Issue 105 Issue 105 June—July 2016 June—July 2016
From the Courtyard
From the Courtyard SAC Scouts Newsletter In this issue Feature
FEATURE OF THE MONTH—ADVENTURES IN AOSTA
Aosta 100 year trip
Our group trip to Aosta has finally come....and gone already! You’ll hear
GSL’s Note Keep up to date with the group’s events
Cubs.. Cubs make a splash
Scouts.. Dlamm Ċappa
Ventures.. Night Hike Comino Camp
Rovers.. Kayak Building
Coming up
Pasta Night—27 August 2016
Summer Camp— 11—17 September 2016
SAC 100 Year anniversary Thanksgiving Mass—15 October
SAC turns 100! 19 October 2016
more about this wonderful trip next month however until then, here’s our GSL’s summary of the entire time we spent in Vale D’Aosta. Our Group has just returned from Aosta. It was a funfilled week of adventure for the sixty strong group of cubs, scouts, ventures and rovers that attended. Led by GSL Edward Cassola and trip coordinator ASL Mike Micallef , the group left for Aosta on Monday 25th July. They arrived in Aosta after a two hour flight with Aimalta and a two hour coach drive to Villeneuve. We got there by 1800 just in time for dinner followed by an introduction by the campsite coordinators. The rest of the evening was dedicated to settling down. On Tuesday the Group went kayaking, rafting and stand-up paddle boarding. The sunny weather throughout most of the week ensured we had a great time at water based activities. All members got to participate in the different water activities and also tried various hilarious tricks on the lake. That evening the group was divided into two groups. Half of us went on the high ropes and the second group participated in generation games; a series of funny challenges that all members tried to accomplish using all the imagination they could come up with. Wednesday was a relaxing day. We went up to Mount Blanc taking the cable cars from Courmayeur. The scenery was breathtaking and a number of the older members also managed to go on the snow slopes at the top nearly 3500m above sea level. In the afternoon we visited Courmayeur and the cubs also managed to fit in a train ride around the town. That evening we then had a lecture and demo on how to handle dinghies during white water rafting which was the main event for the next day. On Thursday we all headed to one of the most difficult challenges of the week - white water rafting. It was a great experince seeing sixty of us rafting down the Dora Baltea river for 13 kms racing down the rapids in freezing cold water. All members young and old made it unscathed and most of us also took the challenge to swim in the river when we got to a calm
From the Courtyard
ANNIVERSARY ADVENTURES IN AOSTA
Issue 105 June—July 2016
spot of the river. In the evening we had a memorable campfire at the campsite with the instructors from Acorn Adventure. There were some hilarious moments and we managed to fit in many of our traditional campfire songs.
Feature of the Month
Friday saw us going to Mount Pont for mountain walking, abseiling and bouldering. The panaroma here was out of this world. Our members managed to go on a mountain walk to one of the highest peaks and took memorable photos. They also abseiled down a challenging rockface (especially for some of the younger ones) and they also enjoyed a bouldering activity high up on the mountain range. After dinner the group was once again divided into two groups to take part in the high ropes events and the generation games.
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On Saturday we went to Cogne's Cascade de Lillaz, another beautiful and panaromic site with an imposing water fall. At this site the group was divided into three groups and each one had the opportunity to try climbing up the mountain's rockface, pot holing in a series of challenging squeezes and last but not least gorge walking in the freezing cold water of the water fall. All these activities were unforgettable experiences for young and old and I am sure they will last in everybody's memory for years to come. With Saturday being the last night at camp we took all scouts to eat out at a local pizzeria by the river and they also got the opportunity to play football in an indoor football pitch. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end and on Sunday we set off on our return trip back home. We managed to spend some time at Aosta's city centre before we set off to the airport in Milan to get the flight back late that evening. I hope all members enjoyed the trip and I would finally like to thank ASL Mike Micallef for his sterling work in the organisation of the event. I would also like to thank all section leaders for their participation and contribution at all times. The morale was always high and the spirit strong, characteristics of our Group throughout its last 100 years. This event was organised as part of our Group's 100 years anniversary. As we like to say "a San Alois!", onwards and upwards. Edward Cassola Group Scout Leader
From the Courtyard
GSL’S NOTE
Issue 105 June—July 2016
Our Group Scout Leader tells us what’s on!
