Kilcoona Scouts Group are raising funds for Swedish trip

Group was set up in 1999

A FUNDRAISING effort by Kilcoona Scout Group aims to support their first international adventure to Sweden.

Established in 1999, Kilcoona Scout Group is a rural, community-based organisation serving areas like Claran, Headford, Annaghdown, Corrandulla, Caherlistrane and Kilcoona.

This year marks a major milestone for the group as they are preparing to take their first international trip. The Scouts and Venture sections of the group are hoping to visit Sweden between July 24 to August 1 to participate in the Swedish National Jamboree in Kristianstad, where over 17,000 Scouts and Scouters from around the world will gather.

“I am very excited as this would be my first international trip with a group of friends,” said Scout Veronica Chamot.

She believes this trip will provide her and the other scouts with opportunities to learn skills that will come in handy and make new friends for life.

The Jamboree offers a unique educational experience, helping participants to build confidence and independence, experience international cooperation and cultural exchange, develop outdoor and teamwork skills, build lasting friendships and represent Galway on an international stage.

Scout Aaron Lee has spent seven years with the Kilcoona Scouts Groups and has learnt various skills that he believes every person should learn.

“From cooking our own food to finding our way in a forest, these skills are really good to have. This trip to Sweden would be great to meet people with similar interests and skills,” said Aaron.

Although the group is very excited to go on their first international expedition, the cost of travel and participation has presented itself as a significant challenge for scouts and their families.

A series of fundraisers have been organised by the group to ensure that no young person misses out on this opportunity due to financial barriers.

The group has completed a sponsored ‘Walk to Sweden’ challenge, where they covered the equivalent distance between Ireland and Sweden (1,900km), and also hosted a quiz night at The Anglers Rest in Headford, raising nearly €1,400.

A raffle has also been organised, giving the public a chance to win a Merida Mountain bike worth €999 along with other prizes. The bike has been sponsored by Village Cycles, Headford.

“The cost to bring a group of 21 people on an international trip is a challenge and we don’t want to put pressure on parents or the Scouters who would already be taking time off from their full-time jobs,” said Sarah Long, Leader of the group.

Sarah has been volunteering with the group for over 10 years. Her three children have all been members of the group, with one of her children now a Venture.

“I love seeing the kids progress from one section to another and they learn so much on the way. They not only learn physical skills but also become more confident and independent over time," she explained.

“It’s also great for kids who don’t do any sports as they come here and get involved in various indoor and outdoor activities."

Kilcoona Scouts Group supports 86 young people across Beaver (aged 6-8), Cub (aged 9-11), Scout (aged 12-14) and Venture (aged 15-17) sections, led by a team of 20 volunteer leaders.

“I joined the group seven years ago as a Beaver because I love socialising, and learning new skills,” said Grace Reilly, who is now in the Venture section.

“I had heard a lot about it, and I got a lot of opportunities after joining it. I made a lot of friends and learnt many skills like building shelter, survival and fire building. I think it has made me more independent."

Thirteen-year-old Noah Waldron is a Scout who likes making friends and enjoys the company that comes with being in the group.

“I have participated in several county camps, and I like socialising with different groups,” said Noah.

Outdoor activities and backwoods expedition are some of Noah’s favourite activities.

“When I joined the group six years ago, I wasn’t even interested in it but my mother was interested and she brought me here,” said Scout Gráinne Ní Bhroin.

“Now I love it, and I have learnt some very important things like CPR which can help save someone’s life."

Scout Leader Sean McCormack believes that being a scout and learning survival skills provides individuals with “an ability to rely on themselves and trust themselves” in times of difficulty.

Sean was a Scout when he was young and later became a Scouter to help out the group.

“We are a charity group and are always looking for more volunteers to join us. They don’t need to be a Scout or start as a Scout here. All necessary training for the role is provided,” said Sean.

Kilcoona Scout Group has managed to raise more than €4,000 out of the aimed €10,000 to tackle the costs of their trip to Sweden.

The raffle is set to be drawn at Headfest on Monday, June 1, while tickets will be available to buy throughout the festival weekend.

The fundraiser can be supported by either buying a raffle ticket or directly donating money to their fundraising page on www.idonate.ie.