2021 PARENT/CARER GUIDE - Making a difference - Edmund Rice Camps WA
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Making a difference
2021 PARENT/CARER GUIDE
Last updated Aug 2019
who are
edmund rice camps for kids wa?
Edmund Rice Camps for Kids WA (ERCKWA) is one of many Edmund Rice
Ministries, founded by the Christian Brothers of Australia. There is currently an
Edmund Rice Camps organisation run in every major state in Australia; benefiting
disadvantaged children and families who would not have similar opportunities
offered to them.
ERCKWA provides holiday camps and other associated activities for children
aged 7-16 years, who are disadvantaged in some way. ERC also promotes the
development of young adults who serve as volunteer camp leaders. The
organisation promotes the values and mission of the Christian Brothers and the
founder Edmund Rice; whose principals the organisation is based.
ERCKWA 5 messages
We care about you
We are here for you
You belong here
You can do this
We won’t give up on you
ERCKWA Mission statement
To respond to the needs of marginalised communities and individuals by delivering quality, mutually
enriching programs that are managed and delivered by inspired, empowered people in the Edmund
Rice tradition.
history
Edmund Rice, the man
In the late 1700’s in Waterford, Ireland, Mr. Edmund Rice, a wealthy merchant, sold up his
business to care for and educate the hundreds of orphans, destitute and street children of
Waterford, a port city. He provided them with opportunities for their growth and education.
Other men inspired by his example, joined him in offering their lives for the service of the
poor. And so began the Religious Order known today as the Christian Brothers, dedicated to
the welfare and education of youth. Edmund Rice Camps follows this example by offering new
opportunities and positive experiences to today’s children.
Edmund Rice Camps WA
Edmund Rice Camps originated in 1979 at Parade College, Melbourne, when Christian
Brothers who ran the college offered its grounds and resources for numerous activities for
needy youngsters. Since then the concept has spread throughout Australia to New Zealand,
Ireland and Paraguay. More recently the camps have made their beginnings in South Africa,
Tanzania and England and other parts of South America. From small operations in 1989, with
only a couple of summer camps for the year, Edmund Rice Camps in WA has grown to
include four summer camps and two winter camps and many other activities throughout the
year. Annually ERCKWA involves approximately 200 places for children and 230 for youth
volunteers in various leadership and support roles.
erckwa camps
ERCKWA hold two types of camps; mega and mini.
mega camps
Mega camps are run in January and July
The kids attend the program for four of the six camping days
The two most common site locations are Dwellingup and Moore River
Twenty five kids and twenty five volunteer leaders attend
mini camps
Mini camps are run on weekends throughout the calendar year
The kids attend all three camping days
Site locations are usually in Moore River or Dwellingup.
Fifteen kids and fifteen volunteer leaders attend
other programs
Please note that all programs are subject to funding
fun fests
Activity days run for specific age groups at various locations.
Examples include Adventure World, Challenge Stadium, the Zoo, Point Walter, and more!
family camps
The entire family/household is invited on family camp programs.
Family camps are run in the same way as mini camps over weekends during the calendar year.
family fun fests
The entire family/household can attend family fun fest activity day programs.
Family fun fests run in the same way as regular fun fests at a number of locations.
sticky rice family christmas party
Every child gets a Christmas present to take home from the ERCKWA Family Christmas Party!
The day features rides, activities, food and fun, and all Edmund Rice kids are invited to attend.
youth leadership program
The Youth Leadership Program assists late teens who are at the end of the ERCKWA program to
graduate as a child on camp and be given tools to succeed in life.
The program allows kids to make risky decisions in a safe environment.
graduates program
The ERC WA graduates program assists kids in their transition from participant to volunteer.
All graduates are given two days of training and require assessments to graduate from being a
kid to a leader on the camp program.
Edmund Rice Camps in WA also run Eddie on the Road programs which require travel to and
from remote communities. In addition, the organisation runs Immersion programs in developing
countries to provide assistance and support.
volunteers
Edmund Rice Camps in WA actively seeks young adult volunteers from various schools, universities and
other learning institutions.
