The Killaloe Scout troop can trace its origins back just over 90 years to when the 5th Clare troop was founded in 1933. While we have not been able to confirm that it has run continuously since then, we know it has since the early 80s as a few members from back then have now returned as Scouters (leaders). In 2000, 5th Clare joined with 22nd Clare(Ogonnelloe Scouts) to form the troop we have today.
In 2019 we had two Beaver Sections of 24 6 to 8yr olds, two Cub Sections of 24 9 to 11 year olds, one Scout Section of 35+ 11 to 14 year olds, one Venture section of 16+ 15 to 17 years old and multiple Rovers of 17 to 25 years of age.
Over the pandemic, due to declining numbers of members and Scouters, we had to close a Beaver and a Cub section and numbers of both Scouters and members were reduced across the sections left open. This has greatly impacted our ability to take in new applicants each year as we can only take a number equal to those moving up to Cubs or who have left. (Each year this is usually around 8 maximum.)
This has a knock-on effect on intake at Cub level because if the number moving up from Beavers is equal to the number moving from Cubs to Scouts than there are no places left. Previously we usually had places available at Scout level due to children leaving and the fact that the ratio of Scouters to Scouts is higher. Now, as a consequence of the reduced intake at the lower levels we are facing a backlog with the Scout section as well.
Our current waitlist stands at 56 of Beaver age, 61 of Cub age and 16 of Scout age with none of Venture age on the waiting list.
We are aware that this is frustrating for parents and we are working to overcome the problem. The first stage is that we are reopening a Beaver section this September with the intention of adding a Cub section as soon as possible (stage 2). Over the last few weeks 8 new volunteers have begun the process of becoming Scouters and will be trained over September and October to support the existing Scouters thus enabling the opening of the second Beaver section. Once this is established, we will be turning our attention to the second Cub section.
The important point is we can only function if we have the support of parents willing to become Scouters. Without Scouters, it is simply not possible to run the sections.
The Wait List
We are asked all the time where a child is on the waitlist. This depends on a number of factors, not just when you registered your child: what age and therefore what section ; whether the parent is able to become a Scouter for a particular section; at Beaver level entry is weighted 60:40 in favour of females, as we tend to lose more females than males
When offered a place it can be deferred once but not twice and once you are off the list the only way back on is by reapplying online.
If you have any other questions about your child on the waiting list please email enquirie@killaloescouts.com
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