What We Do
Edmund Rice Camps (ERC) aims to provide holidays, recreational activities and continual support for children, families and young people who have experienced disadvantage. The camps and associated activities offer the participants:
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Experiences of friendship, fun and sharing
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Positive role models in the volunteer leaders
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Opportunities to build self-esteem and confidence and to relate and socialize better with others.
Young adults volunteer to act as leaders and role models giving parents and carers a much needed break. The camps aim to provide young adults with many opportunities for training and development, including:
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Leaders' Training Weekends (including camp specific training and accreditation in relevant areas)
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Retreats
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Child protection training
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Formation Courses (Social Justice & Peace, Cross-Cultural Awareness etc)Information about and access to other Edmund Rice formation and ministry programmes, including Edmund Rice Mentoring Support and overseas ministry placements
Edmund Rice Mentoring Support
A mentor is a wise and trusted friend and guide. They may act as a friend, teacher, support, advocate, and role model. Most of all they provide a safe, positive, stable, long-term one-on-one relationship.
Edmund Rice Mentors are matched with a child for a period of at least one year and aim to:
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Establish a positive personal relationship.
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Assist in the development of life skills needed by the young person.
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Assist in obtaining an awareness of additional resources in the community.
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Encourage interaction with other social and cultural groups
Mentors are supported throughout their volunteering and provided with:
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Induction training
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Child Protection Training
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Ongoing supervision, support and training
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Opportunities for debriefing and reflection
