More than 280,000 people living in the north of Ireland care enough about the challenges faced by our communities to volunteer regularly at the Belfast Michaela Summer Camp. Are you one of the mighty mass of volunteers who are seeking a new opportunity to contribute positively to your community? This could be your chance!

The Michaela Foundation is currently recruiting enthusiastic individuals aged 17+ to volunteer at their Summer Camp for girls in St Mary’s University College Belfast from 3rd – 7th July.


At camp, girls aged 11-13 will engage in a range of volunteer-led activities based on the Michaela Foundation’s five core elements: fun, faith, fashion, well-being and fáilte. Most volunteers say that they get a huge amount back from volunteering with the Michaela Foundation. Benefits include the satisfaction of giving time constructively and the sharing and gaining of skills and experiences, not forgetting the social buzz from meeting new people.

“I became a leader in order to inspire others and came out of it completely inspired myself from the ethos of the Michaela Foundation”, said a 2016 Belfast volunteer. Whilst the positive impact of volunteering on individuals’ self-esteem and confidence is undeniable, operations manager Úna Ní Cheallaigh states that many young people see it as an opportunity to enhance their UCAS or CAO application. Furthermore, with the current economic climate many people view volunteering with Michaela Foundation as a chance to develop their CV and enhance their employment prospects.


Professor Peter Finn, Principal of St Mary’s University College, also recognises the benefits of volunteering: “One of the greatest aspects of St Mary’s University College is the vitality of its students and their commitment to volunteering. Each year hundreds of St Mary’s students demonstrate care for their fellow citizens through volunteering, and by doing so, they contribute to the vital process of social cohesion.”

Those interested in volunteering should visit the Michaela Foundation website to learn more about the roles available and to apply online. All volunteers must be vetted and have completed child protection training. Further training will be provided for all volunteers. Campette registration commenced online on Thursday, 2nd March.