SAC Scouts Newsletter - Issue 109

Issue 109 Issue 109 November - December 2016 November - December 2016

From the Courtyard

From the Courtyard SAC Scouts Newsletter In this issue Feature...

BUISNESS LEADERS NEED SCOUTS’ QUALITIES

- Buisness leaders need scouts’ qualities.

Every week, one can find many kids and youths attending their local Scout group meeting, learning the values and skills every good citizen should know. With former Scouts nearly everywhere in today’s business world, it’s no wonder that the Scout Law’s main pillars are incorporated into the way they practice business.

GSL’S Note...

Since its inception, the Scout Movement has been identified with leadership, and it has been put to

- What’s been happening?

the test on countless occasions throughout history during instances of crises or triumph.

Announcements

Cubs..

- Cubs go to Dingli

Scouts..

- Tips for Successful Scouting

However, there are leadership lessons of Scouting which many can overlook, and yet learn from, from a business perspective. For sake of clarity and editorial space, I have tried to sum them up below.

The groups Baden-Powell founded have lasted over a century and continue to stand as institutions in their respective countries and communities. Any company would love to have that sort of record.

Anyone can write a book about business success. But the legacy that Baden-Powell has left on the world speaks for itself; when BP talks on leadership, anyone serious about improving their own business ethic better listen.

Ventures..

Scouts tackle crises by putting the needs of others before their own. They apply acquired skills and

- Learning Commitment - If at first you don’t succeed...

gained knowledge in a disciplined and organized manner. This is what true leadership looks like.

Rovers..

two sticks together and make a fire. But when you rub two sticks together and make a fire side by side

- Speedy Getaway, - Facelift of the Century - With my Hand on my Heart

When businessmen discuss leadership, they use buzzwords like vision, passion, charisma, and other

Coming up Christmas Activity details for all sections may be found in the announcements page.

It's not unusual to see the leaders of communities come out of Scouting. Scouting builds people who are equipped to make ethical and good choices. The Movement’s goals is not to teach someone to rub with an adult of good character, you're going to learn about who you are and go on to lead men.

personality traits which may determine how far up the ladder one may go as an individual.

Traditionally, Scouts use these 12 words: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. And these are basically points in the Scout Law which, simply put, mean that if you don't have integrity, you're not a good leader no matter how charismatic.

From the Courtyard

Issue 109 November - December 2016

BUISNESS LEADERS NEED SCOUTS’ QUALITIES

Of these points, "brave" stands out most: experience teaches that one can't do the right thing and be effective without some courage.

It seems that the Scout Movement, in its second 100 years, is making efforts to retool, or maybe some would prefer to say rebrand with several changes. No doubt that at its headship, any movement like Scouting will get somewhat arthritic and bureaucratic. Yet, the Scout Movement is steeped in tradition, which is a good thing. Over recent times, and particularly in the Scout Association in Malta, several thought and complained that we weren’t good at innovation and renewal. Many don't want to abandon tradition, but at the same time as a Movement we want to be nimble. And so, new ideas have been slow

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to gain more traction.

Some folks out there may think that Scouts are whipped, obsolete or irrelevant. Hardly so is the case: I simply cannot see the day that trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent become obsolete, in any society and they've never been more relevant.

Certainly, the delivery mechanisms need to be tweaked. As the use of a compass to show our Scouts how to get around is still entrenched, we find that new we also teach them how to use GPS. Scouts who live the wilderness of the outdoors are still taught to leave any place they camp overnight at, in a better state than they found it. You can teach a kid about character and leadership using science and information technology. The secret remains to get them side by side with adults of character.

The Scout Movement risks becoming irrelevant if it does not adapt to things that attract kids today, yet the Movement always risks of losing its way if it abandons its principles within the Scout Law. And the blueprint of leadership changing into a science, adult leadership training like the Wood Badge course remains essential to the core. No fancy tuition can change that, integrity is integrity. Loyalty is loyalty.

Being trustworthy is a bedrock issue. One can put cosmetics on it, but either you are or you aren't.

