De Kluis, a story of nature, accommodation, meeting, simplicity, unity, commitment, chances and pleasure. The Kluis as a youth accommodation centre gains strength from its history, the unique location and its possibilities.
The story of De Kluis goes way back in time. In 1934, VVKSM (Flemish Scouts) decided to buy the old foresters house 'La Retraite' and extended it in the shape of a Brabant square farm. The surrounding fields and wastelands were bought and laid out with a variety of native and exotic trees. This provides a unique view and a wonderful forest to play in.
Before, the buildings were used to give training sessions to scouts leaders. Over the years, the centre grew out to be a completely equipped youth accommodation centre, ideally suited for forest classes, weekend stays, youth camps, catechesis days, camps in tents,...
The centre is located in the biggest, mixed deciduous forest of Flanders: Meerdaalwoud - Heverleebos (1900 ha). This is one of the few places in Flanders that has remained a woodland since the last ice-age. The 200 ha nature reserve 'de Doode Bemde' is at 2 km.
The centre is not only surrounded by beautiful nature. Because of its central location in Belgium, on the language border, De Kluis also offers a wide range of possibilities. With only 10km from Leuven and 35km from Brussels, you’ll find yourself literally in the centre of Europe.