Teen Camp

The summer camps are specially designed programmes where teenagers with a serious illness can attend, have some fun and meet other teenagers from all over Europe. Parents do not participate in the summer camps.

Teen Camp: An Introduction

Our Teens camps are specially designed camps for campers aged 13-17 living with a serious illness. There are two Teen camps each summer, one in early June and the second camp in mid-July.

Teens attend camp without their parents and have the opportunity to experience the magic of Barretstown and try their hand at some of our fantastic activities such as archery, high ropes, the climbing wall, canoeing and much more.

Teen camps are international and we also welcome teens from Spain, Germany, the UK, USA, Poland, Hungary, Denmark, Sweden, Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Russia.

For campers travelling from within Ireland, we have pick up points at central locations in Dublin, or for those arriving by car arrival time is from 10:30am to 12noon and departure time is 10am on your last day. International campers will be collected from the airport and can arrive to camp throughout the day.

Check out our typical day at camp overview below and images galleries to get a feel for camp.

A typical day at camp

09:00 Breakfast
10:00 Cottage Time
11:00 Activities
13:00 Lunch
14:00 Rest Hour
15:00 Activities
17:00 Teen Talk
18:00 Dinner
19:00 Cottage Time
20:00 Evening Programme
21:00 Chill Out
22:00 Back to Cottages
23:00 Lights Out!

Remember: this schedule will vary depending on whether it is a summer, family or bereavement family camp

Take a Tour

Where is your favourite place in Barretstown? Our new tour is launching soon. We can't wait to show you around,

What our campers have to say!

Barretstown means something different to each teen who comes here, so we thought it would be best to let them describe their experiences in their own words

“It’s the most life changing experience you’ll ever have, ever. The experiences, memories and friendships you make stay with you long after you leave camp for home. I would encourage anybody to grab the chance to go to Barretstown with two handSean O' Brien

“I have been asked to describe Barretstown by my friends and I have to say it is difficult to describe just how much it helps, you can’t put it into words but it has given me so much confidence and fun and happiness at times when I needed it mostKaren O' Neil

My visit to Barretstown opened up my eyes to how other people have coped with their experiences of serious illnesses. It was one of the best things that could teach me I am still a normal teenager, ill or not. Many thanks for giving me a fantastic tiCamper, UK

Camp Calendar

Summer 2017

16th - 23rd June

Summer 1 -2017 (UK, Ireland, Spain, Germany, Poland, Hungary, USA, Russia)

21st - 28th July

Summer 4 - 2017 (Ireland, Italy, Greece, Sweden, Denmark, Cyprus)

Apply Now

What does it cost?

Absolutely nothing!

What about my safety and well-being?

No worries, everything is taken care of so you can relax and do everything at your own pace.

How are my medical needs met?

We’ve got you covered and will have a fully equipped medical team on site in case you need any help.

Where do we stay?

Each teen stays in one of our cottages. During the summer you will share a cottage with approximately seven teenagers of your own age and gender. Usually two different nationalities will share a cottage. There are four staff members living in the cottage with the teens, at least two of whom will be able to help with translation. Bed linen and towels are also provided, and we have complete laundry facilities available.

May I contact my family?

Direct contact between teens and parents whether by mobile phone or other device is strongly discouraged except in cases of emergency. This is in order to allow you and those around to settle in and to adjust to your new environment. However, you may contact the Family Liaison team at Barretstown at any time who will answer any questions and let your guardian / parent know how you are getting on.