As children return to school, Spraoi agus Spórt in Carndonagh is celebrating its most successful summer programme yet. Almost 500 children attended 21 different activity camps that took place from June to August this year.
The fully inclusive and accessible summer camps saw almost 60 children with special needs participate, with free one-to-one assistance.
Spraoi agus Spórt CEO, Helen Nolan says access to low cost, high-quality camps “took pressure off working families during the long school holidays. The camps catered for all age groups, from toddlers to teenagers. They were led by a great team of over 60 people including, facilitators, our own staff, special needs assistants and students. We employed 15 college and secondary students over the summer, and we couldn’t have delivered our camps without them”.
Most of Spraoi agus Spórt’s camps ran for five days, covering everything from adventure, forest exploration and pier jumping, to film making, gaming, cooking, and sewing.
Some highlights this year included a Film School, Teens Adventure Summer Camp, ReThread: Textile Upcycling camp, and Gaming Adventure for Young Creators.
Children on a visit to Carndonagh Library as part of Spraoi agus Spórt’s Multi-Activity Camp
“We also ran our hugely popular July Provision programme for those with special needs,” says Helen. “We would like to thank Glentogher School and Scoil Treasa Naofa Malin for the use of their schools. We couldn’t deliver the programme without their support.
The Multi-Activity Camp ran weekly over the full nine weeks of the summer camp programme. It was a particular hit with children and parents alike, says Helen Nolan. “It offers great variety because each day is different. It’s always jam packed with outdoor activities, games, arts, crafts and more.”
“Parents have told us the camps provided great entertainment and learning opportunities for their children. Some families chose to holiday in Inishowen especially so their children could access our inclusive camps, which is a real plus for the region. Thank you to St. Patrick’s Girls and Boys School for the use of their facilities.”
Another feature of the Spraoi agus Spórt’s summer programme was the Digital Creative Lab, which held its own camps. At these camps, children access the tools and knowledge to innovate and invent using technology and digital fabrication. They work with trained facilitators from concept to design to production, using computer programmes, laser cutting and 3D printers.
The fabrication lab goes out and about too, so Digital Creative Lab Camps also took place at several summer events around the Inishowen peninsula. This was possible due to the support of our sponsor Inishowen Co-op. These events included the Greencastle Regatta and the Clonmany Agricultural Show, the largest Agricultural Show in Ireland after the National Ploughing Championship.
“Young people gain valuable computer science and digital skills at our lab camps. They can literally make almost anything they want,” says Helen Nolan. “By bringing digital education to our rural communities, it enhances future prospects for young people and ultimately builds the skills base for local employers too.”
“Spraoi agus Spórt would like to thank all those who facilitated or helped our summer camp activities. We also want to thank our funders and supporters. They make it possible for us to offer such a wide-ranging programme of activities.”
Spraoi agus Spórt are rolling out their new autumn-winter schedule now. For details about the new schedule of activities and to sign up, go to: www.spraoiagussport.ie
