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CAMPS
Edmund Rice Camps for Kids WA is a place that strives to allow kids to have fun, enjoy themselves, feel good about who they are and what they are doing and ultimately enjoy the experience of being a kid; some of our volunteers also enjoy the chance to be a kid again too.
All of this happens on camp. It’s how the organisation was founded and remains at the core of what we strive to achieve and the programmes that we offer. When you walk into an Edmund Rice Camp, you are overwhelmed by the sense of joy, laughter, big smiles and atmosphere of happiness that exist in this special place. No matter what changes and future directions lie ahead for Edmund Rice Camps for Kids WA, camps will always remain central to what we do.
In 2008 there was once again an increase in the number of camps run, the number of participants involved and joining us for the first time, as well as an increase in the number of volunteers taking part in offering their time and energy to put a smile on a kid’s face. The slogan ‘having fun and making a difference’ has never been more accurate, than when describing camps in 2008.
In the past twelve months Edmund Rice Camps for Kids WA has run camps in July, October and January school holiday periods, as well several Mini Camps (camps run over a weekend) throughout the school term. Mini Camps are further enhancing the work done with kids during the school holiday camps. The Mini Camps programme continues to grow and become more popular with kids and families, as we provide opportunities for specific groups of kids to spend time working together in a safe, fun, friendly atmosphere.
In 2008 Edmund Rice Camps for Kids WA was able to run Mini Camps for Refugee kids, Indigenous kids and our Older Kids group. All these groups represent a growing demand within ERCKWA and present unique needs and challenges. It is for these reasons the Mini Camps programme was so successful for these kids. It is hoped in 2009 that we will be able to expand the Mini Camps programme to children living with their grandparents, children with disabilities and kids with challenging behaviours.
The School holiday camps (held in July, October and January holidays) were as popular (and fun) as ever, with large numbers of new child referrals and new volunteers attending. The participants attended the camps which aimed at providing them with the opportunity to have a holiday experience in a fun, active and encouraging environment. Activities included: Skit nights, scavenger hunts, quiz nights, water games, bush walking, cooking, beach activities, sports and team building games.
The role of volunteers within the organisation, especially on camps, continues to increase as we work with more families and more kids in need. The development and growth of volunteers through their involvement and the opportunity to stop and reflect on the work they are doing is an essential part of the Camps programme. In order to ensure that as an organisation we are fully nurturing and supporting the volunteers, it is vital they are given the chance to process the impact of their hard work. This remains a commitment of Edmund Rice Camps for Kids WA in 2009. A huge thank you to all volunteers, in whatever role they take on, who continue to bring joy to the lives of hundreds of kids and their families in the West Australian community through the Camps and Mini Camps programme.
The hopes for 2009 and beyond are to be able to offer more opportunities for kids to attend camps, continue to increase the intake of volunteers involved in the camps programme, explore new ways, structures and models of running camps to make them even more enjoyable for all involved.
As we begin a new year in Edmund Rice Camps for Kids WA, we look forward with excitement to the fun and adventure to be had on camps in 2009. Along with even more Mini Camps there will also be a new FUN FEST programme providing opportunities for kids to be more involved and supported by volunteers on ‘day activities’. It is hoped that this programme will further support the work done thought the Camps and Mini Camps programmes.
Figures from Camps 2008/2009 (July 08 - Jan 09)
Number of participant camp places filled: 163
Number of new participant referrals: 67
Number of participant Mini Camp places filled: 29
Number of volunteers involved in camps: 118
Number of new volunteers: 56
Number of ‘Other’ volunteers supporting camps: 40
Participants - Children attending camp.
Volunteers - Young adult volunteers
Other Volunteers - Coaches, Cooks, Kitchen hands and Bus Drivers
Participants - Children attending camp.
Volunteers - Young adult volunteers (predominately recruited through Perth’s Catholic high schools).
Other Volunteers - Coaches, Cooks, Kitchen hands and Bus Drivers.
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To volunteer for upcoming camps go to the "volunteers" section of this website.
Upcoming full length and Mini (weekend) camps are outlined on the "calendar".
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