Snow capped mountains, cooking over open fires, sleeping in tents, trips to local towns and cities, luge rides, chairs lifts, hikes in incredible scenery, swimming in the outdoor town pool, meeting scouts from other countries in Europe – and all this done while having great fun with good friends and in the magnificent setting of Switzerland.  That was last year’s annual Scout Camp.  Annual Camp is always the highlight of the Scouting Year.  In previous years we have been to France, Wales, Luxembourg, Belgium and this year we are going to Scotland.

The College’s Scout Unit is the 81st Unit Dublin.  In was founded by Fr. McCouaig, and currently consists of a Cup Pack, a Scout Troop and a Venturer Group.

The Cubs take pupils from 3rd, 4th and 5th Class in the Junior School.  They meet in the Scout Den (behind the Church) on Monday evenings from 7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

The Scouts, from 6th Class and 1st, 2nd and 3rd Year, meet on Wednesday night.

The Venturers from 4th, 5th and 6th Year combine with girls from Our Lady’s School and meet in the Venturers’ Room on Wednesday night as well.

At the weekly meetings the Scouts and Cubs learn a whole range of Scouting skills, as well as how to work in group and take leadership.  A lot of this is achieved through playing various games and is good fun.

The Venturers take an even stronger role in running their own Group and the planning of their own Programme.

Along with the weekly meeting each section takes part in various weekend activities – hikes, trips, cycle hikes, hostels, camping, Mountain Pursuits Challenges etc., depending upon their age.

Scouting is only a means to an end.  The end is the holistic development of young people.  What makes Scouting different is the way it goes about this.  It seeks to build character through giving young people responsibility, working in small groups, learning by doing, serving others, giving a sense of connectedness to other people and being active in the outdoors whenever possible. 

Well that is how adults see it.  To the kids it is just fun!!