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Congreve-Bernard Memorial Hall, E. S. Tonna Street, Floriana VLT 16, MALTA
Tel : (+356) 21 224334 Fax : (+356) 21 251382
email : info@maltascout.org.mt |
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REPORTS ON PAST EVENTS
| The main aim of this page is to present
details of past events and activities that were organised by the Association,
whether at National, District or Group level. |
DO YOU HAVE ANY
EVENTS TO PROMOTE ?
Write to us or
email us at
info@maltascout.org.mt
|
events for 2001 | 2002
- February 22, 2001
- The annual Founder's Day Reception was held at Island Headquarters,
Floriana.
The guest of honour at the occasion was His
Excellency Prof Guido DeMarco, President of the Republic and also Patron
of the Association, who addressed the
gathering. Besides other distinguished guests, also present were the
Minister for Education, the Hon Dr Louis Galea, and the Opposition
Spokesman for Youth and Sport, the Hon Carmelo Abela. During the occasion
six members of the Association received a number of Awards and
Decorations. Moreover, His Excellency the President also presented a
token of appreciation, on behalf of the Association, to Mr James Rizzo and
Mr Joseph G. Grech for their long and distinguished service to Scouting as former
Chief Scout and Chief Executive respectively.
- March 16-18, 2001
- A National Camp for Cub Scouts was held at Island Headquarters, Floriana.
- March 16-19, 2001
- A National Camp for Venture Scouts was held at the Zurrieq Scout Group
Headquarters at Zurrieq.
- March 17, 2001
- A new extension to the Victoria Scout Group Headquarters was inaugurated by
the Minister for Gozo and blessed by the Bishop for Gozo.
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- April 1, 2001
- The Tarxien Scout Group formalised an agreement with the Tarxien Local
Council for the management and use by the Scout Group of the rehabilitated Dar tal-Kejka.
At the same time that this happy ceremony was being held, the Rabat Scout
Group was holding a meeting for supporters and parents of the Group's
members in order to inform them of the unhappy
situation that the Group had found itself in after the lease of their
Group Headquarters was terminated.
- April 8, 2001
- The Gzira Scout Group celebrated their 10th Anniversary by holding a
commemorative Mass at the Stella Maris College Chapel, Gzira. This was
followed by a reception at the Group's Headquarters situated at the
Government Housing Estate, Gzira.
- May 6, 2001
- The Scouts and Guides of Malta and Gozo held their Joint Annual Scout and Guide
Parade in Valletta. His Excellency Professor Guido DeMarco, President of the
Republic who is also the Patron of the Scout Association took the salute in front
of the Presidential Palace, Valletta. His Excellency was accompanied by the Chief Scout of the
Association and the President of the Girl Guides Association.
The event began with a Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Fr Anton Briffa OFM
Cap and Fr Marcellino Micallef OFM, respective Island Chaplains. The Mass
was said in the open at the Scouts' Island Headquarters, Floriana. The
Mass was attended by a good number of Scouts and Guides who choose to
attend this function rather than hold a function within their own parish.
In fact those Groups that did not attend the Thanksgiving Mass in Floriana
organised their own church service within
their own towns and villages.
All the Scouts and Guides, around 4400, then assembled on the Granaries
in Floriana from where they marched off to Valletta where the President took
the salute.
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- June 6, 2001
- The Contract for the allocation to the Association
of land at Ghajn
Tuffieha for the establishment of an International
Scout Centre and Campsite was signed at Island Headquarters, Floriana.
Present for the ceremony, besides The Chief Scout, the Deputy Chief
Executive, members of the Scout Council, of the Executive Committee and of
the Ghajn Tuffieha Project Team, Directors and Commissioners was the Hon Jesmond Mugliette,
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Education. Appearing on behalf
of the Scout Association were Mr Francis Flynn, Mr Kenneth De Martino and Mr Mark Pizzuto as
Trustees, while Mr Albert Mamo, Commissioner of Land appeared on behalf of Government. The Contract was read out by
Notary Vincent Miceli, Chief Notary to Government.
- June 7, 2001
- The South District held their annual Miggiani Shield Competition for Scouts.
The activity took place at the Rinella Scout Centre.
- July 8-22, 2001
- The Qrendi Scout Group were on a visit to Nabeul in Tunisia. The Group
toured Tunisia as
part of a reciprocal Scout
exchange with Nabeul Ouest Scout Troop who had visited Malta during the
previous year. This
fifteen day camp included a number of Scouting exchanges with other
Tunisia Scout Groups, mainly Beni-Khiar, Kelibia, Samoaa and Takelksa at the
Cap Bon camp in Korbus. The Tunisia scouting program organized by GSL
Attia Sahbi and the Nabeul Ouest troop was savored around Scouting,
culture and International friendship.
