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Scouts & Phoenix Explorers New Year Hike


Some of our Scouts and Explorers hiked from East Strand, Portrush, to Dunluce Castle on a blustery Saturday afternoon. Just over 7 miles walked, with a stop at Dunluce Castle for a warm lunch (sausage baps/soup and a roll) before the return leg. It was great to see them all again after the Christmas break, and to welcome 2 possible new Explorers along for the dander.

Check out the YouTube video below

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Scout Section are Feeling Festive


Scouts have been getting in the mood for Christmas over the past few weeks. We were being creative with Christmas cardboard canvases to decorate the hall. Then we learned how to make tasty shortbread. We had a party last week, playing traditional party games and enjoying some party food. Finally, scouts hopped on the train for our Winter outing to Bangor Aurora for a bit of splashing around in the leisure pool, slides and inflatables. Back to Ballymoney Scout Hall for a Christmas dinner on chip. Hope all our scouts and their families enjoy the Christmas break. See you all in 2023!!

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Scouts County Archery Competition

This weekend saw Ballymoney host the County Archery Competition. A fierce battle took place over 10 rounds with all the teams getting ranked and then entering an elimination round.
1st Cookstown took the overall honours (hearty congratulations) and will now go forward to the Northern Ireland shoot, along with the second and third place teams.
Out thanks go to Chris and Mark of the Causeway Company of Archers for providing an excellent shoot for the scouts.
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Scouts and Explorers Winter Weekend

Last weekend the Scouts and Explorers packed up and headed off in the minibus for their winter weekend away at Dunluce Guide House. Once there, after setting up the hostel and unloading all the goodies brought by the Tesco delivery van, everything was set for a great weekend ahead.
On Saturday the Scouts headed off for various hikes around the North Coast. This allowed all participants to use and improve their map reading skills, as they each took turns to lead the group on the hike. Meanwhile the explorers went biking in the dunes. On returning to hostel, we welcomed two new scouts, four explorers and a leader, with their investiture ceremony taking place while abseiling the cliffs of Dunluce Castle. On Saturday evening everyone enjoyed a delicious Christmas dinner cooked this year by the explorers. This was followed by party games, including the After Eight Challenge, and ‘IbbleDibble’. After a leisurely breakfast on Sunday morning the Scouts headed out to complete an incident hike, including stretcher rescue on the cliffs, blind travail and dismantling a bomb. The weekend came to a close on Sunday afternoon when it was time to pack up and return to the scout hall. We are all looking forward to our next adventure! We would like to thank Carolyn, Trevor and Sarah for the goodies, and Helen, Jeremy and Sarah who joined us for dinner on Saturday.
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Remembrance Day Parade

All sections of the group joined the local Remembrance Day Parade on Sunday, and attended the subsequent service at First Ballymoney Presbyterian Church.
This parade has grown in recent years and it was good to see all the other youth organisations out on the day. Scouting was represented by both Ballymoney Scout group and 4th Antrim Scouts.
Earlier that day the Scouts and Explorers took the honour of laying the wreath at the cenotaph.
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Arrangements for Remembrance Day Parade

The Remembrance Day Parade will take place on Sunday 09/11/2014. Following are the arrangements for the all sections:
13:45    Meeting at  Townhead Street Car Park  Dress – Full Uniform (Please bring a coat for wet weather)
13:45    Roll Call, head count and collect permission forms
The parade will go straight down the Main Street, turn left and go to First Ballymoney Presbyterian Church. The church service will last approximately 1 hour.  On leaving the church, the parade will turn right, go up to the roundabout, proceed along Queen Street and Church Street. The parade will then dismiss on High Street.
16:45    Collection from High Street
It is important that your child attend this as it will complete their Promise Challenge Badge requirements.  Please can you ensure that everyone attend.  We will need parent helpers to walk alongside the Parade, you do not have to attend the church service but will be needed for the return Parade, you will probably want to be there to watch your child Parade and take some photographs anyway.

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Macosquin Cleanup

The annual cleanup took place on Saturday, with Ballymoney scouts joining residents and the PSNI to help clean up the litter from the area. The reward for a hard mornings work was hotdogs kindly cooked by the residents.
This clean up works towards the scout’s community award.
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County Camp

The County skills camp took place over the weekend, with Ballymoney joining scouts from all over County Londonderry.
The scouts took part in different activities from knife and axe, pioneering and backwoods cooking.
At the end of a tiring weekend they were all awarded their knife and axe with a certificate presented by the D.C. Paul Meikle.
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Scouts take a dip

With the good weather around the scouts took the opportunity to head down to the beach for a quick dip. The water was cold but everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
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Camp Skills Day

