History ERC SA

Edmund Rice Camps (SA) Inc.Inc. is a non-profit volunteer organization. We provide camping holiday experiences for children, young people and families who are experiencing some form of disadvantage throughout South Australia . Our camps aim to provide holiday/recreational options for those who would not normally have opportunities to experience such holidays.

Edmund Rice Camps (SA) Inc.aims to provide opportunities and support for children and young people at risk, through holiday and recreational activities designed to promote personal, social and cultural growth and development. Programs are designed to empower young people to develop social, communication, cooperation, team building, conflict management and problem solving skills; as well as developing self esteem and confidence. In summation, equipping young people with the confidence and skills to assume more control and make informed choices in their every day lives.

Edmund Rice Camps (SA) Inc.was founded in 1989 and became an incorporated body in June 1996. The organization has a network of approximately 300 active volunteers. Volunteers are primarily professionals, attending University/TAFE or in the workforce. These volunteers give up their time to attend camps and activity days with children and young people. Volunteers comprise the Edmund Rice Camps (SA) Inc. Board and other sub committees that manage the preparations for the camps and activity days under the direction of the Executive Officer.

Socio-economic disadvantage often restricts the access that families and children have to recreational services and social outings. Most camps are of 4 days and 3 nights and activity days are mainly just for the day. Number of participants and volunteers vary, usually we try to accommodate approximately 20 participants. We try to provide 1:1 ratios of volunteer leaders to participants, therefore there may be up to 30 or so volunteers that include leaders, coordinators, cooks and bus drivers. Camps are held at campsites around metropolitan Adelaide .

Currently in South Australia we run seven camps each year over the school holidays as well as various activity days held on weekends. The age groups that we take on camp are 8-12 co-ed, 13-16 boys, 13-16 girls and the whole family (from birth to adult aged). Participants are nominated by a variety of sources, Children, Youth & Family Services (CYFS) and other welfare organisations , school counselors and self nominations. Participants are chosen on a priority of need basis which is up to staff discretion.

The Christian Brothers cover the cost of staff wages, currently at 2.2, therefore Edmund Rice Camps relies heavily on fundraising, donations and grants. Fundraising and donations assist with us resources, food, accommodation and applying minimal costs for participants.