SAC Scouts Newsletter

Issue Issue 8585 April April 2014 2014

From the Courtyard

sac scouts newsletter

From the Courtyard feature of the month

NATIONAL SCOUT YOUTH FORUM Liam Curmi reports on the outcome of the recent National Scout Youth Forum, an event organized by the Scout Association to shed light on the way ahead for Scouting in Malta.

This event took place on the 26th April 2014 at Ghajn Tuffieha. Liam Curmi de Gray and Matthew Zammit attended to represent SAC Scout Group. As soon as we arrived there, we registered and made our way to the theater. To start off the event all scout groups came together and formed a horseshoe for Flag up.

The first activity of the day was titled the Mystery of the Association were they explained to us how the Committee works at the moment and what they are trying to achieve from this event, to expand the committee to the youths of today so they can have a further reach to the cubs and scouts and have more national events than just parades and competitions.

The youth committee candidates gave us a brief introduction about themselves and their views towards scouting and based on this we later had to elect them in the first ever youth scout committee for the scout association of Malta. Following this brief introduction we were split up in different groups and headed out to the workshops at the high ropes section of the campsite.

The first workshop consisted of the topic “How do others see us and how do we promote Scouting?” each group had its’ discussion on how the public see us which mostly just consists of the Annual Parade and ideas how we can show the people that we are definitely more than that.

Workshop 2 was entirely by scouts ideas, topics included the Dolphin Award, Redevelopment of the IHQ, Scoutkeeper, The Uniform,

Feature of the Month

From the Courtyard

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NATIONAL SCOUT YOUTH FORUM

Issue 85 April 2014

and what the Youth Council should do. Scouts were given sticky notes and had to write down opinions on how they think all of these should be improved or kept the same.

Workshop 3 discussed about Diversity in Scouting, Questions asked were “Is Scouting to all?”.

This question challenged whether scouting is actually open to anyone no matter of their disability, gender, sexual orientation or even religion. Personally, I think it shouldn’t matter at all where they come from as long as everyone pulls one rope for the benefit of the cubs and scouts and which improves their scout group.

Workshop 4 talked about the SWOT analysis about scouting. For those who never studied marketing SWOT means Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. The groups discussed this with the consideration of thinking outside the box related to scouting as it is now. The last Workshop discussed how often the scouts have National Events, which was hardly ever and most people would think of only the Annual Parade and Competitions which aren’t events where you come and work together from different scout groups rather than waiting in line, not talking to each other or you are out against everyone else.

Concluding from the Workshops we made our way to the Voting Session at the Barracks where scouts voted the nominees depending on the district they were going to represent. Lunch break followed and it was a nice chance to mingle with other scout groups even those who were not in the same group during the Workshop activity. The last activity of the day titled Fun Activities consisted of small games that challenged the scouts strength, accuracy, memory, teamwork and speed.

Wrapping up the event, the day concluded with the Results Announcement of the New Youth Scout Committee and finally ending it all with Flag Down. It was a fun and interesting event meeting other scouts and discussing how the committee can improve on a national scale and I look forward with this new committee and hope that they will hear the thoughts and opinions left from the scouts who attended the event.

From the Courtyard

GSL’s note

Issue 85 April 2014

Annual Parade –formerly known as St George’s Day The Group participated in this year’s annual parade on April 6th. Before the parade we met up at the College Chapel for mass at 8:00am celebrated by Fr Rector.

Eighty five members took part from our Group and all turned out well. This event is somewhat of a headache to us leaders because we face issues with members not having the correct uniforms (although we know there are problems of supply from the scout shop), indifferent members not wanting to attend and preparations in the previous weeks being a problem to meet up all together and get things done properly.

All in all, we did very well and those that attended young and old did the Group and College proud. This year, for the first time we gave our salute to the new President H.E Dr M Colerio Preca and Chief Scout Dr Arthur Azzopardi and Chief Commissioner Mr Leslie Bonnici besides other dignitaries and former scout commissioners.

GSL’s note

On another note, we are contemplating adding some instruments to our drums and improving on what we have. The costs involved are considerably high but I am confident that with the right support we can do this. If there are parents that can help in this regard we will accept any support.

In two years time our Group will be celebrating its 100th anniversary and my dream is to have a small and well trained band leading the Group that year. I know we have the members who can be part of this, however it’s a matter of getting the right instruments and people to train the members. Irrespective of whether I will still be around or not till then, I really wish this idea is taken up by my fellow leaders too.

Easter Camp This year we are holding a joint camp with Sliema at Ghajn Tuffieha Camp site. As I write our members are camping and enjoying themselves sharing the BP spirit together. By the time you are reading this everything will be over, however I would like to thank the dedicated members from our Group that helped organise and participate in these demanding events. Around eighty members from our side will be participating whereas approximately the same number is participating from Sliema Scout Group. I look forward to the camp fire that will be held on Thursday 10th April.

