Scouting Ireland Venture Scouts
Encyclopedia
Venture Scouts in Scouting Ireland
are aged between 15 to 17 years of age. The awards scheme is called Rogha, an Irish
word meaning Choice. Although many groups use Gaisce, The President's Award as part of their programme also. Each group has a Venture Scout Executive which under the guidance of an adult Scouter designs and implements activities.
A National Venture Forum Committee represents Venture Scouts on all national administrative bodies in line with the associations Youth Participation Policy. The NVFC meet regularly to discuss matters of importance to Venture Scouts nationwide. The nine member committee is elected annually at the National Youth Forum and meets at Larch Hill
.
Many groups build their activities around specific projects, see below for details.
The association however is undergoing a complete review of programme and section age ranges (to be completed in 2009) so much of the current system may change.
drives the programme at all times. Most Groups meet on a weekly basis, though some meet less frequently, in order to organise activities. Given Ireland's topography
the most common activities include hiking
, rockclimbing, mountaineering
and the traditional and recognisable Scout skills like camping
and pioneering. Another common part of the programme is leadership, with Venture Scouts assuming a leadership role in the younger sections of Scouting Ireland. In Venture Scouting the only limit to the range of activities is the limit on the group's own imagination so programmes vary widely from group to group.
In recent times the number of Venture Scouts has decreased sharply, causing many groups to evaluate their programme in order to make it attractive to young people. It has become common for Scout Counties to form County Venture Groups when it wasn't viable for a Venture Group to exist within an individual Scout Group.
Along the Eastern seaboard and in Dublin Bay
in particular there are Venture Sea Scouts which operate programmes almost exclusively on the sea.
There are 5 categories (Physical, Mental, Cultural, Social and Spiritual) and around 50 modules. Each module is in one or more categories (i.e. Art is in Cultural, Social and Mental).
To complete the Silver Challenge participants must complete 1 module from each category. They must then complete the focus module with their scouter. Focus is an evaluation of what you have done, what you have learned etc. The gold challenge is similar. After completing the five modules, you need to complete focus as well as Horizons, an evaluation of your time in ventures and a look ahead at your future. Each challenge should take a year.
Although not as popular now, Rogha is still used by some groups.
, the Explorer Belt
is the most coveted award in Irish Scouting. Over the last 25 years, 1,900 Venture Scouts have gone on Explorer Belt Expeditions. Ireland's Explorer Belt is recognised as being one of the most challenging yet ultimately rewarding activities in Scouting. As of 2010, the Explorer Belt is now a Rover Scout event and participants must be over the age of 18.
The Locations for belts run by CBSI/CSI/SI-CSI are:
The Belts run (every second year) by SAI/SI-SAI are:
Events run by Scouting Ireland are:
. The Venue for 2007 was supposed South East Ireland and Wales but this has been postponed until 2008.
Challenge was originally run (every second year) by SAI. The SI Challenge is run annually. The events were:
is a new event, that was run for the first time in September 2005. In this physical challenge teams of two people from a Venture Group complete a set course combining rafting, cycling and mountaineering. The 2005 event saw teams rafting on Lough Dan (former national campsite of Scouting Ireland S.A.I.
), cycling through Wicklow and hiking to Larch Hill
.
Communities (Teams of 6-8 ventures/senior scouts) must do a project on the theme of "Citizenship in Motion". The projects reflect active citizenship and learning by doing. Project topics included "Graffiti as art", "Discrimination in Ireland" and "Young People and Drugs".
VMoot starts with a midnight campfire on the Thursday night. On Friday morning communities must demonstrate their project. This was followed by "life zones" which included such a diverse mix of activities including pioneering, yoga and archery. On Friday night there was a dance contest (originally intended to be a music festival). On Saturday communities went off site for the "adventures". These include Caving, surfing and kite making. On Sunday there were several fun challenges devised by the participants. After the event communities must reflect on what they've learned.
