Crann Centre offers all children the chance to attend summer camp
Jack Falvey taking part in the summer camp at the Crann Centre in Ovens, Co Cork. Picture: Jim Coughlan
Summer camps have long been a rite-of-passage for children coming of age across the country.
Sadly, many kids with disabilities have been forced to miss out on the experience due to accessibility issues. This formed part of the motivation behind setting up Crann Centre summer camps, which cater for children with neuro physical disabilities.
Now in its fourth year, the initiative provides adapted activities for children with conditions ranging from Spina Bifida to Cerebral Palsy. The camps are run under the umbrella of the Crann Centre in Ovens which supports more than 400 people living with neuro-physical disabilities and their families scattered across the Munster region.
The charity is currently appealing for vital funds, reiterating it will need in excess of €600k this year alone to continue operating at current levels.
Service users and their families are now paying testament to the charity which was set up in 2013 by Kate Jarvey out of concern for the lack of support in Cork for children with spina bifida. The charity's services have now expanded to cater for kids with varying conditions.
Ronan Palmer spoke about how this year’s summer camp benefitted his son Émile who was born with a brain injury that resulted in hemiplegia — a weakness which presents in one side of his body.
The 12-year-old, who also has a hearing impairment, was among kids and teenagers between the ages of eight and 18 to attend the camp this year.
“You don’t feel like you’re alone," he said of the camp. "The only way I can describe it is like being the only person on this island but then discovering you are surrounded by lots of other islands. You are in fact part of an archipelago. Outside of the summer months we go back to our own islands knowing that we are not alone.”
He highlighted the valuable social connections formed in the camps.
“The kids are working together and supporting each other. This morning, for instance, Émile was getting ready to come in here and listening to the song 'Flowers' by Miley Cyrus. As soon as he heard the song he said “I think Lucy would like this". He then started writing down the lyrics so he could show them to her when he went into camp.
"Those are the kind of friendships that happen at the camps.”
The camps provide a varied itinerary with activities including everything from art classes and cooking to accessible tennis. However, Ronan said the fully accessible playground, which was the first of its kind in Ireland, has hugely enriched his son’s life.
“He can go to the playground with all his friends now and not just his able bodied friends. There are so many positive aspects to this but the main one is not having to explain anything in the playground. You don’t have to let people know why your child can’t use equipment. All the kids are just there playing together. I’ve been here all week and every call I take on my phone I show people the playground because I believe it’s how the world should look.”
Ronan said he knew the playground would be a success from the start.
“When I saw the plans for it I was so moved. I actually started crying because I had never seen anything made with so much love for everybody. We really feel like we’re at home here.”
Crann centre CEO Padraig Mallon said the opportunities for social interaction at the Crann centre are boundless.
“The key thing that is happening as a result of the camp is the opportunity for social connection. The activities give the chance for kids and teenagers to come together and spend time with one another. These camps are taking place in a supportive environment where people know how to deliver these service in a safe and appropriate way. The absolute joy in seeing people come together with others who are like them is always obvious.”
Mr Mallon described why the services provided are just as valuable for parents.
“For some this is the first time they have been able to leave their children in an environment like this. This is also hugely beneficial for the child’s own independence while offering the parent valuable respite.”
To find out more about the Crann Centre visit www.cranncentre.ie
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