May-June During the next two months most of our members will be busy studying for their exams at school, MCAST and University. I understand that it is a demanding time and for this reason we do not organise many activities besides weekly meetings. Meetings provide members the opportunity to have a break from their studies if they manage their time well and from personal experience I believe it helps improve exam performance too. Accordingly, chaps study hard and plan your timetables well.

April 30th – Leaders Internal Meeting – NO MEETING for members On Wednesday April 30th the section leaders and rovers are holding an internal meeting to review our performance and plan for the future. To this end, section meetings are cancelled and no meetings will be held on that day. Please spread the word around. Meetings will be held as usual on April 16th and the 23rd.

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From the Courtyard

Issue 85 April 2014

LEADERS SEMINAR

On the 30th of April, the group leaders and rovers came together to discuss a few issues which needed to be addressed. Andre Brincat was press ganged as secretary of this event, here is his report.

In recent years, the group used to have an Annual Leaders Seminar during which, the Group’s backbone, namely the section leaders, rovers and logistics leaders such as AGSL, Quartermaster etc would meet up to thrash out any issues as well as discuss or outline major events or the forthcoming year of activities.

During the last few months , the need was felt for reviving this event, and thus the date was set for Wednesday 30th. Chaired by Edward, this meeting focussed on many aspects, the main points of which are listed below;

From the Group

Leadership commitment Some of our current Assistants are still working on their leadership courses.

The importance of being certified was stressed and current rovers were encouraged to start their leadership courses soon, so that they will be eligible to become Section Assistant Leaders. This is particularly necessary now that most leaders are at university and there are times when all are busy with their studies / work.

Pack leaders All agreed that the pack needs more leaders so as to distribute the responsibilities as well as reduce the Pack’s waiting list. Many ideas came up, and finally it was decided that we will target older members of the Venture unit to join the pack for ‘internships’ during which they will get a taste of leadership while giving a useful helping hand.

Finance Money and records management were discussed. It was pointed out that although each section is allowed to manage its own finances, some form of monthly or quarterly report should be compiled so that at any moment the group can know the financial situation. This is a necessary step which is good for us (transparency) and also imposed on us by the NGO Act. The new P.O.R Following recent changes due to new laws, the NGO Act and changes in society and the community, the Scout Association have changed the POR (Policy, Organisation, Rules) , which is basically the association’s do’s and don'ts. The last time this was changed was in the 1970s so some changes were well welcomed by members f our group. All leaders and members interested may download a copy of it from: www.scoutkeeper.net

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From the Courtyard

LEADERS SEMINAR

Issue 85 April 2014

Documentation management Scouting involves lots of paperwork and administration. whilst thanking Mark Borg (AGSL) for his valid efforts to make sense of all the work at hand, we welcome Timmy and Edward Apap Bologna who have volunteered to take up this task. Andre also volunteered to update the group’s website regularly using the new Blog Feature which was created by Pierre. Leaders were reminded to urge all members to contribute to the newsletter and website with anything from photos to articles.

100th anniversary plans

From the Group

The Group will be turning 100 years old in 2a couple of years’ time. We want to celebrate with style. This is still at discussion stage however a committee is already being formed which ill involve ex scouts, leaders and parents.

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Following the end of the discussions, and having set the ball rolling for others, we all set off for the lighter part of the seminar, a Fenkata. After having tackled such hard and tough topics we all dug into some tender rabbit meat to our heart’s content. This meal brought us all closer to eachother and served as a follow up since there were many ideas being discussed across the table. But most of all it was a good opportunity for all us leaders to be in an informal environment, and relax without the pressure of looking after the cubs and scouts.

In conclusion, this was a well needed exercise, which we are planning to have more often. Being leaders in a voluntary organisation (I like to repeat this since sometimes, parents think we get paid for this!), sometimes we feel taken for granted or ‘used’ only when needed, however SAC Scout Group is also a family. And like in every family, we are the ‘parents’ who strive, fight, and do our utmost for the benefit and advancement of our family .

From the Courtyard

SAFARI CUB CAMP

Issue 85 April 2014

Jackie Melillo—Chil to the Cubs, writes about their experience at this year’s different Easter Camp.

This was a camp with a difference for the St Aloysius College cubs. First of all it was not being held at our usual Easter camp spot – Verdala grounds, but at the camp site at Ghajn Tuffieha. It was also a first in that it was a joint camp together with our great friends and rivals the Sliema Group and leading from that it was a first camp for our boys together with girl cubs from the Sliema Pack.

The theme of this camp was ‘Safari ‘and it was held between the 17-19th April for the Pack.

