‘SPECTRE’, an event for youth members of Scouting Ireland was held on the weekend of July 1st and 2nd at Casement Aerodrome Baldonnel. The event, organised by the Air Team from Scouting Ireland and hosted by the Air Corps saw over 600 youth members aged between six and twenty-five and 120 adult Scouters of Scouting Ireland participate in a range of aviation-themed activities.
The event, named after the PC-12 aircraft operated by 104 Squadron within the No.1 Operation wing, provided an opportunity to tour the base alongside activities that included simulator flights, demonstrations of night vision goggles, survival skills, firefighting, ATC, model making, bird control unit, drone flying and kite making. The event provided a great opportunity for the younger members of the organisation to see some of the range of career opportunities available within the aviation sector and to understand how teamwork is key in aviation.
After activities finished up on Saturday the scout and Venture sections (aged 11-17) were given the opportunity to camp overnight on the base and witness first-hand the 24/7 nature of the operation. Hot chocolate, popcorn and “Top Gun Maverick” rounded out a very successful event. Many thanks to the Air Corps leadership and the huge number of personnel who were so gracious with their time over the weekend to help inspire future generations!
By Ciaran Doyle from Scouting Ireland Air Team. Images thanks to Michael Bergin.