The venue for 2008 is Larch Hill.
This Event Along With Vibe are being replaced by new events called "Unplugged" and "Electric Vents" in 2011.
Two events are held every year- the winter expedition and the Summer Climb Ax. The first winter SNS was held in 2006 in Lugnaquilla in Wicklow
. The 2007 winter SNS went to Mt Snowden in Wales while the Summer Climb Ax was held in Annascul, Kerry.
The winter and summer events in 2008 will be going to the Mournes and Scotland respectively.
Participants arrive on the Friday while a live band is playing. After this tickets for Saturday's activities are given out (followed by a mad dash to swap activities). On Saturday morning participants are bused offsite to do two activities (e.g. powerboating, kayaking, fishing, horseriding, firefighting). When they return, there is a barbecue
at the campsite. On Saturday evening there is a religious service followed by the ever popular themed Ventact Disco. On Sunday morning bouncing castles and inflatable obstacle courses before everyone heads home.
2008 will be the 30th Ventact South.
Scouting Ireland
Scouting Ireland is the World Organization of the Scout Movement-recognised Scouting association in the Republic of Ireland, although it also has Scout Groups in Northern Ireland. Scouting Ireland is a voluntary, non-formal educational movement for young people...
are aged between 15 to 17 years of age. The awards scheme is called Rogha, an Irish
Irish language
Irish , also known as Irish Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family, originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish people. Irish is now spoken as a first language by a minority of Irish people, as well as being a second language of a larger proportion of...
word meaning Choice. Although many groups use Gaisce, The President's Award as part of their programme also. Each group has a Venture Scout Executive which under the guidance of an adult Scouter designs and implements activities.
A National Venture Forum Committee represents Venture Scouts on all national administrative bodies in line with the associations Youth Participation Policy. The NVFC meet regularly to discuss matters of importance to Venture Scouts nationwide. The nine member committee is elected annually at the National Youth Forum and meets at Larch Hill
Larch Hill
Larch Hill is the national campsite, and administrative and training headquarters of Scouting Ireland. It was previously owned by Scouting Ireland .-Overview:...
.
Many groups build their activities around specific projects, see below for details.
The association however is undergoing a complete review of programme and section age ranges (to be completed in 2009) so much of the current system may change.
Programme
As Venturing is one of the oldest sections in the association the onus is on the youth members to plan, organise and participate in events. Scouters only act in an advisory capacity. The Scout methodScout method
The Scout method is the informal educational system used by Scouting. The aim of Scouting is character training with the goal of helping participants become independent and helpful,and thereby become "healthy, happy, helpful citizens"....
drives the programme at all times. Most Groups meet on a weekly basis, though some meet less frequently, in order to organise activities. Given Ireland's topography
Topography
Topography is the study of Earth's surface shape and features or those ofplanets, moons, and asteroids...
the most common activities include hiking
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
, rockclimbing, mountaineering
Mountaineering
Mountaineering or mountain climbing is the sport, hobby or profession of hiking, skiing, and climbing mountains. While mountaineering began as attempts to reach the highest point of unclimbed mountains it has branched into specialisations that address different aspects of the mountain and consists...
and the traditional and recognisable Scout skills like camping
Camping
Camping is an outdoor recreational activity. The participants leave urban areas, their home region, or civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or several nights outdoors, usually at a campsite. Camping may involve the use of a tent, caravan, motorhome, cabin, a primitive structure, or no...
and pioneering. Another common part of the programme is leadership, with Venture Scouts assuming a leadership role in the younger sections of Scouting Ireland. In Venture Scouting the only limit to the range of activities is the limit on the group's own imagination so programmes vary widely from group to group.
In recent times the number of Venture Scouts has decreased sharply, causing many groups to evaluate their programme in order to make it attractive to young people. It has become common for Scout Counties to form County Venture Groups when it wasn't viable for a Venture Group to exist within an individual Scout Group.