IHQ Works—An Update Finally, I am glad and proud to say that all major infrastructural works are ready for the new Troop Room. In the coming days we shall be going to the next phase – plastering of walls and ceiling and installation of lighting and fittings. I hope that by end of August most works will be over in time for the pasta night of August 27th.
GSL’s note
Exams July is usually “results” months. Most of our boys did very well and are enjoying their summer and participating in the many activities being organized by the Section leaders. We’d like to encourage those that did not do well to do their best in September during resit week and they can ask us for any help they may require in the coming weeks.
Aosta Trip As I write all things are set for the adventure trip in Aosta. We are going to be a group of sixty scouts. We leave on Monday 25th and return on the 31st July. Mike the ASL was instrumental in the organisation of this event and I hope all will be happy with the organisation and events in Villeneuve. The Group shall be participating in these events: abseiling, climbing, gorge walking, white water rafting, hiking, pot holing and high ropes. We hope to provide much more information about this event on our return in the August Newsletter.
Planned Events—August-October On our return a Group of Rovers are organizing the annual fund raising pasta night at our HQ on August 27th. Information about this event has already been uploaded on our Facebook page. We look forward to meeting as many of you as possible. Summer camp shall be held between September 11th and the 17th. All sections shall be participating. Needless to say this is the usual headache to prepare and many leaders have already started working on the programme and events. Campfire will probably be held on Friday 16th September where we shall be organizing a BBQ for friends and family too. To mark our actual 100th years anniversary, on October 15th (original registration date was 19th October 1916) we shall be having a thanksgiving mass at College at 18:30. We are glad to announce that H.E the President of Malta Dr. M.L Coleiro Preca shall be attending too and shall be unveiling the commemorative plaque at HQ to mark this important milestone for the Group. Then at around 20:00 we shall be having a gangshow (an indoors campfire) at the college theatre. All members and parents are expected to be there on the day.
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From the Courtyard
CUBS MAKE A SPLASH!
Issue 105 June—July 2016
SAC were invited to join Hamrun Cubs for a day of watergames and fun! We are well into the Summer season and in keeping with this spirit, Ħamrun Scout Group organized a joint activity at their headquarters, inviting the St Venera and SAC cubs to join in the fun! Ħamrun planned several water games and pool activities for the cubs to enjoy, and everyone was treated to a BBQ at the end.
From the Pack
Once we arrived, cubs from all Groups were split into four colours, encouraging them to interact. Leaders were also assigned to lead each group. We then led the cubs to the pool area where several water games and swimming races were held. Colour groups competed against each other and points were given to those who placed first. After the games, each group had a chance to swim in the pool while other groups were served dinner. Activities like these allow cubs from various groups to integrate and make new friends. Most of the games required teamwork and cooperation, hence giving the cubs a greater opportunity to mingle. For us leaders, it was another opportunity to get to know each other, learn each other’s leadership skills and weaknesses with an aim to improve. Although we were just three scout groups, we truly had a great time together and overall it was another opportunity to come together and have fun.
Michael Psaila Blue Smoke Cub Leader
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From the Courtyard
OPERATION DLAMM ĊAPPA
Issue 105 June—July 2016
On the year of our 100 Year Anniversary, the troop keep a modern tradition going with the fifth consecutive edition of ‘Operation Dlamm Ċappa’. We have no photos for this one, ‘għax kien hemm dlamm...ċappa’.
From the Troop
Operation 'Dlam Cappa' has been going on for the fifth year running, and I must say it is one of my favourite scouting activities. Every year I feel that the troop bonds well together after a long night of hiking. This year, the hike started at Dingli Parish Church. Scouts had to bring with them an over night kit, a packed meal and water. A group of around 25 scouts gathered round in the village pjazza to start off the night hike back to the SAC HQ. On that Wednesday, the troop did not have a scout meeting, and since it was the last official meeting for SPLs Craig and Daniel, the troop leaders announced the names of who will replace them. Paolo Bezzina and Daniel Mifsud Baron will now take over this role, and on that note, the whole troop would like to thank Craig and Daniel for their great work and time dedicated to the troop.
