SeriousFun Children’s Network
Barretstown is proud to be part of a global community creating life-changing experiences for seriously ill children and their families.
Paul Newman's Vision
In 1988, actor and philanthropist Paul Newman founded the first SeriousFun camp in Connecticut, creating a place where children living with serious illnesses could escape the fear and isolation of their medical conditions and simply be children.
What began as one camp has grown into a global network of camps and programmes, united by a belief in the power of joy, friendship, independence and fun.
The name SeriousFun reflects Paul Newman’s belief in taking fun seriously – recognising both the importance of the camp experience and the lasting difference it can make in the lives of children and families.
Barretstown: The First Camp Outside the US
In 1994, Barretstown became the first SeriousFun camp outside the United States, following the generous donation of a 500-acre estate in County Kildare by the Irish Government.
Since then, Barretstown has been part of the growth of a global community that now reaches children and families across more than 50 countries.
While every SeriousFun camp is independently managed and funded, we share a common purpose: to create inclusive, medically supported camp experiences where children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses can experience joy, build confidence, make friends and discover what is possible beyond their illness.
Part of a Global Community
Today, SeriousFun Children’s Network includes camps and programmes across four continents. Together, they have delivered more than two million camp experiences, always free of charge to children and families.
Being part of this network gives Barretstown the opportunity to share knowledge, learn from other camps and contribute to a global community dedicated to creating positive experiences for children and their families.
At the heart of that community is a simple belief: every child deserves the chance to experience the freedom, friendship and fun of childhood.
Continuing the Vision
Nearly 40 years after Paul Newman opened the first camp, his vision continues to shape the work of SeriousFun camps around the world.
At Barretstown, we are proud to be part of that story. Through our work within SeriousFun Children’s Network, we continue to create experiences where children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses can have fun, build confidence, form lasting connections and see beyond the limitations of their illness.