All leaders on Edmund Rice Camps have Working with Children Checks and must supply ERCKWA with a
number of references. ERCKWA provides opportunities for the personal growth and development of
volunteer leaders, whist on camp programs and via programs.
Every volunteer that attends a camp program must complete the training provided which covers;
Child Protection ERCKWA policies and procedures Skill building
Behaviour management ERC core values and mission statement Personal development
ERCKWA employs the use of older ancillary volunteers to fulfill cooking and bus driving responsibilities.
All ancillary volunteers require Working with Children Checks and are recommendations from the Edmund
Rice Network or staff contacts.
kids
ERCKWA aims to provide recreational opportunities for children and young people aged
7 to 16 years
Children referred to Edmund Rice Camps must be born in the following years;
2005 to 2013
Children who attend an Edmund Rice Camp program would otherwise not have such an
opportunity due to a variety of different reasons. The child or family may require respite or be
experiencing emotional, financial, cultural or other pressures.
ERCKWA young adult volunteer leaders; although maintaining high levels of energy, enthusiasm
and dedication, often don’t begin camps with the skills and experience necessary for dealing with
children with difficult behaviours or special needs. It is with this, and the aims of the organisation
in mind, that we ask that you consider each application carefully.
Children are required to feed, shower & toilet by themselves.
the process
referring a child to ERCKWA
STEP ONE
Contact discuss the relevant child with ERCKWA
Brittany Hawker; Community Engagement Manager
ercwamce@edmundrice.org
0499 145 055
STEP TWO
Form fill in and return the Referral form for the 2021 period (avail Oct 20)
STEP THREE
Payment Once confirmation has been sent, an invoice will be sent through for
payment of the referral fee. The 2021 referral fee is $125 per child.
Follow the link on the website
Or
Request ERC WA bank details for online transfer
Or
Post cheque addressed to Edmund Rice Camps for Kids WA
attending a program with ERCKWA
STEP FOUR
Welcome the child’s details are added to the ERCKWA database
ERCKWA sends a welcome email to the parents/carer and requests a
participant profile be filled out by the parent/carer
STEP FIVE
Invitations on referral, the child is allocated programs for the following year
ERCKWA separates children based on the relevant age groups;
Younger Kids aged 7-9 2012 - 2013
Middle Kids aged 9-11 2010 - 2011
Early Teens aged 11-14 2008 - 2009
Late Teens aged 14-16 2007 - 2005
Graduates aged 18 2002
Please note the group allocations are subject to change
STEP SIX
Program email the parents/carers are sent information about the program closer to
the date
Parents/carers are required to fill in an online medical form and behavior
management contract per program by the required deadline
Please be aware that ERCKWA programs
are subject to funding and place availability.
the policy
volunteer policies
alcohol All ERCKWA camp programs are alcohol free
smoking Smoking is not permitted in the vicinity of children at any time
Areas will be designated away from camp, volunteers must go alone
illicit drugs Illegal and illicit substances are not allowed on ERCKWA programs
language The use of bad language is highly discouraged in children.
Volunteers must act as positive role models whilst on camp
programs and use other methods of expressing themselves.
sleeping Leaders are expected to maintain high energy levels; sleeping
schedules will be provided on camp programs.
child protection protocol
In 2020, Edmund Rice Ministries Oceania updated our Safeguarding reporting and
training systems. It is compulsory for volunteers to be trained in safeguarding before
attending a program.
all attendees
campsite No one is to leave the campsite without prior arrangement with the
Camp coach, Manager and Coordinators. Leaving the campsite
during a program is highly discouraged.
visitors Visitors are not permitted without prior arrangement with the ERCK
WA staff member, acting as camp manager on the program.
private vehicles No private vehicles are permitted on camp programs
two leader rule All kids must be accompanied by at least two volunteers at all times.
There are no exceptions to this rule.
first aid rule At all Edmund Rice Camps in WA activities at least 1 fully qualified
first aid officer and 1 person holding an Aquatic Rescue
Qualification must be in attendance.
mobile phones Children on ERCKWA programs will have access to the camp
phone supplied by ERCKWA; this can be used at any time. Please
don’t send kids with phones, they will be confiscated.
health Campers who are sick should not attend the program.
