Issue Issue 8484 March March 2014 2014
From the Courtyard
sac scouts newsletter
From the Courtyard feature of the month
RUGBY, A PERFECT ACCOMPANYMENT TO SCOUTING In what is possibly the longest feature ever, George ZM tells us all he can about his favourite sport, Rugby.
What’s on April — 6 Annual Scout & Guide Parade April — 12-19 Easter Camp Ghajn Tuffieha
As the next Malta Rugby international game approaches, I would like to take this space to talk about the sport I have come to love, rugby and how it has helped mould me as a person in the same way scouting raised me. It may be hard to imagine, but rugby and scouting do have a lot in common when you break them down to their core values. Both cultures (I was going to say hobbies, but we all know that scouting is a way of life and I'm sure you'll soon think the same of rugby) are built on the same fundamental pillars of Respect, Acceptance and most of all Fun. Let me get into more detail (for those parents already muttering about safety, I'll cover that too). We've all seen the recent FIFA adverts on respect. Rugby has no need for them, and it's governing bodies haven't found themselves looking for ways to better assert the authority of its referees, as the concept of respect is built into its laws (yes laws, not rules). You will not see a swarm of players bad mouthing a referee for his decision, they wouldn't dare. This respect extends beyond the pitch and the final whistle. All players will admit, that for the 80 minutes of game time, the opposition might as well be an invading army trying to pillage their village and they will play like the soldiers charged with defending it, but after the final whistle blows hands are shook and laughs exchanged. The culture of the game focuses heavily on the social aspect of the game, with the "Third Half" being a staple activity after games. The concept is that rugby is a way of forming friendships, creating an extended family.
Feature of the Month
From the Courtyard
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RUGBY, A PERFECT ACCOMPANYMENT TO SCOUTING
Issue 84 March 2014
As someone who spent his youth cycling through sports, I was happily surprised by this aspect, I had never been part of a sporting community where the opposition players are as much your friends as they are your competitors. This can even be paralleled to scouting. The Game is your Activity, the Club is your Patrol, the Captain is your Patrol Leader and the Ref is your SPL. This aspect of respect stretches beyond the lines of the pitch, supporters are also encouraged to maintain their respect as well, the chants are still there, the shouting at a player who missed a tackle are still there, even the insults... but the aggression is not. There's no need to separate fans at a rugby match, you enjoy the game with the visiting teams supporters side by side, sharing in the experience and the atmosphere. The theory here is that the aggression is played out on the pitch and the supporters let the players do the work they're here for. Unlike for example a certain game played with a round ball... When it comes to acceptance and inclusion, no other sport really does it like rugby. The sport goes beyond your standard "We accept all regardless of race, sexuality and social background�... I have yet to find another sport that uses the tagline �regardless of your size or fitness" there's a position for you". I find that this all lies in the history of rugby, Rugby Union (the most common form of rugby globally) has its feet placed firmly in its amateur sport roots. So much so that it was one of the last modern day sports to become a professional sport, in 1995. The basis always was that rugby was a persons life outside of work. After the five years I've been part of the local sport it still inspires me to see people who never found themselves fitting into other sports finding their place and confidence in the sport I have grown to love. I still regret that I was never introduced to the sport, I might have avoided that prolonged chubby phase (I console myself by saying it was puppy fat). Now to the part you've all been looking for... Safety. I will not say that rugby is a zero injury sport, it's a contact sport so not expecting to get the occasional knock would be naive, though it's not as bad as you've been brought to believe (It's anti rugby propaganda from the round balls). The way rugby is played and managed shows how safety is always a prime concern. The rules themselves put safety at the forefront of every decision. This is implemented through tried and tested methods. Whenever a new player comes to rugby, they are thought how to fall before they are thought to tackle, it may sound silly to some but it makes sense. It takes time to master how to tackle a person and requires experience on the pitch to do so, but the opposition isn't going to go easy on you just because you're new. So one of the first lessons is always on what to do when
From the Courtyard
RUGBY, A PERFECT ACCOMPANYMENT TO SCOUTING
Issue 84 March 2014
Feature of the Month
you get tackled. The truth is, in most cases, it's not the tackle that hurts you but how you hit the ground. Now some of you are thinking, "why don't you wear padding like in American Football", I will not get into the tactical and technical differences of the sports (nor how I gag when people treat the two as one and the same). Recent studies have proven that the protective gear worn by American footballers actually makes the sport more dangerous than rugby. This is because the equipment gives the player a sense of security which leads to recklessness and hence more injuries. There have actually been suggestions that the sport rids itself of this protective gear to (irony alarm) protect the players. The rules of rugby union also put heavy focus on the player's safety, but I won't bore you with them. I won't lie though, don't expect to leave a game without the odd bruise and ache, though I can say the same for most activities at scouts. You might even end up like me, priding yourself on the bruises you find after a game.
