Scouting in Lakelands: a phoenix rising

Scouting, like many youth organisations, faced significant challenges in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the midlands, and particularly within Lakelands Scout County, the struggle was especially concerning.

Covering Westmeath and parts of Roscommon, Lakelands was once home to nearly 10 active Scout groups, stretching from Moore, Roscommon (near Ballinasloe) to Ballymahon, across to Delvin, down to Milltownpass, and over to the southern villages of Athlone. However, after the pandemic, the number of active groups plummeted to just five, and many have struggled to regain momentum.

Thanks to the dedication and guidance of key leaders such as Sean Mimnagh (2nd Athlone), Jodie O’Rourke (5th Moore), Helen Lynch (5th Killucan), Mary Rennicks (3rd Delvin), and Fiona O’Shea (9th Milltownpass), along with their committed core teams, the groups slowly began to rebuild.

In the early stages, it was hard to envision how the county could bounce back to its former strength, but the persistence is paying off, and over the last year, Lakelands Scouting has experienced a remarkable revival.

The County Team, which had been led nearly single-handedly by Sean Mimnagh during the most difficult times, has grown into a 11-member committee representing all groups across the county, and a new County Commissioner and Programme Commissioner were added recently.

Furthermore, there are plans to reopen Moate Scout Group (4th Westmeath), which has been dormant for almost 20 years, while the Mullingar 1st/10th Westmeath group, the county’s original group, is set to reopen shortly.

Scouting participation has surged across the county, as youth members attend numerous camps and activities, and take part in national events. The first Scout since the pandemic to earn the highest award a Scout can achieve, the Chief Scout Award and the Gaisce Award (duel awarding), received her medals in February, and older youth members are now signing up to complete their Chief Scout award at Rover and Gold Gaisce awards this year.

The growth of Lakelands Scouting would not have been possible without the support of parents. From transporting children to meetings, to assisting with parent and friend committees, and even stepping up as adult leaders or ‘Scouters’, the dedication of the community has been crucial.

Local organisations such as the County Enterprise Board, credit unions, sports capital grant programmes, as well as community partners like Tidy Towns and local schools, have also played an instrumental role in the resurgence.

Deirdre O’Brien McGivney, Lakelands County Commissioner, encourages anyone interested in Scouting to get in touch: “Without the dedication of our adult members, the youth of Lakelands wouldn’t have the Scouting opportunities they enjoy today.

The commitment I see from people who once said, ‘I’m not that Scouty’ or ‘I don’t know how to Scout’ is phenomenal.

“These individuals have so much to offer, and in return, our youth members teach us just as much. We are guiding them to become the future, productive members of society, and it’s an honour to be part of their journey.”

She said that every group in the county would benefit from more leaders or ‘Scouters’ and encouraged people to get in contact.

So far this year, Lakelands Scout County has welcomed 25 new Scouters, enabling each group to grow and thrive for years to come. In addition, the county is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and to mark the milestone, plans are in place for a whole-county camp at the local Scout campsite in Portlick, near Glasson, in September. By that time, it’s hoped that two more Scout groups will be up and running, further strengthening the future of Scouting in Lakelands.