Within those major efforts of retooling which appear more to be public relations initiatives, some in

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From the Courtyard

Issue 109 November - December 2016

BUISNESS LEADERS NEED SCOUTS’ QUALITIES

leadership want to go past sensitive issues like religious faith and other controversies which plague other Scout associations abroad. Often, many may think that the glitz and eye candy of public relations glosses over the need to dialogue with the communities whereat Scouting is represented. No doubt, Scouting still has a positive story to tell. Scouting infuses everybody with a good feeling.

Some Scout groups seem to avoid publicity, and maybe that works fine for them. When I was younger, Scouts was characteristically associated with quasi-military discipline, sharpness in appearance and bearing, and marching in cadence to a band. The inherited legacy received from having British armed forces in colonial Malta are likely to have perpetuated that impression to many for a very long time. The decisions to adopt such methods of formation of kids at the time was probably correct for the time.

Today, it is an entirely different ball game, when and where children have asymmetrical options alongside each other to occupy their spare time. The Scout Job Week had evolved from the colonial period’s Bob-aJob fundraising drives, and then late 20th century political correctness threw in the fray issues on abuses of child labour and other legislative issues. Yet, it sparked the Scouts’ initiatives, drive, and motivation to be hardworkingly inventive and resourceful in raking in funds for their Scout groups. These were their first on -job working experiences and decisions which would certainly play a key part later in their adult lives.

The Movement has also had its adversaries, from dictators and their regimes, to break away factions from the mainframe of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). But it hasn’t been afraid to strive onwards. Amidst the strife of all this, the Movement has remained proactive in defining itself. In places overseas, Scouts found themselves pawns in political issues simply because they allowed themselves to be co-opted.

With world globalization, Scouts nowadays have to rub shoulders with a diversity of religious beliefs. The Movement accepts any faith, and its members have to embrace some faith. So, Scouts worldwide have to come to live with Jewish Scouts and Muslim Scouts, besides Christian Scouts like homegrown Maltese ones. In the middle of faith are the principles of good and the kinds of things that are good lessons for business and future entrepreneurial leaders. And besides, we live a life of faith and don't hide from a life of faith, which is an important part of who we are.

Scouting still provides the ideal training for role modeling for today’s youth. Some out there may disagree, but the continued support the Movement receives speaks volumes for the good that Scouting does. And this when today’s educational systems are not teaching today’s youth anything or enough about personal responsibility. Taking responsibility for one’s actions is a hallmark of a good leader.

As children at home are being raised differently from the past, due to the changes of society and the needs of the average family nucleus, their leadership later in their own adulthood will be of another kind from that we ourselves have grown up with. Sometimes, we feel it might be less effective. It's going to be less bold, less courageous, less visionary. If we believe as a society that we should only be as good as the least of us, we will be stifled. That is what will keep us shackled, limiting any movement forward.

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From the Courtyard

Issue 109 November - December 2016

BUISNESS LEADERS NEED SCOUTS’ QUALITIES TOP TIPS

There are many ways to the top, but great leaders must be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

The most important Scout quality of a business leader is bravery. You can't do the right thing without courage.

Business leaders and their companies need to be proactive and define themselves, or someone else will.

Encourage personal responsibility. It's a hallmark of leadership.

Major Ivan M. Consiglio AFM Rtd.

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From the Courtyard

GSL’S NOTE

Issue 109 November - December 2016

Our Group Scout Leader tells us what’s been happening.

Subscriptions Most probably most of you would have received the annual subscription form by now, which we plan to collect by January 11. Part of the €100 membership fee (€25) will be “refunded” through the activity wear hoodies we have ordered which should be in hand by end of January or the beginning of February. All members should have the hoodie as activity wear. Another part of the subscription is forwarded to the Association.

We understand that one would have spent a lot of money over the Christmas period however the Association’s fees fall due by end of February.

100th Anniversary Souvenir The Scout Association of Malta gave our Group a commemorative plaque during the Awards Ceremony 100th Anniversary. I was there to receive the plaque in the name of St Aloysius College Scout Group.

