Regional Camps

The idea of having a camp for the whole region was put into practice by Pat Murphy when he was the Regional Commissioner in the 80s. The programme for the camp was at the individual units discretion and only a small number of events were held for the whole region. Regional camps took place every three or four years from 1982 and were held in Lismore in 1982, Curracloe in 1985, Lough Dan in 1988, Capponalae in 1992, Fethard on Sea in 1996 and Lough Dan again in 1999.

Lismore ‘82

Above: Aidan Ennis, Brendan Cullinane and Robert McGrath of the 13th DLS in Lismore in 1982.

This was the first regional camp, held in the summer of 1982. There was a very good attendance of over 200 scouts which was good since there were only just over 350 scouts in the region at the time. There were two day trips held for the whole camp, a trip to Cork and a trip to Youghal. Other activities included swimming, canoeing, rounders, football games with other units, a trip to the towers in Lismore and campcraft. Also on the camp there was a parents day and a visit by the Chief Scout J.D. Halley. The camp did of course end with a large campfire. The first regional camp was a great success and it was decided to hold more in the future.

Curracloe ‘85

The Curracloe camp was another success although it did not have as good an attendance as Lismore. The different units all had their own programs for the camp and there was only one activity involving the entire region, a trip to Glendalough and then to Courtown Harbour. There was a huge entrance to the camp field built by the St. Paul's scouts. The trip to Courtown was enjoyed by everyone. The weather for the camp was excellent and there were numerous trips to the nearby beach for swimming. To keep up the tradition the camp was finished with a huge campfire held in the sand dunes on the beach.

Lough Dan ‘88

Eight different units attended this camp held in the S.A.I. National Camp Site in the Wicklow Mountains. The site itself had an orienteering course and a commando course and an archery range all of which were given great use over the camp. There were numerous other activities including, overnight survival hikes, treasure trails, initiative bases, pioneering, soccer and volleyball.

Above: Rafting in the lake at Lough Dan in 1988.

The Chief Scout Paul Ring visited the site and spoke for some time with all the scouts. Anyone who has ever visited Lough Dan has of course gone home with one striking memory of the place, the weather. This camp was no different it rained, rained and then rained some more. On one night a terrible storm (later known to be Hurricane Charlie) hit Lough Dan. Extreme measures had to be taken to save the De La Salle marquee and there were a number of tents blown away, never to be seen again. A good camp!

Cappanalea ‘92

The 1992 regional camp was held in the grounds of Cappanalea O.E.C. in Kerry. The location of the camp was finally decided by the A.R.C’s for scouts Pascal Guilfoyle and Brian Kennedy after a lot of debating with the troops. The location had great facilities. There was canoeing, rock climbing, abseiling, bouldering, sailing, swimming and hiking. There was also a day trip to the Crag Caves and another to the Geraldine Experience and shopping in Tralee. The troops also visited the Blennerville Windmill. A mild hurricane also put in an appearance - who will forget the incredible scene of devastation at the leaders campsite.  There was also just one stereo and one tape around for the whole weekend.  Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody was eventually memorised by all 120 participants and led by Sacred Heart was given a perfect vocal only rendition at the end of camp campfire.  Unforgettable!

Fethard on Sea '96

Most of the units in the region attended the camp with each unit deciding on the length and programme of their own camp. Most of the units intended on having a cycling hike on the camp and many units cycled to Fethard. The camp started with a game intended to get scouts from different units to get to know each other, the game entitled "Friends" evolved a treasure hunt in teams which were picked at random with the intention of splitting up members of the same troop. The event was a great success and a similar theme was adopted for other events. The scouts were again split up into teams for a volleyball challenge with matches taking part each night, and more teams were made for a giant quiz. Besides these events no other events took place evolving the whole region, most of the units programmes were the same however. All units took part in canoeing, orienteering, abseiling, snorkelling, rock climbing and sailing with Shielbaggen OEC. Most units also had a cycle hike and beach based activities. Several lucky units were invited to attend the world famous "Virgil Mega Quiz" held nightly by the De La Salle Unit.

Lough Dan '99

In years to come they will still be talking about the camp in Ireland where it actually didn't rain. Lough Dan '99 was that camp and the sun will be one of the many things for which it will be remembered. Camp for 1999 was held from the 24th to the 31st of July at Lough Dan Adventure Centre in Co. Wicklow. Located on the shore of Lough Dan in the Wicklow mountains, Lough Dan Adventure Centre covers 52 acres and is owned by Scouting Ireland SAI. It is professionally managed and has a team of qualified instructors.

The site was in a great spot, close to the lake and surrounded by the Wicklow mountains. Conditions which midgets also find ideal and running through a wall of midgets is definitely an experience that you don't forget easily!  See our Camp 99 page for a full account.

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