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Volunteer

Volunteers create the magic for children and families living with serious illness.

Find your best fit

Find your best fit

We require over 2,100 volunteers each year to help run our programmes. We offer volunteer opportunities as part of our Residential Camps and Outreach programmes. You need to be 19 years or over to volunteer. Volunteers are a huge part of the heart and soul of Barretstown. You play a leading role in providing the magical, transforming experience we give our campers and their families.

Hear from our Caras

Hear from some of our Caras about what it's like to volunteer at Barretstown.

Camp Calendar - Autumn 2023

Camp Date Details Arrival
Autumn 1 Sept 8th-10th Family Camp (Oncology) 5pm
Charity Partner Sept 15th-17th Charity Partner Camp 5pm
Autumn 2 Sept 22nd-24th Family Camp 5pm
Autumn 3 Sept 29th-Oct 1st Bereavement Camp (ICS) 9am
Autumn 4 Oct 6th-8th Family Camp 5pm
Autumn 5 Oct 13th-15th Family Camp 5pm
Autumn 6 Oct 20th-22nd Bereavement Camp (2) 9am
Autumn 7 Oct 27th-29th Family Camp 5pm
Autumn 8 Nov 2nd-5th Brothers & Sisters Camp 8:30am
Autumn 9 Nov 10th-12th Family Camp (Oncology) 5pm
Autumn 10 Nov 17th-19th Family Camp 5pm
Autumn 11 Dec 8th-10th Family Camp 5pm

Please note that the arrival time for new and returning volunteers is now 5pm unless otherwise stated.

Download Calendar ⬇

Residential Camp Volunteer Opportunities

Family & Bereavement Camps run over weekends and the commitment is 3/4 days. Children & Teen camp commitment vary from 4 to 8 days. Volunteering is residential with all meals provided. Volunte ...

Volunteer Cara

Volunteer Cara

Cara is the Irish word for “friend”. As a Cara your role at camp is to look after the daily ...

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Volunteer as part of our Outreach Programmes

Volunteer at our Outreach Programmes

Volunteer at our Outreach Programmes

These programmes bring the joyful spirit of Barretstown to children and families beyond our gates throughout the year. We run Hospital Outreach Programmes, Camp in Schools and Camp on the move.

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Have some questions or want to have a chat?

Have some questions or want to have a chat?

Got some questions? We would be delighted to talk to you and answer any questions you may have. Just click below to fill in your details or call us on 045 863 100.

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What should I expect?

How we support you

Training is provided for all volunteers. As a new volunteer you will work along trained staff and returning volunteers for guidance. You will always work as part of team with plenty of support. At camp you’re active all day helping our campers get the most out of their experience through encouragement and support in all aspects of camp life while having serious fun.

Quote from a Family

Just wonderful people.The volunteers are such great role model for the kids. My 11 year old daughter said that she wants to volunteer at Barretstown when she is old enough. I think that this is just incredible that not only is she having a wonderful experience she is also meeting people who give up their time to help others and is moved to consider volunteering herself when she's old enough. What a great endorsement of the cara programme

How you make a difference

Volunteers are the heart and soul of Barretstown. Volunteers play a lead role in providing the magical, transforming experience we give our campers and their families.

Quote Volunteer 2020: It’s hard to describe what exactly you do there. You’re given the role of “Cara” (friend in Irish) and basically you’re just that. After the first time I volunteered I knew I was coming back – it was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had

Still wondering what Barretstown is all about?

Have a look yourself

Other ways you can get involved

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