Trips to various spots in Tunisia were also organised. The trips
highlight was by far the two day journey deep into
the Sahara desert where the group visited the colosseum at El Jen, the
Oasis at Gafsa and Bedwin Settlements at Teziour and Matmata.
The Qrendi Group also met the Tunisian Scout
Association's International Commissioner at the National Headquarters in Tunis
and were also guests of the Nabeul Mayor at a reception in their honor.
The Hon Dr Louis Galea, Minister of Education who was on a tour of the
Tunisian Republic also met the
Qrendi Group at camp Nabeul.
- July 9-12, 2001
- A delegation from the Association attended the 10th European Guide and Scout
Conference and the 17th European Scout Conference in Prague, Czech Republic.
- During the same Conference the Scout Association, together with the Girl
Guides Association, put forward their joint bid for hosting the 11th
European Guide and Scout Conference, the 18th European Scout Conference and
the 11th European Guide Conference in Malta in 2004.
- The bid was won by Iceland with Malta being placed second and Israel
third.
- July 22 - August 2, 2001
- The Naxxar Scout Group held their annual camp at the Borj Cedria International Campsite in Tunisia, some 14 km from the capital Tunis.
The contingent of 35 scouts was hosted by the Ben Arous Scout Group who
were reciprocating their previous year's visit made by the Tunisinian Group at the Naxxar Scout Group Annual camp at Mellieha,
Malta.
- The Camp Chief was Group Scout Leader
Mr. Teddy Farrugia. Several Scouting activities were held during
the fifteen day camp, including daily excursions to different places in Tunisia. These
excursions were organised by the Ben Arous Group led by their Group Scout Leader
Mr Nourredine Turky.
- During the camp a number of distinguished personalities, from
Tunis and from Malta, visited the campers.
- August 9-19, 2001
- The Tunisinian Scout Group "Ezzou Hour" of Nabeul, better
known as "Nabeul Centre Scouts" accepted the invitation
extended by the Qrendi Scout Group and paid a visit to Malta. During
their stay they set up camp at the Delle Grazie Battery at Xghajra by
courtesy of the Xghajra Local Council and of the Xghajra Scout Group.
- The Group's programme included visits to cultural and historic places
and popular sites in Malta and Gozo as well as joint scouting activities
with the Xghajra, Paola and Qrendi Scout Groups
- August 9-23, 2001
- A Group of Scouts from France visited Malta using the Zurrieq Scout Group camping centre
as their base and centre of activities. During their stay they also held
joint activities with the Lyceum Group.
- August 21-22, 2001
- A canoe adventure activity for Venture Scouts, with a B-B-Q on Saturday evening
was organised for Ventures by the Commissioner for Ventures.
September 19-26, 2001
- Twenty Cub Scout Leaders from the Tunisia Scout Association were on a
visit to Malta. The
group was accompanied by Mr Ezzedine Derbel, the Tunisian
International Commissioner.
The contingent composed of adult Cub Scout Leaders from various Tunisian
Scout Groups set up base at the Naxxar Scout Headquarters, by courtesy
of the Group Scout Leader Teddy Farrugia and the Naxxar Scout Group.
The contingent's programme included visits to cultural and historic places
and popular sites in Malta and Gozo. Joint scouting activities together
with the Naxxar and Qrendi Scout Groups together with the Commissioner for
Cub Scouts were also held.
- October 20-21, 2001
- JOTA (Jamboree-on-the-Air) / JOTI (Jamboree-on-the-Internet)
- A number of Groups took part in JOTA (Jamboree-on-the-Air) and JOTI
(Jamboree-on-the-Internet) operating their own JOTA and JOTI links. During both events
the Association operated from Island Headquarters, Floriana an amateur radio link as well
as access to the internet. Concurrently an internet link
was also operating at the IT Fair at Naxxar.
This event helped local Scouts and Guides to make contact with fellow
Scouts and Guides from all
over the world thus contributing to the world brotherhood of
Scouting.
The Cospicua, Mosta, Naxxar, Rabat, St Augustine, St Venera, Dingli,
Stella Maris, Victoria and Zurrieq Groups took part in both JOTA and JOTI
while the Marsa and Xaghjra Groups participated in the JOTA event. All the
Groups were visited by the Chief Scout and the Chief Executive during the
event.