From the Pack

A number of the leaders and older cubs went up to the camp site the evening before to set up the tents so that everything was set up when the cubs arrived in the morning.

The Pack leaders had organised an afternoon of activities some time before the camp, so that both leaders and cubs had a chance to meet up beforehand.

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So, on arrival, besides settling into the tents and getting a tour of the camp site and being told the camp site rules, the cubs were placed into sixes that were mixed ie SAC and Sliema. They were given some time to find a name for their six keeping with the safari theme, so we had : Fierce Tigers, Falcons, Vicious Vipers, Lucky Lions, Killer Crocodiles, Venomous Snakes and Eagles. A series of games followed, as well as craft session, which involved building a model ship. All the leaders pitched in to give a helping hand so that most of the cubs were successful in building their model. These were given back to them to take home on the last day.

A major activity of the day was the cook out that took place a distance away from the camp site. We walked out to the area and the cubs started looking for wood – kindle and kindling to start off their fires. With a leader supervising each six we soon had 6 fires burning well and eventually we were all enjoying hotdogs followed by marshmallows.

After clearing the area we got back to the camp site, but not for long as we set off again to play some night games in an open space close by. All the cubs so enjoy playing Lighthouse that it was a success !

That was the end of the first day and from there we all turned in for the night.

The second day started off with breakfast and inspection and then we quickly got organised to leave the camp site to visit a farm in Girgenti. There the cubs first took part in a treasure hunt in the fields and then were divided into 2 groups to enjoy more activities. One group started off by learning how to plant a small seedling, while the others had the chance to feed and pet the horses and feed the chickens and turkeys. There were also dogs running around, rabbits and a baby donkey. Luckily everyone had had a chance to participate in all the activities before the heavens suddenly opened and it poured and poured. We had to run to shelter from the rain and spent

From the Courtyard

SAFARI CUB CAMP

Issue 85 April 2014

the time singing songs and playing games in the restricted space.

When the rain lessened we hurried to the bus to go back to the camp site. There luckily things were fine and there had been no major damage because of the rain.

After lunch the cubs had time to do their proficiency badge work – the badges this camp were Collector’s, Local Historian, Camper, Health & Fitness and Book reader and some of the Sliema cubs went for the Athletes badge. This is the time when the cubs have the chance to present and explain to the others in their group what they have learned and prepared for the badge they would like to gain. It is always interesting to hear them talk and explain and gives them a chance to get up and speak in front of a small group of their friends and a leader.

From the Pack

Badge work was followed by a Spiritual moment organised by some of the Sliema leaders, while the other leaders prepared for a Treasure Hunt that had 8 checkpoints and had the cubs running around the whole camp site looking for things or performing a task at every check point. After dinner we had some more night games organised and it was time for bed !

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The last day. The cubs had to pack up all their belongings and then with everyone giving a helping hand we soon got all the cub tents down and packed away. The cubs were given 20 Challenges to occupy them. This consisted of a list of small activities or tasks they had to either perform, invent or look for. The last few activities for the day, and camp, included a sandcastle competition down at the beach. The weather was good and who of the cubs does not enjoy playing in the sand beside the sea ! The leaders, I am sure, enjoy getting full of sand a bit less, but it was a fun activity. The last activity had the cubs running around the whole campsite looking for Easter eggs in Operation Easter Egg. Each six pooled in all the Easter eggs found by all the members and then they all enjoyed eating them.

Of course for almost all the activities and games points were given to the winning six in the form of Safari animal cards. These points were counted a the end of camp after the Grand Howl and the Camp Shield was presented to the winning six.

Overall I think that the general consensus was that it was a very enjoyable and successful camp. It was something new for both Packs but the cubs all got on very well and made new friends.

Although the number of cubs was obviously much higher than usual for us, the number of leaders also was more.

Planning of the activities was more or less divided so each pack leader had certain activities to plan and prepare for. All ran smoothly and there was cooperation throughout the camp. I think we all learned from each other and look forward to future activities together.

Thanks goes to all the cub leaders and helpers, kitchen staff, general camp staff and QMs as well as the Camp Chiefs for another great camp.

From the Courtyard

TROOP MEDIEVAL CAMP

Issue 85 April 2014

From the Troop

It’s the Troop’s turn to tell us how they enjoyed their Easter Camp. Here’s the camp logbook for the Tiger Patrol, written by Patrol Leader Daniel Busuttil.

Advanced Party Saturday 12th was the first day of camp for those who were to attend the Advanced Party. It was basically loading the equipment onto the truck for camping.

At 8:30am, Advanced Party members met at the SAC Scout HQ in Birkirkara. The equipment was all in the troop room and what we did was gave a helping hand and loaded the equipment onto the truck. This took most of the morning and when we finished, we took a break while waiting for Pierre to come.

