Faced with more than 70 children from 14 countries, each with his or her own language, culture and expectations, it is important to find one common factor, a unifying element on which everyone can agree. "Chips," said Mr Steven Goldsmith, director of communications at the Barretstown Gang Camp for children. "Everybody eats chips. Chips are universal."
The Barretstown Gang Camp, founded in 1994, is the brainchild of actor Paul Newman. Based in Barretstown Castle, Co Kildare, it offers a 10-day camp experience and unobtrusive medical care for groups of 72 children from all over Ireland and Europe who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses.
Barretstown will cater for 500 children this summer, most of whom are suffering from cancer and serious blood diseases, as well as a further 500 children, parents and siblings in autumn and spring camps. "We hope every child leaves with the knowledge that they are better than they thought they were before and with more opportunities to be happy than they've ever had before," said Mr Goldsmith.
The costs of the children's travel and the camp itself - about £3,000 for each child - are paid for them and they participate in a range of recreation activities designed to enhance their confidence and independence. They are helped by 35 staff and almost as many volunteers.
With annual running costs of £1.5 million and a planned expansion programme, Barretstown has embarked on a substantial fund-raising programme designed to raise £11 million over the next three years through individual donations, camp scholarships of £3,000 and larger corporate donations.