The camps take their name from the founder of the Christian Brothers, Edmund Ignatius Rice, who dedicated his life to working, living with, and providing opportunities for, the disadvantaged children of Waterford, Ireland. True to his spirit, we try to do the same in a different way and in a different time.

Staffed by young adult volunteers (18 -35), who participate in all aspects of the programme, the camps aim to provide disadvantaged children with a safe, positive, fun and rewarding holiday experience. Volunteer Leaders are asked to be attentive to the needs of the children and to act as positive role models for them. The camps place young adult volunteer Leaders in roles of friendship and leadership. In being responsible for the children, it is hoped they grow in living skills, responsibility, and knowledge of their own gifts and talents. In doing this, the reality of the phrase, "for it is in giving that we receive", will come to us.

Since their beginnings in 1988, the camps have provided over 2000 children with a holiday opportunity, the majority of these kids coming from the Mt Druitt area in Western Sydney, thus continuing the work of the Brothers over the past 25 years in this area. In more recent times the camps have developed programmes for Indigenous Children from Walgett, Gulargambone and Bowraville in rural NSW, again supporting Brothers who have been working with these communities.

In any year there are up to 14 week long camps in the school holidays, a weekend camp in each term, picnic days, activity days and much more. It is only through the involvement, passion and commitment of our Volunteer Leaders that this happens. Since 1988 there have been over 850 young adults who have given of their time to camps.

As well as providing camps for children, ERCNSW hope to provide opportunities for young adults to not only take on roles of leadership, but also to be challenged in their personal, professional and spiritual journey. This is achieved through the review process on camp as well as enrichment events, social justice evenings and formation opportunities throughout the year. Naturally many friendships are made between the leaders on camp and there are many social events throughout the year to enjoy.

Since 1988 ERCNSW has gone from a small scale camping programme into a constantly changing and challenging community, within the Christian Brothers Oceania and the developing Edmund Rice Network. From the almost accidental beginnings in Melbourne the camps have spread to all states of Australia as well as New Zealand, South Africa, Tanzania, Ireland, parts of South America and England. Many Australian leaders have combined a camp into their travels.

The success of the camps is based on very simple foundations: We aim to create a just environment based on respect, dignity and sensitivity of the individual, all are equally valued and supported, and we are only as great as the other people around us.