Along the Eastern seaboard and in Dublin Bay
Dublin Bay
Dublin Bay is a C-shaped inlet of the Irish Sea on the east coast of Ireland. The bay is about 10 kilometres wide along its north-south base, and 7 km in length to its apex at the centre of the city of Dublin; stretching from Howth Head in the north to Dalkey Point in the south...
in particular there are Venture Sea Scouts which operate programmes almost exclusively on the sea.
Rogha
Rogha (the Irish word for choice) was the Venturer Programme of CSI. It was rewritten in 2003. Rogha is an individual award scheme for Venture Scouts made up of two challenges, Silver and Gold. Upon successful completion of the Silver challenge you will be awarded a Silver pin. A Gold pin is awarded for successful completion of the Gold challenge.There are 5 categories (Physical, Mental, Cultural, Social and Spiritual) and around 50 modules. Each module is in one or more categories (i.e. Art is in Cultural, Social and Mental).
To complete the Silver Challenge participants must complete 1 module from each category. They must then complete the focus module with their scouter. Focus is an evaluation of what you have done, what you have learned etc. The gold challenge is similar. After completing the five modules, you need to complete focus as well as Horizons, an evaluation of your time in ventures and a look ahead at your future. Each challenge should take a year.
Although not as popular now, Rogha is still used by some groups.
Explorer Belt
Along with the Chief Scout's AwardScouting Ireland Chief Scout's Award
The Chief Scout's Award is the highest award for Scouts in Scouting Ireland. The precise criteria for the Chief Scout's Award in Scouting Ireland as a result of the merger of CSI and SAI are unclear at present . It is the final step in the personal progressive scheme of the former CSI...
, the Explorer Belt
Explorer Belt
The Explorer Belt is an award in many Scouting organisations which promotes adventure and self-reliance in an international context.While specific rules on the award vary from one organisation to another, it is generally for older members of the Scout Movement and requires a group of Scouts to...
is the most coveted award in Irish Scouting. Over the last 25 years, 1,900 Venture Scouts have gone on Explorer Belt Expeditions. Ireland's Explorer Belt is recognised as being one of the most challenging yet ultimately rewarding activities in Scouting. As of 2010, the Explorer Belt is now a Rover Scout event and participants must be over the age of 18.
Location
Over the last 26 years locations have been widely varied.The Locations for belts run by CBSI/CSI/SI-CSI are:
- 1980 - NormandyNormandyNormandy is a geographical region corresponding to the former Duchy of Normandy. It is in France.The continental territory covers 30,627 km² and forms the preponderant part of Normandy and roughly 5% of the territory of France. It is divided for administrative purposes into two régions:...
, FranceFranceThe French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France... - 1981 - No event
- 1982 - VermontVermontVermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area, , and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census, 630,337, is the second smallest in the country, larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England...
& New HampshireNew HampshireNew Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state was named after the southern English county of Hampshire. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian...
, USAUnited StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district... - 1983 - WalesWalesWales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
- 1984 - SwedenSwedenSweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
(1st female team & 1st team to get a second Belt) - 1985 - No event
- 1986 - ScotlandScotlandScotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
- 1987 - BavariaBavariaBavaria, formally the Free State of Bavaria is a state of Germany, located in the southeast of Germany. With an area of , it is the largest state by area, forming almost 20% of the total land area of Germany...
(Cancelled) - 1988 - ItalyItalyItaly , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
& WalesWalesWales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
(The Welsh event was a joint CBSI/SAI event) - 1989 - Le ConquetLe ConquetLe Conquet is a commune in the Finistère department of Brittany in north-western France.-Geography:Le Conquet is a fishing port in the northwest of Brittany...
, FranceFranceThe French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France... - 1990 - DenmarkDenmarkDenmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
- 1991 - ScotlandScotlandScotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
- 1992 - EnglandEnglandEngland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
- 1993 - WalesWalesWales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
- 1994 - ScotlandScotlandScotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
- 1995 - HungaryHungaryHungary , officially the Republic of Hungary , is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is situated in the Carpathian Basin and is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine and Romania to the east, Serbia and Croatia to the south, Slovenia to the southwest and Austria to the west. The...
