The first ever GAA Cúl Camp in Raleigh, NC (and first in the Southeast Division) was held on 19-22 June, and it was a MASSIVE success. The positive feedback from the children, the parents and the volunteers certainly underlined the success of the event. Kellogg’s Cúl Camps focus on skill acquisition, learning, friendships and well-being. Children who participate get a full kit of gear and a schoolbag, which were colorful and vibrant, like the participants themselves!
The early start of 8am didn’t deter these kids, who bounced in the door each day ready for fun! The weather was tricky, with more rain that we usually see in Raleigh, but the volunteers and organisers rolled with it and made sure that the camp was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
Raleigh GAA Board are extremely proud of what our Youth Committee have achieved in organising this wonderful event and we thank them and all of the volunteers involved for the hard work and dedication it took to make it happen.
Who are our Youth Committee you may ask? Well, first and foremost our Youth Chair is the one and only Sharon Doyle, our leader with the vision to bring Cúl Camp, a hugely successful youth GAA program in Ireland, to Raleigh. She worked tirelessly and even opened up her home to the two official Cúl Camp coaches who traveled from Ireland to deliver Cúl Camps this summer throughout the US.
Our Youth Vice Chair is Sabrina Brown, Youth Secretary is Elizabeth Guertin, Youth PRO & Youth Coach Sandra Holland! Thank you all so much for an excellent event, which built so nicely on the success of the Spring Skills Clinic, allowing the kids to scrimmage using the skills they have developed!
Thank you to the Coaches including Clara McCarthy, Hannah Stack and Becky & Katie from Ireland. You were amazing and the kids LOVED learning from you. We were so privileged to have your support and dedication!
There were lots of drop-in volunteers too including Richie Finnegan, Brian O’Sullivan Murphy, Tracy Berliant and Amy Doyle. Thank you!
We were honored to have the support of our Sponsors who helped us to make it the event that it was. Thank you to Commonwealth Equipment Corp and Trali Irish Pub.
The 2023 Youth Committee is grateful to those who laid the foundation for them and paved the way for this success; including Lisa, Allison and many others. Thank you!
Finally, it’s really all about the kids who were welcoming, kind, thoughtful, respectful and inclusive of each other. We are utterly proud of them all and we welcome them all back for Fall Youth Skills Clinic, which has just opened its registration today!
Here are some photos to highlight the joy and enthusiasm that we experienced here in Raleigh last week. Well done all, we are so very proud.
Photos – Tracy Berliant (Raleigh GAA PRO)