Once everything was loaded and ready to go, the scouts were divided into small groups to go with the leaders cars. At around noon, we set off to Ghajn Tuffieha where our camping location was situated.

Once the truck arrived, the scouts unloaded the truck and sorted all the equipment neatly on the floor. All the kitchen equipment was moved to the kitchen and the store equipment in the store. Luckily, the store and kitchen were buildings so no tents had to be pitched up for them. It was at around this time that we met the Sliema Scout Group members and leaders.

Next to set up was the Gala tent which would serve as our dining shelter for camp. After this was pitched and pegged into place, the gate was set up and with the good teamwork between the SAC and Sliema scouts, a nice, well-built gate was set up and moved into its position. The wash pit was the next project to carry out. This was a bit of a drawback since as soon as we where nearly done, we realised that close to where the water would be, electric cables pass from underground and so, it had to be re-filled and a new one dug up in a safe location.

After all the tables and benches were placed into the Gala tent, we all took a break. Us SAC scouts relaxed next to our patrol boxes where we found it comfortable and ate our packed lunch.

After the break, we moved in our rucksacks and set up our mats and sleeping bags on the tables which we folded down to create a sort of platform off the ground.

Finally, after a hard day’s work, we slept at 11:30 to rest up for the next day.

Sunday 13th - Day 1 Sunday 13th started off with a rough start for the advanced party members. Although we were given the privilege to sleep for an extra hour due to the large amount of work finished the day before, our happiness was cut short since at 7:00am we all had to wake up and pack all our personal equipment because of the heavy rain that was pouring.

Luckily it wasn’t serious and nothing got wet so the day went on. After going back to sleep, we wake up again at 8:30 to actually start the day. An English breakfast was all that we needed to get our spirits back up high. Since we had finished a lot of the work the day before, there wasn’t much to do, so we did some finishing touches, prepared the tents in their given locations for opening later and other general duties.

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From the Courtyard

TROOP MEDIEVAL CAMP

Issue 85 April 2014

From the Troop

At around noon, the scouts from both SAC and Sliema who weren’t at advanced party, arrived bit by bit at the campsite. Once everyone arrived and had lunch, we did duties and pitched up the patrol tents. This took quite a bit of time and we were running tight on schedule so when a patrol finished their tent, every scout helped the other patrols to finish the tents quickly.

Hours flew by like minutes and after a game called ‘Trivial Pursuit’, it was time for dinner. We ate cottage pie for dinner and then did our duties like usual. After duties, we had a night hike and when we got back, we were welcomed by hot chocolate which put smiles to our faces. We enjoyed our drink and went off to bed.

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Monday 14th – Day 2 We started the second day of camp with Lumbering up. Afterwards we had breakfast which consisted of cereal and yogurt. As soon as we finished eating we started duties. Our duties for that day were kitchen cleaning so fortunately we didn’t have much to clean.

Our day continued with the activity which consisted of mud oven building.

We had to dig a small trench to put the firewood. We placed the oven provided on the trench and we covered it in rocks and mud. This stops heat from coming out of the oven. After we constructed the mud oven we prepared our delicious pizzas and cooked them inside our mud oven. After we ate our delicious pizzas we cleared up the area and walked back to the campsite. After lunch we had tuck shop. After tuck shop we played two games which were called Scout Ball and Prisoners. We were divided into four teams. These two games were really fun. After these two games we had some patrol time in which we had time to arrange our stuff and the tent itself. Time flew and after that we had some lectures which were about first aid and knots. It was nearly dinner time and so we did our duties. Dinner on that day consisted of Burgers and Chips. After lunch we did duties as fast as we could so that we could play the night game called Tango and Delta. We walked for a few minutes to an open space just next to the campsite. At about 11o’clock we returned back to the campsite, had hot chocolate and went to sleep.

From the Courtyard

TROOP MEDIEVAL CAMP

Issue 85 April 2014

From the Troop

Tuesday 15th – Day 3 After a good rest we woke up at 7am for washing up. Then Lumbering Up followed. After exhausting training we did flag break and tent inspection was done. When we finished inspection we had breakfast which was English Breakfast. Since we were the cooking patrol, we had to serve the other scouts their breakfast. Breakfast was delightful. During the duties which followed, we had to help other patrols since our duties were done earlier. Then PLs were asked to bring hand axe. The SAC Scout Leader gave us a lecture about how to use and cut with a hand axe. After that an activity called chop the log followed. There, every member of the patrol had the chance to cut a piece of log with an axe. A chopping competition followed. Every patrol had to send a representative to compete in cutting a small log. Who cuts it first and the cleanest wins. Unfortunately we were not winners. Then we had a small session of duties. At about 1 o’clock we had lunch which was rice salad. After lunch we finished our duties. Subsequently we started preparing figolli which were going to be cooked the following day. Later in the day we had lectures about compass and mapping to help us in the Navex later that day. After these lectures we had some time to prepare for the hike. At 6 o’clock sharp, we started plotting our first checkpoint. Unfortunately, we didn’t do very well in the hike. In fact we also missed some checkpoints since we were walking very slow. We arrived at the campsite at about midnight.

