Residential Programmes
Therapeutic programmes delivering world-leading psychosocial care
When a child is diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness, medical treatment focuses on healing the body.
But illness affects much more than that, it affects a child’s confidence, can cause fear or anxiety, and make them feel isolated from friends and normal life. Families too, can experience enormous emotional strain.
That’s where psychosocial care comes in. At Barretstown, we deliver this care through our therapeutic recreation programmes for children, teens and families.
Through an individual programme of creative and physical activities, as well as psychological and social support, we encourage participation, teamwork, success and social connections. This helps restore independence, confidence, resilience and a sense of self that is often lost during illness – all done in a safe and supportive environment, with 24-hour on-site medical and nursing care.
Children and Teen Summer Camp
Our summer camp runs for 4 to 6 days and offers age-appropriate and fun activities for children and teens aged 7–17 affected by serious illness. Camps run from June to August. Parents do not attend — children and teens stay in our cosy cottages with their peers.
To apply to come to Summer Camp please email us at families@barretstown.org.
Family Camp
Barretstown brings together families on similar journeys to share joy and connection after the challenges of serious illness. These weekend camps run throughout the year, giving families the chance to enjoy activities such as crafts, archery, horse-riding and taking on our high ropes course all while making great memories together.
To apply to come to Family Camp please email us at families@barretstown.org.
Brothers and Sisters Camp
This four-day camp welcomes children aged 7–17 to attend together with the patient child, but without parents. Held during school holidays, it’s open to families from Ireland and the UK and provides siblings the chance to share fun and connection.
To apply to come to Brothers & Sisters Camp please email us at families@barretstown.org.
Sibling Camp
Sibling Camp is for children who have a brother or sister currently being treated for, or recovering from, a serious illness. Parents and the patient child do not attend. This camp recognises that illness affects the whole family and offers siblings a space to meet others who understand. It runs for seven days each summer and is open to children from Ireland, the UK, and Europe.
To apply to come to Sibling Camp please email us at families@barretstown.org.
Young Adult Camp
Designed for 18–24-year-olds, this programme focuses on therapeutic recreation, which means every activity is designed not just to entertain but to boost confidence, encourage independence, and reconnect participants with a sense of possibility. Through adventure, creativity, and shared experiences in a medically safe setting, young people get the chance to grow, recharge, and simply be themselves.
Camper Leadership Camp
Aimed at former Barretstown campers aged 16–17, this two-session programme focuses on building confidence, communication, and teamwork. Participants gain insight into how our programmes operate, work alongside experienced leaders and Caras, and connect with peers who share their passion for making a difference. It’s all about stepping outside your comfort zone, gaining new perspectives, and realising your potential.
Bereavement Camp
The Bereavement Programme is a three-camp cycle held at six-month intervals. It provides families with time together to reflect, share their experiences, and find support while enjoying Barretstown’s activities. Around five hours of the weekend are devoted to age-appropriate bereavement sessions, including reflection, celebration of life, and group support facilitated by an experienced team.
To apply to come to Bereavement Camp please email us at families@barretstown.org.
International Campers
Barretstown welcomes campers from all over the world! Our international programme ensures campers outside Ireland can experience the magic of Barretstown’s residential programme.
To find out more about our International campers and how to apply, please email us at families@barretstown.org.
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What to expect
Fun, friendship and magical memories in a safe and supportive environment.
The Barretstown Campus
Our campus consists of 500-acres of beautiful nature with meandering pathways leading to a state-of-the-art medical unit, modern accommodation, play and recreation areas including theatre and cinema, and nature trails and woodland walks. Every corner of Barretstown is built to spark magic and joy. The most common word we hear from those who come to Barretstown is ‘magic’ and this reflects their experience and the setting.
What Happens at Camp?
Our therapeutic programmes offer a wide range of inclusive, fun activities designed for all ability levels and age groups. Campers join others their own age to make friends, build confidence, and share experiences.
Activities include arts and crafts, drama, canoeing on our lake, archery, horse riding, rock climbing, mini golf and taking on the high ropes course to name a few — all carefully designed for accessibility and safety. Evenings bring everyone together for events like party night and cabaret.
Our specially trained staff and Caras (volunteers) support campers throughout the day, encouraging participation and ensuring everyone feels included and safe. They help create a positive, fun atmosphere, guiding activities, offering emotional support, and celebrating each camper’s achievements along the way.
Who can attend
We cater for children and young adults from 14 illness groups
Our camps cater for children and families living with the illness groups listed below.
For Ireland, UK & Europe: we cater for children diagnosed with childhood cancer (oncology), haematology-related diseases or immunodeficiency / immunology conditions.
For Ireland only: we cater for additional illness groups such as cardiology, nephrology, rheumatology, dermatology, gastroenterology, neurology, endocrinology (including Type 1 diabetes in some cases), pulmonary, metabolic and genetic conditions.