Please check and treat your child’s hair for NITs prior.
medical forms All kids must return a completed medical form for
every activity or camp program by the due date.the camp team
Brittany Hawker KEVIN KNAPP
Community Engagement CEO
Manager
Kids & Referral Agents Chief Executive
NICOLE MANCINI XAVIER MITCHELL
Manager Profile Fundraising Coordinator
and Events Volunteer Leader
Services
Fundraising & Events Volunteers
camp structure
camp manager
This role is filled by a staff member on a camp program.
Last point of call for behaviour management and decision making.
Required to escort participants off campsite if needed.
Undertakes logistics and administration errands.
Point of call for all parents and carers on a camp program.
As the person filling the role changes; contact details will be available on a per camp basis.
camp coach
Fulfills a pastoral care role to all young adult volunteers.
Second point of call for behaviour management and decision making.
Serves as an advisor and mentor to camp coordinators.
Affirms the leaders in what they are contributing individually and as a group.
camp coordinators
Create a place where ERCKWA kids have a chance to be themselves and be safe & listened to.
Create an environment where leaders can participate and provide care to young people.
Provide a schedule of activities that kids and leaders can involve themselves in.
Monitor interactions and make sure behaviours are inline with ERCKWA policies and guidelines.
Ensure the kids are aware of the camp rules, boundaries, dorm allocations and requirements.
camp leaders
Be with the kids and provide for a safe and happy experience of fun and excitement.other information
Eddie Rice Camps in WA often have a waiting list for programs! If your child is no longer able to attend,
please contact us immediately and as soon as possible.
If no call has been received and a child does not attend the camp/activity,
this will impact upon their ability to attend future camps.
pick-up and drop-off
Please ensure the participant is dropped off and picked up from the meeting point on time. If you are
running late, please call the Camp Manager as the attendees may depart without you!
contact
ERC does not recommend that participants have contact outside of our programs. ERC volunteer leaders
are not permitted to have contact with ERC participants other than activities that are arranged and
formally authorized by ERCKWA.
valuables
Valuables do not belong on camp so children should leave mobiles, iPads, iPods etc. at home. They are
also not permitted to have cameras on camp. We ask that children do not bring their best clothes, and
that all items are labeled clearly to avoid items going missing.
photographs
ERCKWA has a strict policy on use of photographs in promotional material; at regular intervals both
referral agent and guardian will be asked if they provide permission for the taking of photos and use in
promotional materials. This will still not mean that photos will be used. If ERCKWA wish to use a photo in
a promotional document, flier or on the website, permission will be sought separately.
behaviour management
In 2019, Edmund Rice Camps in WA have introduced a new child behaviour
management policy. The purpose of the policy is to encourage the participants
to have the most fun possible in a safe and happy environment. Please see the
“Supporting Positive Action” brochure on the website. Parents/guardians must
be available to collect a child in the unlikely event that the child’s behaviour
necessitates their removal from the program.
suncare/dietary requirements
All participants must bring appropriate sun clothing (including hats) to camp programs. Sunscreen will be
provided. ERCKWA provides all meals whilst on camp, please advise of requirements on medical forms.
sickness
ERCKWA accept and abide by recommendations from the WA Department of Health. If the participant is
unwell, they are to be withdrawn from the program. While all care is taken to provide a healthy
environment, ERCKWA will not accept any responsibility for any illness a participant may contract whilst
on a program. If your child’s welfare changes in between filling in and returning medical forms, please
advise the staff member prior to your child attending a camp program.
medication/first aid
All medication must be clearly labeled and handed to the camp manager at the start of camp. (Only bring
enough medication for the duration of camp). All first aid officers nominated on camp have their senior
first aid certificates.
change of address
Please let us know if you are changing your address (especially email address), so that we can keep in
touch with you.Contact details
Brittany Hawker
Community Engagement Manager
(Mobile) 0499 145 055
(Phone - part time) 9365 2816
PO Box 1129
BENTLEY DELIVERY CENTRE
WA 6983
Email: ercwamce@edmundrice.org
www.edmundricecampswa.com.au
DISCLAIMER
This guide is not a binding contractual document. It is intended for informative
purposes only and may be subject to change at any time at the discretion of
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