To quote Bjork “It’s oh so quiet” . Don’t get me wrong , both the hostel and DAC are buzzing with everyday normal activities but , nobody has asked me where they left their sunglasses? , if they could go to Lidl? or what time lunch is? (it’s one o clock – same time everyday for three weeks…yet they ask 
However , now that I have had a lovely day off, I’m faced with the realisation , that I would take every one of them back tomorrow if I could. This year was one of the most enjoyable years we’ve ever done, perhaps even better than last year which I had previously thought was the peak.
Our camp is different. We’re a small business in rural Ireland. Unlike other camps we don’t offer lots of free time or shopping as daily activity, even though it would be much more financially rewarding if we did. We believe though that the kids should be engaged, entertained and occupied – free time is something they can have at home – this doesn’t mean they have to be surfing / climbing / jumping off cliffs the whole time but it does mean there should always be a staff member or two there to make sure everyone is ok, to make sure everyone’s behaviour is appropriate but also to be a friend when someone needs it.
The success of the camp is down to 2 things – the superb attitude of this years kids and to our wonderful staff. This year was really Dickie’s year – I took the backseat and he ran the whole program perfectly blending together Kyle’s excellent work as leader of Surf camp and Nicky & Tommy’s excellent English lessons. Ciara & Trish organised all the logistics – as usual because a lot of the work they do is unseen , sometimes they think it goes unnoticed but believe me with out the girls sterling work, there is no summercamp period.
I would also like to thank Ken for organising all the staff rotas and activities, sometimes at very short notice and all the outdoor and nightduty staff, Fiddy, Neil, Rachel, Paddy, Johnny, Paul, Siobhan, Jessica, Cillian, Ryan, Sarah and Eoin.
Finally I would like to make a special mention of Niamh my big sister. While she will still be involved in our Adventure Ireland camps, Niamh is leaving to go pursue her studies in the USA and I can say without hyperbole that literally none of us would be here without her. The ethos and direction of the camp all come directly from her and we will all have very big shoes to fill come September. However we will be able to follow her simple recipe for summer success. ” Take kids from all over the world, mix well and then add to water.”
Slán
Collie
