IHQ Bulletin Special Edition - Community Service: December 2009

This is a special edition of The Scout Association's periodical newsletter. This release focuses on the support of our Scout Groups during the past festive season in aid of the Community Chest Fund and id-Dar tal-Providenza. Well done to all.  Click here to read this issue.  Also check out the letter from H.E. The President of Malta

The Scout Association raised over Eur 12,000 for L-Istrina 2009

The Scout Association of Malta managed to break its own record with an impressive contribution of over Eur 12,000 in aid of L-Istrina 2009.  Initially the Association participated in the President's Fun Run and contributed Eur 1,590.  The Chief Scout, during the live show,  presented an additional Eur 5,500 collected by 6 Scout Groups.  Other Scout Groups had already passed in their contribution collected in containers provided by the organisers and on the last day, the Gozo groups managed to collect over Eur 5,000.  All this thanks to the efforts of hundreds of scouts who volunteered for a worthy cuase.  Contributions still trickling in. Read here for full details

Courtesy Visit to the Archbishop of Malta

A delegation made up of the Chief Scout, Deputy Chief Scout, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Honorary General Secretary and the Bishop's Delegate to the Scout Association, namely Rev. Fr. Anton Briffa OFM Cap, paid a courtesy visit to the Archbishop of Malta.  The Chief Scout whilst thanking the Archbishop for his support, also extended an invitation for the Scouts & Guides Annual Rally.

New Deputy Chief Commissioner Appointed

Joseph Borg, Rabat Scouts GSL for the past 18 years has been appointed Deputy Chief Commissioner by the Chief Scout.  Joseph joined the movement back in 1986 when he was 13.  He served in all the sections within his Group and recently was also involved at a national level on the Ghajn Tuffieha Camp Site management team.  More about him on ScoutKeeper, including an interview.

The Draft Updated Cub Book is now online

The Cub Book review team have come up with a draft of the newly upgraded version.  Meetings shall be organised for cub leaders on a district basis in mid September for an official presentation of this draft.  Dates and further details are available on ScoutKeeper where you may also have a look at the draft book. 

The Scout Association of Malta needs you

In Line with the new IHQ Structure, the Scout Association of Malta has issued various calls for application for a number of posts at Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner Levels. If you want to be part and actively contribute towards the success of our Association, then this is the opportunity you have been waiting for. Come and join a revamped team! Draft Role Descriptions now online.

International Commissioners Forum in Malta 20-22 November 2009

IHQ Bulletin (Jul - Aug - Sep 2009) Now available

The Scout Association's periodical newsletter "IHQ Bulletin" latest release in now available for downloading.  As usual this issue includes a number of interesting topics, recent events and information complete with a number of pictures.  Click here to read this issue or here for past issues.

National Cub Camp 2009 - 30/10/2009 - 01/11/2009

We are very happy with the turnout so far considering an absence of 3 years.  For those packs who still haven't sent their pre-application form and are interested to join us, you are still in time to do so.  It would be nice to have all packs represented during this National Camp. For further details get in touch with our Cubs Commissioner and for application forms log on to ScoutKeeper. A meeting is going to be held on the 22/09/09 at IHQ at 1800hrs

National Youth Week - 8 to 11 October 2009

Come along and enjoy yourself at the National Youth Week to be held between the 8th and 11th October at the Waterfront in Valletta.  There will be a full programme of events and our Association shall also be taking part with some very interesting displays and demonstartions.  Check out the full programme here.

Flags Feast - 'Festa tal-Bnadar' - 11 to 13 September 2009

Malta has a very colourful tradition as regards to flags especially during special events, festivities and the local village festa. The Government has therefore decided to organise a Flag Feast and is asking all the clubs, local councils, parishes and individuals to hoist all the flags between the 11 and 13 September.  If the event is a success, it is being planned to make this day an annual event

Roverway 2009 is well underway

The Malta contingent for Roverway is in Iceland having a great time.  They have already taken part to some amazing adventures and also to community service. The Contingent has been sending us constant updates and pictures which you can follow on this blog. The contingent is made as follows: Sta. Venera, Fgura, Birkirkara, Mosta, Tarxien, Lyceum, Zebbug, Rabat and Attard.

