SUPPORT AND ACCOMPANIMENT OF CHILDREN
Barretstown, Ireland
From June 25 to July 10
Profile
Students of any grade (from 1st grade on) with listening and empathy skills and motivation to work in a team. With an interest in working with children and young people. Experience working with children in camps will be an asset.
To be a student at intersnhip, you must be 19 years or older.
As a student, you will play a pivotal role in delivering the transformative experiences for which Barretstown is known. Your commitment helps provide joy, support, and a sense of normalcy to those who need it most.
Positions
30
Location
BARRETSTOWN
Barretstown Castle, Co. Kildare, Ireland
Dates
June 25 to July 10 + travelling days
Language
Summer Residential camps: Fluent English
For chaperone/interpreter opportunity: Additional fluency in any one of the languages of the countries Poland, Hungary, Spain, Germany, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Sweden, Denmark
Community partners
Barretstown offers free therapeutic programmes at their unique specially designed campus in County Kildare and through outreach programmes in schools and hospitals throughout Ireland, for children and their families living with a serious illness. Barretstown empowers and encourages each child to step out of their comfort zone and rebuild their confidence through medically endorsed therapeutic programmes.
Each year Barretstown needs over 2,500 volunteers to help run their programmes and make the magic happen. This opportunity is part of the Barretstown Summer Residential Camps Programme. Volunteers are a huge part of the heart and soul of Barretstown. You will play a leading role in providing the magical, transforming experience that Barretstown give to campers and their families.
What are you going to do?
EMERGE Bridge interns at Barretstown are affectionately known as Caras—the Irish word for friend. As a Cara, you’ll play a crucial role in making each child’s experience at camp truly magical. As a Cara, you’ll be more than just a volunteer; you’ll be a mentor, a supporter, and a friend. You’ll be there to motivate and encourage each child to participate in all camp activities, ensuring they feel confident and included.While fun is at the heart of everything we do, safety is paramount. You’ll help maintain a safe environment, supervising the children closely to ensure their well-being. Most importantly, you’ll help children rediscover the joys of childhood. Through your enthusiasm and care, you’ll create an atmosphere of fun and laughter that helps them forget their worries and just be kids again.
Student Responsibilities
Interpreter and Chaperone Roles
You could perform a very important role in translating and acting as the link between campers and staff.
Do you speak multiple languages?
Could you interpret for our campers or are you interested in escorting a group of campers to Barretstown from their home country? Each summer, children and teens from across Europe & the USA come to Barretstown to participate in our programmes.
We require chaperones and interpreters from the following countries: Poland, Hungary, Spain, Germany, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Sweden, Denmark, the UK, Ireland, USA. All our programmes are taught through English. You must be fluent in both languages.
Training is provided for all students. You will also work alongside trained staff and returning volunteers for guidance. At camp you have a key role in supporting and encouraging each child to take part in all aspects of camp. And most importantly you’ll help them have fun!
Description of beneficiaries
Children and their families living with a serious illness. Barretstown empowers and encourages each child to step out of their comfort zone and rebuild their confidence through medically endorsed therapeutic programmes.
Field support
The on-site support will given by the Barretstown Camp Management Team as well as staff supervision through Barretstown Occupational Health partners. The welcome to Ireland and the follow-up of any incidents will be supported by the reference person from University of Limerick and Barretstown.
Mandatory Requirement – Police Clearance Certificate
This placement requires a police clearance certificate (criminal record check).
All selected students must:
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Obtain a valid police clearance certificate in their home country
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Bring the original document with them to the placement
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Send a scanned copy to the organisers before arrival.
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Please apply for this document as early as possible, as processing times may vary.
Lodging
Accommodation and breakfast, lunch and dinner is provided by Barretstown when camp is on. Outside of camp dates, accommodation will be provided between sessions and access to the staff kitchens where students can cook their own food.
Transport
The student is responsible for arranging and paying for the transportation to Ireland. Transportation from Dublin Airport to and from camp is provided by Barretstown. The student must inform the project's reference university of the date and time of arrival at least 15 days in advance.
University of reference for the project
University of Limerick - UL Engage unit: Tracey Gleeson, Táto e-mailová adresa je chránená pred spamovacími robotmi. Na jej zobrazenie potrebujete mať nainštalovaný JavaScript.
Comments from previous participants
Barretstown 30 years - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQzGrbZ2MZ4
Volunteering for the first time - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lP8-ThFiACM
Hear from the Cara's - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzgxqGlJCG4&t=45s
