What a week at Michaela Camp

Set up in memory of the late Michaela McAreavey (nee Harte), the camps operate in 16 counties across Ireland. This is the second year the camp has been held in Derry.

The week long event, which culminated with a Mass celebrated by Father Sean O’Donnell on Friday, gave the girls the opportunity to take part in a number of events that reflected the life that Michaela lived.

Orla McIntyre, camp leader, explained that Michaela taught R.E. and Irish and this formed a big part of the camp.

Aged between 11 and 13, the girls took part in groups called ‘Arise and Shine,’ ‘Life Force,’ ‘Legacy,’ and ‘Deeper Roots.’

Head Camp Coordinator, Orla McIntyre, said: “Returning as Camp Co-ordinator for the Derry City Michaela Foundation Girl’s Summer Camp has been a privilege and a pleasure. We have loved inviting almost 80 new ‘Campettes’ through the doors of St Mary’s College this summer and hearing the corridors of the school ring with laughter again. Watching the Campettes grow in confidence and develop new friendships is a fantastic experience.”

Principal of St Mary’s, Marie Lindsay, had this to say: “We have been delighted to host the Michaela Foundation Girls’ Summer Camp in Derry City for a second year. It’s a pleasure to work with a foundation who’s ethos is so like our own with faith, kindness and confidence as its core. We look forward to continuing this wonderful friendship and seeing many more of Derry City’s ‘Campettes’ growing in faith and self-esteem.”

Each Campette has received their own exclusive Michaela Foundation jersey.