Give the gift of pure joy, friendship & respite to special children this July...
Do you know a child or sibling group in need of a few days of respite, fun and positive role modelling? Edmund Rice Camps NSW provides recreational, group based experiences for at-risk children aged 6 - 15yrs who are experiencing some form of disadvantage or marginalisation. Our 1:1 ratio of volunteers to children provides a high level of support, enabling mentorship and positive role modelling for each individual on camp. We guarantee that our energetic and welcoming young volunteers will make a difference in the lives of all the young children who attend our camps. Refer a child or sibling group to our next program:
JULY JUNIOR CAMP (6 - 10 yrs) Monday 8 July - Friday 12 July
JULY SENIOR CAMP (10 - 15 yrs)
Monday 15 July - Friday 19 July
Click HERE (https://mailchi.mp/c4078bbd148f/erc-spring-camp-2017-referrals-open-2922257?e=[UNIQID]) then find the colourful buttons which say "Refer a child..."
Submit all referrals by 5pm Friday 14 June! Email to: ebanks@edmundrice.org Or post to: PO Box 154, Balmain 2041
WHO Submit your referrals for disadvantaged children aged 6 - 15 years old. Our Junior Camps are specifically catered to children aged 6 - 10 years. In some special circumstances we can consider children who are just outside of this age bracket (i.e. 5 or 11 yrs). Our Senior Camps are for children aged 10 - 15 years. We can't accept children who are 16 years or older.
WHERE Edmund Rice Retreat and Conference Centre, 1315 Mulgoa Rd, Mulgoa NSW. We are unable to consider children who live 2.5hrs drive or further from this campsite.
COST $150 per child. Agencies making payment are not eligible for discount. If payment falls to families, the cost must be discussed with them prior to submitting the referral and clearly noted on the form.
HOW TO APPLY Click HERE (https://mailchi.mp/c4078bbd148f/erc-spring-camp-2017-referrals-open-2922257?e=[UNIQID]) then find the colourful buttons which say "Refer a child..." and remember to get it back to us no later than 5pm Friday 14 June. You can post it to our PO Box (below) or email it to ebanks@edmundrice.org. Late referrals will not be considered.
Don't forget: 1. Referrals must be submitted by the referring agency. 2. An after hours number for the referring agency must be supplied. 3. Ensure you outline photo permission and means of transport to and from camp. 4. If the child has a behaviour management plan, ensure you send it to us along with the referral form (and any additional information that may assist us).
Agencies - Frequently Asked Questions...
How are participants selected for a camp placement? ERC considers every referral for camp – we do not work on a 'first in, first served' basis. Our camps are run by volunteers and 1 staff member. We assess the needs of all the children who have been referred, and best match children to our volunteers' skill and experience levels. All referrals submitted before closing date, and meeting ERC conditions of placement, will be considered for a place on camp.
How many new referrals will you take for each camp? ERC NSW believe it's important to provide continued service provision to our children. For this reason we have many participants return to camps each year. We have a maximum of 50% new children on each camp program. ERC always receive more referrals than we have placements on camp; if your referral is not accepted this camp season please try again for the next camp.
Why do you require an agency after hours contact number? ERC works with extremely vulnerable children, and we require 24/7 access to a professional who works closely with the child and can provide information in the case of a child protection disclosure. It is only used as a last resort, and our policy means we are unable to accept a referral without this number.
The agency I work for doesn't provide an after hours number, how can I still refer this child? We recommend you speak to the school the child attends; often they will have a school counsellor who can provide after-hours contact for the duration of the camp program. Otherwise, source another agency working with the family who can provide an after hours contact number. This can include a therapist or doctor, as long as they are familiar with the disadvantage the family faces, and can provide detailed information on the child.
If you have any other questions, please contact: Emily Banks - Programs Officer ERC NSW 0439 900 832 or 02 9556 7023 ebanks@edmundrice.org PO Box 154, Balmain 2041
You will be contacted regarding the success of your application by Monday 24 June, at the latest.