‘Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time. They just have the heart’ – Elizabeth Andrew.

As we close the chapter on KYW19 and look ahead to KYW20, it is the time of the year where we reflect on what has passed, and prepare for what’s ahead.

My mission for the KYW when I took the position of Senior Leader is a sentiment that I mentioned in my previous blog post: I’m not here to ensure that the KYW survives, I’m here to help it thrive. 

What leads me to believe that the KYW is surviving? The fact that in 2019 we had 401 camper applications and 94 leaders across 4 KYW weeks. We welcomed 25 new leaders to the group in September, and in October we said a tearful goodbye to 4: Adam Finn, Darren Maguire, Lauren O’Connor and Melissa Deegan. 

What leads me to believe that the KYW thrived in 2019? It’s what I saw every time I looked at the people who run it. If the KYW is thriving, it’s because of the leaders who pour all of their passion, energy and enthusiasm into our summer camp, our campers and each other. It is the leaders who bag packed for 6 hours so that we can afford to buy new equipment. It is the leaders who got up at 6am on their days off to attend their lifeguard course. It is the leaders who spent hundreds of hours watching camp footage, in order to create a promotional video that lasts for 90 seconds.

What leads me to believe that the KYW will continue to thrive? We haven’t yet reached November and we’ve had school visits to the Friary schools in Dundalk, and the Abbey and St. Paul’s in Newry. We’ve trained 4 new lifeguards from Tallaght and Dundalk. We’ve fundraised over €2,000, with the help of our leaders in Newry, Annaclone and Cork. We have incredible support, not just from our leaders, but from parents, friends, Dominicans and our local communities. 

So what causes the KYW to thrive? They say that a smile is infectious. I’ve seen smiles lead to laughter, laughter lead to love and love be returned time and time again – because you know what else is infectious? The mumps. And also that ‘Knockadoon Feeling’.

When can you catch it? 13th June – 11th July.

How do you catch it? Applications are opening online on Saturday 2nd November at 10am.

How much does it cost? €190 for all transport, food, entertainment and accommodation for the week.

Our team consists of 135 of the most selfless and caring individuals that I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. I know for a fact that the KYW leaders don’t necessarily have the time, but I can promise you they have the heart.

Le grá go deo,

Orlaith