HOPE camp is back '˜bigger and better'

Tyrone manager Mickey Harte with Limavady parish Priest Monsignor Bryan McCanny, at the launch of the 2016 HOPE summer camp in Limavady. Also pictured are Fr James Devine and a number of volunteers involved in the camp including Leo McCloskey (Far right).

According to the volunteers involved in organising the summer camp, it’s a message they took to heart.

“They have worked tirelessly since November 2015 to make the 2016 camp the best to date, hence their hashtag ‘hope4thebest’,” said volunteer Leo McCloskey.

The camp has become so popular that within a day of registration opening, all 300 places were snapped up.

“There is a waiting list of over 50 to get into the camp and over 100 local people have signed up to volunteer in the camp. In the lead-up to HOPE the volunteers were trained in safeguarding by the Derry Safeguarding Office. A total of 39 volunteers attained a level 2 First Aid Qualification, made possible with funding for the First Aid Course came via an Awards For All grant.”

HOPE Limavady offers the children a variety of sporting, art, cultural, musical and dramatic activities over an action-packed week. The camp was opened on Sunday by Tyrone manager Mickey Harte.

“His address focused on mercy and talked about how God had helped him and his family deal with the ordeal of Michaela’s death,” said Leo.

Each day the children spend an hour taking part in faith formation activities. This year the theme for the Faith Formation is Mercy.

The Faith Formation Week will culminate with Bishop Donal McKeown celebrating Mass with the children on Friday and Sunday.

HOPE finishes on Sunday August 7th with a free community fun day at the Wolfhounds Limavady GAC pitches on Scroggy Road.