GSL’S

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Night on Monday 5thDecember to congratulate our Group (and three others) on reaching their

Edward Cassola receives commemorative plaque on the occasion of the Group’s 100 Year Anniversary

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From the Courtyard

GSL’S NOTE

Issue 109 November - December 2016

Christmas Events A number of sectional events are being held this Christmas. The cubs shall be having a party together with cubs from other Groups at the Hamrun Scout Group. The Troop shall be organising their own at our HQ whereas the Unit and Rovers and Leaders shall be holding a “ravjulata” on the 27th December.

2016 This year was the busiest on record for me as Group Scout Leader mainly due to the preparations and events to mark the 100th years of Scouting at St Aloysius College. Dedicating the time and efforts to the Group is not easy for us leaders and there comes a time when we need to sit back, reflect on what we’ve done and prepare for the future. Other areas of our lives, university, work, family are frequently effected by the time we dedicate to scouting and so from here on more new leaders will be taking responsibility for events in order to give them more experience and to alleviate the demands on the “older ones”. Next

GSL’S

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year will not be as demanding and will give us time to start the training for young leaders to be ready for the future.

Christmas Wishes On behalf of the Group and its Leaders, I would like to wish all our members and their families a very happy Christmas (and holidays for those that have them J) and I hope that 2017 will be an exciting scouting year for the Group with new challenges (that are already brewing in our minds).

Edward Cassola Group Scout Leader

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From the Courtyard

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Issue 109 November - December 2016

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Christmas, a.k.a. everyone’s diaries and waistlines are well overworked.

This calendar of events should help out with the annual, ‘when’s the first meeting?’ question, and save you a drive or two to a closed Headquarters!

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Saturday 17 December 2016

National Cub Activity at Ta Qali (10.30 - 13.30)

Wednesday 21 December 2016

Troop Christmas Party (17:30 - 19:30 at SAC) Cub Christmassy Meeting at HQ Last official weekly meeting of 2016 - all sections.

Wednesday 28th December 2016

Cub Christmas Party at Hamrun HQ No Troop Meeting

Wednesday 4th January 2017

First Cub Meeting for 2017 No Troop Meeting

Wednesday 11th January 2017

First Troop Meeting for 2017

(Editor’s Note: See you all in 2017!— Have a peaceful Christmas and a wonderful start to the New Year!)

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From the Courtyard

CUBS GO TO DINGLI

Issue 109 November - December 2016

Leader training ensures that we are all up to a certain standard of experience, but this is a process which requires both time and dedication. Throughout training, we are encouraged to team up with leaders from other groups to learn from each other’s methods, but also to give our members chance to meet cubs from different groups. Two of our cub leaders are currently undergoing leadership training— take a look at what they’ve been up to!

Following the Pathfinder weekend camp held on 31st September - 2nd October 2016 attendees were tasked with organizing a joint activity with a leader from another group of the same section involving one patrol or six. We were also allowed to join forces with two other leaders – which we did.

I teamed up with Ayrton Bonello from Dingli Scouts. We were in the same patrol during the Pathfinder camp (Bearcats aka Popcorn Patrol). Ayrton attended the Pathfinder weekend with his peer Adam Zahra, and I attended with my peer Joanna Ellul. Joanna was in the same patrol as Adam, and once the four of us assisted in the same section, we decided to team up and create a joint activity together.

Ayrton and Adam were kind enough to host us at

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their HQ for an activity around Buskett. We decided on a Hike and Treasure Hunt. Ayrton and I took care of the Treasure Hunt, while Joanna and Adam took care of the Hike. We also stuck with the theme of Hansel and Gretel and implemented the idea in both the treasure hunt and hike.

