Scouting encourages young people to do things for themselves, to make their own decisions and to plan their own activities….all the while learning from the process. Scout camping is all about young people organizing and planning their own camp and using it as a base for their own activities. For this reason scout patrols are encouraged to camp at Lough Dan with or without their leaders. Leaders and Parents often have some misgivings about teenagers running their own affairs without adults present but at Lough Dan we can help allay some of these worries. The National campsites are the perfect solution for lone patrol camping because

We can provide adult staff supervision and assistance but not in an interfering way

We have many activities on site that are part of the camp fee and we can suggest suitable safe hike routes for lone patrols to undertake on their own.

We have extra facilities that make running your camp easier and that are all included in the camp fee. Things such as fridges freezers, wet weather shelter, fire wood, first aid post, toilets and showers and waste recycling facilities making the camp planning that little easier and all included in your camp fee which is still only €5 per person per night.

You can make an on-line booking on our website www.loughdan.com just mention in the comments box that you are a lone patrol. And include the mobile number for your scout leader.

We can appoint a person to coordinate with the Patrol Leader and liaise with the Scout Leader or parent by phone if needs be.

We can if required provide some assistance to the Lone Patrol such as programme guidance and training.

We can advise you on how best to get to the center using public transport. St Kevin’s Bus from Dublin and Bray to Roundwood and then a a short 4 km hike to the center.

The center is right on the Wicklow Way so yo can in effect get to Lough Dan on foot. This is one of the national way marked routes so navigation and route finding is easy and secure making it ideal for Gaisce and CSA expeditions. Most scouts start at Crone Wood (16 km north) near Enniskerry Waterfall or in Glendalough (10 km to the south). The Wicklow way is now connected with the Avonmore Trail and St Kevin’s Way so you can get to us on foot from Rathdrum and Hollywood respectively. All roads seem to lead to Lough Dan where you will find a friendly welcome awaits you.