Laois girl scout seeks donations for Icelandic wild camping adventure

placeholder image — Laois Scout Keelin O'Brien

Portlaoise teen prepares for Scouting Ireland 2026 Crean Challenge

A brave Laois scout is asking for donations to help her embark on the adventure of her lifetime, wild camping in Iceland.

Keelin O'Brien, 15 has been selected to take part in Scouting Ireland’s 2026 Crean Challenge in Iceland.

The high achieving Laois teen is very active in the community. She is also a rugby coach in Portlaoise Rugby Club and a cat fosterer, is heading off in February, after eight months of training.

"This an amazing adventure inspired by the experiences of Irish Explorer, Tom Crean, which helps participants to push themselves, go outside their comfort zone, experience new cultures, spending more time in the outdoors, while going on amazing adventures with new friends and making memories to last a lifetime.

"Over the last months, we have been completing training weekends which includes training hikes, route planning, navigation skills, first aid skills, weather systems (Irish and Icelandic), wild camping, expedition skills, team work, communication and leadership.

"On successful completion of our 8 month training programme, we will embark on our week long expedition to Iceland in February 2026. This will bring together everything we have learnt, working together to successfully complete the expedition in Iceland along with our own individual goals with the support of our Crean Challenge Mentors," the teen scout said.

Keelin enjoying scouting activities.

Keelin has also been selected for the World Scouting Jamboree in 2027 in Poland, representing Ireland with other Scouts from across the Island of Ireland.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity where I can meet people from all over the world who share the same love of Scouting and the outdoors that I do, while experiencing different cultures, values and beliefs. I represented Ireland in the Atlantic Youth Touch Cup, x15 Touch Squad this year, competing with teams from 12 countries across the World. This experience has motivated me even more to reach beyond my own borders, seeking opportunity for global citizenship, personal growth and further opening my eyes to other perspectives and experiences," she said.

Keelin on the rugby pitch.

Keelin's mother Lynn O'Brien started a GoFundMe online fundraiser for her in mid December and in less than four weeks has almost achieved her goal of raising €1,100 towards the cost of her Iceland adventure.

"My savings and earnings from 'Bob-a-Jobs' has gone into both the Crean Challenge and Jamboree initial costs. At 15 years old, I can only work 8 hours a week so I am currently applying for jobs to help towards the cost of both events and equipment. The Crean Challenge in particular requires specialist equipment, most of which I still need to buy or borrow as my current gear is quite literally on its last legs.

"Transparency in all I do. Every payment instalment, piece of equipment or clothing will be recorded with transparency and can be viewed at anytime by any donor. This account is managed by my mam who is over 18," Keelin adds.

"I hope to be able to do the same for someone one day when I am older but for now, I thank you for getting this far and if you can contribute, regardless of how small it feels, every little helps for which I am truly grateful and sincerely appreciative," the Laois teenager adds.

Keelin's fundraiser is called Help Keelin Spread Her Wings on gofundme.com