Newly Elected Scout Council 1st Meeting and Appointments

Following the Commissioners and IHQ Staff meeting of the 8th of June, the newly formed National Scout Council met for the first time on the 9th of June. Amongst other matters the following appointments were put forward and approved:  Martin Azzopardi, Deputy Chief Scout;  Robert Gonzi, Honorary Secretary; Mark A. Pizzuto, Honorary Treasurer; Avril Frendo, Policy Committee Chairperson and Anthony J. Abela Medici, Awards Committee Chairperson .

Mr. Kenneth De Martino is the newly elected Chief Scout

On the 2nd of June 2009, Mr. Kenneth De Martino was elected Chief Scout of the Scout Association of Malta for a 4 year term.  "It is great to be the new head of such a large and exciting movement. I have served in various different positions of our Association and I certainly know what it means to be part of a great family.... I look forward to being part of the team." We wish him all the best!

Click here to see the Chief's Interview on TVM

A Special Thanks to the former Chiefs and Council Members

The Scout Association of Malta would like to express its gratitude to the former Chief Scout, Mr. Vince Cassar and Chief Commissioner, Mr. Godwin D' Anastasi for all their dedication throughout their 8 years of service.  Our thanks is also extended to Mr. David Schembri and Mr. Paul Vella for their 6 years of service on the National Scout Council.   Thank you all.

Lejla Scoutija - By the Sliema Scouts as part of their Centenary Celebrations

From the 31st July to the 2nd August the Sliema Front (Ghar id-Dud) will be transformed into a scout 'playground' in the first ever 'Lejla Scoutija'. Cubs, Scouts, Ventures and Leaders from all Groups are encouraged to participate in activity uniform so as to join for free in the various events (eg. climbing wall, BP bread, displays, games etc.) which will also be open to the general public. More information will be available soon - in the meantime contact Sliema GSL David Darmanin on 99496922 or info@sliemascouts.net for further details.

Lands of Adventure - Ambassador Tonio Axisa

“LoA“, as it is commonly known, is open to scouts aged  11 to 16 from all over the European Scout Region.  The aim of Lands of Adventure is to reinforce the idea of a common peaceful Europe, and also to allow Scouts to gain an appreciation for their European neighbours.   For more details get in touch with Tonio.

Roverway 2009 Fundraising BBQ - Sat 4th July 2009

The Malta contingent for Roverway is organising a fund raising bbq on Sat 4th July at Bahar ic-Caghaq Campsite opposite Splash & Fun.  It will be great fun. Book your tickets now by either contacting any of the participants or by calling Edward Vella, Contingent Leader for Roverway 09 and Commissioner for Rovers. Your support of this activity will be much appreciated!!!

National Troop Camp 2009 -  26th to 29th June 2009

The National Troop Camp 2009 will not be your usual, run-of-the-mill, national camp.... Get ready for something different !  The event will take place at the Ghajn Tuffieha Campsite. The theme of the Camp is "Building Bridges through Scouting" and many of the activities will encourage our members to share their experiences, discover something new & have fun. More details on ScoutKeeper.

Cheap Computers for NGOs

The Administration and Finance Department of the Scout Association of Malta met the MCA in order to coordinate an offer relating to good quality refurbished computers at a very cheap price. Please check details here and email the commissioner for administration by latest 31st May 09 for upto 5 PCs per Group.

IHQ Bulletin (May - Jun 2009) Now available

The Scout Association's periodical newsletter "IHQ Bulletin" latest release in now available for downloading.  As usual this issue includes a number of interesting topics, recent events and information complete with a number of pictures.  Click here to read this issue or here for past issues.

Elections of Chief Scout, Chief Commissioner and Scout Council

On the 2nd June 2009, the General Assembly of the Scout Association of Malta will meet to elect a Chief Scout, Chief Commissioner and 8 National Scout Council Members (4 Uniformed & 4 non uniformed members).  Nominations closed on the 5th May and the newly appointed Electoral Committee will be meeting soon to prepare all that is necessary for this meeting.

Annual Parade 2009 - Another Successful Event

The Scout Association of Malta together with The Malta Girl Guides Association, for the 10th time, teamed up to hold the annual parade together on Sunday 3rd May with around 5,000 members taking part. We celebrated mass at St Pubius Church which was led by by Fr Richard Borg, Archpriest of Floriana and by Fr Anton Briffa OFM Cap, Commissioner for Religious Dimensions.