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Following the safety briefing, during which the country and highway codes were briefly covered, scouts and leaders headed as a group to the 'Salib ta' l-Għolja'. The views at this location make the long winding uphill worth every step. On that clear night, we could round views from Zurrieq all the way to Mosta and Mtarfa—quite breathtaking! At this spot, we all ate out packed lunches and headed to Black Valley Campsite in Zebbug. By this time it was quite late, and all scouts were tired. The initial target was to make it at the HQ by 1am, and in fact at 01:30hrs, the first scout walked in. The plan was, that all scouts sleep in the new room, and fans would be connected to create some sort of airflow. But, just our luck, we did not have electricity that night. Still, everyone slept, and all night through. By around 7am everyone was wide awake playing football in the parking area. The Sciberras brothers together with Andrew Abela decided to help out in cooking breakfast for the whole troop. SL Mani, was making cheese toasts camping style, whilst Andrew was cooking sausages. Ben Bezzina served cold juices and water. All in all, this was a great activity. All scouts seemed to have fun and more importantly no one got hurt. Already looking forward to next year! Bernard Maniscalco Scout Leader
From the Courtyard
VENTURES TAKE A HIKE
Issue 105 June—July 2016
Our Venture Unit took a stroll through some of the Island’s geographical and historical gems in the Middle of June—and the middle of the night, otherwise we'd be calling them mad!
From the Unit
Hiking is an excellent form of exercise, enjoyable and healthy, however doing it in summer could be seen as a form of suicide. That is when Night Hikes come in handy.
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The Unit met at HQ on Saturday evening and by 8.30 pm all had assembled and were ready to go. After a quick equipment check to see we had all we needed for our excursion, we took the obligatory group selfie and were soon off along our way. This hike was to be of around 15 kilometers, which in scout hike terms is not that much, however the route had various interesting stops along the way which would keep us on our feet and enthusiastic. Our first leg of the hike took us to Mosta along the uninteresting main roads which are slowly taking over the island. High hopes were short lived when some Ventures assumed we were stopping at KFC in PAMA, but instead we branched off towards Sghajtar and headed on towards Mosta Bridge. Here we s topped for our first long break, during which we waited for Adam who would be joining us a little later due to other appointments that evening.
From the Courtyard
VENTURES TAKE A HIKE
Issue 105 June—July 2016
From the Unit
With all participants finally united, The twelve Ventures and Leaders proceeded towards Ġnien tal-Għarusa Tal-Mosta where we would get onto the path along the Victoria Lines which we would follow for the rest of the night, but before trudging on we stopped for a short visit at a nearby underground shelter which everybody was eager to explore.
This underground complex was once a Nuclear shelter built during the Cold War. The Ventures were very interested to learn about this place, its uses and how it was built and to see some of the remains such as the ventilation system, the bombproof doors as well as the myriad of misspelt graffiti adorning the walls. Reemerging into the heat of the night triggered our appetites, so we decided to have our packed meals before taking to the roads again. Having lightened our packs from all the food, we set off at a brisk pace along the Victoria Lines until we arrived underneath Fort Mosta where we ventured carefully through the boulders and fig trees, visiting a couple of wartime pillboxes and caves along the way. Upon rounding the hill and descending into Wied il Ghasel we found an old water dam which crosses the valley and in no time were across and underneath 'Talla w'ommu' hill. Following a short break to catch our breath after that arduous walk we tackled the notorious hill with great ease thanks to a little footpath. Up on Birguma Ridge we trailed along the Victoria Lines whilst enjoying the view that was unfolding below us. Soon we started descending the steep valley sides of Wied Anġlu through menacing shrubs and thorny bushes, much to the amusement of those of us who had chosen to wear trousers for the night. We crossed Wied Anġlu over the remains of a fortified bridge and then proceeded up a breathtaking staircase to
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From the Courtyard
VENTURES TAKE A HIKE
Issue 105 June—July 2016
the top of Għargħur Ridge, also known to many youths as 'Top of the world', a very apt name indeed! Taking advantage of the fact that some Ventures aren't so familiar with Maltese geography, I managed to fool a few into believing that we had climbed the last hill of the night. So after a well deserved water break we moved in high spirits swiftly along the belvedere trying not to disturb the people in their cars 'admiring the stars'... Upon reaching the old Searchlight emplacement at the tip of Għargħur , we headed down again into Wied il Faħam where we crossed the magnificent fortified bridge which is still intact. Next (and now for real) started the last leg of our hike, the walk up to Fort Madliena. We emerged from the valley via a mega villa's back garden but quickly got out of trouble by finding the road. Just a few hundred meters on we reached our destination for the night, the copse just outside Fort Madliena.
