Big occasion for Laois Offaly scout troop

The investiture ceremony is a significant milestone in the life of a Cub Scout, as it marks the moment when a new member is welcomed into the pack and becomes part of the worldwide scout family.

The 4th Laois Scouts recently had their first investiture since the group closed down during Covid, where both cubs and scouts were invested on the night, and the cubs' parents were part of the ceremony, placing the neckerchief on their child after they said the Scout Promise.

The investiture ceremony involves the cubs or scouts placing their left hand on the scout's flag and saying the Scout's promise, they then make the scouts salute and scouts handshake (left handshake) with the member investing them and the neckerchief is put on them. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

The ceremony was attended by local politicians, Cllr Aidan Mullins and Cathal Berry TD, local parish priests, South Kildare county commissioner Serena McCoubrey, members of the county board, scouters from the county and further afield, and the outgoing 4th Laois Scouters.  MORE BELOW PICTURE.

The Cubs typically meet once a week during school terms to play team games and learn scouting skills like hiking, camping, knots, first aid, cooking, and more. The real adventure is in the outdoors, with hill walks up mountains, treasure hunts, one, two, or three-night camps, litter-picking, parading on St Patrick's, and other exciting activities.

Overall, the investiture ceremony is an important moment in the life of a cub scout, and it provides a chance for new members to be welcomed into the pack and become part of a larger community. It is a moment to celebrate and recognize the commitment of both the cubs and scouters in upholding the Scout Promise and Law.

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Tea and biscuits were served on the night and it was considered a great success.