Wednesday 16th – Day 4 In the morning we were all still very tired after the hike. We had washing up and then lumbering up. As usual, we had flag break which was followed by inspection. We then had breakfast consisting of cereal and a fruit. Duties followed. Afterwards, we started preparing for the assault course. We had to change our design since we couldn’t dig a trench for a mud pit. Our new design consisted of getting through a web, through a tire and over a spar. After we finished the assault course we had lunch. It consisted of Pasta with white cream.

We did our duties quickly as we were eager to cook our home -made figolli in our mud ovens. We prepared some firewood for the oven and started the fire. We then put our figolli in the oven. When we finished cooking our tasty figolli, we dismantled the ovens and cleared up the area. We then walked back to the campsite where we did the assault course. It was a great activity. I think that my patrol did quite well in this activity. After dismantling the assault course we had a tea break. We then had showers to refresh ourselves a bit. For dinner that evening we had a delicious piece of steak. Duties followed. That evening we played a night game called retrieve the scout. One of our patrol members was hidden and acting that he was hurt. We had to find him, give him first aid and take him back to the campsite.

Although it took us quite some time to find him, we enjoyed it.

Overall, it was a very enjoyable day.

Thursday 17th – Day 5 Thursday, was another usual morning, starting with washing up and followed by lumbering up. Next, there was flag break and the tent inspection. For the third timne this camp we had English breakfast. Then we did our duties which were clearing up the dining shelter. Duties were followed with an amazing game called, egg bounce. This was an activity where you had to create protection for the egg so it won’t break.

Then the egg was thrown from a catapult and it had to survive. Fortunately, our egg named Edward survived. Subsequently there was general inspection. At about noon we had lunch which consisted of

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From the Courtyard

TROOP MEDIEVAL CAMP

Issue 85 April 2014

From the Troop

Chicken Breast, Potatoes and mixed vegetables. As soon as we finished our duties we started preparing for campfire. The patrols started preparing their stunts for the campfire. While two pls, helped one of the leaders in preparing firewood for campfire. After that we had stations game. During this game we learned how to build a shelter, how to construct traps and what a survival kit consists of. We then had some time for showers. Afterwards we had pizza, which was the dinner for the day. Campfire followed. It was a very enjoyable night. After campfire everyone was tired, so we had hot chocolate and went to sleep.

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Friday 18th – Day 6 After washing up and lumbering up, we had flag break. On Friday, the flags had to be put up half-must, since it was Good Friday. We then had cereal and a fruit for breakfast. As usual, duties followed. Soon after duties, a priest arrived for reflections. After reflections we setting up the ballistas. But as soon as we started, it started to rain. We put on our raincoats and closed all the tents and we made sure that there was no stuff running around in the campsite. It rained for some time but then stopped. As soon as it stopped we had lunch: Pasta with tomato sauce, tuna and olives. After lunch we continued setting up the Ballista. We also built a fortress with cardboard boxes. As Soon as everybody finished setting up their Ballistas and their fortresses, the activity started. There were four activities: Ballista shoot outs (Range and Accuracy), Archery, Jousting and Dueling. When each patrol finished each activity we had the final game.

Each patrol had to try and knock down his own fortress for more points. We then cleared all our equipment. Then we started duties followed by supper, Fish fingers with chips. After Supper and duties we played the last night game, which was a game of football. It was an amazing night.

Saturday 19th – Day 7 After a good rest, we woke up for an exhausting day, first washing up and then flag break. At about 8 o’clock we had breakfast, Cereal and fruit. We did our duties and started putting down our tents. The first patrol to finish gets extra points. We didn’t finish first but we still did it very fast. After, putting down all the tents, including the leaders tent, we had lunch which was ħobż biż-żejt. We then loaded the trucks.

Finally, we did a sweep search to clear the campsite from rubbish. When it was finished we grabbed our personal equipment and walked out of the campsite, where we found a bus waiting for us to take us to the HQ. When we arrived at the HQ we unloaded the truck and put everything in place. Overall it was a very fun and exhausting camp.