- 1996 - WalesWalesWales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
- 1997 - SloveniaSloveniaSlovenia , officially the Republic of Slovenia , is a country in Central and Southeastern Europe touching the Alps and bordering the Mediterranean. Slovenia borders Italy to the west, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast, and Austria to the north, and also has a small portion of...
- 1998 - BelgiumBelgiumBelgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
- 1999 - Northern FranceFranceThe French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
- 2000 - BrnoBrnoBrno by population and area is the second largest city in the Czech Republic, the largest Moravian city, and the historical capital city of the Margraviate of Moravia. Brno is the administrative centre of the South Moravian Region where it forms a separate district Brno-City District...
, Czech RepublicCzech RepublicThe Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest.... - 2001 - ItalyItalyItaly , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
- 2002 - LithuaniaLithuaniaLithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
- 2003 - SpainSpainSpain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
(intended to be Canada, changed due to SARSSevere acute respiratory syndromeSevere Acute Respiratory Syndrome is a respiratory disease in humans which is caused by the SARS coronavirus . Between November 2002 and July 2003 an outbreak of SARS in Hong Kong nearly became a pandemic, with 8,422 cases and 916 deaths worldwide according to the WHO...
outbreak, nicknamed the "Spanada" Belt)
The Belts run (every second year) by SAI/SI-SAI are:
- 1988 - WalesWalesWales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
(The Welsh event was a joint CBSI/SAI event) - 1990 - NorthumberlandNorthumberlandNorthumberland is the northernmost ceremonial county and a unitary district in North East England. For Eurostat purposes Northumberland is a NUTS 3 region and is one of three boroughs or unitary districts that comprise the "Northumberland and Tyne and Wear" NUTS 2 region...
- 1992 - ScotlandScotlandScotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
- 1994 - no event run
- 1996 - WalesWalesWales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
- 1998 - SpainSpainSpain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
- 2000 - FranceFranceThe French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
- 2002 - SpainSpainSpain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
Events run by Scouting Ireland are:
- 2004 - GermanyGermanyGermany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
- 2005 - United StatesUnited StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
- 2006 - PortugalPortugalPortugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
- 2007 - PolandPolandPoland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
- 2008 - CroatiaCroatiaCroatia , officially the Republic of Croatia , is a unitary democratic parliamentary republic in Europe at the crossroads of the Mitteleuropa, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean. Its capital and largest city is Zagreb. The country is divided into 20 counties and the city of Zagreb. Croatia covers ...
& SloveniaSloveniaSlovenia , officially the Republic of Slovenia , is a country in Central and Southeastern Europe touching the Alps and bordering the Mediterranean. Slovenia borders Italy to the west, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast, and Austria to the north, and also has a small portion of... - 2009 - SwedenSwedenSweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
& DenmarkDenmarkDenmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark... - 2010 - BeneluxBeneluxThe Benelux is an economic union in Western Europe comprising three neighbouring countries, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. These countries are located in northwestern Europe between France and Germany...
