Scouting Ireland, National Office, Larch Hill, Dublin 16, Ireland.
T: 01 4956300
www.scouts.ie
Lone Patrol Activity Guidelines
No.
NSC - 001
Gasóga na hÉireann / Scouting Ireland
Issued December 2025
Amended Next Review Date Jan 2027
Category: Lone Patrol Guidelines when using a National Scout Centre
Revision Date
Related Documents
Revision Schedule
Description
Introduction
This LonePatrol Guidelineis to assist Scout andVentureScout Sections in organising alonepatrol activity. Lone Patrol activities are an essential part of the Scout Programme. Scouting Ireland Campsites are keen to support young people and their Scout groups through these activities. When a Scout Patrol / Venture Unit participates in a Lone Patrol Activity, the primary concern is the welfare and best interests of the youth members involved.
CampsiteGuidelines
We’re delighted to welcome you to our campsite! To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and environmentally friendly experience for everyone, please keep the following in mind:
Environmental Stewardship
• Leave No Trace: Help us protect nature by minimising waste, noise, and disturbances to wildlife.
• Waste Management: Dispose of rubbish, compost, and recyclables at designated stations. Please refrain from leaving large items such as broken tents or chairs behind.
• Wood Usage: Firewood is available at designated woodpiles. Please return unused wood to the pile and avoid collecting deadwood or felling trees.
• Disposable BBQS: Ensure they are thoroughly cooled and disposed of responsibly.
Respect for Others
• Quiet Hours: Enjoy the peacefulness of nature with a noise curfew from 23:00 to 08:00.
• Speakers & Musical Instruments: Use these thoughtfully to avoid disturbing others.
• Visitors: Guests are welcome during visiting hours and must check in at reception upon arrival.
Safety and Compliance
• Water Safety: Please adhere to posted safety advice. Note that rocks in the area can be slippery, and diving is prohibited due to hidden hazards.
• No Smoking or Vaping: Our National Scout Centres are smoke-free zones to ensure everyone's safety.
• Alcohol & Drugs: Alcohol and illegal substances are not permitted. Visitors under the influence will be asked to leave for the safety of all.
• Fire Safety: Fireworks, balloons, and Chinese lanterns are strictly prohibited.
• Facilities: Only use facilities that are open and designated for use.
• Safe Activities: If a group of Young People use the campsite as a base for hiking/hill walking, they should leave a route card and ETA with the Team in the centre.
• First Aid: A member of the lone patrol must have training in First Aid appropriate to their age and the activity.
• Mobile Phone: Before leaving the campsite, please ensure that your mobile phone is fully charged and will last the duration of the event.
CourtesytoWildlife
• DogPolicy:Whileservicedogsarewelcome,wekindlyaskthatotherdogsremainoff-sitetoensure harmony with nature.
AccountabilityandBehaviour
We value a respectful, inclusive atmosphere and expect everyone to contribute to this spirit.
• Conduct: Maintain behaviour that considers the environment and fellow campers. National Scout Centres are ‘Dry Sites’, and alcohol must not be consumed on-site.
• Responsibility: Group Leaders are accountable for the actions of their members on site, ensuring respectful and safe behaviour.
• Consequences: To ensure a positive experience for everyone, we may ask individuals or groups to leavethesiteiftheirbehaviourdisruptsothersorviolatescampsiteguidelines.Insuch cases,refunds may not be provided.
AdditionalResponsibilitiesforScoutersinCharge
For Lone Patrols / Lone Venture Units attending a National Scout Centre, additional commitments for Scouters include:
1. Ensuring young people's health, safety, and welfare during camp.
2. Always remain reachable by phone.
3. Visiting the group at least once every 48 hours to offer support and guidance.
We appreciate your cooperation in creating a wonderful camping experience for everyone! Thank you for being part of our community.
When making a booking for a Lone Patrol / Lone Venture Unit, the Youth Member will be listed as the “Booking Contact” in our system. A Scouter from their section can be added as the “Billing Contact” for convenience.
NextStepsforaLonePatrol/LoneVentureUnitsActivity
• Book your stay with a National Scout Centre
• Provide a copy of your programme to the National Scout Centre for the duration of the activity.
• If you are leaving the site for a hike, please leave a route card and your estimated arrival time back to the Centre with the Staff on the site. Your Scouter in Charge should also have a copy of this route card.
• Ensure that there are mobile contact details for members of the patrol/unit with the campsite staff.
• If your return to the National Centre is delayed, please get in touch with the campsite staff to inform them that you are delayed.
• If you need support/advice on your activity, do not hesitate to ask the campsite staff, who will be delighted to help.
• If you get into difficulties while away, contact the relevant emergency service if necessary, and then contact the National Centre and advise what the situation is. We will help you in whatever way possible.
• It is essential that you have an appropriately equipped First Aid Kit with you for your activity.
Scouting Ireland, National Office, Larch Hill, Dublin 16, Ireland.
T: 01 4956300
www.scouts.ie
Patrol Activity Guidelines
HowtobookyourLonePatrol:
To make a booking, please click on the link below for the National Scout Centre you wish to attend
• Larch Hill Scout Centre: Fill in Form Here
• Lough Dan Scout Centre: Fill in Form Here
• Castle Saunderson Scout Centre: Fill in Form Here
Finally, have fun and enjoy yourselves.
