ABOUT US

Edmund Rice Community Services Tasmania is a state-wide, not for profit, volunteer driven organisation that provides children, young people and young adults with experiences they may not otherwise have. Founded on the examples of Edmund Rice, Edmund Rice programs focus on supporting marginalised and/or minority groups to participate in fun and safe environments of acceptance, challenge and growth.

The participants involved in our programs are most commonly aged between 8 and 12 years (Grades 3-6) and come from a variety of different and diverse backgrounds and locations in Tasmania. Everyone is welcome at Edmund Rice Camps and in most cases participants are matched alongside a volunteer mentor for the program.

Volunteer mentors are most commonly aged between 16 and 23 years old and come from all over Tasmania. This pairing forms connections and relationships of positive interaction, as well as the opportunity for the fostering of friendship and trust. Participants and volunteers come away from our programs feeling empowered, having learnt a little about themselves, about people and about life. All camp participants will have the opportunity to engage in a range of activities and will generate relationships, learn about one another and stand in solidarity together.

For over 11 years I have been a primary school chaplain in Launceston working with students that are disengaging, have issues with friendships, anxiety, emotional regulation and many other issues that arising in the life of a child. The schools have professional support that they access and I am on the periphery of this support program.

Camps have long been a great go to in my toolbox of strategies to help students grow and mature regardless of their circumstances. The students that would gain the greatest benefit can often be hindered due to transport, funding or fear of the unknown. These barriers are continually overcome through good coordination with the Eddy Rice team and I have been so grateful to them for their great ability to be inclusive. When sending students to the Eddy Rice Camps I can be assured that their needs will be catered for. That their buddy will be there for them and that the experience will be a positive one. The flexibility and care given have not been replicated in any other program that I have seen.

The most reluctant of participant has come back from camp so thankful that they had the chance and experience and the benefits are evident in their studies, confidence, behavior and attitude. A student that I work with deals with anxiety and a parent with a significant mental health issue, she thrives in the Eddy Rice program and has motivation to do well largely because of this great experience. There are many other individuals I could mention that have had substantial benefits.

I would highly recommend the Eddy Rice program to any future organization or funding body as one that delivers on their promises and has a positive impact on our community.