Edmund Rice Camps

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Our Vision

Edmund Rice Camps are inspired by the gospel-based action and vision of Edmund Rice. Our fundamental premise is that every person has the right to be treated with dignity, respect and love. By creating an environment on camp where this is possible, we hope to make a difference to children and to engage leaders in reflective action for others. In so doing we hope to work towards a more just society.

 

Our Mission

We aim to provide a quality summer camp experience to children in a way that allows both children and young leaders to more fully realise their potential.

We aim to offer children:
  • a week of fun-filled activities in a safe and friendly environment
  • the chance to grow in self-esteem and confidence
  • a chance to make new friends
We aim to offer young adult leaders:
  • an experience of working together as a team for the good of children
  • an opportunity to develop skills and confidence as leaders
  • a chance to explore their spirituality and increase their awareness of social justice issues.

What does a camp involve?

  • A non-residential week-long summer camp for kids ( 8-12 years old)
  • A wide range of activities - sports, team games, treasure hunts, outings, arts & crafts and more
  • Activities organised and coordinated by young adult leaders ( aged 17-25) under the close supervision of experienced adults
  • One-to-one ratio of leaders to children
  • No charge for participants on camp.

Why are they called Edmund Rice Camps?

Edmund Rice was a wealthy merchant who lived in Waterford city during the late 1700s and early 1800s. He was a man of deep faith in God and after his wife died in a tragic accident he sold up his business to care for and educate hundreds of destitute street children in the city. Other men, inspired by his example, joined him in offering their lives to the service of the poor. The Presentation Brothers and the Christian Brothers were both founded to carry on this work of offering education to those with no access to it. Edmund Rice Camps share in this gospel-based vision of Edmund by offering new opportunities and positive experiences to children today.
Click here for more information on Edmund Rice

What kids remember most from camp

"Making loads of cool stuff like bandanas, photoframes and the fancy dress"
"Making new friends, having lots of fun, going on the treasure hunt"
"Our day trips away, singing together on the bus, playing all the games"
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What camp means to leaders

"Camp is a life-changing experience... unforgettable and very satisfying"
- Sarah, Waterford
"Camp rocks... because you make new friends and you make a difference to people's lives"
- Niall, Omagh
"The Edmund Rice Camp has allowed me to question why a blind eye is being turned to those in need"
- Peter, Waterford

The story of camps so far...

Camps began in Australia in 1979, and are now also held in South Africa, New Zealand, Tanzania and UK

The first camp in Ireland was run by members of the Presentation Family in Cork in 1998. Camps now take place in Cork, Dublin, Omagh, Waterford, Liverpool, Stoke and Wirral.

Downloads

Leader's Application Form - Ireland & UK

Leader's Application Form - Overseas

 

Camp Brochure (PDF

 

To find out more, contact:

Patricia Higgins
Edmund Rice Centre
North Richmond Street
Dublin 1.

Tel: 01 819 6781
Fax: 01 819 7622
Email: ervs@eircom.net

For Cork-based enquiries contact:

Anne Barry-Murphy
Edmund Rice Office
Mardyke House
Mardyke, Cork.

Tel: 021 427 8935
Fax: 021 427 9847
Email : erofficecork@eircom.net

In England contact:

Tom Murray
Youth Development Co-ordinator
Edmund Rice Office
Woodeaves,
Hale Barns,
Altrincham.
Cheshire
WA15 0HF

Tel: 01619800599
Fax: 01619049882
Email: ero.cfc@virgin.net