Saturday brought the scouts over to Kevin’s house for a day of camp skills including putting up tents, setting the site, collecting fire wood, using axes and bow saws, lighting fires with some backwoods cooking. Homemade cookies (thanks to Jake’s mum) were on hand for afternoon tea, as the Scouts and enjoyed the sunshine in between the showers. The scouts went out to Garvagh woods to look for silver birch and potential bivi sights (a bit more map work is needed I think).
Once back, supper was had (chocolate cake), flasks were sorted and gear packed for a short hike to the bivi site where a wide game was played and everyone would bed down for the night under the stars.
After a windy but dry night back down the hill for bacon butties, hot chocolate and a film.
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Scouts Climbing in Coleraine

This week the Scouts headed down to Coleraine Scout Hall to use their climbing wall.
With three routes set up everyone got the opportunity to test their skills on different difficulties as well as learn new skills such as belaying the other Scouts.
After everyone had finished their climb, the Scouts challenged Coleraine Scouts to a big game of dodge ball!! Chaos then descended, not sure anyone actually won!!
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Friday Night Is Pancake Night

Friday night saw the Scouts and Explorers taking up the challenge of cooking pancakes. Each patrol cooked their own pancakes and then had the choice of their fillings – chocolate spread, marshmallows, jam as well as the traditional lemon and sugar.
Once cleared away the pancake races started, I’m not sure anyone actually knows who won!!
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Master at Arms Badge

The Scouts and Explorers visited Causeway Company of Archers to complete their Master at Arms badge.
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There are three main requirements to complete the badge.

  1. The Scouts attend regular training sessions and that they show improvement in their skills.
  2. The Scouts know the safety rules associated with the activity and demonstrate their use
  3. That they take part in a competition

After the safety talk and a few practice rounds, an Olympic Challenge got underway, which was hotly contested completion eventually won by Jack (congratulations Jack). During this completion Chris and Mark questioned the scouts on safety, and equipment.
The last session of the evening was the individual knock out competitions, where everyone had three lives and target to aim for, the problem was that every round the target reduced and so did the lives.
Everyone who attended completed the badge.
Out thanks go to Chris and Mark of the Causeway Company of Archers for providing an excellent evening for the scouts.
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First Hike of 2014

The first hike of 2014 took place last weekend with a visit to Slemish, it was a good excuse to stretch the legs on the walk / scramble with everyone reaching the summit, and most of the explorers and scouts choosing to go for a run. The weather stayed fine on the 150 meter climb.
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Swimming Badges

The scouts visited Ballymoney leisure centre on Friday to start their staged swimming awards, everyone who attended completed level 1 with most completing level 2 as well. Our thanks go out to all at Ballymoney leisure centre for accommodating us.
The explorers decided it was time that they got their feet wet with a visit to Lisburn Leisure Pool, not much swimming was done but they all had fun playing on the slides and chutes, they finished off their evening with the traditional post swim fare of KFC.

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Chocolate Challenge

Once again the chocolate challenge has raised its head. In patrols the scouts and explorers designed a chocolate bar which included coming up with ingredients, naming it, designing its wrapper and this year creating an advertising slogan.
Entrants were varied with the Maple Bar which main ingredient was Maple syrup, Cookie crumble which included chocolate chip cookies and popping candy and this year’s winner was designed by the explorers and promptly called HLD (Hard Lad Dave) this is the explorers we are talking about!! Ingredients included every kind of chocolate you could possibly imagine as well as the engine from a 1986 Vauxhall Cavalier!!!!
Then came the fun part where everyone got to make and taste their own creations with the majority of the ingredients having to be substituted for an edible version.
Next year we might even try marketing these chocolate delights to the unsuspecting  public.
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Scouts and Explorers Christmas Break

The last night for Scouts and Explorers before the Christmas break is Friday the 20th December.
This is a non uniform night, but people should come wearing something festive!
We will return on Friday 10th January for the chocolate challenge.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Scouts Christmas Trip

Last Friday the scouts went on their Christmas trip to Ballymena Pool where fun was had on the slides and swimming. The evening was rounded off by a fish and chip supper from Marvin’s fish shop in Ballymena.
Our thanks go out to Ballymena Leisure centre and Marvin’s fish shop for a great evening.

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ASDA Bag Pack

The Scouts, Explorers and parents spent the day bag packing at ASDA in Coleraine where a fantastic figure of £935.03 was raised. The money goes towards the Croatia trip and the planned group camp.
Our thanks go out to all customers, staff of ASDA for their generosity and making a hard day’s work enjoyable.

