With over 100,000 children taking part last year, Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps is Ireland’s biggest summer camp and the 2016 programme was launched yesterday by former participant David Rawle of Moone Boy and a host of inter county GAA stars.
The camps started nine years ago as a centrally organised gathering for 6-13 year olds that take place at GAA clubs up and down the country during July and August and which are aimed at developing skills and friendships among 6-13 year olds.
The bags and kits that are part of the deal when signing up to a camp become the default school bags and Saturday wear of many of the kids, which is something that cannot be lost on Kellogg’s who are now into their fifth year of sponsorship and won a European Sponsorship Association Award for the programme in 2015.
Read more of our coverage of Kellogg’s involvement in Irish sport
“With over 500,000 members, the GAA is incredibly influential in Ireland and has a particular relevance to local communities, appealing to both adults and children,” said Kellogg’s Ireland Managing Director Jim McNeill.
“Last year, Kellogg’s Cúl Camps attracted more than 100,000 participants and we are incredibly proud of our association with this programme and the way in which it has grown, year-on-year.”
“Our ambition and hope are that even more children will join us this year and experience the fun and benefits of Cúl Camps.”
“The programme for this year’s Cúl Camps really emphasises the link between making healthy food choices to benefit physical performance both on and off the pitch.”
Nutrition
A key component of the Cúl Camps is a nutrition-based programme, Kellogg’s Powering Play, which was launched last year and helps children understand the importance of healthy eating and in particular, the importance of nutrition in fuelling physical activity.
All participating children will receive packs with nutritional information to help promote greater awareness for the food choices they should be making to help power their play, both on and off the pitch.
“The Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps are a huge part of community life in Ireland, teaching children fundamental skills not only in GAA but with a strong focus on improving physical wellbeing and empowering them with information on nutrition,” said GAA President, Aogán Ó Fearghail speaking at the launch.
“Ultimately, the camps are about encouraging friendships and fun, which is what being a child is all about. With more than 100,000 children attending the camps in 2015, its popularity is increasing year on year, and this year it’s going to be even better with an action packed schedule planned for all the youngsters.”
Overseas Expansion
The camps offer training in all four disciplines, hurling, camogie, football and ladies’ football as well as rounders and in some camps, handball. Not only do they take place in Ireland but such is the popularity of the camps they are now also organised in the UK, Australia, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, the US, Canada and across Europe.
The cost of the camps is €55 per child. All young participants receive a complimentary GAA zipped training top, jersey and backpack.
This year the on-pack promotion, which is of significant value in its own right for the promotion of the sports has an opportunity to win €5,000 worth of training gear for a local club, plus a €500 family voucher.
In addition, one camp in each province will receive a surprise visit from one of the four Kellogg’s Cúl Camps’ GAA ambassadors; Cork Camogie Captain Ashling Thompson, Mayo Footballer Aidan O’Shea, TJ Reid from Kilkenny or Aimee Mackin from the Armagh Ladies Football team.
