Hikes:
The Scouts normally go Hiking in the Wicklow Mountains. The Hikes normally take place on Saturdays. On the Hikes the scouts can put into action some of the skills that they have learned e.g. Map and Compass Reading (see links), Deciding Routes etc. during their Thursday Meetings. As these hikes are a bit further into the Mountains than the Macaoimh (see link) hikes, lifts from Parents or Buses are normally required there and back. This is where we would ask all parents to assist as best they can. Once or twice a year, the scouts will go on a Night Hike. This offers a bigger challenge to Navigation Skills, and is something just a little different. If Patrols are working well together, then sometimes they are allowed on patrol hikes. The Leaders check the Route Card before they go and offer any other help that the scouts might need on their hike. Hiking is an integral part of the Scouting Ideology as it gets young people out and about in Nature. Through spending more time in the Outdoors, young have a a much greater respect for the Environment.
Camping:
Camping is where the Patrol System really shows the Best that Scouting has to offer. Each Patrol arranges transport, food, and equipment from the den stores. Each Patrol must Build their own campsite with a fire, table, dresser, and of course pitch their own tents. The tents that we use are 8-man Icelandics. These offer more than enough space for the scouts. The Camps normally run from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon during late Spring and Summer. The Scouts must work out between them who is doing what job e.g. Cooking, gathering Fire Wood, fetching Water. They must all work together to achieve a common goal i.e. not to starve. The Camps are also a great opportunity to brush up on knots, axemanship, and other skills. It's not all work though. We assure you that we have lots of fun!!! There is usually a specific activity on the Saturday afternoon that the scouts would have to prepare for, wheather it is a first aid scenario or a go-kart race. Recently the unit has introduced Family Weekend Camps. They are lots of fun and parents and family members get to see what scouting has to offer. Parents are often amazed by what can be achieved with a few poles, rope, and imagination. Sometimes we are too!
Annual Camp:
"Annual " is the Highlight of the Scouting Year. It usually takes place in July, after the Macaoimh Holiday to Knockree. In 2005 the Macaoimh will have their Annual in Knockree form the 2nd 'till the 5th of July and the scouts will go to Glenshelane in Co. Waterford form the 6th 'till the 16th of July. The Camp lasts on average for 10 days. We normally head for the Southeastof Ireland to get the sunshine, but every few years there is a trip abroad. In 2003 the Scouts went to Denmark. We would like to go abroad in 2006 again. Other Camps have been held in Germany, Spain, Wales,and Scotland. During the Holiday, there are football and volleyball Leagues, Hikes, Survival Night, Day Trip, Commando Course, Cooking Competition, Swimming, Patrol Competition, Campfires, and much more to keep the scouts occupied. There isn't a spare minute in the day. The Leaders are assisted by The "Kitchen Staff" who are other leaders and past leaders and friends.