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My personal experience with rugby has been a brilliant one, I've loved the sport since my very first training session and it's only gotten better since then! I can honestly say that it was also thanks to my experience as a scout that I managed to enjoy rugby to its fullest! To quell the worries of any leaders who think I'm going to poach their scouts for rugby, and any parents who think I'm going to distract their child from his studies, it's all about balance. I managed to work a part time job, come to scouts and train rugby, all whilst going to school for my A'levels (I'm in university now... So I guess it worked). It's all about learning to balance things (as well as cutting out the extra nights out), which is a skill I believe a person should learn early on. I hope I've managed to convince you to give this gem of sporting a try. Though if my long winded novel (I'm hoping to smash the current record for longest newsletter feature) was not enough, then I invite you to come join us on April 5th at Hibs Ground for the Malta Vs. the Netherlands game. It will be the best showcase for a brilliant sport and the local community of players and friends who have flourished because of it! Tickets can be bought online from www.ticketline.com.mt. Thanks for your time, George Zammit Montebello Rover and Rugby Player
From the Courtyard
GSL’s note
Issue 84 March 2014
March has been a busy month for most sections. It provides us with a time window where members do not have exams and we can actually organise something. I am sure you will read what the sections have been up to in the last weeks and it is encouraging that all events were well attended. Easter Camp
GSL’s note
Camp will be held with Sliema Scout Group at Ghajn Tuffieha Camp site as it seems Verdala Palace grounds will no longer be available for camping. The dates are April 13th to the 19th. A lot of planning has been taking place between the two groups to ensure a successful camp together and I am sure this will be an enjoyable experience for all present. Campfire will be held on Thursday 17th and parents of scouts are invited at 1900 for the usual fundraising dinner event before campfire. Since Cubs are coming to camp from Thursday to Saturday we thought it would not be advisable to ask parents of cubs to come over being the first day of camp, as cubs will feel home sick in the evening seeing their parents and this will create problems. We understand this may not go down well with some parents but we felt we had to draw a line at some point. More information will be provided in circulars and emails in the coming days.
Annual Parade The annual parade will be held on April 6th, as usual from the granaries in Floriana to Valletta. Members must have full correct uniform by then. We shall attend mass at College at 8am together before we go by coach to Floriana. More information is being sent via email and circulars.
Donation to College Libraries We have donated a lot of books we inherited from Cubbie to the College Libraries. I am sure these will serve the students at school in the future.
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From the Courtyard
GSL’s note
Issue 84 March 2014
Requiem Mass to remember “Cubbie”
It has already been one year since former Group Scout Leader John A. Mizzi, affectionately known as “Cubbie”, passed away following a short illness. On Wednesday 5th February 2014, the Group organised a mass in remembrance of “Cubbies” on the first anniversary of his death. All sections of the Group – Cubs, Scouts, Ventures, Rovers and their respective Leaders – were in attendance. Also in attendance were Victor Mizzi, his brother and Peter his nephew, neighbours, former scouts and parents.
GSL’s note
Mass was celebrated by the College Rector, Fr. Jimmy Bartolo SJ, who very kindly allowed the Group to use the College Chapel for this occasion. During a short reflection on “Cubbie”, Fr. Bartolo SJ described “Cubbie” as a genuine example of a “Man of God” in view of his selfless dedication to others’ well-being. During the homily, Group Scout Leader Edward Cassola and Mr. Victor Mizzi were given the opportunity of saying a few words about “Cubbie” as well as providing their own insight about what he really meant to them. GSL Edward Cassola described “Cubbie” as an individual who was able to “get the best out of everyone” and reminisced on his experience as one of Mizzi’s assistants in running the Group. Mr. Victor Mizzi, Cubbie’s brother, recalled how both siblings found themselves doing similar things even though they were living in different countries noting Cubbie’s involvement in Scouting in Russia. Mizzi recalled that Cubbie had “his scouts” close to his heart alongside writing and photography. During the Prayers of the Faithful, “Cubbie” once again took centre-stage with most members of the congregation giving Thanks for having had “Cubbie”, or his influence, in their lives. Mass, which was animated by members of the Scout Group, progressed normally from thereon. John A. Mizzi may not be physically present among us anymore. The “old man who used to be around during weekly meetings and activities” is now being remembered by a bronze bust overlooking the area adjacent to the Group’s Headquarters where most activities take place during weekly meetings. His influence, contribution and reputation within Scouting have outlived him and will surely continue to be felt in the years to come. Timmy Zammit Asst. Rover Crew Co-ordinator
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From the Courtyard
GOZO CUB HIKE
Issue 84 March 2014
From the Pack
Our bubbly bouncy Cubs spent a day hiking in beautiful Gozo, Ass. Cub Leader Marina Buffa tells us all about it.
