DARE IRELAND In partnership with Barretstown

A little bit about Barretstown  Barretstown is a specially-designed camp that provides therapeutic recreation programmes for children with serious illnesses and their families, with the mission of helping to rebuild these children and families’ lives, with the belief that every child with serious illness should enjoy their childhood.  All of the children and families are able to attend Barretstown free of charge, including accommodation, food, medical assistance and round-trip airfares, provided at no cost to the family.  Barretstown adopts a holistic approach to its programme, recognising the impact of serious illness on the entire family, therefore sessions for siblings, for the whole family and bereavement programmes are offered.

What will you be doing?  During the Spring, Summer & Autumn volunteers (Caras), working with full-time summer staff to supervise, support and care for campers throughout every aspect of their camp life.  Summer camps are 8 days in duration and all volunteers must commit to the full session, with a full days training before the kids arrive.  Spring & Autumn camps, 3 days with a morning training.  Barretstown needs 700 volunteers to take part in their life- changing programme.  Activities are varied and directed at the different ages groups, helping each children achieve success, even when the child has never tried the activity before. They hope to focus on abilities and not disabilities

The typical Camp Day  Starts at 8am, with breakfast at 9am, activities run from 10:30 to 5:30 with lunch and rest time between. Then Cottage time at 5:30, Dinner at 6pm, evening activities. Bedtime at 10:30.  The available activities include: High Ropes (Climbing, Abseiling), Canoeing, Archery, Horse Riding, Fishing, Outdoor Pursuits, Nature, Theatre, Drama, Music, Arts & Crafts, Pottery, Drawing, Painting, Creative Writing, Photography & Video

Accommodation  Barretstown is a residential camp – Volunteers, Chaperones and Interpreters stay on site during camp.  Food and accommodation is provided.

DARE’s arrangement with Barretstown  We are hoping to send 6 volunteers (12 in total) on two separate programmes.  Session dates for the summer have not been confirmed yet.  Students will not be working in the same groups, and will be assigned to different cottages and activities.  The application process will also involve a phone interview with Barretstown, and you will require 2 references – DARE will provide one of these references.

Brief Outline of Costs  Students will need to cover their own flights and also provide an International Child Protection Certificate - the cost of which is £60, and should be applied for directly by yourself.  Accommodation and food is included in return for you volunteering.  It is then up to you if you wish to see the sites of Ireland following the camp