Summer 2020 came and went with its own challenges.  Fortunately for the GAA, one of the shinning lights throughout the turmoil and uncertainty of Summer 2021 was the successful coordination of the Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps in over 700 club venues with almost 73,000 children participating.

I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to all Club Volunteers and Games Development Staff for their collective input, effort, and enthusiasm in getting the camps across the line.  This was not an easy task.

We are now a year on and preparing for Summer 2021.  Likewise, this summer, we are even more mindful of the reality that Covid-19 is still with us however, we will continue to rely on governmental guidance and relevant authorities to ensure all reasonable safety measures and protocols are adhered to in the rollout of our camps.

We always endeavour to implement high standards when rolling out our camps and now more than ever our responsibility to do so is even greater.  I refer your attention to the attached Association GAA Camp Policy and Guidance document which will assist camp organisers in their work this year.

Please take time to read the contents of the attached document.

The attached contains important information for those organising our Camps and references our best practices when working with children and young people.  For example, our agreed adult to child ratios and the roles and practices of Coaches, Supervisors and Camp Assistants. Camp operational checklist are also available at; https://www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie/co-ordinator/

The camp planning document (this applies to all camps in line with policy) will be sent to you via your County Games Development Manager (CGDM). This document is pre-populated and must be updated specific to your own venue and camp. When hosting a camp, please ensure the document is fully completed and submitted. A link will be circulated with the planning document to upload. Once uploaded and submitted, this document will automatically be sent to the CGDM for approval. You will be notified by email if it is approved or declined subject to the information submitted.

A further document will be sent closer to the commencement of your camp to collate camp coach’s information.

The good practice guidance contained in our Code of Behaviour (Underage) applies to all games and activities held in clubs, schools and at our Camps. The agreed guidelines are structured to ensure that children and young people not only enjoy the Camps we organise but do so in a safe and developmental environment.  Further information is available in the GAA’s Code of Behaviour at;  https://www.gaa.ie/api/pdfs/image/upload/ukepuvlq3qhyie10jfqy.pdf

This year’s participants are more excited than ever for the upcoming Camps.  The camps will allow children nationwide the much-anticipated opportunity to get active and interactive with people their own age.

The successful collaboration between volunteers and staff is evident due to the participation numbers recorded at both club and Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps.

Finally, I would like to wish volunteers and staff alike every success this summer in providing games opportunities for children in a safe and fun environment.

Is mise le meas

Tomás Ó Riain

Ard Stiúrthóir