A Tradition Reborn: The Comeback of Edmund Rice Camps at Ruben Centre

A story of hope, joy and renewed tradition

A few months ago Br Frank heard about the closure of Edmund Rice Camps in Australia and given he was one of two founders of the whole Camps idea, he decided he would celebrate their closure by opening them up again here at Ruben Centre. There is a good history of camps at Ruben, but they were slowly squeezed out by the orchestra since every school holiday was taken up by music camps.

A Tradition Reborn

The November 2025 camp was not just an event. It was the revival of a treasured tradition that reflects the heart and soul of Ruben Centre. The values that guide our work, including presence, compassion and liberation, blend naturally with the spirit of Edmund Rice Camps which began in Australia in 1981 and grew across the world to give children from vulnerable backgrounds a chance to play, learn and grow in environments where they feel safe and loved. As people often say, old is gold, and the return of these camps shines brightly in our community.

A Look Back at the Camps

The Christian Brothers introduced Edmund Rice Camps at Ruben Centre in 2002 and the program ran until 2015. In the early years the camps took place twice a year for five days. By 2010 they had grown in popularity and were held three times a year for three days. Many young people who attended those camps grew into confident adults and often speak fondly about the encouragement and hope they received. With time, gymnastics, music and other activities filled the holiday calendar and the camps slowly faded away. Their return in 2025 feels very much like a homecoming and a reminder that good seeds planted long ago can still bear fruit.

Camp Details: 24th to 28th November 2025

This year’s camp brought together ninety seven children and nineteen high school student leaders who volunteered with passion and dedication. The camp was filled with moments of joy, teamwork and discovery. The children enjoyed singing games, chants, over and under challenges, quizzes, art sessions, board games, cards, a bowling challenge, ball games and athletics races. They also took part in the lively Crazy Olympics, a treasure hunt, tug of war, dancing, aerobics and a colourful talent extravaganza.

The camp was led by Thomas Lemba, one of the pioneers of the earlier camps and the IT Manager at Ruben Centre, whose steady leadership and warm spirit made the entire week flow smoothly.

The week ended with a beautiful excursion to Mamba Village where the children shared a picnic, explored the space and celebrated the friendships that had blossomed throughout the week.

A Voice from the Camp

Brian, one of the participants, expressed his gratitude with a smile.
He said, “These five days were truly instrumental for me because I gained confidence and was able to interact freely with my peers.”
His words capture what many children experienced. Sometimes all a young person needs is a little push and a little light, and they begin to shine brightly.

Values and Skills Gained

Beyond the fun and laughter, the camp helped the children develop important life skills. They learnt teamwork, determination, resilience and grit. They strengthened their leadership, boosted their self-esteem, nurtured compassion and improved their problem-solving skills. These are the kinds of skills that stay with a child for life and shape the path ahead. As the saying goes, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and for many of these children this camp was that step.

A Story of Hope

The return of Edmund Rice Camps is more than a program. It is a reminder that hope can always be renewed and that good traditions never truly die. When children are given space to belong, to play, to grow and to discover their strengths, the future begins to open up before them. As Ruben Centre continues to serve the Mukuru community, the revival of these camps stands as a beautiful promise that joy, community and compassion will always remain close to our hearts.

May this renewed tradition continue to light the way for many young people, because when you lift a child, you lift a whole community.

Story by Benson Kagwima