Shield/Melvin '99
The summer of '99 was a very eventful one for our troop. It started when we won our Regional shield for only the third time in the unit history (86,98,99) and for the first time retaining. The competition side of it began way back in June '98 at the Eucharistic Procession. Marks were also given for participation at all regional events including Spraoi, Chrismass mass, the quiz and orienteering. But most of the marks were awarded for the indoor inpection, the hike and the weekend. The weekend part of it took place last May. the competition was won with a great effort from all the troop.
As we won the Shield we qualified for the national Scoutcraft competition The Melvin. The Melvin is a very different competition than the Shield. Melvin '99 took place in Larch Hill Co. Dublin, where 60 patrols from around the country gathered to take part. This years Melvin was very enjoyable. The theme for the Weekend was "Scouting through fun and adventure". The activities involved the building of a site, a night bivvying, bases, a treck-cart race, Pre-Melvin log and campfire sketch. The patrol did very well finishing fourth overall, retaining the Campcraft and Pre Melvin log trophies and won the Trek-cart race for the first time. Training for this activity took place over the summer, which included a weekend away, several hikes, plenty of days at the hall, nature trailing and a first aid course. Well done to all involved and wer're all looking forward to next year.