Trustees Annual Report
The 2024/2025 year marked another successful and eventful chapter for 4th Tyrone Scout Group. This year was particularly special as it was the group's tenth year in operation since it was reformed in Omagh in 2015 (excluding the Covid years). We were proud to run all four sections: Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Ventures.
Membership
- Beavers (14 youth members)
Leaders: Sean Sharkey, Mark Buchanan, Teresa Wilson, Ryan O’Donnell, and Sinead McNamee
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Cubs (23 youth members) Leaders: Mark Allen, Gerry McDonnell, Tommy Garvey, Joanne Coleman, Claire Johnston, and Paul Mullan
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Scouts (6 youth members) Leaders: Diarmuid Kelly and Claire Sharkey
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Ventures (3 youth members)
Leaders: Jane White and Shaun Paskin
In total, we had 46 young people and 15 scouters involved across the sections.
Our Group Council included:
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Jason Devine (Chairperson)
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Jane White (Group Leader)
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Dean Harbison (Treasurer)
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Rachel McCaffrey (Secretary)
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Paul Mullan (Deputy Group Leader)
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Gerry McDonnell (Quatermaster - Joint role)
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Mark Allen (Quartermaster - Joint role)
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Claire Sharkey (Training Co-ordinator)
Section Activities
Scouts & Ventures
Scouts and Ventures participated in the Resonate Space Challenge , where they designed and built a model satellite using recycled materials and presented their project. Their innovative work earned them a place in the next stage, where they constructed a Meccano satellite that underwent vibration testing.
They were also actively involved in county events, including the County Skills Day and the County Shield, where they won a prize in the cooking challenge.
Cubs
The Cubs had an active year, taking part in:
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Orienteering in Gortin Glens with Fermo Orienteers
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A Christmas Trip to Glenpark Estate for ice skating and crazy golf
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Climbing and swimming at the Foyle Arena
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A hike up Bessy Bell
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A visit to the local Police Station
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A coarse fishing session with Erne Anglers
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A one-night residential at the Share Centre, participating in archery, laser tag, and swimming
The Cubs also hosted the County Cubs Skills Day at Gortin Glen Forest Park, welcoming over 100 Cubs from across the county to enjoy backwoods shelter building, outdoor cooking, pioneering catapults, and orienteering.
Additionally, 14 Cubs, 6 Beavers, and 7 Scouters attended the joint County Camp at Castle Saunderson, where activities included canoeing, T-shirt printing, backwoods firelighting and cooking, Scout games, pioneering go-karts, a slip ‘n slide, and a very enjoyable campfire.
Beavers
The Beavers had an exciting year as well, including:
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Attending the County Beaver Hike in the Burren, Co. Cavan
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A visit to Armagh Planetarium
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Participation in the joint County Camp. - this was the first camp experience for many of the beavers - a big milestone for our youngest section
Group Activities
We took advantage of the good weather to hold an outdoor investiture ceremony in the Gortin Glens Forest Park on 13th May. Seven Beavers, five Cubs, and three Scouters were officially welcomed into the Scouting movement and the 4th Tyrone family. The ceremony was followed by water games, a water fight, and a BBQ! A great evening that left everyone wet, tired, but full of smiles.
We wrapped up the scouting year with a full group outing to the Gortin Lakes, where youth members and their families enjoyed an evening of paddleboarding and a family BBQ. A perfect end to a memorable year.
Leadership Transition
This year marked the end of Jane White’s term as Group Leader. We would like to express our sincere thanks to Jane for her leadership over the past three years. Alongside Jason Devine and Dean Harbison, Jane played a pivotal role in relaunching 4th Tyrone after the Covid-19 hiatus. Her calm and compassionate leadership has fostered a sense of harmony and unity within the group. We are committed to building on her legacy as we move forward.
Final Thanks
To conclude, I would like to thank:
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All Scouters for their unwavering dedication and countless hours of volunteering - without your commitment, this successful year would not have been possible.
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The parents and guardians for their continued support in bringing your children to meetings, weekend events, and camps, and for trusting us with their care and development.
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And most importantly, our young people – your enthusiasm, energy, and laughter are the heart of 4th Tyrone. Without you, we simply wouldn’t have a Scout Group.
We look forward to another ten years and beyond of delivering scouting adventures to the young people of the Omagh area.
Prepared by
Paul Mullan
Group Leader, 4th Tyrone Scouts, Omagh