Barretstown offers free, specially designed camps and programmes for children and their families living with cancer and other serious illnesses - supported behind the scenes by 24-hour on-site medical and nursing care.
At Barretstown, we will look after the physical and emotional well-being of children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses, by creating a carefree and safe, medically supported environment where they can make new friends, share experiences, and continue their treatment if they need to.
Our camps and programmes have a profound effect and lasting impact on our campers and their families. After participating, children go home with increased confidence, self-esteem, and, more importantly, the reassurance that happiness is not just for healthy children.
While Barretstown will not discriminate against campers, families, and staff based on gender, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background, there may be individual cases whereby our site, infrastructure, and staff resources cannot accommodate certain requests. Examples may include, but are not limited to, High Acuity Medical Needs, Gender Identity, 1-on-1 Behaviour Support, and Mental Health.
To see our inclusion policy in full click here
At Barretstown camps, we provide serious fun activities: archery, fishing, theatre, arts & crafts, horse riding, mini golf, and much more. It is a safe space for children with serious illnesses and their families to create a sense of belonging. We offer a range of camps for all family members living with cancer or other serious illnesses. Check out all the camps we offer below.
1. Oncology
2. Haematology
3. Nephrology
4. Rheumatology
5. Pulmonary
6. Genetic
7. Gastroenterology
8. Cardiology
9. Dermatology
10. Immunology
11. Neurology
12. Metabolic
13. Endocrinology (e.g. Type 1 diabetes) *
* Please note we are only accepting applications from children with Type 1 diabetes to Family Camps.
Barretstown camp serves children with serious medical conditions. The camp setting and the close living quarters can be conducive to the spread of disease. Some campers may not be able to be fully immunised because of their underlying disease process and these children will not be excluded from the camp programme. However, if a parent/guardian decided not to vaccinate their child due to their beliefs (for their own reasons) these children will not be permitted to attend camp.
Here are the range of camps we offer at Barretstown. ...
Our family weekend camps run throughout the year, offering a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and enjoy Barretstown's exciting activities and programmes. Each family stays in one of our cozy cottages, providing a comfortable and welcoming environment. While you may share the cottage with another family, you'll have your own private rooms and bathroom for your convenience and privacy.
Our summer camps, take place from June to August, are designed for children aged 7 to 15. Unlike our family camps, parents do not attend, allowing children to enjoy a fun and immersive experience on their own. Campers stay in our cozy cottages, grouped with other children their own age, supervised by our dedicated staff and volunteers team.
At our Brothers & Sisters Camp, children aged 7 to 17 have the opportunity to attend Barretstown together for a four-day camp, without their parents. Currently, the camp is only available to children from Ireland and the UK and takes place in the spring, typically over the Easter break. Please note that the patient child must attend alongside their brothers/sisters.
Our Sibling Camp takes place mid-summer and offers a seven-day camp for children aged 7 to 17 who have a sibling currently being treated for, or recovering from, a serious illness. Parents and patient child do not attend this camp.
Our Teen Camps are specially designed for campers aged 13 to 17 who are living with a serious illness. We host two Teen Camps each summer: one in early June and another in mid-July.
The Bereavement weekends offer to the whole family they can spend quality time together, share their experiences of loss, and find comfort and healing. These weekends provide a safe space for families to connect with others who understand their journey, offering support as they look to the future with hope.
This programme is run in partnership with the Irish Cancer Society and is specially designed for young adults (18 - 24 years) who have/had cancer.
Our Camper Leadership Programme (CLP) is designed for previous Barretstown campers, teaching them life skills that can be used outside of camp and in future life, helping to rebuild confidence and encourage peer support.
Barretstown’s Residential TY Programme is an exciting and enriching experience, available throughout the school year. Through fun team-building activities and challenges, students will strengthen existing class bonds and gain insights into the vital work Barretstown does to support children and families affected by serious illness.
Access our additional details for all the information you need on your journey with Barretstown. ...
Here are some of our most frequently asked questions about camp. If you have any additional questions please let us know by getting in contact
Barretstown has a fully equipped medical facility on site called the Med Shed. It is housed in a beautifully restored stone cottage, overlooking the tranquil 'secret garden'.
Barretstown serves children from Ireland, the UK and throughout Europe. Find out more about our International campers and how to apply to come to Barretstown Here
You can't come to camp? That's no problem, Barretstown will come to you ...
By offering unique, creative and developmentally appropriate activities and interactions, we help to restore joy and laughter to children in hospitals and schools.
Let us know if you have any queries about camp, we are always happy to help ...