The De La Salle Scout Group are planning to develop a new Scout Centre at a green field site at Gracedieu in the north west suburbs of Waterford City. The Scout Centre, which it is hoped will be complete in 2023, will include a new scout den with a large activity hall, band room, training and meeting room, kitchen and toilets, store, foyer and display/archive area and a climbing wall. There will also be two outside training sites. This is an historic move from our current home at 25 Patrick Street in the city centre, where we have been situated since our formation in 1928.
This move arises from the decision of the De La Salle Order to relocate the De La Salle St. Stephen’s primary school from Patrick Street to Grace Dieu. The Order have always been the sponsoring authority for the scout group and this move ensures the continued presence of scouting at De La Salle. It also provides the opportunity to develop the best scouting facilities in the country for the current and future membership.
Having celebrated 75 years of service to Waterford City last year, the group maintains a very strong vision for our future growth and development. Today and in the future there will be an even greater need for the Scouting organisation whose purpose is to contribute to the development of young people and the realising of their full spiritual, intellectual, physical, social and cultural potential as individuals, as citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.
The De La Salle Scout Group passionately believes in this purpose and it is our central aim that Scouting will continue to make a very significant contribution to the lives of young people in Waterford City, throughout this century. The development of the new Scout Centre is one part of a wider development plan which includes the continued enhancement of all our sections through a strong and vibrant scout programme, investment in equipment and activity resources and also training and succession planning for our leadership team.
Over the years members of the group have gone on to play a major part in entertainment, business and politics both at home in Ireland and abroad. But it is perhaps the vibrant memories of great annual camps, mad weekends in Faithlegg, hikes in the Comeraghs, late night campfires, taking part in competitions, working in a patrol and strong friendships which are most important to people. Through this fundraising initiative we are inviting past members to renew those links with the past.
We are now offering the many friends of the De La Salle Scouts, an opportunity to become involved in this development through a Standing Order Scheme or through Corporate or Personal donations. In addition the De La Salle Scout Group is a registered Charity (Number: CHY3507) and all moneys raised from standing orders and other donations are liable for tax relief. Details of the tax reliefs are given on our Standing Order page and if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact any leader or email: mail@dlscouts.ie.
Progress on all aspects of the development, fundraising and all events will be available on this page and throughout the website as they happen. This is your opportunity to be involved in the future of scouting in Waterford City and De La Salle!