From the Unit
It was 3.30am sharp.
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We soon made ourselves at home by putting up the bivouac for the remainder of the night. Meanwhile a couple of ventures cooked up a warm meal for everybody to enjoy. Making the best we could of the remaining few hours before sunrise (and the heat it brings with it) we all quickly fell asleep by 4.30. We were awoken at about 7am by the startling shouts of joy of a jogger who had just managed to run up the hill. He in turn was startled by the sight of 12 tramps sleeping under a sheet of plastic... We loitered on our ground mats until the sun began to warm us up. At that point we quickly packed all our backpacks and moved to an area with better shade where we waited a short while for Zarby to arrive with our breakfast. Never have ham and cheese sandwiches tasted so good! Once breakfast was done, we set off down the hill towards Bahar ic Caghaq bay where we celebrated the success of the hike with the traditional ice cream or granita from the Kiosk and then freshened up in the cool sea on the bay.
From the Unit
From the Courtyard
VENTURES TAKE A HIKE
Issue 105 June—July 2016
Our Route for the night.
Andre Brincat Venture Scout Leader 25—26 June 2016
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From the Courtyard
COMINO CAMPING
Issue 105 June—July 2016
Visiting Comino has always been a treat for the SAC Scout Group. This time, the
From the Unit
Venture Unit made sure it would be even more special! Day 1. We all gathered on Friday evening at the Manoel Island Yacht Marina, which as you would assume is not the typical departure place for Comino. In fact this was thanks to Rovers Simon and Emma who offered to take us to Comino on their company’s Yacht. Having been briefed on some safety rules, we slowly made our way out of the beautiful Marsamxett Harbour, where the Ventures took the opportunity to take a few thousand selfies each. Once out of Harbour we were in for a treat as we gave a hand at releasing the yacht’s sails and increasing the boat’s speed. We also took it in turns to steer the boat (or try to keep it on course) as we sailed along the northern coast of Malta. As we passed the tip of Mellieha we changed our course towards Comino whilst enjoying the beautiful sunset with all three islands in view.
Reaching Santa Maria Bay took longer than expected and as it was dark, we all kept watch as the yacht slowly made its way inland towards the bay. Finding a place where to drop anchor was also complicated due to the number of other boats occupying all the good spots. Soon enough though we had found a suitable place and we immediately started loading our supplies into the little dingy which we would then row to the jetty close by. With 10 ventures and all our kit this was a painstakingly long process but we eventually got all safely to ground by 11.30pm. As we thanked and waved goodbye to our fellow rovers we set off towards the Santa Marija Bay Campsite and having found a good spot, we pitched our tents and bivouac. We then went to the beach where we indulged into our romantic moonlit packed lunch. Having also been introduced to the local carnivorous mosquitos, we decided it was time to retire to our tents for some sleep. Day 2. Those amongst our readers who have been camping in summer in Malta, have surely experienced the urgency of getting out of the tent before its hit by the sun. Thus at around 7.30 am we were all up and fascinated by the
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From the Courtyard
COMINO CAMPING
Issue 105 June—July 2016
From the Unit
sheer number of tents all around us. The little camping field we were used to in previous years has in fact changed into a fully fledged camping village. Undeterred by all these neighbours we soon got busy preparing breakfast but soon found our first hitch as the gas cans for our stove were found to be empty! Luckily we had a reserve and could cook our sausages to perfection. Our plan for the day was to head to Blue lagoon as early as possible so as to find a good spot before the tourist invasion, and then visit the rest of the island in the afternoon. We hastily packed all necessary stuff for the day in our backpacks and headed off along one of the few roads on the island. The walk to blue lagoon was about 20 minutes long but quite pleasant as we all realised that Comino is much bigger than one expects. Upon arrival at blue lagoon we were disappointed to find out that all of the waterline was taken over by the greedy sunbeds people who left us no choice but to find a spot further uphill. Being still calm and quiet we quickly plunged into the azure waters of blue lagoon which were still quite cold. We swam across to Kemmunett and frolicked around in the cool waters, explored a few caves and had a good time. Meanwhile, Daniel Mallia was on his way on the ferry so we all gathered on shore to welcome him. While waiting for him more and more tourists and students gathered on the rocks around us and one of them, noticing we were scouts introduced herself to us as a Greek Venture from Athens. In true scouting brotherhood style we made friends with her and talked about our scouting methods and explained what we were doing on the island.
