Presenting • John Fitzgerald: Operations Director • John Mitchell: Camp Director
Welcome to Barretstown
Established in 1994 • Barretstown are a registered charity and we need to raise €5.5 million to runs our programmes in 2018. • Through our Residential Programmes – We have served over 40,000 campers and family members – In 2018 we will host 20 family camps with 25 families in each and including 4 Bereavement camps; 8 children's camps with 125 children; 6 residential and 5 day Charity Partner camps serving over 3500 campers • Through our Outreach programmes (Started in 2012) – We have served over 12,000 campers in hospitals and schools bringing the magic of camp to their doors. – In 2018 we will serve 4000 campers in hospitals and schools
Our facility • Barretstown can accommodate up to 250 campers and staff • We host camps with 125 campers and 100 staff / volunteers • We have 15 cottages capable of sleeping 240 • We have other accommodation to sleep 50 • Our theatre seats 280 • Our dining hall serves 250; three times each day • We have 20 individual activity areas
Being sick can put a child’s life on hold
How we make a difference Our Mission - We believe that every child with serious illness should enjoy their childhood. We offer free of any cost, specially designed camp programmes for children and their families living with a serious illness – supported behind the scenes by 24 hour on site medical and nursing care. The Therapeutic Recreation model is central in all aspects of our programme. We encourage children to challenge themselves, step into their stretch zone safely and have fun as they do it . Our Residential Camps and Outreach programmes have a profound effect and lasting impact on our campers and their families. After participating, children go home with increased belief, confidence , self- esteem and most importantly the reassurance that happiness and fun are not just for healthy children .
Our focus We respond directly to the needs of children living with a serious illness – The hospital both clinical and treats the psychological. illness, we treat the Our Therapeutic Recreation child model is recognised by Paediatricians and Psychologists all over the world as an important and necessary component of a child’s treatment:
Our model of Therapeutic Recreation • Designed to engage and empower each child, enhance self-esteem, confidence, hope, friendship, trust, social skills and independence in an atmosphere of emotional, physical and medical safety and security. • Set up to allow children of all levels of ability participate, succeed and flourish • All camps activities and facilities are fully accessible • All members of the delivery team are fully trained in all aspects of the Therapeutic Recreation model
Challenge, success, reflection, discovery.
Challenge • We encourage all children to challenge their own individual Comfort Zones • A physical and emotionally safe environment is set up from the moment the camper arrives • Each child makes his or her own decisions about their level of participation • We run our activities based on ‘Challenge By Choice’
Success • Success is individual and is celebrated in the same way for everyone. • Obstacles to participation are removed creating a fully inclusive programme. • Fun and team-work are promoted and we avoid competition. • The DLP Model (Describe, Label, Praise)
Reflection • We set time aside for children to internalise their success and associated feelings. • How? – individually, in groups, in structured and unstructured times throughout the day • When? – cottage chat, meal times, transition times, activity debriefs, rest hour. • The 2 adult ratio promotes opportunities for reflection.
Discovery • How do we know this works? • We see the growth in belief, confidence, self esteem and independence in children from arrival day to departure day. • We see and hear children increasing their participation and sharing their experiences. • We also have children’s testimonials, family feedback and independent research.
Yale Research Parents and caregivers were asked if they had noticed any changes in their child following camp; • 83% reported an increase in their child’s self confidence • 80% reported an increase in self esteem • 76 % reported an increase in maturity • 74% reported an increase in independence
FUN • Fun is what makes the ‘Magic’ happen • Remove fun from the model of Therapeutic Recreation and it stops working. • Children need to be enjoying themselves in order to challenge themselves • Serious fun is central to everything we do
Challenge, success, reflection, discovery Adventure High ropes Low ropes Mini-zip wire Climbing Wall Canoeing Archery Horse riding Fishing Mini Golf Nature Orienteerin g Creative Drama Music Arts and crafts Lego Pottery Baking Library Imagination Station Photography/video
A break from hospitals but not a break from medical or psychological treatment
Medically supported The Med Shed Fully equipped medical facility on- site staffed 24 hours each day by paediatric specialists and nurses throughout the duration of camp.
Thank you!
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