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Scouts Winter Weekend

On Friday the 29th November the Scouts packed up and headed off in the minibus for their winter weekend away at Dunluce Guide House. Once there, after setting up the hostel and unloading all the goodies brought by the Tesco delivery van, everything was set for a great weekend ahead.
On Saturday the Scouts headed off for various hikes around the North Coast. The older end made their way up Knocklayd and on into Ballycastle unfortunately getting a little bit of the beaten track and ended up covered in mud (this is why, guys, planning and following your route is important). The younger end undertook a series of navigation tasks around Ballycastle forest, this allowed all participants to use and improve their map reading skills, as they each took turns to lead the group on the hike. Both groups met in Ballycastle for an ice cream before returning to the hostel.
Once back at the hostel the Scouts the PL’s & APL’s undertook the task of cooking Christmas dinner for everyone and what a feast we had. After the washing up it was time for party games such as the ‘After Eight Challenge’ and ‘Ibble Dibble’.
In the morning after a leisurely breakfast of eggy bread (French toast) the scouts undertook an incident hike, abseiling, blind trail, lighting a fire off the ground and the invisible assault course was the order of the day. Lunch and the cleaning of the hostel were the last tasks of the weekend.
A fun and full weekend was had by all.
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Archery for Scouts and Explorers

The Scouts and Explorers visited Causeway Company of Archers for an Archery tasting session.
After the safety talk and a few practice rounds, an Olympic Challenge got underway.
The last session of the evening was the team competitions, where everyone in the team shot three arrows and all the scores were all added together to find the winning team.
This evening was the first of two which will enable the scouts to gain their Master at Arms badge. The second evening is planned for the end of January 2014.
Out thanks go to Chris and Stuart-Lee of the Causeway Company of Archers for providing an excellent evening for the scouts.
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Cubs Investiture

Ballymoney Scout Group welcomed several new cubs to the worldwide family of scouting tonight. They join over 130000 cubs in the uk and 23 million scouts actoss the world.

They recited their promise and law and have enough badges to kerp their adults busy all week!

Congratulations to you all.

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Ballymoney Scout Group at Ballymoney's Remembrance Sunday Parade

Ballymoney Scout Group had an impressive turnout this year and took part in Sunday’s Remembrance Day activities.  This parade has grown in recent years and it was good to see all the other youth organisations out on the day. Scouting was represented by both Ballymoney Scout group and 4th Antrim Scouts from Scouting Ireland in the town.
David ‘Sheer Khan’ and his Cubs laid a wreath in the morning following on from the Beavers last year, and we were well represented all day.
Jonny, Group Scout Leader, wants to pass on his thanks to all the Leaders, Parents and exec members who helped make it such a good day as well as congratulating all sections on their impeccable representation of the Group. Many local people commented on how well everyone looked and behaved, including the Beavers, who were amongst the youngest members of the parade and did the whole long walk without complaint.
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Cubs learn about tents

Cubs had a fun time on Wednesday evening learning about tents!
Many thanks to Scout leader Kevin and scouts Jacob, George and Nathan who came to cubs and showed them all about Patrol tents. Cubs got to be pegs and poles and play different games.
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Scout BBQ

We are planning to hold our annual BBQ on Friday 6th September at the Drumaheglis Marina. All scouts, explorers and their families are invited to join us from 7pm to 9:30pm. The cost will be £3 per person and this will cover all your food and drink.
Please confirm attendance with Kevin (07775632415) or Helen (07739287856) by Tuesday 3rd September so that we can have sufficient supplies!
Looking forward to seeing you all!

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Opportunity for Volunteers

Ballymoney Scout Group has grown very successfully over the past few years to nearly 90 young people  being members across our 4 sections.  (Beavers aged 6-8, Cubs aged 8-10, Scouts aged 10-14 and Explorers aged 14-18).
As with all growth comes change.  We now have vacancies for Volunteers at all sections within the group. Not all volunteers have to work with children directly – we have need of fundraisers, committee members, supporters and community liaisons.  Everyone in the group is a volunteer working towards shared goals.
This is an exciting opportunity for you to bring your skills, knowledge and sense of fun to a dynamic group working within your local community. We recognise everyone has different levels of spare time they can commit, and as such have opportunities ranging from 2-3 hours a week to an hour once in a blue moon.
If you would like to know more, please contact us.
Did you know?

  • There are nearly 500000 scouts in the UK (all sections and volunteers)
  • There are nearly 30 million scouts worldwide

Some common myths?