Region
Format
Rover Scouts, in teams of two, walk a distance of at least 200 km in 10 days completing tasks along the way. These tasks include maintaining a log of the journey, consisting of a daily route, menu, budget and account of the day's activities. Each team must also complete a number of projects which encourage the participants to engage with the local populace and to learn about the local culture. Each team must find its own way back to a base camp where the expedition leaders are waiting for them. Teams are dropped off in an unknown location with just a map, the location of base camp and a small amount of money on which to survive.Aims
The aim of the event is to test skills of communication, physical endurance and teamwork. Complete immersion in a foreign culture necessitates an ability to adapt to the norms of a different society with different customs and values, usually also a different language.The Belt
Not all participants are successfully awarded the Belt. When they reach base-camp participants spend a few days relaxing and recovering while the expedition leaders examine the log books the teams maintained while they were travelling. If a team has, to the satisfaction of the leaders, succeeded in achieving their aims and fulfilling their own potential they are awarded the belt at a very emotional presentation ceremony.The Venture Scout Challenge
Challenge is an event often referred to as the "Mini-Explorer Belt." Challenge (now in its 20th year) was founded by Brian O'Connor from Cork- today the Spirit of Challenge Trophy is named after him. Like the Belt it involves teams of 2 Venture Scouts of the same sex(In recent years different sex teams have also been allowed on the Challenge) but hiking takes place in Ireland with participants walking 100 km in 5 days while living on a budget of 4 euro per person per day. While Belt entrants have to struggle with warm climates, Challenge competitors are subject to the whim of the Irish weather system which even in Summer can be quite grim, though previous walkers have said that the rough weather is all part of the fun. Successful entrants receive the Challenge woggleWoggle
A woggle is a device to fasten the neckerchief, or scarf, worn as part of the Scout or Girl Guides uniform.-Origins of the woggle:Early Scouts tied a knot in their neckerchief to fasten it around the neck...
. The Venue for 2007 was supposed South East Ireland and Wales but this has been postponed until 2008.
Challenge was originally run (every second year) by SAI. The SI Challenge is run annually. The events were:
- 1987 - West CorkWest CorkWest Cork refers to a geographical area in south-west Ireland, lying within Ireland's largest county, County Cork. Traditionally a popular tourist destination, the area is seen as being distinct from the more populated northern or eastern parts of the county, as well as the more urban area of...
- 1989 - County GalwayCounty GalwayCounty Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county...
- 1991 - ThurlesThurlesThurles is a town situated in North Tipperary, Ireland. It is a civil parish in the historical barony of Eliogarty and is also an ecclesiastical parish in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly...
, County TipperaryCounty TipperaryCounty Tipperary is a county of Ireland. It is located in the province of Munster and is named after the town of Tipperary. The area of the county does not have a single local authority; local government is split between two authorities. In North Tipperary, part of the Mid-West Region, local... - 1993 - County KilkennyCounty KilkennyCounty Kilkenny is a county in Ireland. It is part of the South-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the city of Kilkenny. The territory of the county was the core part of the ancient Irish Kingdom of Osraige which in turn was the core of the Diocese of...
- 1995 - County KerryCounty KerryKerry means the "people of Ciar" which was the name of the pre-Gaelic tribe who lived in part of the present county. The legendary founder of the tribe was Ciar, son of Fergus mac Róich. In Old Irish "Ciar" meant black or dark brown, and the word continues in use in modern Irish as an adjective...
- 1997 - County Sligo
- 1999 - West CorkWest CorkWest Cork refers to a geographical area in south-west Ireland, lying within Ireland's largest county, County Cork. Traditionally a popular tourist destination, the area is seen as being distinct from the more populated northern or eastern parts of the county, as well as the more urban area of...
- 2001 - Isle of ManIsle of ManThe Isle of Man , otherwise known simply as Mann , is a self-governing British Crown Dependency, located in the Irish Sea between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland, within the British Isles. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, who holds the title of Lord of Mann. The Lord of Mann is...
- 2003 - County DonegalCounty DonegalCounty Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county...
- 2004 - County ClareCounty Clare-History:There was a Neolithic civilisation in the Clare area — the name of the peoples is unknown, but the Prehistoric peoples left evidence behind in the form of ancient dolmen; single-chamber megalithic tombs, usually consisting of three or more upright stones...
- 2005 - County KildareCounty KildareCounty Kildare is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Kildare. Kildare County Council is the local authority for the county...
- 2006 - County MayoCounty MayoCounty Mayo is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Mayo, which is now generally known as Mayo Abbey. Mayo County Council is the local authority for the county. The population of the county is 130,552...
