Scout troop for Ennistymon?

ENNISTYMON could be about to get its own scout troop. A group of parents have come together in the hope of setting up North Clare’s only branch of Scouting Ireland.
Scouting Ireland has more than 40,000 members incorporating beaver scouts between the ages of six and eight, cub scouts who are aged between nine and 11, scouts from 12 to 15 years old, venture scouts aged 15 to 17 and rover scouts from 18 to 20. However, there is no branch in North or West Clare.
Róisín Ní Ghairbhith is one of those who wants to set up a troop in Ennistymon.
“I have asked the commissioner of the scouts in Clare to come and facilitate an open evening where Scouting Ireland will inform people of what training is available to those who are interested in becoming scout leaders and they will also tell us what we need to do to start scouts in Ennistymon for our children. It would be great if anyone interested in becoming a scout leader or sending their children to scouts would come along to this evening,” Róisín said.
An information meeting will be held on Thursday, March 31 from 8pm at Mol An Óige Primary School, beside the library in Ennistymon.
The aim of Scouting Ireland is to encourage the physical, intellectual, emotional, character, social and spiritual development of young people so that they may achieve their full potential and as responsiblecitizens, to improve society.
“Anyone interested in taking part, becoming a leader, outdoor pursuits, scouting in general or finding out more might like to attend. A representative from Scouting Ireland will give a presentation and answer any questions you may have. Spread the word and attend on the night if this idea appeals to you. With local enthusiasm and support, scouts could be a great addition to the area,” Róisín outlined.
“It looks like there are lots of people interested in becoming leaders and usually it is not that big a commitment as with a good few leaders, each only needs to be available in rotation every few weeks or so. It is then up to parents to be willing to organise the running of the scouts, as the leaders are only responsible for the running of the activities not the organising of them or the transport to them and so on,” she continued.
Boys and girls are eligible to join the scouts. Contact Róisín on 086 104 35 28 for more information or log on to www.scouts.ie.