th Jamboree-On-The-Internet, Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) is an annual event in which half-amillion Scouts and Guides from all over the world make contacts with each other by means of amateur radio. Short-wave radio signals carry their voices to virtually any corner of the world. It’s the shear excitement of having a live conversation with a fellow Scout or Guide at some other place in the world that attracts so many youngsters to this event. The use of amateur-radio techniques offers an extra educational dimension for Scouts. Many grasp the opportunity to discover the world of wireless radio techniques and electronics. Thousands of volunteer radio amateurs assist the Scouts and Guides over the JOTA weekend with their knowledge, equipment and enthusiasm. This year’s JOTA had a theme directly related to article 12 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child: The Right to be Heard. Similarly to JOTA, The Jamboree on Internet (JOTI) connects Scouts using Internet techniques. Volunteer organizations like Scoutlink and ScoutNet provide the necessary technical support and server capacity. The JOTI is held on the same
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weekend as the JOTA and groups can choose to take part in either one event or both. This year, a new online Bingo game called “JamPuz” was launched. It linked all JOTA and JOTI participants, wherein they collected their JOTAJOTI IDs to fill in their Bingo card. The JOTA-JOTI event is a real Jamboree during which Scouting experiences are exchanged and ideas are shared, thus contributing to the world brotherhood of Scouting. This event offers each individual Scout the experience that he or she really belongs to a world-wide movement. Many contacts made during JOTAJOTI, have resulted in strong links between scout groups that have lasted for many years, serving also as an instrumental way to “Brand Malta” as the ideal Scouting and Tourist destination. Twenty-one local scout groups, namely Birzebbuga, Birkirkara, Dingli, Gzira, Hamrun, Mosta,
Mtarfa, Naxxar, Qawra, Qormi, Rabat, Sliema, San Gwann, Santa Venera, St. Augustine, Stella Maris College, Xaghra, Xghajra, Zabbar, Zebbug and Zurrieq participated in these activities, both as individuals or jointly with other groups. The International Desk would like to thank all the twelve scout groups who complied to our request and forwarded their JotiJota report. Although this is a great improvement on previous years, it would be much appreciated if all groups hand over their report, so that we can send a more realistic picture of our national Joti-Jota event to WOSM.
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To be continued
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Stella Maris College Scout Group Raises Funds for Charity Written by Daniel Cuschieri On Sunday 12th December, the Stella Maris College Scout Group organized a day of activities at their College Headquarters in Gzira, and all proceeds were given to charity. The Group has been holding similar fundraising events for the past few years, in aid of charities such as l-Istrina and id-Dar tal-Providenza. This year, a total of €550 was raised on the day, which will be divided between l-Istrina and the Sri Lanka mission fund managed by the De La Salle Brothers. Members of the Group, as well as family and friends, willingly participated in a variety of activities such as abseiling, Wii and Play station tournaments, table tennis, volleyball, basketball
and football. The highlight of the day, however, was a closely fought football match between scouts and leaders. The activity drew to an end with Holy Mass which was held in the
Victoria Scout Group
College Hall, during
which the Group’s recently purchased band instruments were blessed. A word of appreciation goes to all those who took part, council members and leaders for their dedication and hard work in making this year’s event yet another success.
Scout Groups at RTK
Troop's Good Turn - "A Scout thinks of others before himself." Well done to the Troop members who on their own, thought of, advertised and carried out a fund raising activity at our Headquarters as their good deed for Christmas. They invited friends for a BBQ and a campfire and then donated the proceeds of this activity to Mgr Emanuel Curmi, director of the ARKA Respite Centre. A cheque for €306 was presented to Mgr Curmi during a group meeting held in December who praised the initiative and thanked the Scouts for the considerable sum donated. He remarked that such altruism is lacking in today’s world and that we should follow this example and think of others and help them in whatever way we can.
STRINA 2010 For the 2nd consecutive year, The Victoria Scout Group participated in the edition of the Strina activity. This year, the Group set up a mini campsite at Independence Square, Victoria. They served hot chocolate from the kitchen. The Venture Unit and the leaders also built a tower and an aerial runway. This was very popular with the younger generations who queued up to have a go (or several ones) at this exciting proposal. Other Scouts prepared friendship bracelets. In the afternoon, some leaders and members joined in the walk from Sabina Square to Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary. By the end of the day, they had collected the amount of €2153. They presented this amount to H.E. the President of Malta Dr. George Abela during a short visit to the Square.
Above is the e-mail received from Tonio Bonello thanking the Scout Association for its contribution towards the fundraising campaign at RTK and the Groups who helped in street collections. For record purposes GSLs are being asked to submit the names of the persons who volunteered at RTK. We would like to also have details of the strength of those Groups who did their part in the street collections. Well done to ALL