Hi All,

We’ve a few things to post here. Yes, it’s very early, but hopefully it’ll help you to be well planned!

Gear List. It WILL change so please keep an eye on the website!

Things you will need are:

• FULL UNIFORM.  We will depart in full Uniform.  No Exceptions!  Now is a great time to check you have all parts of your uniform.
• Spare neckerchief.  While not essential, would be useful as a spare, or if you wanted to swap yours etc.  (You must always have a Douglas / St. FinBarres neckerchief, so if you’ve only one with you, then you can’t swap it if the opportunity should arise).

• Hiking boots will be necessary.  Remember too that it’s VITAL to “wear in” hiking boots.  If you need to or choose to buy new boots, you MUST have them “worn in” before camp or you’ll be VERY uncomfortable in them!
• Water bottle – At least 1 litre – possible 2 x 500ml’s would be a good idea.
• Sleeping Bag  – THE SLEEPING BAG IS A MUST!  YOU WILL NEED IT!!
• Pillow (if you like.  Inflatable maybe?)
• Pillow Case.  (We think there may be pillows in the chalet but you will NOT be able to use them without a pillow case that you bring yourself.
• Track-ends/Leggings
• Warm Sweater
• T-Shirts
• Changes of Underwear
• Plenty of Socks
• Warm Nightwear
• Change of Shoes or Runners
• Shorts & Trousers
• Raingear – Waterproof Jacket & Trousers
• Warm Hat & Gloves
• Wash Gear – Toothbrush & paste, Shower Gel, Shampoo, Comb
• Towel
• Swimming costume & hat
• Tea-Towel & Dish Cloth
• Sun hat
• Sun cream & Lip salve
• Torch & Spare Batteries
• Rucksack or similar type hold all
• Day trip bag
• Sunglasses  (Nothing expensive please!)
• Walking Socks
• House shoes – the hostel are quite strict about no “outdoor footwear” to be worn inside. So something suitable. Slippers, flip flops, whatever would be comfortable.

Just for information, there are NO clothes washing facilities in the chalet.  As far as we know there are no launderette facilities anywhere in the vicinity – so either have enough of clothes for the duration or be prepared to do a hand wash yourself!

The two types of bag are important and worth considering.  The main rucksacks will be going onto the coach before we leave Cork, and will not be available again until we get to Switzerland.  So everything needed for the journey will have to be packed in the day bag.  We would recommend that this would at least contain:

• Change of clothes
• Washgear & towel
• Water Bottle  SUPER IMPORTANT
• Swimwear

If it’s small enough, it might be nice to have the sleeping bag in the day bag?  While not essential, it would add to the comfort on the journey, both on the coach, and possibly on the ships.

Money

Totally get that a lot of people nowadays live in an electronic world – and use Revolut or similar for nearly all their spending. BUT…

Where we are in Switzerland is very rural. There are zero guarantees that all cards will necessarily work. Were that to happen, we wouldn’t be in a position to give you money to carry you over.

So…

We would strongly suggest that spending money is brought in Swiss francs – at least some of it. (i.e. not relying on your card for everything.) We will be, as usual, offering a camp bank system whereby we can take care of any cash for you until it’s needed.

Obtaining Swiss Francs:

It’s come to our attention that not all of the Irish banks will supply foreign currency at this stage- even on order. So this is also something that needs to be looked into in advance. We BELIEVE that Bank of Ireland and AIB do allow you to order foreign currency. Please check it out with your bank!

That’s about it for now.

PLEASE keep checking this website.  All new information will go up here.  Travel information will go up here.  Also, we would anticipate that the “gear list” above will be changed / added to.  If that happens, you’ll read about it here!

Contact any of us with any queries – camp24@douglasscouts.ie

Yours in Scouting,

Adelboden 2024 Team!.

Booking’s for Camp24 are now closed.

We thought it would fill quickly, but didn’t think it would be this fast!

To eeveryone who has secured their place, Congratulations! It will hopefully prove to be an experience of a lifetime!

Hi all,

Hope you all survived the ridiculous weather last night without too much disruption!

As has been sent out by various channels, the camp announcement will now happen tomorrow, Friday night, at 8pm in the Scout Hall.

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

On Thursday 29th the bus departed at 3.00m in the morning and Summer Camp 2023 officially commenced.