  • Scouting is not just for boys;
  • Girls have been a part of the adventure since 1976.
  • Scouting is not a Christian Organisation;
  • We are a multi-faith movement.
  • Scouting is not for everyone;
  • Yet 30,000 Young people are desperate to join.
  • Scouting is not linked to the army;
  • We’re the largest membership organisation in the world working for peace.
  • Scout Leaders are not just male;
  • 44% of our leaders are female.
  • Scouts do not say dyb dyb dyb
  • They haven’t done so since the 1960’s…but they still do their best!
  • Scouting is not about Bob-a-Job week;
  • But it is good for getting you a job!
  • Scouts do not just wear green;
  • They think green too.
  • Scouts do not sing Ging Ganh Goolie;
  • The tunes of Paul McCartney and Jarvis Cocker belted out were far more popular.
  • Scouting does not just happen in a Scout Hut;
  • After all, you can’t do over 200 adventurous activities inside!
  • Scouting is not just about tying knots;
  • It’s pretty hard to tie one while sailing, climbing or parascending.
  • Not all Scouts can be cool;
  • But these manage somehow…

David Beckham
Richard Branson

Richard Hammond
Jamie Oliver
Norman Cook ‘Fat Boy Slim’
Bear Grylls

Whats in it for you?
With a waiting list of over 30,000 children and young people, the data from the impact study can help you to encourage more adults to join Scouting as volunteers. You can use this information in school gate conversations or your publicity material to show why being a volunteer in Scouting is a great opportunity for adults in your area.
A full package of benefits
Scouting can offer a unique and interrelated package of benefits, these include:

  • having fun
  • having good friendships
  • taking part in activities
  • contributing to the community
  • improving life chances in terms of education and employment
  • building confidence and commitment to others.

Over a third of adult volunteers said that it was unlikely or impossible that they would have had the opportunity to gain these benefits without Scouting.
Developing skills
Scouting helps adults to develop a range of skills. In particular:

  • 91 % of volunteers said that Scouting had helped them to develop key skills, such as leadership, teamwork, character development and social skills.
  • 97 % said that being involved helped them with relationship building.
  • 97 %  said that Scouting helped them develop their volunteering activity including contributing to the community, improved understanding of the community and improved skills for volunteering.
  • 95 % said that Scouting helped them improve their physical skills, including the improved ability to cope with outdoor condition
  • Some 41 %of organisations reported that a job applicant’s involvement in Scouting would be a positive influence on their appointment. Organisations felt that staff who had been involved in Scouting were above average across a range of key attributes related to key Scouting qualities, including understanding of values, respect for others, teamwork ability, confidence, social skills, leadership ability, contribution to the community.

We welcome interest from all members of the community, if you would like further information or to chat about different roles please contact us.

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BBQ on the Beach

The Scouts and Explorers joined 4th Antrim for their end of year BBQ on Friday evening
After the silly beach games, everyone retired to get their fill of burgers and hotdogs.
Unfortunately the weather was a little wet, not that it stopped us having fun, making new friends or having a good feed!!
Our thanks go to 4th Antrim for the invite, and we’ll see you soon.
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Camp Skills Day

IMG_1402The day started by helping local residents with a clean-up in Macosquin village; this goes towards the Global Challenge.
Then over to Kevin’s house for a day of camp skills including putting up tents, setting the site, collecting fire wood, using axes and bow saws, lighting fires with some backwoods cooking. Chocolate cake was on hand for afternoon tea, as the Scouts and Explorers enjoyed the sunshine. Then a few more practical skills of using Tilly lamps and stoves, before heading off to Downhill Beach for a mad and sandy game of rugby.
Once back, supper was had, flasks were sorted and gear packed for a short hike to the bivi site where the scouts and explorers would bed down for the night under the stars.
After a windy but dry night back down the hill for bacon butties, hot chocolate and the cartoon network.
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Patrol Leaders Training Weekend

A group of prospective Patrol Leaders and Existing Patrol Leaders met up at Crawfordsburn this weekend for a packed weekend of classes and activities to develop their leadership and teambuilding skills. The weekend addressed a range of topics such as styles of leadership, dealing with challenging behaviour, communication, promoting scouting, risk assessments and program panning, by allowing the young people to try different activities and games such as the trading post, building a shelter, and the blind trail. It also provided an opportunity to get to know Scouts from across Northern Ireland such as Carryduff, Ballyclare, Ballymoney and Belfast .
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St George's Day Arrangements

Sunday 21st April is our annual St Georges Day Parade (Patron Saint of Scouting). This year Ballymoney is organising the District event.
We will be meeting at Townhead Street car park at 2:30pm, in full uniform (with all badges sewn on) and dark shoes (eg school shoes).
The parade will proceed through the town to a service in First Ballymoney Presbyterian Church. After the service we will parade back to the car park.
We also require parental support to marshal the parade – if you might be able to help please contact Kevin or your section leader.