Our group is identified as 8ú Calafort, Cuan Dún Laoghaire, Gasóga Mara (8th Port of Dublin, Dun Laoghaire Harbour, Sea Scout Group) and also by the national identity of 39th Dublin Scout Group. Sea Scout groups traditionally use the Sea Scouting identity rather than the national identity. We are part of Sea Scouting Ireland and Scouting Ireland.
In 8ú Calafort members receive an excellent grounding in nautical skills in addition to the other outdoor skills and sporting activities normally associated with scouting such as hillwalking and camping.
As well as being a Sea Scout Group our group was also founded as an Irish speaking group. The history of our group is documented here.
In 8ú Calafort we operate 2 Sea Cub Scout ‘Packs’, 2 Sea Scout ‘Troops’ and 1 Venture Scout ‘Unit’ with total membership exceeding 170.
| Section | Level | Age Range | Meetings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banba (mixed) | Cubs | 9 – 12 years | meets Saturday 11.30 – 13.00 |
| Eirú (mixed) | Cubs | 9 – 12 years | meets Wednesday 19.00 – 20.30 |
| Fodhla (female) | Scouts | 12 – 17 years | meets Thursday 19.30 – 21.30 |
| Mannanán (male) | Scouts | 12 – 17 years | meets Friday 19.30 – 21.30 |
| Fiontar (mixed) | Ventures | 17 – 21 years | meets by arrangement. |
Joining this group involves commitment. All scouts are expected to participate in all organised events and to attend all meetings unless the scout has occasional genuine reasons for being unable to attend. Any scout that is unable to attend on a regular basis will be asked to withdraw from the section to allow space for the many young people on the waiting lists.
Regular attendance and participation in events helps to build the team spirit within the watches (or patrols) into which the troops are divided. Team spirit is the basis of scouting and when a scout frequently misses events and meetings he/she lets down their whole watch. In addition, scouts and cubs are expected to be punctual in their attendance at their weekly meetings and parents are asked to be punctual when collecting them.
Scouts are expected to enter into the activities of the group with enthusiasm and in a spirit of camaraderie and fun. Scouts are also expected to show by example adherance to rules applicable elsewhere such as the Safe Cross Code, Rules of the Road and bye-laws on public transport.