Bus to Ferry to trains followed by lunch and another bus and then we were at Silver Cross

We got started straight away setting up tents and camp. The sun acted as both a positive and a negative in that the weather was wonderful but tiring especially after the journey.

After camp was set up there was some free time before we had dinner.

Friday 30th

After the traveling yesterday it was not much of a surprise that we had a late start today

We started off Camp with a light day onsite.

This consisted of a shelter making demonstration for bivvying and then practice. Following that, the scouts and ventures split into 6 patrols and then partook in some team bonding activities. This included Flag designing and making, coming up with Patrol names, assigning roles; Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, Scribe etc. Claiming Huts and Fires. At the end of the day we all got a lovely surprise trip to Costa Coffee.

Saturday 1st

Today was spent mostly out in Swansea.  We went to the Leisure Centre: Which was a very cool swimming pool with multiple slides. After the LC we got to spend time on the promenade where we witnessed some of an awesome airshow and then wandered into a fair with many different stands for example a Lego minifigure stand, and Ferrets. We also had a brilliant encounter with both Batman and Spiderman.

The day came to a close with some card games and Tarot reading.

Sunday 2nd

Today’s primary activity was an Inter-Patrol Cooking competition. This was won by a 6th scout patrol group who made Burgers.

Other activities included; Putting up tents without sight and/or hands.

Traversing a minefield with a ‘Scout’ (Ha)

Blind Obstacle course & Cup of Water

Disabling bombs and rescuing civilians from between burning buildings.

Cooking breadsticks

Camouflage hide and seek in the woods.

Another Late night ended the week with exciting discussions regarding Aliens and Life on other planets.

Monday 3rd

Today started at 10.00am with a Hike into Morriston which lasted about an hour and a half. We then continued on for a further half hour to Swansea AFC Stadium where we stayed for 2 hours. We decided to return via a more direct route back to camp from the Stadium. Highlighted conversation on the journey back was about James Gunn and Mark Reeves’ DC movie adaptations.

Finally Monday came to a close with a coloured themed Inter-Patrol eating challenge

Beige – Whistling Crackers   Blue – Cheese   Red & White – Uncooked Pasta and Jam   Red – Chili Pepper   White – Cake   Yellow – Lemon   Green – Olive

Tuesday 4th

Today was spent in Oakwood Theme Park. The most enjoyed ride was probably Speed -A rollercoaster with a near vertical drop, loop-the-loop, and corkscrew- or Vertigo -A slingshot-like-ride where up to three people were drawn up to what must have been at least the height of a seven story building and then let swing down.

While at the Theme park the Ventures engaged in some delightful Plotting.

Once back at camp everyone partook in some Jovial Birthday Celebrations which ended with a Woodland Disco. Highlighted Songs include; Ra Ra Rasputin, Mr Brightside, California Girls, and Footloose.

Wednesday 5th

The day was spent onsite and started out with avoiding ‘spiderwebs’ in the forest by climbing or crawling. Following that we delighted in trialing the much talked about  Spiderland. One person went through a total of 13 times.

After cleaning up from Spiderland we all were challenged by a Quiz about our Patrol Leaders. We know them so well. After that we got to trial laser tag in the woods we then got to partake in crate stacking and the aforementioned plotting was executed.

Thursday 6th

We had a dark and early start today at 03.30am and traveled to Rhosilli where we went Coasteering; Coasteering involved swimming along the coastline, climbing and then jumping off Cliffs and it was outstanding and an incredible experience.

When we returned to camp we took down shelters and repacked patrol boxes and some other site items to lessen the workload for later. Then we had a number of hours of free time where we laid back; read together, played games and, notably, built a wonderful bandstand with a porch, roof, decorative leaves and flowers and carved wooden rings.

In the evening we got to meet Explorers from the area and enjoyed an excellent Barbeque with them. The night was spent socialising and playing Uno.

Friday 7th

The second last day of Summer Camp was spent taking down camp, packing bags and generally preparing for the journey back to Cork. After finishing packing early. We got to spend 1.6 hours in Swansea and then a further hour and a half at the LC. The markets in Swansea were the highlight of the time there. Upon returning to camp we prepared for the last campfire which included collecting firewood and getting songs prepared. We found Frogs which definitely would make a list of the best things to happen on camp. At the campfire we got the results of the Interpatrol competitions the overall winners being A Ventures patrol called Baskets

The final competition was a pronunciation competition of the longest place name in Welsh; llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

The last night was a late night with some goodbyes.

