Ten venture scouts and their two Leaders, Keith Touhy and Caoimhe Nally, took on the challenge of a 36km hike across the Wicklow mountains along the Wicklow Way recently as part of the Scout Annual Camp in Lough Dan, Wicklow.
The hill walking task took them from Larch Hill, HQ of Scouting Ireland, across to the Sally Gap where they camped overnight, and the following morning, they made their way down into Lough Dan carrying all their own gear, including tents and sleeping bags. It was a huge undertaking and the Venture Scouts, aged 15 to 17, ended up very tired by the time they got to Lough Dan.
The venture scouts were part of a contingent of 42 scouts and leaders from Athlone that were camping at Lough Dan for eight days. Lough Dan is a scout campsite nestled in the beautiful surroundings of the Wicklow mountains which attracts scouts from across Europe to hike and camp on Dublin’s doorstep.
Sean Mimnagh, one of the leaders noted that scouts have the chance to put into practice the camping and hiking skills they learn during the year, learning especially how to get along with each other and in the process, making new friends.
Other activities on camp were kayaking, cooking, patrol mini olympics, signals, survival night, first aid, camping and hill walking. All the scouts had the chance to complete their own 16km stretch of the Wicklow Way as part of the camp.
The camp included a day trip into the county town to visit Wicklow Gaol, which proved to be a very popular attraction, especially with the younger scouts.
The scout troop would like to thank all the leaders, Keith Tuohy, Laura Dennehy, Caoimhe Mannion, Caoimhe Nally, Morgan Lane, Corey Egan, Katie Harrison, Carmel Lough and Sean Mimnagh for the time and effort in organising an excellent scout camp.
