Camp Journal - Cork, Ireland

It’s getting warmer and almost a whole dry day was enjoyed by all …

after all we wanted to prove that it does not rain EVERY DAY and even though there was one heavy shower it was after the programmes ended! The luck of the Irish I guess

We are lucky to not only have such a beautiful and superb golf course but also great practising facilities with a driving range, swing annalyser, pitching and putting areas etc.  After morning practise and coaching our keen teenage golfers get to play some holes….of course they cannot wait and this is always enjoyed as they see their game improve.

PARENTS NOTE that there is a beautiful Sheraton Hotel attached to the course so if you want to stay a few days and enjoy some golf check and see!

This year we have a sportif and active group who are keen to get maximum time in the Indoor Sports Village so we booked some extra sessions of tennis, soccer and indoor games! They want to stay active and I guess the counsellors are happy if it means they get tired and maybe sleep earlier! They also have been busy in 4 groups planning their own EVENT X evening programmes. Normally Village Camps organise a complete evening programme schedule but this year in line with the Leadership[/TALE concept we have kept 4 nights free for each group of students to plan their own evening event for the whole camp!

This is Jude’s 2nd summer with Village Camps. 

Jude is the Golf Counselor at Cork.

Originally from Canada where he learned Golf and now has a single figure handicap. 

Jude has been living in Europe the last 3 years in Spain, France, Czech, Switzerland (where he also worked at the Outdoor Education Programme for Village Camps).

He was also an English teacher in Japan.

When not playing golf Jude enjoys bowling, boules and a spot of cricket.

He is really excited about being back in Ireland and playing golf at such a wonderful location. Ireland is also his favourite country……ce mile failt!

Photo challenge and leadership event...

Another busy day with a few showers!

Riding Programme

Today our photographer Damien was busy at the riding stables so take a look at the photos. The West Cork Equine Centre is out in the country amid beautiful rolling hills and a few miles from a lovely sandy beach. Our group of 15 riders have already done quite a bit of riding outside as well as practising more specific skills in the manege. The teaching staff really know how to work with youngsters and are firm but friendly and welcoming so that all feel at home and get to know their horses well.

On arrival and at the end of the session they learn about horse maintenance, cleaning, saddling, grooming etc. to ensure they have a well rounded appreciation and understanding of what it takes to look after a horse. Naturally on arrival many want to jump on the horse and ride but the other aspects of our programme are equally important so they take 15-20 minutes preparing their horse before mounting.

Look out for the special days we will feature when our riders will enjoy a ride across the sandy beach and visit a special show.

Our first Leadership (TALE) Photo Challenge in Cork

Each group of 6-8 had a staff facilitator to assist if needed. After a brief explanation  of the event and challenges each group were given a folder with a list of questions, challenges and photo puzzles, a map, some photos to use as clues and 12 euros to spend on finding certain items for the least price possible.

The old narrow streets of Cork with no cars provided a perfect spot for this challenge and we got some really unusual and original results.

At the end they all had some money to choose a place to eat dinner before returning to camp and reviewing the photos and results. Each group presented their photos and objects they bought and judges gave assessments.

It was a lot of fun and most made an effort to participate and enjoy this new experience and challenge.

The older Blues saw a film and played billiards while the reds went to their apartments to get ready for bed.

Damyan is from Moscow and lives in Czech Republic.

He is the Red's leader and the camp photographer at Cork this year.

Damyan is an Artist, Designer and DJ and aspires to be a Film Director.

His interest are collecting music, Astronomy, Psychology, etc...

He has travelled to Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland.

Damyan hopes to improve his leadership skills, have a great time and meet new friend this summer in Village Camps.

Few drops of rain and a bit warmer today...

Another full day of programmes and activities !

We took full advantage of the nice weather and spent a large part of the day outside! 

English Group Walking Tour of Cork

We all enjoyed an interesting tour from a local guide who told us about the history of Cork and took us to some unusual sites. John Collins certainly gave us an insider’s guide to the city and shared the rich history of a city that used to be filled with canals and rivers like Venice! After a little time to walk around and take lunch the group returned to camp but return next week for a new activity.

Guest Presenter from New York!

In line with our new emphasis on Leadership and team building we are lucky to have the services of our guest this week Robert Friedman.

Robert has run many sessions linked to leadership, confidence building and stress management. The many games and techniques he used were not only fun but very unusual, challenging and a new experience for the majority of staff and campers.

Half way through Robert gave out drums, shakers and drum sticks to us all and we used them in unique ways to illustrate his philosophy and ideas. I think we could be heard across Cork!

It was great to see the enthusiasm and energy of the campers who I am sure also learned a lot about themselves.

After all the specialist programmes ended we enjoyed the use of the Gaelic Athletic Association’s Sports Hall and field. We played indoor badminton and used the field for team games and sports.

We can see new friendships being formed especially by those using their English skills to communicate with people from other countries and not spend all their time with friends from the same country. The staff are constantly reminding them to use English so that they will naturally improve and benefit no matter what programme they are in!

Another full day at Cork and one big happy family.

David is british and now lives in Prague.  

He is a Village Camps veteran having started the tours programme for International Schools and run many summer camp programmes in the UK in past years.

David keeps saying he is about to retire and this will be his last summer and then he shows up again!

The attractions of Ireland and the fact that it is a small camp (like one big happy family) tempted David back again.

Working with youngsters and having a lot of fun coaching sports and organising the excursions is a big attraction for David (but not spending all arrivals day at the airport!).

He has said that he wants to come back as the Golf counsellor and enjoy playing at one of the best and most beautiful Irish courses!