IHQ Bulletin (Mar - Apr 2009) Now available

The Scout Association's periodical newsletter "IHQ Bulletin" latest release in now available for downloading.  As usual this issue includes a number of interesting topics, recent events and information complete with a number of pictures.  Click here to read this issue or here for past issues.

Courtesy visit to H.E. DR. George Abela, President of Malta

On 20th April 2009 The Scout Association's National Council paid a courtesy visit to the newly appointed president of Malta. Following a very informal discussion, H.E. was presented with the bust of Lord Baden Powell and also offered the Patronage of the Association, an honour he gladly accepted. He further remarked that his office looked forward to further collaboration.

We need Crafts & Scarves!  We're decorating the Admin Office.

The Administration office is undergoing maintenance and upgrading and we would like to decorate the office with your crafts & scarves.  We have 2 show cases for your models and ample room on the walls for charts & scarves.  Get creative!  Your older crafts are also welcome.  It's always heartbreaking when you need to make up room and have to dispose of great crafts.  Now you can have them displayed at IHQ.  It would also be nice to have the name of the Group and member/s including age/s of the authors.  Thanks! 

The Scout Association and Girl Guides Annual Rally 2009 - 3rd May

This year the Annual Rally  will be held on 3rd May. The parade shall commence at 10:45am from the Granaries in Floriana, then through the  main gate of Valletta, through Republic Street up to the  Palace where the President of the Republic shall be present to take the salute. More details have been sent to all the Group Scout Leaders.

IHQ Vacancy for Adult Members

The Chief Commissioner is once again seeking to recruit finance assistants to join a team who form part of the Finance Committee o the Scout Association of Malta.  Applications are to reach the Chief Commissioner by latest 30th April 2009.  Further details may be downloaded here.  The Association only exists with the help of dedicated volunteers.  We need you!

The Website is aiming for 500 unique visitors within a Month

The new website of the Scout Association of Malta was revamped and relaunched on 22/02/2009.  As at today 14/03/2009 it had 425 unique visitors from 29 foreign countries (most hits coming from the U.K., U.S.A. and not surprisingly from Poland as our International Commissioner just spent a few days) . 

The Sliema Scout Group is celebrating its 100 years since its formation and will be starting the celebrations in style.  Their 'Centenary Exhibition' is opening on Friday 6th March at 7.30pm. Besides the official opening on Friday 6th March, the exhibition is also open to the general and scouting public for free on the following dates and times :

                                                     Saturday 7th March : 10:00am to 1:00pm & 4:00pm to 7:00pm
                                                                        Sunday 8th March : 9:00am to 1:00pm

Don't miss the opportunity to visit this exhibition.  They are also holding a  special reunion for all 'old' Sliema Scouts & Leaders is being held on Saturday 7th March from 7:30pm onwards. No invitation is required - 'once a Sliema Scout, always a Sliema Scout' ... so just come along and catch up with old friends.
 

More information here: www.sliemascouts.net

22/02/2009 - The Scout Association of Malta launches its latest website and within 24 hours it already exceeded 100 unique visitors from as far as the US with the majority being from Malta and the UK.  Read more ....

21/02/2009 - IHQ Bulleting (Jan - Feb 2009)

The Scout Association's periodical newsletter "IHQ Bulletin" latest release in now available for downloading.  This issue includes a number of interesting topics, recent events and information complete with a number of pictures.  Click here to read this issue or here for past issues.

20/02/2009 - Founder's Day Reception

The Scout Association of Malta held its annual Founder's day reception at the IHQ Hall in Floriana.  As usual there was a very good attendance.  the highlights of the event were the annual awards handed to meritorious members and guests which amongst others also included members of parliament and also Mr. Trevor Zahra and Mr. Mark Tonna who together with Rev. Fr. A. Briffa OFM Cap (Commissioner for Religious Dimensions) were the authors of the Association's anthem officially launched in 2008 during the Malta Scouts centenary celebration. Read more about this event on our IHQ Bulletin.

01/01/2009 - RTK Charity Event

The Scout Association, like in previous years, took active part in the fundraising marathon which RTK organised on the 1^st of January 2009. Apart from taking part as telephone operators to take donations and also adding to entertain the public with a marching band, we also contributed with a donation of €600 which was raised during the national troop Christmas disco party. read more about this event on our IHQ Bulletin.