A virtual event has been held to celebrate the completion of the T:BUC Camps Programme 2020/21.
Previously, T:BUC Camps in the Community events would bring young people aged 11-19 years of age from different Camp projects together for a larger residential experience where they would engage in good relations activities and team building exercises, and have an opportunity to share their different experiences.
However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and in adherence to social distancing guidelines, this year’s celebration was held online.
With many young people sharing a laptop or smartphone screen to watch and participate, it is difficult to give an exact figure of the number who took part in the event. The Education Authority (EA) estimate that at least 400 young people took part in Camps in The Community this year.
The compere for the event was comedian Andrew Ryan and included contributions from actor Jamie-Lee O’Donnell (Michelle from Derry Girls) who spoke about her acting career and how she dealt with rejection, a Good Relations Quiz, craft demonstration (attendees had been provided with materials in advance allowing them to follow the demonstration) and a magic show.
Each participant also received a goodie bag including T:BUC branded items such as a hat, reusable water bottle, blue tooth speakers and notebook and pen.
Speaking following the event, T:BUC Camps Programme Manager, Mandy Jones stated: “Due to the current pandemic, this year’s Camps in the Community has been like no other with the event having taken place online. I would like to pay tribute to our delivery partner, the Education Authority, for the innovation and creativity displayed in creating such an alternative and enjoyable event.”
Since the T:BUC Camps Programme began in 2015, over 600 camps involving nearly 25,000 young people have been delivered. It is one of the headline actions under the Executive’s T:BUC Strategy which reflects its commitment to building a more united and shared society.