Pictures: Special night in Kilkenny as FortGrange brigade gives community a taste of Scouting life

The 15th Kilkenny FortGrange Scout Group has held a special open night to recognise youth in the community in Danesfort.

It was part of Oiche na hÓige — a national event taking place across the country where youth organisations get to showcase the positive contribution they make to youth work in their area. Most of the organisations, like Scouts, while being youth-led, are supported by adult volunteers, without which groups could not function.

There was also a special presentation to the local Venture group, which is eight 15 to 17 year olds who came second in the Venture Sword competition - the equivalent of an All-Ireland.

The night was an opportunity to let parents and friends get a taste for what the scouting group does, showing off its successes and the power of their youth members. It was also an opportunity to welcome and invest new members into the group with an Investiture Ceremony.

The night was a great opportunity to let people come and see what the Scouts do. Organisers were grateful of the funding from the local KCETB for helping with some of the costs of running the night.
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Kilkenny has a strong scouting tradition, with groups in the city and surrounding areas such as Ballyragget, Kells, Bennettsbridge, Thomastown, Inistioge and of course, Danesfort.

It was established there in 2012 by local parents who were looking to get their kids involved in scouting but there were no places available in groups. The catchment area is Danesfort and Cuffesgrange Primarily, hence the name of the group FortGrange.

The group take part in many different activities, including litter picks, helping out at events, and participating in the St Patrick’s Day parade. They have had a number of recent successes and recognitions.

They cater for all ages and abilities, from six-to-eight year-old Beavers, to Cubs (from nine to 11), Scouts (12-15), Ventures (15-17) and Rovers from 18-26. The current membership is about 65 youth members and 16 adults.