164th
Brackenstown Scouts
Welcome
Welcome to Brackenstown Scout Group! Based in Swords, we proudly operate within Fingal Scout County, contributing to the vibrant community of Scouting Ireland and the global World Scouting movement. Our group offers engaging programs for all ages, including Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Ventures, fostering teamwork, adventure, and personal growth. Join us as we explore the great outdoors and develop lifelong skills together!
Sections
Click to learn more about each section
Get Involved
Our group runs on the dedication of volunteers, so we warmly invite you to consider becoming a scouter and supporting our community.
Click here to learn about the role of the Scouter.
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Expression of interest for youth membership will open from January 1st to June 30th every year for start in September.
Our Scout Den
A map of our scout den is available here.
Contact us about use of our scout den. Unfortunately it is not permitted to sleep in the hall, however our garden can facilitate camping (approximately 25 people).
Knot New - Second hand scout gear
Give Gear a Second Adventure!
Got old outdoor gear, uniforms, or camping gear collecting dust?
Donate them to Knot New and help other scouts gear up for their next big adventure – at a scout-friendly price!
How it works
Donate your gently used scout gear at weekly meetings
Shop for affordable second-hand equipment.
Support your troop – proceeds go right back into our scouting programs!
History
The first meeting of the 164th Brackenstown Scout Troop was on the 2nd of November in 1980. The troop was formed by Leopold Batt with some interested parents from St Cronan’s Parish.
The first scout meeting took place in the St. Cronan’s sports hall. Shortly after the Group began to meet in a prefab in what used to be the priest’s car park. Unfortunately, that building was burnt down. Eventually planning permission was granted for the current scout den, which was built in 1988.
The first Unit camp took place in Glenshalane in Co. Waterford in 1981.
In 1989 the group welcomed its first girls into our scout section.
Brackenstown became a member of Scouting Ireland when it was founded in 2004.
Scout Symbolism
Scouts shake with their left hand as it is the hand nearest the heart, and is offered as a token of friendship. Ashanti chiefs offered Baden-Powell their left hand, as to do so they must drop their shields and their protection.
Badges and uniform
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Scouts will be awarded badges, there is a space on their uniform for every badge they earn!
Our neckerchief colours are unique to our group and are worn with pride at every meeting and activty.
Adventure Skills
Adventure Skills are a core part of the Scouting Ireland programme, designed to help young people build confidence, resilience, and practical ability through hands-on learning. There are nine key Adventure Skills: Camping, Sailing, Pioneering, Emergencies, Paddling, Rowing, Hillwalking, Backwoods, and Air. Each skill is divided into nine progressive stages, allowing Scouts to start with the basics and work their way up to advanced levels as they gain experience and knowledge.
These skills are integrated into the weekly meetings, camps, and outdoor activities across all age sections—from Beavers to Rovers. As Scouts grow and move through the different sections, they continue to develop and refine their skills, taking on new challenges appropriate to their age and ability.
Special Intrest Badges
Special Interest Badges are designed to encourage Scouts to take ownership of their personal growth by challenging themselves in areas that spark their curiosity and passion. These badges focus on five key areas: Skill, Physical Recreation, Community Involvement, Environment, and Adventure.
To earn a Special Interest Badge, Scouts choose a project within one of these areas, set clear goals, and commit to learning or improving a skill over time. The process is self-directed, giving Scouts the freedom to explore their interests.
Throughout the project, Scouts reflect on their progress, the challenges they’ve faced, and what they’ve learned. This encourages personal responsibility, goal-setting, and critical thinking, while also making space for creativity and individual expression.
Chief Scout Award
The Chief Scout Award is the highest award a young person can achieve in each section of Scouting Ireland, representing dedication, growth, and a commitment to the Scouting journey. It challenges Scouts to push themselves beyond their comfort zone across multiple areas of the programme and is a true mark of personal achievement.
To earn the Chief Scout Award, participants must complete a series of requirements that include Adventure Skills, Special Interest Badges, an Expedition, and a Community Project. Each part of the award is designed to encourage Scouts to develop independence, resilience, leadership, and a strong sense of social responsibility.
