De Kluis Belgium 2025 Camp Report
Written by Kevin Wilson of 1st Kyle Valley Scouts
Hot is the word that springs to mind. It was over 30 degrees centigrade every single day, which in some ways made life easier, no wet tents or mud, but in others more difficult. Still, we are British, and never entirely happy with the weather whatever it brings.
Shaun, Nigel and I arrived at De Kluis after an epic two day journey late on Thursday night, the van full of camp kit. We set about making our home for the week. Once we had done enough to provide ourselves with beds for the night and the means to boil a kettle, we sat down to some boil in the bag dinner and spent our first night under canvas.
Friday was spent finishing the camp, collecting recycling bins, sorting keys for showers and toilets, and doing a quick shop for dinner. This time it was moules frites, a vast improvement. Saturday saw us in mild panic, as the coach was on an earlier ferry than expected. We rushed around the local equivalent of Booker’s, piling food into large trolleys and hurrying back to get it all stowed before the Scouts arrived.
Once the Scouts had reached camp, tents were put up, sleeping places sorted, dinner eaten, and a short briefing given before bed.
On Sunday we were up early for breakfast, followed by a short walk to the railway station in Sint Joris Weert. From there we took the punctual and spotlessly clean train to Leuven. After walking a mile to the local leisure centre, the Scouts enjoyed a cool off in the pool, complete with slides and a lazy river. An unscheduled visit was made to the local hospital after one Scout banged his head diving into the shallow end, but all was well. We then gathered at the Scout Museum to learn about Belgian Scouting, before heading to the bowling alley and finally taking a walk around the beautiful town centre of Leuven. Then it was back to camp for dinner.
Day two took us by coach, driven by our fantastic driver Mandie, to Brugge for a day of sightseeing. We visited museums, enjoyed some shopping, and took a lovely canal boat trip around the old town. With horse drawn carriages, waffles, ice cream, and stunning architecture, it was a truly gorgeous place.
Day three changed pace as we visited the Adventure Parc for a full day of high ropes. Kitted out in overalls, harnesses and helmets, the Scouts took to the trees on bikes, skateboards and all manner of aerial challenges. It was a fantastic day, ending with dinner and a well earned rest back at camp.
The following day was our Battlefields trip, which is always a profound and difficult experience. We began at the remarkable Passchendaele Museum, where we also met 1st Gosport Scouts. From there we travelled a short distance to Sanctuary Wood at Hill 62, with its museum and original trench system. The museum is tired in places but still holds items that stop you in your tracks. The wood was quiet and atmospheric. We then walked to the Canadian memorial at the top of the hill before moving on to Bedford House Cemetery, where the Scouts had time to reflect on the human cost of war. Francesca, Freddie and Erin read In Flanders Fields beautifully. Nigel and I attempted the Exhortation and the Kohima, though nerves got the better of us.
We then paid our respects to Second Lieutenant Rupert Price Hallowes VC, MC and Scout Leader, before visiting the grave of Private Peaceful, where Eve, Alex and Charlie laid a cross. It was a difficult but deeply important day, ending with chicken and chips at a restaurant before we took our place at the Menin Gate for the evening ceremony. Dan, Jacob and Riley represented us with great respect and dignity as they laid a wreath before a crowd of over 500 people.
Day five was a mixed day. We travelled to Waterloo, learning about Wellington, Napoleon, and the battle that reshaped Europe. We climbed the famous mound, surveyed the battlefield, watched a real cannon firing, and marvelled at the Lego models in the museum. In the afternoon we collected our mountain bikes and explored the woodland surrounding our campsite.
Our final activity day was spent at a theme park, which proved the perfect way to finish the week. The Scouts enjoyed rides galore and celebrated their newfound independence.
It was a whirlwind trip, full of energy from start to finish. The young people behaved exceptionally well and embraced being part of something bigger than themselves. I must commend the youngest of them, Riley (8), Noah, Eve, Ella, Joss, Daniel Granger, Albie and Elisabeth, for their bravery in taking part. I also want to recognise the Explorers and Young Leaders for their maturity and patience in supporting the younger Scouts. They went above and beyond to ensure everyone was included, safe and happy. Scouting is certainly safe in their hands.
None of this would have been possible without the support of you as parents, and the utterly brilliant team of leaders who gave up their time. Yes, we got to spend a week in the sun in Belgium, which sounds wonderful, and it was, but it takes a special kind of person to make it happen in this way. I had a full team of them alongside me, and it was fabulous.
Looking ahead, many have asked about future trips. These are at different stages of planning and will be shared once details are confirmed. One that is already fixed is Kandersteg in 2026, taking place from 6 to 15 August. Bookings for this will open in around four to six weeks. We have also discussed possible trips to Morocco and Norway, as well as a themed visit to Portsmouth, Brownsea Island and Normandy. Details will follow once plans are further along.