, County RoscommonCounty RoscommonCounty Roscommon is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the town of Roscommon. Roscommon County Council is the local authority for the county...
, County GalwayCounty GalwayCounty Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county... - 2007 - IrelandIrelandIreland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, WalesWalesWales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
(Postponed until 2008) - 2009 - IrelandIrelandIreland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, County KerryCounty KerryKerry means the "people of Ciar" which was the name of the pre-Gaelic tribe who lived in part of the present county. The legendary founder of the tribe was Ciar, son of Fergus mac Róich. In Old Irish "Ciar" meant black or dark brown, and the word continues in use in modern Irish as an adjective...
- "Desmond" - 2010 - IrelandIrelandIreland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
/ WalesWalesWales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²... - 2011 - IrelandIrelandIreland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
West
The National Venture Scout Triathlon
The National Triathlon or Tri-ZoneTri-Zone
The National Triathlon or Tri-Zone is a relatively new event for Venture Scouts, that was run for the first time in September 2005. In this physical challenge teams of two people from a Venture Group complete a set course combining rafting, cycling and mountaineering.-Teams:Each team consists of...
is a new event, that was run for the first time in September 2005. In this physical challenge teams of two people from a Venture Group complete a set course combining rafting, cycling and mountaineering. The 2005 event saw teams rafting on Lough Dan (former national campsite of Scouting Ireland S.A.I.
Scouting Ireland S.A.I.
Scouting Ireland S.A.I. was an Irish Scouting association, formed in 1908 and merged into Scouting Ireland in 2004.- History :Scouting Ireland SAI began in 1908 as the Dublin City and Dublin County Boy Scouts. Around the same time, a number of Troops in Co. Wicklow formed the Co. Wicklow Scout...
), cycling through Wicklow and hiking to Larch Hill
Larch Hill
Larch Hill is the national campsite, and administrative and training headquarters of Scouting Ireland. It was previously owned by Scouting Ireland .-Overview:...
.
VMOOT
VMoot is a brand new event for Irish Ventures. The first every Irish National Venture Scout Moot (aka VMOOT) took place in Larch Hill from June 28- July 1, 2007. The event aims to cover all aspects of the Venture programme.Communities (Teams of 6-8 ventures/senior scouts) must do a project on the theme of "Citizenship in Motion". The projects reflect active citizenship and learning by doing. Project topics included "Graffiti as art", "Discrimination in Ireland" and "Young People and Drugs".
VMoot starts with a midnight campfire on the Thursday night. On Friday morning communities must demonstrate their project. This was followed by "life zones" which included such a diverse mix of activities including pioneering, yoga and archery. On Friday night there was a dance contest (originally intended to be a music festival). On Saturday communities went off site for the "adventures". These include Caving, surfing and kite making. On Sunday there were several fun challenges devised by the participants. After the event communities must reflect on what they've learned.
The venue for 2008 is Larch Hill.
This Event Along With Vibe are being replaced by new events called "Unplugged" and "Electric Vents" in 2011.
Sluaíocht na Sléibhte
The Sluaíocht na Sléibhte (SNS) is a weekend mountaineering event for teams of 3 venture scouts. They are considered as an extension to the scout mountaineering programme (MPC, Sionnach, PEAK) but with some key changes. The main change is the safety net of the adult leader is removed.Two events are held every year- the winter expedition and the Summer Climb Ax. The first winter SNS was held in 2006 in Lugnaquilla in Wicklow
Wicklow
Wicklow) is the county town of County Wicklow in Ireland. Located south of Dublin on the east coast of the island, it has a population of 10,070 according to the 2006 census. The town is situated to the east of the N11 route between Dublin and Wexford. Wicklow is also connected to the rail...
. The 2007 winter SNS went to Mt Snowden in Wales while the Summer Climb Ax was held in Annascul, Kerry.
The winter and summer events in 2008 will be going to the Mournes and Scotland respectively.