Saturday 8th

The travel back was bittersweet considering people were happy to be home but no doubt sad camp was over.

Nevertheless many wonderful memories were made and experiences had.

We are very grateful to all the leaders and everyone who was involved in making Camp happen and running it.

Thank you all very much, Míle Buíochas, Diolch.

Katie Byrne.

Date: Sunday, Feb 5th

Start: 9.30 am at start of Mangerton walking trail

Finish: 3.30 pm

Directions using Google Maps

Cost: €0

Route:

• Mix of track, open ground and hill side scrambling
• Distance is aprox 10kms
• Fulfils the criteria of a QMD (quality mountain day) towards their hillwalking badge

Important:

• Ensure your scout has a very good breakfast
• We will do a gear check prior to starting walk – please wait while this is being done!
• We expect to be back at finish point by 3.30pm
• For scouts interested in the MPCs this is a must

Hike Gear List

• Neckerchief
• Knapsack / small rucksack lined with a bin bag.
• Hiking boots – we will be crossing very wet ground so boots are a must have.
• Warm long socks
• Hiking trousers (no jeans or cotton tracksuits!)
• Rain gear (jacket with hood & pull-up trousers)
• Warm clothes – multi light layers are best.
• Hat & Gloves – it will be very cold!
• Head torch & spare batteries
• Bivvy bag or large heavy duty refuse sack
• Healthy packed lunch and snacks
• Water – minimum of 1 ltr
• In separate small bag: Change of shoes and socks + warm hoody for after hike – to be left in cars

Optional, if scout has these…

• 1st aid kit
• Flask with hot drink
• Walking poles
• Gaiters

Electronic Device Policy: It is advised that scouts do not bring electronic devices, Douglas & St Finbarres Scout Group, its leaders and Scouting Ireland will not be held responsible for any electronic devices lost or damaged.

Dates: 3rd – 7th August 2022

Depart: 3rd August Scout Hall @ 14.30

Return: 7th August Scout Hall @ 15:00

Location: Castletownbere

Accomodation: Under canvass

Cost: €188 – Covers all transport, food, snacks and activities.

Pay online by following this link Online Payments System When logged in select “Scout Camp West Cork August 2022” from the list. The payments structure will be 4 payments of €47. An initial deposit/payment of €47 followed by 3 payments of €47 that will be automatically collected every 2 weeks.

Camp Theme: The theme of the camp will be “Search & Rescue” and most events over our few days away will have an element of that theme associated with it.

Activities: We’ll have a number of activities including sea kayaking. The kayaking will be run by Outdoors Ireland a well established local kayaking guide and training business. The other activities will be land based and subject to weather we may have a day at a local beach.

Gear List: your scout must bring these…

• Neckerchief
• Rucksack lined with a large bin liner
• Napsack for daily events
• Hiking boots
• Rain gear ( coat and pull-up waterproofs )
• Water bottle – 1 litre minimum
• Compass
• Whistle
• Headtorch + spare batteries
• Sleeping Bag
• Ground matt
• Travel / camping pillow
• Cup/Plate/Bowl/Knife/Spoon/Fork/tea towel in a string pull bag
• Change of clothes for 4 days
• Warm fleecy + hat incase evenings get chilly
• Old clothes suitable for water activities.
• Wash gear – towel / tooth brush etc
• Sun cream
• Insect repellent
• Sun hat
• Personal 1st aid kit
• Musical instument, if they play one they should bring it. Excluding a drum set!!

Optional gear they can bring

• Walking poles
• Gators
• Dry bag
• A platypus for extra water
• Swim gear

Medications: If your scout needs medication for anything no matter how trivial you must inform the leaders before leaving for camp.

Previous Medical History: If your scout has had any history of allergies, hayfever etc you must inform the leaders before leaving for camp.

Return to scout hall: When we return back to the scout hall all scouts will be needed to help unload and put away gear and hang up tents in the hall if they are wet.

Electronic devices: Leaders will not take any responsibility for any devices brought to the event and there are no charging points on site.