Following the Pathfinder Camp we all were fresh with juicy knowledge regarding the use of the Scouting Method, SPICES and CURA and set out to implement them to the best of our abilities. These new insights shed new light on how an activity should be organized in the first place. During the planning stage, we ensured that we had something which would fit into each factor from the Scouting Method, SPICES and CURA. We broke down the factors and, one by one, explored how we could implement them. We then built an activity program Ilaria Zammit from St Aloysius with Ayrton Bonello around them. from Dingli, accompanied by Benji Catania At 9am, both Cubs and leaders turned up at Dingli HQ as planned. With everyone present, Cubs from both groups began interacting . They played football for a while whilst we told our helper leaders what we needed help with. At around 9:15, Ayrton and I went to Buskett with 5 leaders to explain the treasure hunt, the respective checkpoints, and to put clues in their places, as we needed. We left some leaders there and took two up back with us so that we could have an extra two leaders for adult supervision to walk with us to Buskett. Once we arrived back at Dingli HQ, at around 9:45am, Joanna and Adam had started the icebreaker – Ice Breaker Bingo.

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From the Courtyard

CUBS GO TO DINGLI

Issue 109 November - December 2016

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Cubs at Dingli Scout Group HQ We split the Cubs into four sixes. Two groups of two sixes each left from Dingli HQ. One group proceeded to Buskett to do the treasure hunt while Joanna’s and Adam’s group went on a hike from Dingli HQ ending Buskett. At around 10:30am, we embarked on our journey to Buskett while the other group went off on their hike. We ran late and in fact, this set off the timetable for the whole day as we ran half an hour late for the rest of the day.

During the 20 minute walk to Buskett, Ayrton told the group that usually when Dingli Cubs are on a hike they sing…so the Cubs all started to sing songs. We got to Buskett at around 10:50am and started the treasure hunt. The plan to do it in two separate groups was unsuccessful, as the Cubs all made friends and did not want to separate – but this was not a problem and did not particularly ruin any plans we had. The Cubs enjoyed the treasure hunt and the Dingli Cubs were very familiar with Buskett as they go down

Cubs from both Scout Groups during their hike.

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From the Courtyard

CUBS GO TO DINGLI

Issue 109 November - December 2016

often, so they shared their stories with the SAC Cubs on their memories spent at Buskett.

Surprisingly enough, and I say ‘surprisingly enough’ because the Cubs get bored very quickly, they seemed to have had a blast. They loved the idea that they had to search for the clues in the trees or in the ground.

Especially when it came to searching for their treasure at the very end! At noon, which was actually the time when the groups had to split up again for part two, the second group turned up at Buskett for the break. The Cubs were sharing experiences, but not too much! They did not want to ruin the suspense for each other.

At 12:30pm, the groups split up again. The group that

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was with Ayrton and me during the treasure hunt went on the hike and the other group who were on the hike came to do the treasure hunt. This time round, the hike proceeded back to Dingli HQ. We took a shorter time this

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time round with the second group doing the treasure hunt as they were tired, so we rushed things a little. We were also running very late so we needed to hurry slightly. By 1:40pm we were done and started our walk Vociferous, hungry cubs!

back to HQ. At this time, two leaders were up at HQ preparing lunch for the Cubs.

We arrived at Dingli HQ at 2:00pm. Joanna took over the next thing on the agenda, which was to piece the puzzle together and discover what the puzzle said – the law and promise of the Cubs. I went to check in on the kitchen…once I couldn’t cook I had to check on the food! At 2:30pm the final activity over, and thankfully lunch was ready to be served as expectant Cubs lined up to eat. You’d think that the Cubs would be famished into eating in silence…but this was not the case!! They kept on talking, discussing, bonding and sharing with each other…I have never witnessed such a noisy and talkative bunch of boys with a plate of pasta in front of them! This was, obviously, a good sign and we were happy with this result.

At 3:00pm we held flag down, said a prayer and the promise and sent the kids off home! OH! And obviously…we gave them their final reward at the end! This included a laminated card/bookmark including the Cub promise in English and Maltese, and on it was the pin badge of the Scout Association of Malta.

Illaria Zammit Assistant Cub Scout Leader

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From the Courtyard

Issue 109 November - December 2016

TIPS FOR SUCESSFUL SCOUTING AND LIFE!

Here are six invaluable leadership points for aspiring patrol leaders to keep in mind, both within scouts and out there in the real world!

1. Be Nice. Requests are better than orders.

Respect is the basis for proper leadership and a healthy Patrol spirit. The Patrol Leader respects the priority of the members of his Patrol, and the Patrol members respect the authority of the Patrol Leader.

