BLOSSOM Ireland has always prided itself on being an innovative and award-winning organisation and this summer saw the Raheny-based charity pushing the boundaries yet again.
One of its young campers, who has been attending the Blossom Discovery Camps since they started in 2011, arrived this summer not as a camper but as a staff member.
Blossom chief executive and co-founder Auveen Bell said: “Having approached me last summer about the possibility of volunteering with us, we were delighted to have Conor Fogarty on board as a volunteer support assistant this year.
“And he really stepped up to the opportunity. We couldn’t be more proud of him.”
Conor (17), who lives in Sutton and attends St Augustine’s Special School, travelled to the summer camp by DART every day on his own. He had a broad range of responsibilities and his own time spent as a camper really helped him to understand how to motivate and engage with the younger kids.
When asked what his highlights were he said: “Going out to the playground and playing chasing. I like going in here because it’s calm and we bring them (children) to the playground and the sensory room.”
There is also a social aspect to the work, with staff working in teams, planning activities, helping each other out, and having a break together at lunchtimes.
Conor’s Dad said the whole experience – from the interview right through to the final day at camp – had been amazing for Conor.
He said Conor is telling everyone about his job, adding that it has provided a massive boost to his confidence.
When asked if there was anything he didn’t like about the work, Conor replied: “It’s good, it’s all good. I was happy at the end of the day.”
Conor is returning to St Augustine’s for his final year in school while also looking for other job opportunities in retail or childcare. He is currently a member of the Blossom Buddies programme – a weekly life-skills group for teens. Blossom Ireland intends to expand the Buddies curriculum in the coming year to include a module on preparing for work and supporting more young teens with special needs to secure work experience.
Ms Bell said: “Conor demonstrated very clearly this summer how, with the right support and in the right environment, everything is possible.
“Conor just needed the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities and we would be delighted to see him back with us at future camps.”
For more information on all of the services that Blossom Ireland provides for children and teens with intellectual disabilities, visit www.blossomireland.ie