By now it was already noon and Blue lagoon had become Blue swimming pool full of people so we took a quick decision to go away and take a tour of the island’s sights. Dafni, the greek girl scout, decided to join us for the day and so we set off to the Santa Marija Tower as our first destination. Walking up the cliff towards the tower we marvelled at the sight of Crystal Cove beneath us. Following some photos at the Tower, we proceeded towards the nearby old hospital which the boys were eager to visit. This buiding was an old barracks built by the Order of St John for the soldiers manning the nearby tower. Later, in the 20th century it served as an isolation hospital and subsequently acted as a school for the island’s inhabitants. When Max knocked on one of the doors, we also learned that the hospital is now inhabited by one of the few people that still live on the island. Moving on we walked back towards our campsite passing by the Island’s
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From the Courtyard
COMINO CAMPING
Issue 105 June—July 2016
From the Unit
chapel. We dumped our bags at the campsite and walked on towards the famous SAC cave. We call it this way because it’s the cave they used to take us to on those famous school trips led by Fr. Paul Zammit. Unfortunately this ‘secret cave’ is not so secret anymore as we found a group of around 40 American girls here! Furthermore, the pool inside the cave was full of jellyfish and thus we gave up hope and returned to the campsite which isn’t that far anyway.
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At the campsite we cooked lunch which was tortellini with white sauce and mushrooms. Meanwhile a few well mannered Ventures accompanied our guest back to Blue Lagoon to catch the ferry boat. Some others discovered the magical irritating powers of local vegetation when they rubbed some plants on themselves.. ah well! As the afternoon idled away we found our spot in the shade and took the time to discuss how much we love Scouting and our Scout Group. As sunset approached we went back into the sea to cool off at Santa Marija bay. Showers followed, and finally finished off the wonderful day by hiking to the Comino hotel to watch the Euro 2016 semi final of Germany vs Italy. The attendance for this match was very impressive. It seemed like the whole island had showed up to watch the match. Emotions were very visible throughout the match, cheers roared as goals were scored and cries of disappointment as their teams missed chances, most of us collapsed in deep slumber after the exhausting day. However, Italy lost the match, we all trudged back to our tents and the day quickly came to an end as some of us made a simple pasta dinner and eventually slept. Day 3. Our last day on Comino ended prematurely. After having gobbled down an amazing English breakfast, we packed up our gear and tents, waved goodbye to our neighbours and headed to the beach where we would be close to the jetty to catch the ferry but also enjoy the shade and the sea. This plan was soon cut short as when Andre phoned the ferry, they said the only available boat for the day was within half an hour! So, thanking our lucky stars that we had already packed we waited on the stairs of the local police station, as that was the only shaded area. Our journey back was a blast. The boat's operator put up the music volume for us as we sailed back to Malta. The boat rode the waves on our way back. We were moving quite fast, which was evident as the bow was often momentarily sailing through the air before crashing back down into the sea. Our journey soon came to an end as the boat hugged the pontoon and we got off the boat. In conclusion, this camp was a very exciting one. It was different to traditional camps as we were on Comino this time and spent a lot of time swimming and going on little hiking adventures. We hope that this becomes
From the Courtyard
Issue 105 June—July 2016
ARTICLE TITLE
From the Unit
an annual event and maybe next time we get to visit the other parts of Comino.
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Andre Brincat Venture Scout Leader 1—3 July 2016.
From the Courtyard
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Issue 105 June—July 2016
The SAC Rover Crew wouldn’t be feeling quite right if they weren't aiming to outdo themselves. Here’s what they’re up to this time, although the more sensibile of you may want to look away.