- November 2-4, 2001
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National Scout Camp 2001
- What was originally intended to be held at Island Headquaters, Floriana, had to be
transferred to a larger and more adaptable venue due to the heavy response registered to attend
the camp. In fact over three hundred and fifty boy and girl scouts between the ages of
eleven and fourteen hailing from the Attard, B’Bugia, Dingli, Hamun,
Sliema, Zebbug, Mosta. Tarxien, Zurrieq, Qrendi, Valletta, Naxxar, Qormi,
Lyceum, St Michael School, Xghajra, Tigne, San Gwann and St Julian’s scout
groups challenged the elements and attended this year’s National Scout
Camp held between Friday 2nd and Sunday 4th November at the Verdala Castle grounds in Rabat.
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- Our thanks go to His Excellency the President for affording us the opportunity to hold the camp within the Verdala Grounds.
The camp's theme "Meeting the challenges
ahead" was one of such scout camps leading up to the 2005 Mediterranean
Scout Camporee to be held at Ghajn Tuffieha.
The Camp's program was organized around the learning
through adventurous activities such as map reading hikes, stopping at
incident stops where one’s knowledge of the Scout Movement, Scouting
skills, First Aid and emergency situation action were tested. A Night hike
also gave the camp participants the opportunity to view a night lit Malta
from one of our islands most vantage points whilst taking advantage of the
clean country air.
Saturday evening saw the celebration of a "Scouts
Holy Mass" by the Commissioner for Religious Dimension, Fr Anton Briffa
OFM held beneath the trees in these truly tranquil surroundings. In his
sermon, Father Briffa praised all those present for the excellent outcome
and unity elaborating on the further need to bind closer in religious duties
whilst not forgetting the Scouts promise to do their duty to God and to help
other at all times.
Later in the evening, the large number of Scout Groups
challenged each other’s entertainment skills with great interpretations
around the symbolic campfire held in front of the majestic floodlight
Verdala castle. However the camp’s master of ceremonies, Sliema’s very
own Gerald De Giovanni stole the show with his excellent "Akunamatata"
interpretations to the joy of all present.
Sunday morning turned out to be a fine mild sunny day and
saw cultural visits to the St Paul’s Catacombs and Roman Villa Museum at
Rabat and the Natural History Museum in Mdina. Returning back to base at mid
day tired but happy, all were treated to chicken and chips followed by ice
cream blended with a fruit salad. The massive task of the feeding of so many
hungry mouths was entrusted to a task force made up of the San Gwann and St
Michael Groups, who not only provided the various menus but also all the
catering equipment
The camp was visited by the
Association’s Chief Scout Mr. Vincent Cassar and the Chief Executive Mr.
Godwin D’Anastasi, who toured the various groups commending them on their
efforts, dedication together with their pioneering skills. The senior Scout
officials further thanked the organization committee for leaving no stone
unturned in their quest to run such a well organized camp free from any
mishaps whilst at the same instance gaining much needed experience for
future Camporees that were gaining popularity.
Closing the camp, a troop of buglers made up of members
of the Hamrun Scout Group gave a fine interpretation of their fine musical
talents that was so evident through out the days of the Camp.
- November 5-11, 2001
- SCOUTING GOES TO BAY STREET.
The Association participated in the Talent and Service week held between the 5-11 November, 2001
at Bay Street, St Julians.
Several Groups took part in the activity and a number of events and activities
consisting in pioneering, abseiling and rescue operations, exhibitions and
lectures on Scouting topics and Band displays were held.
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- November 18, 2001
- The South District held their annual Miggiani Shield Competition for Cub
Scouts at the Rinella Scout Centre.
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- 4 X 4 ADVENTURE RALLY
- 2 - 3, February 2002
- A non-damaging 4 X 4 OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE RALLY was held on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd February 2002.
Sixteen teams, made up of a driver, co-driver and a navigator participated in
this ever Adventure Rally. The Rally was not meant to be just a race but
was based on skills and tests aimed to modestly challenge the skills of
those taking part. Conscious of their duty towards the upkeep and
preservation of the environment, the organisers took care to plan the
route carefully in order not to pass through any ecologically sensitive
areas.
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- The event commenced on Saturday morning at IHQ where all the participants assembled in order to
be given details on the event among which were details of the route to be followed. Immediately after
participants plotted their route and set off on their trail. After completing their trail they
all assembled at the International Scout Centre at Ghajn Tuffieha, where they pitched tents,
had an enjoyable evening BBQ and were entertained to songs and stunts.
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- Sunday morning saw all the participants eagerly set for the timed trials held around the
Ghajn Tuffieha campsite.
Before setting off on these timed trials they all attended Mass celebrated on site by the Island
Chaplain. Upon completion of the timed trials participants proceeded to IHQ, Floriana where prices
and trophies were distributed by the Hon Jesmond Mugliette M.P.
