It was amazing that in over 70 years of camps that 2001 was the first year we decided to use our own campsite at Faithlegg. For example it has toilets and a fridge which is more than many campsites we have chosen could boast. Camp 2001 took place from the 28th July to the 2nd of August at the De La Salle Scout Unit campsite at Faithlegg in Co. Waterford.
Above: On the way to Camp 2001 in Faithlegg or power boating at Dumore East Adventure Centre?
We headed from the den in Waterford at about 10.00am on the Saturday morning by bike. As usual there was the usual share of bike disasters including Squeaks getting his jumper caught in the front wheel of his bike which resulted in him being whipped off it. Michael Kavanagh's sense of direction struck once again when he ended up in Jack Meade's ("Ireland's only fly under pub"). A friendly biker went after him and sent him back in the right direction. When we got to Faithlegg we got cracking on the sites and tents and almost everyone managed to get sunburnt. That night we had the first of the volleyball and soccer games and also got in a game of manhunt.
Above: Maurice Kavanagh of the 7th on the climbing wall at the Dunmore East Adventure Centre.
On Sunday we headed by bike to Dunmore East Adventure Centre for the first of the activities which included canoeing, rock climbing and archery. Glenn Reid O'Hanlon scooped top prize in the morning session and was rewarded with a fiver. Derek Ryan won the afternoon session but left with nothing as he's a venturer. On the way home it was Ian Grant's turn to head the wrong way and he ended up in McGuire's garden centre but Billy chased him down and brought him back. The dinner's were already proving to by of the usual high standard despite the cooks. That night we had another one of those hikes around the woods where you're not allowed use a torch. Your night vision is supposed to kick in after a few minutes but usually you just end up smacking your head off a branch.
Above: The Monkey Bridge on Camp 2001 with the camp contingent. Photo taken by Robert Windle from the river!
The official camp programme gave Monday as a lie in but after breakfast we got stuck into a pioneering project. We had contemplated tackling the Abington Spring Bridge but went with the tried and tested Monkey Bridge in the end. That afternoon we ran off the volleyball and soccer games that were left and they were eventually won by the 3rd. The assault course which followed was particularly wet and mucky. The wet slide went down particularly well with John Cummins managing to break a tooth with a little help from Derek Ryan. That event was as usual followed by a water fight with even Brother Finbarr getting wet. It was the first and last wash for some people on camp. The campfire was very short with us only singing about six songs but we needed the early night as next day we were heading for Oakwood in Wales.
Above: Billy Collins has wetsuit difficulties, while Below: Owen Riordan and the gang experience the Bounce at Oakwood.
We are proud to report that 14 people successfully went on Vertigo, the bungee jump type ride and the intrepid Claire managed to survive it twice. But the excitement had begun before we ever reached Rosslare with the bus getting two punctures. Then, when we got onto the boat we were told that the boat would be late getting in as one of the engines had broken down. Nearly everybody went on Megafobia as well, but a few couldn't buy the pictures as proof as they featured a two instead of a three finger salute. The crossing on the way back was fairly rough and Claire (of Vertigo twice fame) of course got sick. There was allegations that some leaders acquired Pizzas from Coney Island but these were denied and people eventually headed to bed.
Above: Aboard the one engined Stena vomit comet to Wales.
Wednesday was the day we broke camp. We got up, had breakfast, took down the tents, had lunch and then cycled into town. The leaders promised to make up for there having been no PL's party and a few of them made up for it themselves by having their own party which lasted about three days. All in all it was a very good camp and we could make that rare complaint that there was plenty of sunburn.
Above: Mary Winters holds the Stena Line casino table.
Camp 2001 was followed by Mount Mellary in 2002 and Faithlegg again in 2003 which you can read about here.
Above:
Roddy canoeing in the Suir during Camp 2001 with the Port of
Waterford in the background.
Note the latest design in paddle.
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