From the Courtyard

GOALIE OF THE DAY

Issue 85 April 2014

From the Unit

Members of the Venture Unit are always encouraged to pursue various interests, be it to complete a scout award, extra curricular points for school or just as a hobby. In the coming months we will be reading about different pursuits our Ventures follow. First up is Albert Galea who was somewhat the hero of the team in a recent football match.

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On the 2nd May 2014, over 250 people gathered at the Centenary Stadium with a range of musical instruments and pyrotechnics to watch the U19 Knock-out final between Pembroke Athleta and Sliema Wanderers.

The tension in the Pembroke dressing room was high such was the importance of the game. I sat in the corner of one of the benches quietly donning my football shoes and making sure everything was in order for the game even though I was only a substitute. If we were to win, not only would we be the first ever team from Section B to win the Knock-out competition but also the first team to ever win it for Pembroke.

Following the customary exchange of flowers and pennants and taking the team photo, the players took to their positions on the field and the substitutes and coach took their seats on the bench. The excitement on the bench was evident throughout the balanced first half as we all cheered our team on when we had to ball. The atmosphere was incredible. Sliema had brought along their own band whilst our supporters where making full use of all the pyrotechnics that they had at hand. In the end, with both teams having their own chances, the first half ended at 0-0.

15 minutes later the second half was underway. Straight away we were attacking and within 10 minutes we had a goal disallowed for offside. It took only 5 more minute until we had another goal disallowed for offside, this time in more dubious circumstances. We were in an uproar on the bench but it didn’t take long for us to score again in the 76th minute. This time it was a valid goal without a doubt and we were all sprinting off the bench shouting and punching the air in jubilation.

It was at this point that our goalkeeper had run towards our bench to the team doctor. When he took his glove off it was plain for all to see that he could not continue. His little finger was dislodged in a manner that left it crooked in an almost sickening and indescribable fashion. I couldn’t believe what was happening as I was told to get ready to go in. Only on the 3rd time of being shouted at was I shook from my disbelief. I took my tracksuit jersey off, donned my gloves and ran onto the field into the post for the last 15 minutes.

I was on the pitch for only 45 seconds when a Sliema attacker broke through our defensive line and came in alone against me. It may sound cliché, but when this happens, everything slows down and you have chance to think and whether you save the shot or not is down to what you think. At this point what I thought was “No way do they think that just because I’m the substitute it means they’ll score”. As the phrase ended in my head, the Sliema player let loose a shot to the far post, which I saved with my right leg and put out for a corner. The roar from our support on the opposite side of the ground was deafening.

Shouts erupted, fireworks went off, singing started and meanwhile, the Sliema side went quiet. And it remained quiet.

After the longest 15 minutes of my life, the final whistle blew and we were officially champions. None of us could believe that we had won, but we had! We were the first ever Pembroke Athleta team to win the Youths Knock-out Competition! The celebrations were huge. Horns blared from Ta Qali all the way to Pembroke as we made our way to the clubhouse to celebrate the end of such a historic season for the club. Looking back, still watching the video highlights of the game (the youtube link is on the bottom of this article), each and every one of us experience the noise and the excitement all over again. A truly unforgettable game.

Highlights link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjiVa03-dcE

From the Courtyard

VENTURE CAMP-SLIEMA STYLE

Issue 85 April 2014

Regulations on the running of a Venture Scout Unit are quite liberal, each scout group takes the approach which it finds more suitable. There is no better way of doing it. At Easter Camp our Ventures got the opportunity to see how the Sliema Venture Scouts operate. Andre Brincat tells us about the experience.

For this year’s special joint Easter camp, the Venture Unit took a guest’s role. This due to the fact that only 3 of our ventures managed to attend camp at the last minute, whereas the Sliema Unit was a more prominent number.

Whereas our Ventures are used to be part of the camp staff service team during major activities, this time round, the whole three days were dedicated to Venturing.

From the Unit

DAY 1 On the first day our ventures were welcomed by the Sliema Ventures and teamed up to take part in a hike, or as they call it — a Recce. This hike was quite a brisk walk across from Ghajn Tuffieha to Mistra, by means of secondary roads and footpaths only, to avoid the ugly main roads. Upon arrival at Mistra, the Ventures looked for suitable spots to set up their shelters to sleep in. The rest of the night was quite relaxing, with time for both units to get to know each other a bit better.

Day 2 The next morning however started with quite a shock for our boys when, upon being ready for the walk back to camp, they discovered a taxi was waiting to drive them back! This they discovered was so as to get to campsite in time for breakfast!!!!

Following this funny start to the day, the ventures worked on the building of teepee or pyramid shelters which were to be their tents for the next 2 days. Here our ventures used some good old SAC common sense and practicality at building their shelter with the little material there was available.

