Rush scouts all set to be big in Japan

THERE was a great atmosphere in Rush earlier this month when Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David O’Connor and Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, Dr James Reilly, attended the final meeting of the Rush 38th Scouts before they embark on their trip to the 2015 World Scout Jamboree in Japan.

The venue for this year’s Jamboree is significant in that it will be held during the 70th anniversary of the Atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Scouting Ireland, who will be attending a number of commemorations in both Hiroshima and Nagasaki to mark the anniversary, have designated two of their leaders as Messengers of Peace, one of whom is David Clarke from Rush.

These Messengers of Peace will be meeting up with scouts from Palestine to create links with Scouting Ireland.

Scouting Ireland will also be sponsoring scouts from Lesotho in Africa who otherwise would not have been in a position to attend the Jamboree.

Chairperson of the Rush 38th Scouts, David Clarke, welcomed the dignitaries to their scout den in Kenure Woods, which is the old gate lodge of the Kenure Estate.

Speaking at the event, Mr Clarke said they were delighted to see the newly appointed Mayor and Minister Reilly attending the event.

“We have had great support over the years from Fingal County Council and indeed from Minister Reilly himself,

? he said.

“We are the longest established youth group in the area and I am glad to say we are receiving wonderful support from our public representatives who recognise the value of the youth development work being done by Scouting Ireland in the towns throughout Fingal.

?

The Messenger of Peace is a Global initiative brought about by the World Organisation of Scout Movement (WOSM).

“I am proud to have been chosen as a Messenger of Peace and will fly the Fingal flag in Japan,

? Mr Clarke added.

The 2015 World Scout Jamboree will take place from July 28 to August 8.