Scouting encourages young people to do thing for themselves. This includes the “camp Chores” such as tent pitching , menu planning, fire lighting, cooking, washing up,  making camp gadgets as well as organizing a program of activities and hikes. This should all be done by the young people themselves. The adults are there just to lend a hand and provide support in an age appropriate fashion and to provide adult supervision for activities such as swimming, rafting etc.

Scouting believes that when young people are involved in planning and running their own activities there are lots of learning opportunities. Learning opportunities that help develop life skills such as planning, teamwork, decision making, goal setting, problem solving, leadership, responsibility, listening and reviewing as well as developing respect for others and for the environment. Quite simply it creates self reliant young people.

Scout badge work and challenges can all be used to put a structure on this learning. They are an opportunity for young people to set goals and then to have their achievements recognized.

Scouting is not about adults keeping young people entertained or leaders arriving down before hand to set up the camp.

At Lough Dan we support Scout Camping. The  staff team has lots of experience in working with young people of all ages and if you need help or advice just ask. We will be glad to help.

Below are links to a few of the National Scout Centre Policies and Procedures.

National Scout Centre’s Alcohol Policy
National Scout Centre’s Fire Safety Statement
National Scout Centre’s Health and Safety Policy
National Scout Centre’s Smoking Policy
Water Activities at Lough Dan