Over 50 scouts and their leaders returned recently from a 12 day camp in Austria which enjoyed beautiful sunny weather for the duration of the camp. The group flew into Germany's Friedrectishafen Airport before boarding a coach to cross the border into nearby Austria. Their base for the first 4 nights was in the Altach Scout centre.

Their to meet the group on arrival was local scout leader Karl Heinz Weber ( Charlie) who had spent 2 years as a leader here in Carrickmacross. Charlie is a native of Altach and it was him who had come up with the idea of bringing the scouts to Austria.

On arrival in Altach the scouts were treated to a meal provided by the Altach scout leaders and committee. At this base the scouts completed a 7 hour hike which took the scouts over mountain peaks that were over 3 times the height of Ireland's highest Carrountohill. Their was a great sense of achievement when the group arrived back and were told what heights they had climbed in the Austrian Alps. Other events that took place in Altach was swimming in one of the many outdoor swimming pools in the area. A treasure hunt was organised by the Austrian scout leaders where the Carrick scouts and the Austrian scouts were mixed in groups to take part. This proved very interesting as most of the Carrick scouts had no German and most of the Austrian scouts had no English. It was interesting to see how they got over the language barrier by using sign language and bits of German and English they have caught along the way.

Also while in Altach the scouts went to Bobsleigh run were they bobsleighed down a 2.4km mountain slide.

On the Saturday the group said goodbye to the Altach scouts after a barbecue and some presentations.The group now moved to their new base which was high up in the Austrian alps in a Picturesque village of Marul. They stay in log cabin which was surrounded by outstanding scenery of mountains with snow peaks, rivers waterfalls all within 40 metres of the cabin.The group used all the natural facilities for their numerous scout projects and games. Projects such as bridge building and rafting were held on the rapids of the river that flowed down the valley.

Excursions away from the campsite included a day trip to Bregenz on the Swiss German border where boating, swimming, diving and a trip up a cable car to a viewing point which took in views of 4 countries Germany, Switzerland, Austria and liechinstiene.

Other days away included an exciting day trip to Euroland Theme park in Germany. This park is larger than Euro Disney and is regarded as the leading theme park in Europe. The scouts had a great day enjoying the many rollercoasters, waterslides and the other attractions. A shopping day was also laid on to the beautiful small town of Bludenz with its small cobbled streets and its beautiful buildings.

Along with all the trips away from the campsite scouts also enjoyed a mix of traditional scout events such as the infamous night hike which starts at 1am and finishes at 5am. Cooking competitions this year were of a very high standard.

All in all this years camp was historical as it was the first Annual scout camp for both boys and girls since the unit went mixed last September. This proved to be a great success with both boys and girls entering into the scout spirit for the 12 days. On arrival home on Sunday night the Carrick scouts were met by a large group of parents and friends who presented the leaders of the camp with a presentation as a mark of appreciation for their generosity with their time and their dedication to providing a great scout camp for all who attended.

The camp chief for the camp Liam Murray thank the parents for their kindness and also praised the rest of the leaders who attended the camp. The other leaders were Karl Heinz Weber, Gene Woods, Martin Cunningham, Niamh Woods, Dara o Reagain, Phillip mc dermott, Caoimhe martin, Grainne Phelan, Christine Townsend and Louise mc Mahon.

Group leader Jimmy Cunningham also attended the camp and commented that this camp was the largest troop in numbers that had ever gone on annual camp and that the future of scouting in Carrickmacross was in a very strong position. He said that due to the success of this scouting year that next year would see the opening of a 2^nd scout section in the town which would give more youth in the town  a chance to experience scouting.

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