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- The winners of the event were :
| First place : |
Gerald Degiovanni, David Darmanin and Mark
Darmenia |
| Second place : |
David Harmer, Albert Harmer and Alastair
Bonnici |
| Third place : |
Elvio Briffa, Tanja Briffa and Adrian Borg |
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- NATIONAL SCOUT CAMP AT THE NEW INTERNATIONAL SCOUT CENTRE
- 1 - 3, November 2002
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During the weekend, 1st, 2nd and 3rd November, no less that 380 Scouts braved the weather and camped for the first time at the Ghajn Tuffieha
International Scout Centre. A total of nineteen Scout Groups were represented
namely Attard, Birkirkara, Birzebbugia, Dingli, Hamrun,
Lyceum, Marsa, Mosta, Naxxar, Pembroke, Qrendi, San Gwann, Siggiewi, St
Julians, St Michael School, Sta Venera, Tarxien, Xghajra
and Zabbar.
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Various activities were planned during the weekend and these included a
treasure hunt and a hike. The leaders of the camp had to take some
quick decisions on Saturday morning during the inclement weather of that
morning. Quickly finding some shelter from the elements for 380 persons
was not easy. In fact it was quickly decided to distribute the Scouts
around a number of cinemas around the island. It goes without saying
that whilst the leaders were worried about the situation the Scouts
themselves regarded the whole thing as an adventure and really enjoyed
themselves.
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Saturday evening was marked with a tree planting ceremony
during which each
Scout Group planted a tree to mark this very first National Scout Camp at
Ghajn Tuffieha. Present for the ceremony were the Chief Scout Mr
Vincent Cassar and the Chief Executive Mr Godwin D'Anastasi, both of whom
were also present throughout the Camp. To mark the occasion the Chief
Scout delivered a short address to all the Commissioners, Scouters and
Scouts present. Besides thanking all those Groups that participated in the
Camp for their participation he also thanked the Camp Organising Committee
for the excellent organisation. The Organising Committee presented a
commemorative souvenier to the Chief Scout and the Chief Executive. After
thanking the Committee for their kind gesture, the Chief Executive then
distributed commemorative souveniers to all Groups present.
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A commemorative plaque was then
unveiled by two
young Scouts, Rachel and Brian, in representation of the 19 Groups present
and then each Group planted a tree to commemorate the event.
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Immediately following this
ceremony the Scouts gathered in the amphitheatre to hold the traditional
Campfire. This was ably run by Stephan Farrugia, GSL St Julians Group, with
the participation of all the Groups each one putting up a stunt or a
song. Some of the Groups also performed with their bands. A special
presentation was made by a Peruvian Pipe Band. Mr Eddie Clark, a GSL
from Middlesex in the UK, who was present for this event commented that
this was more than a Campfire, "it was a Gang Show" he said and complemented the
Scouting Spirit of the Scouts present for this event. The Campfire was
closed with the traditional Kumbaya prayer song and a short display of
fireworks.
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On Sunday morning the Scouts went on a hike around the
Ghajn Tuffieha area and returned
to camp at about noon in time for lunch. After lunch it was time to
start packing up. This was carried out in record time and by 1500hrs
all were gathered for the flagdown ceremony and distribution of badges to
all those who participated in this Camp.
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The Camp was a big success and the Scouts
from the various Scout Groups mixed well together. The fact that nineteen Scout Groups were present was also very
encouraging and augured well for future similar events. It is now hoped that
the number of Groups and Scouts attending similar annual Camporees will increase
each year
as the facilities at the Ghajn Tuffieha International Scout Centre get better.
Besides looking forward to the proposed two Camporees to be held in 2003
and 2004, the Association looks forward with enthusiasm and vigour to the Mediterranean
Scout Jamboree to be held in 2005.
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| Various views of the
campsite hosting the 19 Scout Groups that took part in the Camp. |
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The Chief
Scout addressing Commissioners, Scouters and Scouts at the start of
the
Tree Planting event. |
| Rachel and
Brian, the two young Scouts chosen to represent the Groups present,
seen unveiling the commemorative plaque. |
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Representatives
from each of the 19 Groups present at the Camp planted a tree at the
site. |
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Mr Eddie
Clark, a Group Scout Leader from Middlesex together with
his wife Maureen were present at the Tree Planting ceremony. Photos
from
left to right show Mr Clark discussing a point with the Chief Scout and
others, the Chief Scout presenting a commemorative souvenir to Mr
Clark and the latter addressing the audience present. |
| General view of the
commemorative plaque and trees planted by the Groups. |
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| On the way out of the
campsite for an enjoyable hike on Sunday morning |
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There were times for
relaxing and discussing, giving out instructions and for consultation. |
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![20021105_loc_07[1].jpg (11950 bytes)](images/NationalCamp_2002/20021105_loc_07[1].jpg)