Ventact South Activity Weekend
Ventact South is one of the highlights of the venture year. It is organised by the Joint Committee on Scouting and Guiding in Cork and caters for Venture Scouts and Ranger Guides from all over Ireland. The event takes place the first weekend in September each year at the Killcully Scout Centre.Participants arrive on the Friday while a live band is playing. After this tickets for Saturday's activities are given out (followed by a mad dash to swap activities). On Saturday morning participants are bused offsite to do two activities (e.g. powerboating, kayaking, fishing, horseriding, firefighting). When they return, there is a barbecue
Barbecue
Barbecue or barbeque , used chiefly in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia is a method and apparatus for cooking meat, poultry and occasionally fish with the heat and hot smoke of a fire, smoking wood, or hot coals of...
at the campsite. On Saturday evening there is a religious service followed by the ever popular themed Ventact Disco. On Sunday morning bouncing castles and inflatable obstacle courses before everyone heads home.
2008 will be the 30th Ventact South.
Irish Venture Scout Projects
- The PhoenixPhoenix (mythology)The phoenix or phenix is a mythical sacred firebird that can be found in the mythologies of the Arabian, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Chinese, Indian and Phoenicians....
Venture Group from the 9th/10th Dublin (Aughrim Street) Scout Group travelled to VietnamVietnamVietnam – sometimes spelled Viet Nam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea –...
in Summer 2006 to undertake a development project there. They painted and decorated rooms in the Vung Tau Orphanage, near the southern tip of the country. Details of their trip is available on their blog.
- The Donnybrook Venturer Group won the International Youth for Development Prize 2005, nicknamed the "Nobel PrizeNobel PrizeThe Nobel Prizes are annual international awards bestowed by Scandinavian committees in recognition of cultural and scientific advances. The will of the Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, established the prizes in 1895...
for Young People" for their development projects in PeruPeruPeru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
. A leading International jury led by President, Mrs Jolanta KwasniewskaJolanta KwaśniewskaJolanta Kwaśniewska , née Konty is a Polish lawyer and charity activist who was First Lady of Poland between 1995 and 2005, as the wife of the then president Aleksander Kwaśniewski....
(First Lady of PolandPolandPoland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
), Mr. Massimo Barra(International Red Cross), Mr. Steve FossettSteve FossettJames Stephen Fossett was an American commodities trader, businessman, and adventurer. Fossett is the first person to fly solo nonstop around the world in a balloon...
(Adventurer, World Records in 5 sports), Mrs Seiko Hashimoto (Member of the Parliament Japan — Triple OlympicOlympic GamesThe Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
Medal holder), Mr. Suwit Khunkitti (Minister ThailandThailandThailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
), Mr. Malik M'Baye (Director of UNESCOUNESCOThe United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
), Mrs. Dr. Amaya Gillespie (United NationsUnited NationsThe United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
Director) voted their projects as overall winner in the Development category. They were commended for their participation in the Youth of the World Campaign and for the outstanding project that they had undertaken in the framework of the UN Millennium Development Goals.
- As a joint project, representatives of 3 Dublin Venture Scout Groups (35th Donore Avenue, 127th Drumcondra and 5th Port Dollymount) will be travelling to KolkataKolkataKolkata , formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. Located on the east bank of the Hooghly River, it was the commercial capital of East India...
, IndiaIndiaIndia , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
in December 2008/January 2009 to work with orphaned street children at the Loreto SealdahSealdahSealdah is one of the major train stations serving Kolkata in India, the others being Howrah Station, Shalimar Station and Kolkata Railway Station. Sealdah is one of the busiest rail stations in India and an important suburban rail terminal...
school. Their project will involve both manual work such as building and painting and social work such as providing English language and remedial teaching assistance. There are 18 in the travelling party which will set out on the 20th of December 2008 and return on the 11th of January 2009. The project has been called "The Rainbow Challenge."