Our Troops
Welcome to 120th Portmarnock Scout Group, home to five vibrant sections with 140+ scouts of all ages.
Here’s a quick look at our troop schedules, scroll down for more details.
Current timetable:
Beavers: Meet on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Cubs: Meet on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Scouts: Meet on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Ventures: Meet at flexible times based on their own schedules.
Rovers: Meet at flexible times based on their own schedules.
Beavers
Age 6-8
Beaver Scouts typically meet once a week during school terms. At meetings they play team games and learn Scouting skills like hiking, camping, knots, first aid, cooking, map reading, orienteering and more. Beavers go on outdoor adventures – walks, treasure hunts, one or two night camps, litter-picking, parading on Saint Patrick’s Day, slumber parties in hostels or Scout Dens and more.
Beavers learn about the environment, their community and what they should do in an emergency. But mainly it’s all about learning, making new friends, building confidence and having a lot of fun!
Children of this age love the outdoors. National events for Beavers include JamÓige – a camp held every four years for Beavers and Cubs. There are also events run at Scout County level and at Scout Province level.
Personal Development
Activities allow each Beaver Scout to develop in the areas of Social, Physical, Intellectual, Character, Emotional & Spiritual (S.P.I.C.E.S.) growth according to their own abilities and particular interests. When they have met a set of challenges or have mastered a particular level in a skill they earn a badge to sew on their uniform.
When your Beaver turns nine they will be invited to move up to Cubs where the adventure continues with old friends from Beavers and new Cub friends.
Cubs
Age 9-11
Cub Scouts typically meet once a week during school terms. At meetings they play team games and learn Scouting skills like hiking, camping, knots, first aid, cooking and more. The real adventure is in the outdoors – hill walks up mountains, treasure hunts, one, two or three night camps, litter-picking, parading on Saint Patrick’s Day, and hostel trips.
Children of this age love the outdoors. National events for Cubs include JamÓige – a big camp held every four years for Beavers and Cubs – and the National Cub Challenge each year. There are also lots of events run by the Scout County and Scout Province.
Personal Development
Activities allow each Cub to develop in the areas of Social, Physical, Intellectual, Character, Emotional & Spiritual (S.P.I.C.E.S.) growth according to their own abilities and particular interests. When Cubs have met a set of challenges or have mastered a particular level in a skill they earn a badge to sew on their uniform.
Cubs work in small teams called Sixes which are led by a Cub Scout – called a Sixer – and an assistant called a Seconder. Adult leaders ensure every child has a turn in these roles. Cubs are involved in planning and running some of their own meetings and activities. They take part in planning their own camps – for example deciding on the menu and doing some cooking on camp, and deciding which activities to do.
When your Cub turns twelve they will be invited to move up to Scouts where the adventure continues with old friends from Cubs and new Scout friends.
Scouts
Age 12-15
Scouts typically meet once a week during school terms, and sometimes during school holidays. At meetings they develop their leadership and life skills. They learn Scouting skills like hiking, hill-walking, camping, knots, first aid, cooking and more. The real adventure is in the outdoors – mountain hiking, water-based activities, mini-expeditions, and camps ranging from one to ten nights in length. They also take part in community events that encourage active citizenship, hostel stays, and sometimes overseas trips. Scouts love being in the outdoors.
National events for Scouts include the Phoenix Patrol Challenge, the Sionnach Adventure, Mountain Pursuit Challenges, PEAK and the Crean Challenge. They also include Jamborees (national and international camps). There are also events run by the Scout County and Scout Province.
Personal Development
Activities allow each Scout to develop in the areas of Social, Physical, Intellectual, Character, Emotional and Spiritual (S.P.I.C.E.S.) growth according to their own abilities and particular interests. When they have met a set of challenges or have mastered a particular level in a skill they are rewarded accordingly.
Scouts work in small teams called Patrols which are led by a Scout – called a Patrol Leader – and an Assistant Patrol Leader. Scouts are involved in planning and running Scout meetings and activities and may be invited to Group and Scout County meetings to give their input. Supported by adult leaders, they take part in planning and running their own activities, programmes and camps. They decide the menu, cook on camp, organise equipment and run activities – all in their Patrols. They learn about teamwork, leadership and how to look after themselves.
When a Scout turns 15 or 16 they will be invited to move up to Ventures where the adventure continues with old friends from Scouts and new Venture friends.
Venture Scouts
Age 16-17
Venture Scouts meet regularly to prepare for expeditions, camps and their next outdoor challenge. The real adventure is in the outdoors – mountain hiking, water-based activities, mini-expeditions, camps and expeditions from one night to ten nights in length, community service projects, hostel stays, and sometimes overseas trips. Venture Scouts love the social aspect of Scouting.
National events for Ventures include Scout Fest, Ventact, Mountain Havoc, Venture Challenge and Jamborees (national and international camps). There are also events run by the Scout County and Scout Province.
Personal Development
Activities allow each Venture Scout to develop in the areas of Social, Physical, Intellectual, Character, Emotional and Spiritual (S.P.I.C.E.S.) growth according to their own abilities and particular interests. When they have met a set of challenges or have mastered a particular level in a skill they are rewarded accordingly.
Ventures work in small teams called Crews which vary from task to task. The Venture section is run by a small team of Ventures called the Venture Executive. Most of the planning and preparation for events and overnights is done by the Ventures themselves. Supported by adult leaders, they plan camps and trips, organise venues, travel, food, budgeting, cooking, equipment and activities. They are also invited to Group and Scout County meetings and have the opportunity to get involved in national events and teams.
They learn about teamwork, leadership and how to look after themselves and their community. They also get to socialise and spend time with like-minded friends.
Rover Scouts
Age 18-25
Rovers set a meeting schedule that suits their aims and study or work commitments. At meetings they improve their Scouting skills such as hillwalking, camping, knots, first aid, and prepare for their next adventure. Rovers plan and take part in outdoor adventures – hillwalking, water-based activities, social outings, camps of any length, community service projects and events, helping with younger Scout sections, hostel visits, meeting up with other Rovers, and overseas trips.
National events for Rovers include the Explorer Belt, Rover Chill, Mountain Moot, Jamborees (national and international camps) and Rover Moots. There are also events run by the Scout County and Scout Province and plenty of opportunities to contribute at national level on various teams.
Personal Development
Activities allow each Rover to become active citizens and to develop in the areas of Social, Physical, Intellectual, Character, Emotional and Spiritual (S.P.I.C.E.S.) growth according to their own abilities and particular interests. When they have met a set of challenges or mastered a particular level in a skill they are awarded accordingly.
Awards are aligned with the Gaisce – The President’s Award/Duke of Edinburgh Award, and the Adventure Skills align with nationally recognised qualifications wherever possible.
Rover sections do their own planning, doing and reviewing, but there is plenty of support available if needed.
