Program Description
Edmund Rice Camps (ERC) run recreational camping programs for disadvantaged youth and families within Victoria. The camps reach out to children, teenagers and families, Refugee children and Refugee families and Indigenous children. These camps are focused on providing an opportunity for growth, support and enjoyment within an atmosphere of acceptance, care and fun.
Edmund Rice Camp volunteers lead on the camps in the role of mentoring and working hands on with the children and families within 1:1 ratio capacity. Volunteers are also involved in our dynamic marketing and fundraising group, finance committee, leadership development, publicity and publications and Board of Management. The various committees focus on developing ERC’s financial sustainability and volunteer development.
Commitment & Duration
All new volunteers need to complete a New Leader Training Day before volunteering on a camp. One of these days are held each school term. Each camp is 5 or 6 days long. Volunteers are required to stay for the whole week.
The committees meet monthly with some members completing a couple of hours work outside of these meetings.
Who we look for?
80% of the volunteers on the camps are aged between 17 and 25 years old. There is no restriction of people volunteering on a camp that are 25 years or older.
To volunteer on a committee you need to have or be developing your skills and understanding of the relevant field ie finance interpretation for finance committee. Application Details
Costs to join an Earthwatch research expedition range from $99 – $7,000 and covers the cost of all accommodation, food, equipment, safety and training on the expedition and of offsetting greenhouse gas emissions from travel.
Your support in terms of time and money is critical; without it, the research simply would not happen. Your contribution allows us to continue our vital work to help save ecosystems around the world.
To join a research expedition, either sign up online or call the office and book your place on a team.
Application Details
Volunteers need to pay a Fee of $40 per camp to help substitute your costs on camp ie food, accommodation, activities.
New Volunteers need to complete a Volunteer Registration form and pass a Working With Children Check (free).
Contact Details
Executive Officer – Mark Monahan
Website: www.ercvic.com
Email: mark@amberley.org.au
Phone: (03) 9439 6142
Postal Address: 7 Amberley Way, Lower Plenty, 3093
Location
All camps begin in Lower Plenty but travel to campsites in Lorne, Shoreham, and Malmsbury.
Committee meetings tend to be held in Parkville.
Edmund Rice Camps exist also in every state of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Tanzania, England and Ireland.
Testimonials
“I would like to commend you for the unique program that you offer and encourage you to continue far into the future. We were very impressed with the calibre of the young people who are leaders in the program. They were energetic, empathic, enthusiastic and totally committed to ensuring our every need was met. They are fabulous role models for the children attending camps, and we would love for our children to aspire to being Edmund Rice Camp leaders. In an age where young people are so often put down, here we meet 42 young people whom anyone would be proud of and whose behaviour should be being talked about - they are a tribute to your program and to themselves”
- Parents attending family camp 2006
