This article is from page 82 of the 2008-07-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 82 JPG
A BUSY few weeks of fun and games drew to aclose last week with the end of this summer’s Clare Federation for Special Needs summer camp.
Based in St Clare’s School, Gort road Ennis, the camp ran for a three week period since throughout July, catering for children with special needs and young people from ages five to 18 years.
The camp is funded by the Clare Federation for Special needs who employed 12 young people to run the camp in conjunction with the group leaders, Helen O’ Neill and Sharon Malone.
Key funding and organisational sup- port for the highly popular summer camp was also provided by Eileen Williams, Chairperson of the Clare Federation, and Bridgid O’ Mahony, secretary of the Clare Federation. Principal of St Clare’s Anne Walshe oversaw the activities at this year’s camp. The summer camp runs along- side the July provision, a system that provides for extra schooling for stu- dents with certain disabilities.
The summer camp was instigated at St Clare’s five years ago to cater for the students who are not eligible for the July provision.
The summer camp has grown from strength to strength and this year 1s
providing three full weeks of ac- tivities and social interaction for 25 children and young people. Many of the students attending were from St Clare’s, but this year organisers have been delighted to open the doors of St Clare’s and welcome students from other schools for the three- week period.
Students had their hands full with the fun filled programme. Activities included swimming, bowling, week- ly visits to Tumble Towers, bouncy castle, cookery, art and sports.
One of the most popular attractions at this year’s camp was the school’s sensory garden.
Opened in 2007 by Bishop of Kil-
laloe Dr Willie Walsh, the garden is specifically designed to allow chil- dren uninhibited access. The design of the garden is such that certain ar- eas are specially planted to appeal to the sense of sound, while other areas appeal to the sense of touch.
The garden and the school’s new play area provided the ideal setting to make new friends. Already, children and teachers are looking forward to next year’s Summer camp.