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Sunday the 23rd was a beautiful, warm Spring day with a gentle breeze; perfect for some outdoor walking! At 08:30AM, 24 cubs were dropped off in Cirkewwa and were left in the hands of their leaders as well as the GSL to make their Sunday an adventurous one. We hopped onto the 09:00AM ferry and set off to our sister island, Gozo. A coach awaited our arrival and took us to Ta’ Pinu Church in Ghasri, which is where our little adventure began. Please note we had endless breaks and we did not stop eating that day! We soon reached a location very close to the Jordan Lighthouse. The famous lighthouse rises 180 metres above sea level and was inaugurated in 1853. Upon the hill around the lighthouse there are some marvelous 360 degree views of Gozo. We stopped here for a quick snack, some climbing, jumping, running around and some photos. A trail led us to Wied il-Għasri. The valley ends in the sea, wedged between high cliffs. The view was breathtaking. We were so fortunate to have such good weather. There is an inlet, great for swimming, snorkeling and diving in the summer. The sea around Wied il-Għasri is actually very popular among divers.
From the Pack
From the Courtyard
ARTICLE TITLE
Issue 84 March 2014
We made it through uphills, downhills, bumpy trails and mud until we stopped for our lunch break. We had a gorgeous view of saltpans and the Qbajjar tower. The cubs had a landscape drawing competition. The boys who won the sketching competition were: Julian Zammit (1st place) and Daniel Degaetano (2nd place).
Our final checkpoint was Marsalforn Bay. We were exhausted by the end of the walk, and so, decided to treat ourselves to some delicious ice-cream from the Kiosk across the road. The owner of the Kiosk recognized our Scout Group and approached us with a salute and an “intkom San Alwigi?” We sat down on the benches for a good half hour. Many of the boys had giant ice-cream cones – so worth it. We managed to drag ourselves to the Marsalforn swings, where the boys were filled with a sudden burst of energy (probably from all that icecream). The coach patiently picked us up from Marsalforn and took us to the port where we headed back to Malta with big smiles on our faces – now that was a fun Sunday!
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From the Courtyard
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP
Issue 84 March 2014
On Sunday 23rd March, the SAC Rover Crew rose bright and early, met at their headquarters in Birkirkara at 08.30 and had some coffee. A necessary step, as the final destination was the bay of Fomm Ir- Rih, one of the best preserved beauty spots on our island, that was unfortunately full of rubbish.
From the Crew
Situated on the east coast of our island, just below the village of Bahrija, the bay is accessible only via a rough footpath that takes you past the cliff edge and descends, zig zagging, through a shallow basin of land that ends at the pebbled beach. Its relative inaccessibility makes clean up operations a problem, and although not much litter is left by the few individuals who trek down to the water's edge, the sea washes up a myriad of bits and pieces that collect on the shore. Armed with gloves and garbage bags, the Rover Crew set about clearing the beach of what turned out to be, a vast collection of unpaired shoes. Plastic bottles in all shapes and sizes, a few jerry cans, hundreds of meters of discarded rope, various broken bits of plastic, enough styrofoam to make a raft, and a bunch of tubing made up the rest of the junk that had been washed ashore. The sun wasn't out, but it was a warm day and the sweat came in buckets. Our thanks go the family that volunteered to carry some of the bags we had filled back to the top. This was definitely the most arduous part of the activity and the trek back up carrying bagfuls of rubbish was not an easy one. At the top we were met by Mr. Paul Vella, the mayor of Mgarr, by whose consent we were carrying out the activity, who provided the truck with which to carry away the collected rubbish. All in all, it was a good day's work and some of the members who had never been to the place, got to know about a new little part of our country. Hopefully, we'll witness a decrease in the amount of trash as time goes by and there will be less need for activities like this to keep our beaches clean!
L to R: Pierre Sant, Gabriel Rizzo, Liam Curmi de Gray, David Pace, Matthew Zammit, George Zammit Montebello, Mr. Paul Vella (Mgarr Mayor)
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