Immunisation Requirements
Barretstown camp serves children with serious medical conditions. 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 on site but may be able to avail of other Barretstown programmes, such as Camp at Home.
For those employed or volunteering for Barretstown, childhood vaccinations are a mandatory requirement to work at Barretstown and proof of vaccinations may be required.
Making an Application
Apply for a Barretstown Camp today and give your child or family an unforgettable experience
What You’ll Need
To apply for a Barretstown camp, families will need the following:
- A completed application form for the child or family
- A medical form (physical examination form) completed and signed by your child’s hospital consultant or specialist nurse.
- Details of any current medications or treatments, including dosage and timing.
- Copies of relevant medical equipment or care plans, if required.
- Up-to-date immunisation information (children must be vaccinated unless medically exempt).
- Travel details and contact information for all attending family members.
- All medication must arrive in original, labelled containers, and campers should bring any personal medical supplies or equipment they use at home.
All Barretstown camps are provided free of charge, including accommodation, meals, and medical care. All applications are valid for 1 year from sign off.
Application Process
Irish and UK Applicants apply directly to Barrestown, by clicking here
- Choose your camp
- Complete the application form
- Submit medical information
- Review by Barretstown
- Confirmation
Estimated Timeline
- Applications open: Several months before each camp season (spring, summer, autumn).
- Application review: Within 4–6 weeks of submission, depending on volume.
- Invitation confirmation: Usually 4–8 weeks before camp start date.
- Arrival at camp: Campers arrive on the first day of their assigned session and stay for the full duration (usually a weekend for Family Camps or 4 to 6 days for Summer Camps)
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our residential programmes? Check out our frequently asked questions.
Everybody eats together in our fabulous dining hall known as Elizabeth’s Tree House. When you’re with us, your main meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, will be provided and cooked for you by our on-site chefs. We provide nutritious and child-friendly meals and snacks for families and staff and there is always a wide range of hot and cold food available. We do not use nuts as an intentional ingredient; however, our products may be manufactured in a facility where nuts are used.
Our wonderful onsite medical facility, referred to as the “Med Shed” offers 24/7
medical care and support to campers and their families all year round. The presence of this 24-hour medical facility onsite ensures that campers can fully participate and enjoy our programmes, even as they undergo treatment for their illness. We take great pride in the expertise of our medical team, led by our Head of Nursing, supported by our onsite doctor, staff nurses and our wonderful medical volunteer doctors and nurses.
- Casual, comfortable clothes (weather-appropriate).
- Long sleeves and full-length trousers for some activities.
- Warm jacket/coat, preferably waterproof.
2 pairs of runners/closed-toe shoes (no crocs). - Toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo, etc.) and hair dryer if needed.
- Any medication in original pharmacy-labelled containers.
- Medical supplies or equipment required.
- Baby supplies if needed (formula, nappies, bags).
- Keep-cup for families to help reduce waste (optional).
- Money is not required as Barretstown is free, but during Family Camps, the merchandise shop may be open for optional purchases.
- Sheets, towels, bedding, meals, cots, and high chairs are provided.
- Swimwear (no swimming facilities).
- Dogs (except registered service dogs).
- Alcohol, illegal drugs, weapons/sharp objects.
- Nuts, nut products, or snacks containing nuts.
- Scooters, skateboards, bikes, roller skates, or wheelie shoes.
- Open-toe shoes (e.g., crocs, flip flops).
- Money is not needed — there are no shops or vending machines on site.
Yes — all programmes are free, including accommodation, meals, and medical support.
Barretstown has a fully equipped on-site medical centre, staffed by paediatric doctors and nurses. Children’s medication and treatment plans are followed closely, and the centre is affiliated with a major children’s hospital.
Horse-riding, canoeing, arts & crafts, drama, music, fishing, and more. Evening programmes include carnival or cabaret. Children are grouped by age/gender, and international campers are included.
- Children’s Summer Camps (ages ~7–15; parents do not attend)
- Teen Camps (13–17 years)
- Family Camps (whole family attends)
- Sibling Camps (for siblings of children with serious illness)
- Bereavement Family Camps
- Brothers & Sisters Camps
Yes — children from Ireland, the UK, and Europe are welcome. Airport pick-ups and chaperone arrangements are provided for international campers.
The Family Liaison Team works with international contacts to organise travel. At least 2 chaperones accompany every 5 children. Chaperones assist with passports, airline tickets, and supervision throughout travel and at camp. Families attending Family Camps are contacted directly to organise flights; no chaperones are required.
For our International campers, Barretstown staff meet children and chaperones in the arrivals hall and escort them to camp (~1 hour from Dublin Airport). Families are also met at the airport and accompanied to camp.
Yes — while Barretstown aims to welcome every eligible child/family, site, infrastructure, and resource limitations may apply. Final decisions rest with Barretstown.
For international applications or information, contact Barretstown’s Liaison Team on info@barretstown.org.