From the Crew
The SAC Rover Crew. A wonderful crew comprised of a number of grown men with varying degrees of facial hair who have one thing in common – the desire to partake in tasks that are adventurous, challenging and sometimes bordering on absurd.
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Since this year is the group’s 100 year anniversary, we decided that we wanted to push the boundaries of the activity at hand to make it one of the most adventurous and challenging tasks we’ve undertaken to date. We decided that we would make a kayak out of plastic bottles – an activity which is unlike anything we’ve ever done before but also something that promotes recycling. However…and yes, there always is a “however”…time has passed since this initial idea was proposed and having built and successfully tested the prototype kayak during Summer Camp of 2015, we thought we needed to add a few elements to this project and be slightly more ambitious. This has resulted in a project that has left mouths open, eyebrows raised and people wondering if we were dropped on the head as children – A Plastic Bottle, Bicycle-Powered Catamaran – still made, as much as possible, of recycled items. To say the design is simple would be like telling an unsuspecting Inuit that Malta will be hosting an Ice Hut building competition in the middle of July – ie: a complete lie that cannot be re-arranged in any shape or form to seem even slightly true. The design itself is based on three plastic bottle kayaks – a smaller kayak in the middle with two larger ones on either side to provide additional support. The side kayaks are then topped with a sheet of thick plywood with a hole in the middle so the kayaks can be used for storage. They are then connected to each other via three metal poles which were previously occupying the SAC HQ rooftop. On these poles, a number of pallettes – salvaged from the curbs of the Mriehel Industrial Estate – are used to create a deck area for the willing crew to hang on to stay on as the ships sinks sails. All that is left therefore is to create the propulsion system. This system is comprised of a rudimentary mechanism that is very similar to the one found on beach paddle-boats. There will be two wooden paddles each suspended between two salvaged bicycles that were saved by, or donated to, us. These bicycles have been chopped in half to leave the back part of them only and the back wheel, with the pedal mechanism, will be attached to one end of a paddle. A rover is then free to sit on the catamaran and pedal at his own leisure – hence propelling the catama-
From the Courtyard
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Issue 105 June—July 2016
ran forward. By now you have doubtless realized that, this has gone from being exceedingly simple to a project that can be characterized as rather daft and downright crazy. You can describe it as such even before you’ve heard of the aim for this noble sea-craft – which is to cross from Malta to Comino. If you would like to witness the almighty catastrophe that is sure to befall us, the launch date of this project is on the 20th August. So if you happen to be travelling on the Gozo ferry on that day, or relaxing on Comino – don’t be surprised if you see a lopsided, plastic bottled contraption adorning the (hopefully) calm ocean waters. Alternatively, you could tune into that evening’s news where ingenuity or stupidity might be on show if things go fantastically right...or horribly wrong. Either way – we can’t wait!
From the Crew
Albert Galea Rover
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Other News
From the Courtyard
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PASTA NIGHT FUNDRAISER—100 YEARS
Issue 105 June—July 2016
From the Courtyard
PASTA NIGHT FUNDRAISER—100 YEARS
Issue 105 June—July 2016
As has happened every year since 2007, St. Aloysius college Scout Group will be hosting it’s 9th Annual Pasta Night. As with everything else, we hope that the 100 ear addition of this activity willbe extra special, and hope to see you all there! The S.A.C. Scouts Pasta Night is back. With the Group celebrating its 100th Anniversary later on this year, this year's Pasta Night is not only an annual fundraiser but a brilliant reason to get to gether to celebrate the St. Aloysius College Scout Group’s longstanding sucess. For this reason, we are hoping to see as many members, former scouts, benefactors, family and friends in attendance. Details are the following:
Date: Saturday 27th August 2016 Time: 20:00hrs Location: SAC HQ
Other News
Price: - Adults €15 each; - Children(aged 3 – 10) €12 each Price includes: - Appetisers - Pasta Table - Dessert - Wine/Beer/Softdrinks (2 Free Drinks included in ticket price) Booking can be made through the following link: https://goo.gl/forms/oqZcz3Y7kTUOczcG2 We shall also be having a raffle on the night. Should you wish to donate any prizes please contact Stefan Pullicino on 99820232.
Best regards, SAC SCOUTS
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