Next up, both units earned themselves some free time, which was spent down at Golden Bay. It was quite a hot day so some even dared to swim whereas others opted for a wrestling competition… not my idea of relaxing! During this activity our very own Dylan came out as an unconquerable wrestler, a position which he proudly keeps to this day.

Our spell of free time came to an abrupt halt when the Sliema Ventures realised it was tea time, and as it turns out, they can’t go without their tea!

Once everybody’s cravings were satisfied, the Unit carried on with some Egyptian themed games.

After sundown, we all moved up to the ex-army ranges for some wide games.

After a day in the sun all were quite tired and reluctant to run around in the dark on uneven ground, so with some quick thinking Andre came up with a lighter but more interesting game. This was inspired by video games as well as real military training, which went down well with all the ventures. The object of the game was to infiltrate a building which was being ‘guarded’ by leaders and recover the beacon which was hidden inside. It was up to the ventures to decide how it would be done, whether to work as a team, in pairs or on their own. After a few runs of this game however we had to call it of because of a massive storm building up on the horizon, so we all headed back to camp to secure our tents and go to sleep.

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From the Unit

From the Courtyard

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VENTURE CAMP-SLIEMA STYLE

Issue 85 April 2014

Day 3 Luckily enough, the storm which threatened us the night before had passed us without a drop, so we woke up to another warm day of sunshine. The theme for this day was medieval and the first activity was a session of cool crafts. The ventures split into two teams were one team attempted to build a working model of Leonardo Da Vinci’s Tank whereas the other team designed and built different forms or hot air balloons. At the same time we also started preparing the oven in which we would be cooking later. . During this activity the Ventures tried their hand at using some tools and whereas some showed they might have a promising future at handiwork, for others it would be safer if they stuck to their computers.

At Lunch time we all got ready for our cooking activity, which was to be a medieval stew. Whilst some scouts prepared the fire areas, others finished off the jet and cardboard ovens. At the same time some others started the food preparation.

Needless to say, hygiene was our utmost priority! This activity kicked off at a slow pace and could have ended in disaster, however, realizing that this had the potential to be the best meal at camp, the Ventures were rallied round and with some good teamwork and coordination all food preparation was completed quickly and very soon the pot was on the fire. Meanwhile, using Dylan’s Chef tips, some bread dough was prepared and made into little Panini which to our amazement were baked in just a few minutes in the cardboard oven which alas, did not survive till the end of the bake! Just as the cooking was coming to an end, our Sliema comrades fell for another of their addictions: The Tuckshop! As soon as they heard that it was open they began to twitch in spasms until they effectively abandoned the cooking to satisfy their sugar cravings from within! Luckily though, hunger prevailed and brought some sense back into their heads, just in time as food was ready. We all savored our messtin full of stew and freshly baked bread and quite frankly, were so fool that nobody felt like getting up for duties!

After lunch the unit embarked on the usual pre-campfire tasks such as showers, clearing up, stunt preparation, and we even fitted in some time to assist the Troop in a survival activity. Soon, it was time to start , and as the parents gathered at the site, we all pitched in to help with parking and bar duties. Dinner that night was a plain square pizza which, although nothing close to what we are used to (thankyou Zarby) still gave us enough energy for the Campfire. Sliema Ventures came up with a very funny sketch of Shakespearian acting whereas our Ventures gave one of the best renditions of our traditional ‘Bubbles’ stunt.

From the Unit

From the Courtyard

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VENTURE CAMP-SLIEMA STYLE

Issue 85 April 2014

Day 4 Following a late night after campfire we all trudged out of bed and got immediately to work to dismantle the bivouac tents. Being good Friday, we expected some showers and luckily had the good sense of wrapping all our kits in plastic sheets before starting the day’s activity: the XO Challenge.

Despite the fancy name, this challenge was a very interesting activity consisting of a treasure hunt with checkpoints and different tests along the way. It also had an interesting story based on a search and rescue. The ventures in fact had to prepare a helicopter Landing Zone, perform a sweep search, perform first aid and transport a casualty. Just as the hike was underway a surprise storm hit the area and within seconds all participants were drenched to the bone. This however did not stem the determination of these young Ventures as they carried on through the rain until it had passed (ok I’m lying, they conveniently took cover at Munchies and Apple’s Eye) nonetheless they were raring to go and had soon dried out once the sun was back out.

The end of this activity also brought the Venture Camp to an end. On the whole it was a very enjoyable experience and a breath of fresh air after the lull of idleness due to lack of attendance in our Unit. Surely, both Units realised how different we are from each other in the way we operate, however we also realised that we have a similar mentality when it comes to having fun. Friendships were formed and we hope will last. Now it is our turn to invite our Sliema brethren over for an SAC Style activity. What will it be?

From the Courtyard

ROVERS @ CAMP

Issue 85 April 2014

From the Crew

Taking a step aside from being Camp Staff this year, the rover crew took an easy approach to Easter Camp.