Another way of saying this is that the Patrol Leader always put his Patrol before himself, and the Patrol members always cooperate with the Patrol Leader in his directing of the Patrol.

One of the simplest ways this respect is demonstrated by a Patrol Leader is by making requests of the Scouts following him instead of only making orders.

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2. Get to know your members!

During patrol meetings, make an effort and get to know your members. Ask direct questions, on what they did during the day, on how was school and what are their favourite activities etc.. Get to know them, their weaknesses and strengths. Knowing your members will be an asset when distributing work.

3. Be strict...but not too strict.

Be strict when it comes to obedience, but don’t be too strict! Obviously, there is a balance required when it comes to discipline. It is something that us leaders and the entire Troop should be constantly practicing, learning, and getting better at. Members will get used to this, and mutual respect will foster between the Leader and the scout.

4. Lead by example.

This is the golden rule of Leadership skills. Whenever possible, Patrol Leaders should be the first to begin any task, job, or bit of work that needs to be done.

There is little use for ‘bosses’ in Scouting. However, there is a desperate need for real leaders. The reason is because Scouting isn’t about some kind of external productivity; it’s about the hearts and minds of the individual Scouts. If all you have are bosses, all you will have are hands. Hearts, on the other hand, need leaders.

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From the Courtyard

Issue 109 November - December 2016

TIPS FOR SUCESSFUL SCOUTING AND LIFE!

5. Never ask a Scout to do something you wouldn’t do yourself...

A Patrol Leader must never give an order that he wouldn’t be prepared and willing to carry out himself.

Scouts need to know that their leader would never push off work onto them that he wouldn’t want to do himself. That would completely destroy Patrol morale.

6. Take care of yourself, and be Smart.

One way that a Patrol Leader can literally lead by example is by physically being the first to start the task.

Another way, though, that a Patrol Leader can lead by example is simply through the character he demonstrates. Every time a Patrol Leader expects some standard of behavior from the members of his Patrol, he should pause and examine his own standards. He should always try to make his own standard

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twice that of what he expects of the Scouts he is leading.

Bernard Maniscalco Scout Leader

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From the Courtyard

LEARNING COMMITMENT

Issue 109 November - December 2016

The Unit puts commitment into practice within their own section and beyond it. Good luck guys!

Now that our Ventures have settled in their new schools and study routines, it is time to get cracking on consolidating our plans for the Venture Unit's coming year. The first step was to set up the Venture Executive Committee. The role of the executive committee is that of co-ordinating the running of the Venture Unit, mainly its activities and weekly meetings. The committee is made up of the following roles: Chairman The chairman is responsible for leading the weekly Unit meetings, in accordance with the agenda issued prior to the meeting. He is responsible for drafting this up and disseminating it to all Ventures accordingly.

It is then his duty to ensure that order is maintained during the meeting, and that the points on the agenda are followed. He must also follow up (together with the VSL and AVSL) with any jobs that are entrusted to the members of the unit.

Secretary

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The weekly duty of the secretary is to minute the meetings held on a Wednesday. These are to be disseminated as soon as possible, at the latest, before the issuing of the next meeting’s agenda. The secretary is also responsible for the organisation, filing, and cataloguing of Unit documentation. This includes activity consent forms, newsletters, attendance sheets etc.

Treasurer The treasurer is responsible for any funds allocated to the unit. This includes any activity expenses, fund raising, camp fees etc. He liaises with the group treasurer, and is to present a regular report to the Unit regarding the state of accounts.

Quartermaster The unit’s QM is charged with the upkeep and maintenance of all Unit belongings. This includes the Unit’s equipment such as first aid kit, ropes, map kits etc... as well as the Mousehole itself, including the furniture. The QM is also tasked with ensuring the Mousehole is kept clean and tidy between meetings.

Elections were recently held to decide who would take up the roles for the next six months. Results were as follows: 

Chairman : Craig Bonello

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Secretary : Mathias Bartolo

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Treasurer : Daniel Busuttil

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Quartermaster : Daniel Mifsud Baron

Best of luck, and 'buon lavoro' to all four members.

