What better way to celebrate 80 years of Scouting in Newry than a whole group summer camp from 3rd to 10th August 2025, ending in a birthday party BBQ, where family and friends of Newry Scouts all came together to celebrate the occasion. It was an amazing reminder of all the people our Scout Group has reached over the years and how the movement has changed so many lives!
All of the sections of Newry Scouts from the smallest Squirrel to the tallest Rover had a blast at the summer camp!
The week started with an early morning train ride for the Scouts from Newry to Crawfordsburn Scout Centre. For the first few mornings on camp, the Scouts, Venturers and Rovers had the run of the campsite, with nice peaceful mornings, and days full of pioneering, erecting tents and activities. The Scouts, Ventures, Rovers and Scouters put up around 20 tents to accommodate over 85 young people, and about 16 Scouters! We even had a floating flagpole thanks to the pioneering skills of those on camp. Thankfully, Ronan was there to prepare delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks to keep them going. I don’t think we’ve ever seen food cleared so fast.
Don’t worry, it wasn’t all work and no play, the older sections had a great time jumping from activity to activity: abseiling, rock climbing, bushcraft, pioneering, backwoods cooking, crate stacking, sea canoeing, zipline thrills and grass sledging! Creating so many adventures, memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. We also can’t forget about the all time favourite…the trips to the tuck shop! I haven’t seen freddos so cheap since 2010…
Whilst the older sections were preparing for a day of activities, the Beavers, Cubs and a few more Scouters were gearing up at the hall for a few days of fun! After a short hour or so bus ride on Wednesday afternoon, the band was finally back together, all of the sections were on one campsite. The Beavers and Cubs were so excited to see all the fun toys and games, and their tents all ready for them arriving.
Once everyone had stretched their legs for a good while, we were ready for our dinner, all of the Beavers and Cubs enjoyed their dinner and yummy dessert, before heading back out to play. When it was time to settle down, the Beavers and Cubs had a movie night.
Over the course of their three days on camp the Beavers and Cubs enjoyed archery, bushcraft, rock climbing, orienteering and grass sledging, an assault course, buddy rounders, a trip to the beach and free time playing on site.
On Friday we were all preparing for the big birthday party and BBQ. At around 3:30 pm, the Beavers and Cubs headed to the park to patiently await the arrival of those who look after them at home, whilst the older final year Cubs, Scouts, Ventures, Rovers and Scouters stayed behind at the campsite to set up and prepare for the party.
At around 4pm, some of our guests began arriving, and with them some of the Squirrel Scouts! All of our sections in the same place at the same time, what a sight to behold. By 6pm, all of the caregivers, young people and friends of Newry Scouts lined up to get some delicious BBQ food. Burgers, hotdogs and alternatives all around. We are so grateful to everyone that helped out, and to all the volunteers that gave their time and energy after a very long week!
A Scout celebration isn’t complete without a campfire! So we all gathered around the fire, heard some wonderful speeches from Barry (camp chief), Rónán (Group Leader/Provincial Commissioner), Eoin Callanan (Chief Scout)… and we even had a past ‘Unit Leader’ (David McCourt) say a few words. What a fantastic array of people, and a walk down memory lane. We of course then had to sing happy birthday to Newry Scouts – it was a birthday party after all!
An amazing opportunity arose for some of our Cub Scouts that had earned their Chief Scout Award as they were presented with their awards by the Chief Scout himself. For those of you who maybe don’t know, at Beaver and Cub age the Chief Scout Award is commonly awarded by their group leaders, so this was a very special occasion for those Cubs. Speaking of which, one of our Cubs shared some of his ‘’loot’’ (from his sea glass collection) with Eoin, so he was given a Chief Scout woggle in return! What a brilliant memento.
After all of the awards and gifts were handed out, the campfire circle became smaller and smaller as families began to take their very tired Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs home for some well needed rest. Some of the past Venture Scouts were able to enjoy some time reminiscing over experiences, adventures and memories made oh so long ago, they even got stuck in helping put down a couple of tents. Once a Scout, always a Scout!
That night there were some very tired Scouts, Ventures, Rovers and Scouters, so after one last trip to the tuck shop, it was time for supper before bed. I’m sure they were all grateful to not have the 7am wake up call from the younger sections the next morning.
What a fantastic camp! 8 whole days under canvas! A huge thank you to all of the leaders and volunteers who made this happen, and a big thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with us. It was an experience I’m sure we will all remember for years to come.
Keep an eye out for other upcoming events celebrating 80 years of Scouting in Newry.
Rachel & Rónán.