Edmund Rice camps and Atherton gardens HSP  This is a powerpoint I put together for a unit in third year about services available to children that may need a little extra assistance. The certificate is for my participation in the Atherton gardens Homework support program which I completed in third year also.

Edmund Rice Camps Hollie Layfield S EDFD221 Agency visit

Edmund Rice Camps ERC is a charity based in Melbourne that provides camps for families and children that are experiencing social or economic disadvantage. They are supported with a 1:1 ratio mainly by young people that volunteer their time to create a place of acceptance, care and fun. The charity believes that all children deserve equal rights and opportunities (Convention on the right of the child). ERC was inspired by the founder of the Christian Brothers, Edmund Rice. Edmund was a missionary of children who were disadvantaged and dreamed of breaking the cycle of exclusion and oppression (ERC, VIC, 2014).

What do ERC do?  ERC provide camps for children from disadvantaged backgrounds and also run specially tailored camps for;  Indigenous children  Refugee and Asylum seeker children  Children in transition(from grade 6-year 7)  Families (unique to ERC)

What is included on the camps?  1:1 ratio of child to volunteer.  All meals and accommodation.  Activities such as crafts, sports, bushwalking, camping, swimming, archery and organised free time.  A chance to have fun and build relationships, while being fully supported by the volunteers. (ERC, VIC, 2014)

Volunteers  The volunteers are trained before they take part in the camps on the camps’ policies and also the necessary steps to take if a child or parent discloses information about an issue at home. E.G. Abuse.  The volunteers learn about the protective behaviours policy, volunteer rights, volunteer code of conduct, discipline policy and the definitions of abuse.  The are also debriefed on Mandatory reporting (EDFD221, Mandatory Reporting, 2012).

Indigenous camps ERC works closely with Indigenous groups in Victoria to create camp programs that connect to traditional cultural understanding. These camps were created because of the lack of support in education and health that Indigenous children experience. The cultural barriers these children face can make it difficult for them to function in society. Indigenous children in Victoria may also have little exposure to traditional customs of their ancestors. ERC have put together a camp that provides Indigenous youth with: -opportunities to go on camp and be in a safe space of fun, care and support. -opportunities to form relationships with young adult volunteers that provide role modelling of positive behaviours (Burgess, Managing behaviour) to nurture the wellbeing and mental health of the participants (Risk & Resilience, 2004). -a program that enables connection to the elders of their community and opportunities to share in their cultural understanding. (ERC, VIC, 2014)

Indigenous camps cont. By enabling children to learn about their culture it creates an opportunity for a sense of pride in being Aboriginal and opportunity for further exploration. These camps also provide a chance for volunteers to learn about Aboriginal culture which can further the efforts in reconciliation. (ERC, VIC, 2014)

Refugee camps Many of the volunteers at ERC volunteer as tutors to refugee students with Edmund Rice Community and Refugee Services in St Albans. Many children in these communities have limited chance to play, go on holidays, positive peer relationships or socialising outside of their immediate community. ERC created a camp to provide these children with a safe, supportive and most importantly a fun atmosphere where they can play and form positive relationships with the young adult volunteers. This will nurture the wellbeing and mental health of the participants (Risk & Resilience, 2004). (ERC, VIC, 2014)

Refugee camps cont.  ERC combined with tutoring by Edmund Rice Community and Refugee Services, provide a foundation for the children and families to resettle in Australia.  These connections to the refugee children and families also provide the volunteers a chance to learn about the children’s heritage and gain a deeper appreciation for multiculturalism which plays a big part in Melbourne’s identity. (ERC,VIC, 2014)

Family Camps  A unique feature in ERC is the family camps they provide.  These camps are for families experiencing social and economic disadvantage and provide an escape from the difficulties of everyday life for these families, as well as a chance for them to bond as a family through resilience and strength.  It can also provide opportunities for families to connect to other families on camp that can genuinely relate to the circumstances they are going through. (ERC, VIC, 2014)

How do you get to go on camp?  Children and families must be referred to ERC through welfare agencies and schools.  The agency will apply on the participant’s behalf and as there are limited places (20-25 on each camp) not all applicants are guaranteed a place on camp.  The indigenous camps are available to Indigenous children that are referred by Yarra Valley Aboriginal health Service. As ERC are working with schools and agencies to support children and families it is reflecting the Family-School Partnership Framework.

Issues of Social justice addressed by ERC ERC Mission: Guided and inspired by the life of Edmund Rice, with a strong sense of social justice, we commit to the formation of a dynamic and supportive community. By inviting and challenging our volunteers to act as positive role models, we provide opportunities for young people and families for growth, support and enjoyment in an atmosphere of acceptance, care and fun. ERC Values: - Justice - Hope - Community - Commitment - Trust - Support - Growth (ERC Vic, 2014) (HREOC, 2007) (Kids matter, 2014)

Underpinning Theories related to ERC  ERC recognises that basic needs have to be met before a child can feel safe, belong, have higher self-esteem or begin to develop morals or creativity.  Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs pyramid shows exactly this.  By ERC providing children with their physiological and safety needs, they can then build on the child’s sense of belonging and esteem through support and fun. This will then lead on to creativity and morality. (Maslow, 1943).

How can ERC assist Marco?  Marco is responsible for looking after his 3 sisters while his mother worked night shift. This caused him to be tired at school and had a lack of attention and concentration in class.  I choose ERC to assist him and his family because unlike any other agency, ERC provide family camps. This camp would give Marco time to play and enjoy himself as a child should. It would also give his mother a break from her difficult home life and a chance to talk to the volunteers about options she might have.  Most of all it would give the family time to bond and connect as a family unit- something they rarely get the chance to do.

References Australian Government Department of Health. (2014) Kids Matter: Australian Primary Schools Mental Health Initiative. Retrieved from: Burgess, J. Developing Social Skills and Managing Behaviour with R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Retrieved from: g%20Social%20Skills%20and%20Managing%20Behaviour.pdf Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. Family- School Partnerships Framework: A guide for Schools and Families. Department of Education. Retrieved from: 2af04d69cb60/1/FamilySchoolPartnershipsFrameworkFINAL.pdf EDFD221/271 (2012). Child Protection and Mandatory Reporting. Lecture slides. LEO. Retrieved from: Edmund Rice Camps. Edmund Rice Camps Victoria. ERC Retrieved from:

References cont. Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission (2007). Australia’s commitment to children’s rights and reporting to the UN. Retrieved from: Maslow, A. H. (1943). A Theory of Human Motivation. Psychological Review, 50, pp. 370 Retrieved from: Response Ability (2004). Risk and Resilience. Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved from: