The inspiration for a summer camp in the schools of the Parish of Chainda came during a visit to the area at Easter 2007. Many young children had younger siblings strapped onto their backs restricting their access to school and playtime. It became clear that many of the children were orphans cared for by relatives.

Fr James O Kane, who ministers in Chainda parish spoke to members of the parish and staff of the schools and a summer school plan was developed. In Ireland, word spread by volunteers and through the website www.thespiritofpaulmcgirr.com, sparked an interest in the summer school in a large number of people and soon there were more volunteers than could be accommodated during the Zambian school holidays. The volunteers came from Tyrone, Fermanagh, Mayo, Dublin, Armagh and England. They were given a briefing about Chainda, the schools, the plan for the summer school and the type of experience they could expect.

Many of the twelve volunteers fundraised to enable them to collect or buy the materials they needed for the summer school. In the weeks leading up to departure, the volunteers collected items generously donated by schools, individuals, sports equipment manufacturers and colleagues. These included all kinds of arts and crafts resources, books for teaching reading and literacy and sporting equipment appropriate for large groups.

The camp operated over two periods of almost three weeks each. Six volunteers worked during each period, with each school day running from 8:30 until 4pm. Each group leader ran various sessions during the day ensuring everyone participated in a range of activities.

The summer school was operational in three schools; those considered to be most in need. One of these was known as ‘the school with no roof’. It was a partially completed building that had run out of funding – nevertheless, teaching took place, all year round.

The children were enthusiastic about everything. They spent hours in art and craft lessons and were delighted to cut, stick and create. Colouring-in was never a chore no matter what age - six or sixteen. Great pride was taken in showing off the work they had completed.

A range of sporting activity took place. ‘Uni hoc’ was one of the most popular sports, but tennis, rounders, obstacle courses and athletic activities were enjoyed too. The children were very skillful and well able to run all day. Explaining the games and rules was tricky at times but usually one or two older children were able to understand and would translate for the others. The younger children did not always grasp the competitive concept, and during relay races they would run time and time again. They would sing songs we taught them and taught the volunteers some of their songs, usually accompanying them with hand clapping rhythms.

For the volunteers, the experience proved exciting, challenging, joyful and, on leaving, heartbreaking. The feedback from the volunteers is positive – all of them wish to return.  Equally the feedback from the parishioners is very encouraging with the result being the establishment of an annual Summer Camp.