Kilkenny scouting group awarded gold and top ten finish!

Scouts from 15th Kilkenny FortGrange Scout Group overcame challenging conditions in the Dublin Mountains at last weekend's Scouting All Ireland Finals.

They were one of the 70 patrols of scouts taking part in the annual four day event in Larch Hill International Scout Centre.

Conditions for the weekend were difficult at times, with the arrival of storm Betty, but the scouts overcame and excelled throughout the event.

The scouts from the Danesfort/Cuffesgrange area put in an amazing performance and were awarded a gold standard award and finished in eighth place overall, the highest position ever achieved by a Carlow/Kilkenny group in the competition.

For the event the scouts constructed a full campsite that they need to maintain for the four days.

Cooking is over an open fire and meals are marked from preparation right through to wash-up.

The scouts' skills are then assessed and scored over the weekend with test bases including first aid, backwoods, pioneering, teamwork and problem-solving.

While there are adult welfare and support teams in place, the scouts carry out all activities themselves without direct adult help, making the achievement even more impressive.

Scouting's aim is to help young people develop skills, awareness and behaviours to help them be the best that they can be and active members of their community and society in a fun and adventure-filled environment.

Further information on scouting, and your local group, visit 'www.scouts.ie'.