On Sunday 7th June 2009, The Sunday Times of Malta published the following article :



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Also on Tuesday 9th June 2009, The Maltese Herald published the following :


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Xaghra Scout Group thanks the above newspapers and Mr. Charles Spiteri for giving us coverage about E-S.C.OUT.

Theo Farrugia being invested by Akela :)

The Cubs met a bit earlier around noon. We left at H.Q. and headed toward the neighboring plateau Nuffara. We had a couple of breaks along the way where we played some games.  When we reached the top we had a little story-telling break, and afterwards we searched around some holes in the grounds which are said to be Punic tombs. Afterwards we went down the other side of Nuffara where we slid down on the clay slides. Afterwards we headed for Xaghra Playing field were we met all the other sections and had some marching training for the Annual Parade.
   

For the second hike of this month, the pack hiked from HQ to Victoria, towards Zebbug, Marsalforn and then up to our HQ. The meeting took a little more than usual, as we met at 1pm and arrived back at HQ at 4.30. The highlight of the hike was the clay slides (obviously dried clay) where each cub had the opportunity to slide down the slope of a hill between Zebbug and Marsalforn. 
   
Left : Cubs climbing up to the top of the clay slides                                 Right : Hikers' Photo

As with every HQ meeting, the Pack’s time together was initiated by some warming up headed by the energetic Akela. During this meeting, the cubs were involved in a discussion about the causes and effects of pollution, both man-made and natural. Games related to this topic were also played. 

   

The cubs did one of their many good deeds by cleaning up an area in our beautiful village. The spot chosen was near the steep road known as is-Sellum. This means that visitors to the cemetery and tourists admiring the amazing Citadel views can benefit from a clean environment. Once again the meeting took longer than usual as we met at HQ at 2pm instead of the usual 3pm. Also this meeting was done in a joint activity with the Xaghra Troop. Akela and Raksha were missing from this meeting as they were present for the Contract Presentation by the European Union Programmes Agency for our project E-S.C.OUT.

   
Left : Let's begin picking up things!                        Right : The bag can hold some more! Put more! Come on!

 
  CUBS, SCOUTS, LEADERS & HELPERS ALL WITH ONE AIM : GETTING XAGHRA CLEANER!

NOTE : CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE SPRING PACK ACTIVTIES PHOTOS.

Special thanks to Raksha for helping out in writing the above report!

Xaghra Beaver Colony - May 09 Report

1st May - First Beaver Investiture
It was the biggest day ever in their scouting experience for our Beavers. This is due to the fact that they got newly invested. Moreover, from then onwards they could promptly march at parades and boast that they form part of the very first Beaver Colony in Gozo. The whole colony, which consists of 24 beavers, declared proudly the promise which they had learned successfully by heart to Beaver Leader Bubbles, as she welcomed them into the huge worldwide movement of scouting.
   
Left: BSL Bubbles investing new beavers.                                                Right: Proud beavers with their investiture certificates,

2^nd May - Marching Practice

The biggest day for the Beavers had just passed, but just a night away was one of the biggest days for all the scouts in the whole world,  St. George`s Day Parade. As we were invited to march in Valletta along with all the scouts of Malta and Gozo, we had to ensure that the beavers marched well. Therefore, after playing some fun games at the Head Quarters, off we left with the rest of the group for some intense marching practice around Xaghra.

3^rd May - Annual Parade

The Beavers, together with the rest of the Xaghra Scout Group members rose and shone early enough to catch the 8.15am ferry. This was the day of the Annual Rally, where around 3200 Maltese scouts and girl guides march their way through the main street in Valletta. The Beavers marched bravely while being admired by the present parents and huge public and even encouraged by the president of Malta himself.

9^th May - Beavers love their mummies:)

With the help of leaders, the beavers indulged into their creativity to design and create an outstanding card out of their own imagination. The reason was to give it to their beloved mums on mother’s day. As one can imagine, the main theme was that of hearts! With each beaver`s feelings written down, a poem was also stuck onto the card, where it depicted childhood times which are those days that mums will remember and embrace forever.

10^th May - Mother`s Day

The Beavers, together with the cubs were invited for the concert at Xaghra Primary School raised by the ‘Azzjoni Kattolika’ in honour for mothers on Mother`s Day. While being admired by their parents, they sung the song ‘I`ve got the BP spirit`.

16^th May - Hand Painting

The main activity was with the Beavers discovering their own little hands through hand printing. They had fun in choosing their favourite colour and covering their hands in hand paint. Then all the beavers printed their hands on a big banner  and signed their names, along with the handprints of the rest of XSG.  Afterwards, Beavers competed against each other in lodges. They did their very best to win or help the lodge they form part of. Such games are done so that Beavers understand the importance of working in a team.

17^th May - 1^st Anniversary for XSG

Beavers also took part in the Sunday mass which was held to commemorate the 1^st Anniversary of our group. They neither failed from behaving themselves during the not that short mass. A beaver offered our mascot Benji during the Offerings, along with the banner we handprinted along with the rest of the group.

23^rd May - Hiking and Caring for Animals!

This was the second hike for the Beavers. We left from the Head Quarters and hiked joyfully to Pergola Valley. As the theme was ‘Caring for Animals around us’, Beavers were taught more about animals. The main point was that animals are our best friends. On their arrival at Pergola Valley, the Beavers were told the story of Kwibus, the dog who accompanied us during the hike, and how after a hard time, he found people to love him. Afterwards, wide games were played. The hike ended by parents picking up their exhausted but happy children.
           
   

Left: Resting upon arrival at our destination.                  Right: "Those are XSG's cars as they're red like us!" Beaver when hiking in the square.

24^th May - 'Lejlet Lapsi' Parade  

The Beavers together with the rest of the Group were asked to march down Republic Street on Sunday morning along with the Armed Forced Band. Despite the sun and heat, they marched really well while spectators stood admiring them.

30^th May - Visit to Animal Sanctuary

Filled up with enthusiasm, the Beavers left to Victoria with the 8.30am bus where they had an educational visit at the SPCA centre. People in charge of the sanctuary gave the Beavers a talk and showed them around the place. There, they met a lot of dogs and cats. The Beavers even gave a donation from their money box in order to help such poor, homeless creatures. After this visit, they wore themselves out at the Villa Rundle Gardens where they had the time of their life running about. 
   
Left: Xaghra Beavers with SPCA secretary.                                                Right: Energetic beavers posing for a group photo at Villa Rundle.

Special thanks to ABSL Rusty!                 

Xaghra Venture Unit - May 09 Report

   
 Left : Xaghra Scout Group at Ease waiting for further instructions.          Right : Gozo District Photo