Have you any questions? You can WhatsApp the 2nd Section leaders or email AndrewBreslin@DouglasScouts.ie

Date: Sunday 29^th May

Location: Mangerton, Killarney

Start Time: 9:30am

Finish Time: 2.30pm

General Directions: Take N73 west. To avoid Killarney town centre: Aprox 1km after Glenflesk filling station/church, take left turn signed for Mangerton.

Google Map Directions: https://tinyurl.com/4es77zpe

Food before hike: A very good breakfast is essential to fuel your Scouts walk until their 1st food break.

For the health and safety of all our scouts if we deem any inappropriately dressed for the hike they will not be permitted to attend. Parents are asked to wait until check is completed.

Gear they must have…

– Neckerchief – Rain gear (coat and water proof pull ups) – Boots – Knapsack (lined with a large bin bag) – Torch + spare batteries – Compass – Food – Water 1 litre minimum – Small 1st aid kit – Whistle – Sun hat – Suncream – Insect repellent

Optional items that are very useful…

– Walking poles – Gaters – Spare fleecy jacket. – Small flask with hot drink – Bivvy bag – Extra snacks eg a few small choc bars or bag of jellies.

Regarding Mobile Devices…

If your scout brings a mobile device to track their route it is best to keep it in a dry bag, have a spare battery and cable. Note: Leaders will not take responsibility for any smart devices brought by scouts.

Spare clothes and footwear should be left in the car that will be collecting them.

Date: Sunday 6^th March

Location: Galtymore

Start Time: 9:30am

Finish Time: 3pm

General Directions: Jct 12 M8, Kilbehenny, continue on R639, at cross roads signed Galtymore climb turn left, continue to the end.

Google Map Directions: https://tinyurl.com/kstrwrhf

Food before hike: Hike is not overly difficult, but a good breakfast is essential to fuel their walk until their 1st food break.

For the health and safety of all our scouts if we deem any inappropriately dressed for the hike they will not be permitted to attend. Parents are asked to wait until check is completed.

Gear they must have…

– Rain gear (coat and water proof pull ups) – Warm hat & warm gloves – Warm clothes – multi-layers are best – Warm socks – Boots – Knap sack (lined with a large bin bag) – Torch + spare batteries – Compass – Food – Water 1 litre minimum – Small 1st aid kit + face mask – Whistle

Optional items that are very useful…

– Walking poles – Gaters – Spare hat and spare gloves – Spare fleecy jacket. – Small flask with hot drink – Bivvy bag – Extra snacks eg a few small choc bars or bag of jellies.

Regarding Mobile Devices…

If your scout brings a mobile device to track their route it is best to keep it in a dry bag, have a spare battery and cable. Note: Leaders will not take responsibility for any smart devices brought by scouts.

Spare clothes and footwear should be left in the car that will be collecting them.

Date: Sunday 6th February 2022

Start: 9.30am

Finish: 2.30pm

Location: Paps

General Directions: N22 Killarney Rd. Right turn you’ll need is signed as Clydagh valley

Google Map Directions: https://tinyurl.com/yarvw2kz

Food before hike: Hike is not difficult, but a good breakfast is essential to fuel their walk before the 1st food break.

For the health and safety of all our scouts if we deem any inappropriately dressed for hike they will not be permitted to attend the event.

Gear they must have…
– Knap sack (lined with a large bin bag) – Rain gear (coat and water proof pull ups) – Boots – Warm clothes – multi-layers are best – Warm socks – Torch + spare batteries – Hat & gloves – Compass – Food – Water 1 litre minimum – Small 1st aid kit – Face mask – Whistle

Optional items that are very useful…
– Walking poles – Gaters – Spare hat and spare gloves – Spare fleecy jacket. – Small flask with hot drink – Bivvy bag – Extra snacks eg a few small choc bars or bag of jellies.

Spare clothes and footwear should be kept in the car that will be collecting them.

Date	Mountain	Location
Feb 6th	The Paps	Cork / Kerry county bounds, just off Killarney rd
March 6th	Galtymore	Kilbehenny, M8 JCT 12
May 29th	Mangerton	Killarney
July 10th	The Bone	Cronins Yard, Killarney
July 24th	Purple Mountain / Tomies	Kate Kearnys Cottage, Killarney
August 15th	Corrán Tuathail	Cronins Yard, Killarney

** To facilitate our scouts sitting their JC, hikes previously planned for June have been pushed out.

Firm hike dates will be updated following discussion with the scouts.