Rover Liam Curmi explains what happened.

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Easter Camp was different from our usual ones seeing it was a joint camp with our arch rivals Sliema Scout Group.

Camp was from 12th April till 19th April and held at Ghajn Tuffieha due to MEPA circumstances they won’t let us camp at Verdala ever again. Advance party was the same prep like usual loading the truck at HQ and unloading it at the campsite. Set up the Mess hall, kitchen, washing area and the double joint ridge tent for the night.

First day of camp, we set up the remaining ridge tents for the scouts and our Rover crew. Shocked that we found out we cannot use our usual ‘relax’ area because it was blocked off, we decided to build our own area seeing that at the time Kitchen was held responsible by Sliema scouts and all active Rover members were not with the scouts. Having that much free time, the construction of the ’relax’ corner spanned throughout the duration of all camp, improving it day and night. Of course this became one of the longest activities we had since we were not asked for assistance throughout the campsite, mainly Kitchen because we all know the hassle of taking care of the Kitchen preparing “enough” food for everyone.

Having a ground state for the ‘relax’ corner being situated exactly outside of our tent, a table for a game of cards, benches and our captain chairs, a snack storage, light bulbs that went across the area and a mesh to conceal the privacy for the leaders. Only one extra thing was needed in order for us to practically live there and not come out but it would have been too drastic until certain circumstances rose up. The following day the particular circumstance rose and before we were brought up to camp with the Sliema scouts we were given one rule only to let bygones be bygones, don’t throw the first punch. That same morning that rule was broken and we retaliated without the point of retaliating when we found out that the kitchen was closed off for us, fair enough seeing we’d be in the way and not doing anything. We weren’t used to this sort of thing because most of the time we’d be running the kitchen and having our most powerful resource to refuel our energy. The KETTLE!! Harvesting its’ power by means of coffee and tea is a passion and a need in our Rover Crew. Our means of functionality depends on it not just in the morning but throughout the whole day.

We had to bring our own and placed it in the leaders’ corner, now we could live there for eternity.

From the Crew

From the Courtyard

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ROVERS @ CAMP

Issue 85 April 2014

Not having Kitchen duty really had an impact on us, where most camps we’d be working nonstop in the kitchen and then having those few short relief breaks of peace were having. But ripping that off from us we were left in awe. Most of camp we had nothing to do and the relaxation overwhelmed us except the times where we helped out the scouts in their activities and even build an obstacle course , coming up with an activity to do something was a real must.

Our main project for this camp was postponed to summer camp because we didn’t have any of the equipment which we needed, so we came up with a new activity. Two massive towers with a Rope bridge across at the entrance of our campsite making it so parents would have to pass underneath it to enter the camp. We began building it on Thursday morning since campfire was going to be held the same night , we had to make a move as time wasn’t very much on our side and some of us had leadership roles seeing that the cubs started to arrive early that morning. However through arrangements, few of the leaders could remain and help build the bridge until they were needed. Like any massive pioneering project it is highly likely that we hit a few bumps between us on which is the best method of lifting it up and putting it together but we always stick our heads together with teamwork in order to honor our S.A.C name of what we are capable of. I wasn’t able to help putting the final touches on the structure as I had to attend my role as a cub leader and help with the pack for their fire and cooking activity. As soon as their activity finished David and I rushed back to the campsite to reach in time for campfire. The evening wasn’t one of the best we ever had but it was still quite enjoyable, singing campfire songs and performing stunts, Scout group face off, making a fool of yourself while the audience and you friends behind you laugh hysterically at your flawless performance. Ending it all with both GSL’s thanking all the parents who attended, showed up and the people who help each other running the campsite, finishing it all off with Kumbaya.

Waking up the next day I wanted to take a look at the finished structure of the Rope Bridge. Happy and amazed at the work that we achieved, I tested it out to check the stability of it even though I’m the lightest person in the whole Crew. It was a sight to be seen but alas it had to come down before the rain hit us.

We didn’t manage in time but panic stuck out when we realized our ’relax’ corner wasn’t rain proof, everyone dropped everything and helped out with the bivouacs as fast as possible. When the rain calmed down and the chaos we had between us calmed down as well we finished off dismantling the Rope Bridge and put everything back in its place.

The final day of camp came upon us and everyone felt rejuvenated from last nights’ sleep. Like everything got pitched up quickly everything went down in half of that time. Fitting everything like a glove at the back of a tiny truck is one of the strong points our Quarter Master easily handles; with a bit of pressure on him to make sure everything makes it on one trip. Once everything fit back at the end of the truck we all said our goodbyes and congratulated each other of a successful camp and joked that we should never do it again.