Registration now open for ICC’s Children’s Camp

By Jeffrey Cattel

After the success of its inaugural program last year, the Irish Cultural Centre, located on New Boston Drive in Canton, will again offer its Children’s Celtic Camp this summer.

“We have a lot of children’s programs and activities here,” said Louise O’Shea, director of membership and programming at the ICC. “Our Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations bring in more than 500 kids. The camp is something we felt like we were missing here.”

The one-week camp runs from August 15-19 for children in grades 1-8. Campers participate in classes and activities, including Irish language, dance, music, arts and crafts, storytelling and sports.

O’Shea said the Irish Cultural Centre has worked hard to find the most qualified individuals for each activity. The Irish language teacher teaches the same course to elementary school students during the school year; the Irish sports instructor receives funding from the Irish government and the Gaelic Athletic Association to spread and promote Irish sports; the dance teacher is an award winning, classically-trained Irish dancer, who also has experience teaching beginner classes for Irish dance.

The campers showcase their newly learned skills at a presentation for parents the last day of camp. And it seems like campers enjoyed their experience last year.

“We’ve already had a lot of the same campers sign up from last year,” O’Shea said. “And I’ve heard many parents say their kids talked about the camp nonstop throughout the winter and couldn’t wait to go back again this year.”

The camp typically costs $275, but Citizen readers will receive a $25 discount. Additional discounts include family registration: full price for the first camper and $200 for each sibling. Irish Cultural Centre members also receive an additional $30 discount. Registration for the 2011 camp ends July 1. For more information about registration, visit www.irishculture.org or call 781-821-8291.