Edmund Rice Camps

Their Vision

Edmund Rice Camps are inspired by the gospel-based action and vision of Edmund Rice. Their 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, they hope to make a difference to children and to engage leaders in reflective action for others. In so doing they hope to work towards a more just society.

Their Mission

They 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.

They 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.

They 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 camps 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 we 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.

The story of the 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 and now take place annually in Cork, Dublin, Omagh, Kilkenny and Waterford.