Meanwhile, other members of the Unit have also been busy preparing for the coming year. Five of our ventures in fact will be undertaking their school Systems of Knowledge project with the Scout Group as

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From the Courtyard

LEARNING COMMITMENT

Issue 109 November - December 2016

helpers in different Sections. They will be helping as follows: 

Daniel Mallia & Quentin Falzon - Cubs

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Nigel Grech & Daniel Busuttil - Scouts

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Craig Bonello - Ventures

During their time helping the section, these boys will be having a go at running things and thus taking their first steps to becoming future leaders within the scout group and also acquiring leadership skills for life in general.

Each venture will be tasked with planning weekly meetings, guiding a scout or cub in obtaining a merit badge, organizing an outdoor activity, and helping during a camp.

I hope this will be a pleasant and encouraging experience for them and that they will use what they will be

Andre Brincat Venture Scout Leader

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learning to keep a 'lets do this' attitude in life.

The new Venture Executive Committee: (Left to right) Matthias Bartolo - Secretary, Craig Bonello - Chariman, Daniel Busittil - Treasurer and Daniel Mifsud Baron - Quartermanster.

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From the Courtyard

Issue 109 November - December 2016

IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED...

Congratulations are due to Thomas Zerafa, one of our Ventures, who through perseverance and dedication worked and trained hard during this last year to participate in and ultimately and win in the National Judo Championships

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'I started training with Tigne Judo Club since I was 9 years old. At first I found this sport very tough but I persevered. Until in 2012 I competed for the National Championship and won in the espoir category under 40kg. This year Judo National Championship was challenging as I had to compete in the cadet category. The competition was of a high standard. However I succeeded to defeat my opponents and becoming once again the Judo National Champion’

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From the Courtyard

SPEEDY GETAWAY

Issue 109 November - December 2016

Early in November, some Rovers managed to sneak away for a no frills, overnight camp at Wied isSewda.

On the eve of Friday 4th November our rovers had a pre-planned Rover Camp at Black Valley although unfortunately, not many where able to take part in this well anticipated, relaxed activity apart from the usual core members and a loveable giant. At exactly 20:00 hrs we all met at HQ to gather the necessary equipment needed for the night. All equipment was accounted for except the grills to actually cook food on. The assembled group took to scavenging through the equipment lying around on the old Troop room floor. When all hope was lost, Liam turned up and ti took him the grand total of 5 minutes to find enough grills to cook a hundred burgers at once, whereas our beloved QM wasn’t able to find them at all. (Editor’s note: is this a bit of healthy competition I spy?). Once all required equipment were gathered we set off in our trusty (Editor’s note: Perhaps you mean rusty?) vehicles and descended to the heart of Black Valley.

Upon arrival we found that although beloved RCC could not join us for the camp, he’d left us a gift in the wouldn’t blame you for thinking that everyone took it upon themselves to figure out what needed to be done in order to maximize everyone’s comfort. Then again, you’d be wrong. What actually happened is that everyone rushed to seat themselves in their luxury captain’s chairs while the person who drew the short straw ended up building the fire as we all watched in awe.

With the fire burning, our grumbling stomachs made us increasingly more impatient for the flame to die down. Luckily our QM / resident camp cook was more than able/willing to cook on open flame. With our bellies full and hysterically laughing at Bologna trying to

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form of light and heat to last us a fortnight. Knowing what action endearing adventurers we all are, we

balance on a tiny stool entertainment for the night who could come up with the better joke as we kept on laughing even more. Around 2am in the morning it was time to go to bed, the remaining people who stayed over took shelter in the only room which had a door attached.

Around 4am in the morning we all finally dozed off only to be woken by what we thought was a chicken from the nearby farm at 7am. Luckily it was the only alarm clock we heard as we all had to rush out of bed in order to get to work the same morning.

Not quite the long getaway we wanted, but a fun, back to basics night nonetheless.

Campfire’s burning!

