Frequently Asked Questions
If you have other questions that are not answered below, please use the contact form to get in touch with us and we will answer your queries as soon as possible.
Are the campers allowed off camp?
Campers may leave the camp grounds in groups for certain activities, such as walking and swimming, but only under the supervision of at least two leaders. Campers will also get the opportunity to leave Knockadoon on the mid-programme day trip. The location of the day trip has varied over the years but typically involves visiting a nearby for some shopping, followed by an afternoon in an amusement arcade. a nearby town to do some shopping. While off camp, each camper is under the supervision of at least two leaders at all times.
What activities can my child take part in/what do the campers do on camp?
We offer a broad range of activities on each of our week-long programmes. After breakfast, campers engage in catechesis workshops and in the afternoons, campers can generally spend their time how they please with the option of taking part in a variety of activities or simply chilling out with friends. Each evening after dinner, leaders run a schedule of organised activities which are compulsory to attend – although the camper’s level of participation is up to them.
Examples of afternoon competitions and activities (2pm – 6pm): arts and crafts, basketball, crab fishing, cycling, chess, darts, draughts, football, GAA, guitar lessons, pool, rounders, swimming, table tennis, and many more.
Examples of evening activities (7pm -11.45pm): talent show, bonfire, themed discos, ice breakers, leader vs. camper sports, and many more.
Where do the campers sleep, and are they supervised at night?
Campers stay in one of four bunkhouses, which are separated by gender. Each house has five rooms and each room has four beds inside. Campers may choose who they share a room with, and leaders will help allocate them to a bunkhouse on arrival to camp. While there are only four beds in each room, it is possible for a spare mattress to be added if there’s a group of five (provided they are satisfied with this arrangement).
After evening activities have finished for the night, two leaders accompany the campers to their bunkhouse, and stay in the house until the next morning. The leaders ensure that the campers get ready for bed as quickly as possible before lights out at midnight and then wake them up in time for breakfast each morning at 9am.
Who are the leaders?
Our leaders are volunteers aged between 16 and 28, most of whom are past campers who wish to give the opportunity to experience Knockadoon Youth Week to a new generation. An average of 30 leaders are rostered on each of the KYW’s four weeks, with at least two qualified lifeguards, at least two medical officers with advanced first aid training, and a child protection officer also in attendance. All 120 KYW leaders have completed a certified child protection course and are Garda vetted.
What is the food like? What if my child has food allergies/dietary requirements?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are prepared by a chef and served in the refectory (canteen) each day at 9am, 1pm and 6pm respectively. A head count is taken at every meal time to ensure that all campers are present. There are typically a selection of cereals available for breakfast, as well as tea, toast, and fruit. Lunches and dinners vary each day but examples of possible meals include chicken goujons and waffles, soup and sandwiches, chicken curry, pasta, and burgers and chips.
Parents can communicate any allergies or dietary requirements about their child on their medical form, which each camper must fill in before camp. The camp chef and kitchen staff can accommodate any requirements and will prepare alternative meals if necessary.
What do the campers need to pack?
The following are suggestions of what your child will need for the week: rough clothes (runners, old tracksuits, and sports clothes); toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, roll on/stick deodorant); towels; swim gear; a sleeping bag/blanket and pillow; warm/waterproof clothes (heavy jumper, rain jacket); adequate sun protection, especially if they burn easily in the sea air. Some campers also choose to pack good clothes to wear on the day trip.
Mobile phones and other electronic devices are permitted on camp, but the KYW does not accept any responsibility for lost or stolen property. Parents and campers may stay in touch via the camp phone carried by the Senior Leader if they so wish.
Campers may only spend up to €4 per day at the camp’s tuck shop on camp and we sell KYW t-shirts (€12) and other merchandise throughout the week. The only other opportunity that the campers can spend money is on the day trip, where they may visit a supermarket or other local shops.
What if my child feels homesick or wishes to come home?
Homesickness is not uncommon, particularly in cases where it is the first time that the camper has ever been away from home. Our leaders are used to helping campers settle in, and are always on the look out for campers who may travel down to camp by themselves, or quieter campers who may be shy. Bunkhouse leaders ensure that each child is comfortable with their room arrangements and during activities there are always a number of leaders on hand to help the campers feel included and make new friends.
Usually after a camper has settled in, the homesickness fades. If it persists, and the child is adamant that they want to go home, the Senior Leader will contact the parents and arrange for them to be collected from camp.
Can the campers go swimming? Is it safe?
Knockadoon Camp is situated right on the coast, and we have access to a beach area with a slipway and a pier. Campers may go swimming and diving at certain times during the day under the supervision of our qualified lifeguards.
Are phones permitted? Is there internet?
Phones are permitted on camp. However, we encourage campers not to use them and to get involved in activities instead. The only internet access will be your mobile data, but phone signal can be weak on camp at times.
Can campers go to the shop?
Each night there will be a tuck shop open on camp, where campers can spend up to €4. They can also visit shops and supermarkets during the day trip if they so wish.
Is there merchandise?
We sell branded t-shirts in a spectrum of colours for €12 each, which can be purchased on camp.