Liam Curmi Rover

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Issue 109 November - December 2016

From the Courtyard

FACELIFT OF THE CENTURY Our Store gets a facelift!

Overall, this yeas has been quite busy with regard to renovations. Most prominent, as you’ve doubtless heard, was the new troop room. Following all this work, the group decided not to start another major project until the coming year. Our miniscule but functional store should have been one of the last rooms to be renovated; The plans had been drawn up so that after the start of the New Year works would start slowly.

As things happen in the world, it was not as easy as that and one fine Wednesday, we discovered that one of the store shelved had given up the ghost since we last visited it. A store with collapsed shelving is unacceptable so work had to start — immediately. After a few quick telephone calls to source a few extra hands, we emptied the store of all the equipment and removed the old shelves. Then the real work started.

All the old plaster on the wall needed to be removed until the original stone was visible. This was, unfortunately, a very labori-

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ous and exhausting job and getting the whole room done took us a good week. Thankfully, the rovers are always willing to lend a

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hand.

The following job was to plaster the walls which, overall, was not a tough job but it was definitely a slow and long process. The job may not be perfect, especially since this was the first time I was plastering, but I’d say it was job well done. Once the ceiling was painted white it really tied the room together.

The walls of the store, clean and replastered (top) and the store ceiling painted white.

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From the Courtyard

Issue 109 November - December 2016

FACELIFT OF THE CENTURY

Now that the cosmetic work is done, the most important job left to do is to decide on a design for the shelves and to actually build them, hopefully gaining more space for some new equipment. I can envisage that the most time-consuming job will be deciding which design to go with and what material to use for the build. This may be a challenge considering that most of the older members have told me they’ve never seen the store completely empty before, so we are talking about at least 20 years with only minor renovations and extensions to the shelves being done.

While this happened sooner than planned, the store renovation was definitely needed and once complete, will hopefully last for at least another 20 years!

Luke Maistre

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Quartermaster

Detail of works done on the store so far.  Concrete flooring (top left)  Detail of works done to the walls (right(  Where plaster didn’t cut it, concrete did! (bottom left)

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Issue 109 November - December 2016

From the Courtyard

WITH MY HAND ON MY HEART...

A Rover Crew is primarily a service team to the group it forms part of. Apart from this, as the adults and leaders of a group, rovers aim to lead by example. Last week, SAC Rover crew gave a whole new meaning to the saying ‘wearing your heart on your sleeve’, combining service and leadership in their latest efforts.

One of the pillars of scouting, indeed one of the founding principles found in our promise, is service to the community. In the Scout Promise it is mentioned as, “to help other people”, and scouts worldwide pledge on their honour to do this. Service can take many forms, and over the years members of SAC have been involved in environmental clean ups and helping out with maintenance works at homes for children. This year, it was decided that as part of our festivities calendar, we should donate blood. It is one of the simplest to organise or attend, and the positive impact it has is completely out of proportion to the time and effort required.

Our hospitals are in constant need of blood and several times a year, the National Blood Transfusion

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Service issue pleas for donors as the stocks in the blood bank reach critically low levels. Of course, such an activity is not applicable to everyone. Some are too young, some suffer from that particular phobia of needles, and some fail one of the eleventy million questions that you get asked in order to make sure you’re a suitable donor. Eight Leaders and Rovers gathered at the National Blood Transfusion Service on Sunday the 10th December, and of those, six ended up giving their full pint. The two that didn’t, were determined to attempt again as soon as the waiting time is over and by next time, a larger group will hopefully be gathered. A big well done to Emma Gauci, Ilaria Zammit, Jackie Maistre Melillo, Andrew Agius, Luke Maistre, Simon Gauci, Stuart Ciappara and Timmy Zammit for attending this event (Editor’s Note: and to Andrew Agius for the idea!). As several campaigns around the world have stated, you don’t need to be a superhero to save lives, just donate blood.

The one pinters (missing Ilaria Zammit, the photographer)

Simon (Rover) and Jackie (Rover & Cub leader) crack a smile while waiting for their pint bags to fill up. Hot chocolate was promised!

Andrew Agius Rover

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