So, what was the first IUK Camp? It was an activity camp but also an opportunity to allow young people from Ireland and the UK to meet, network, establish friendships and connections. It was also hoped that these young people would learn more about themselves as young Deaf people and that the camp would produce future Deaf leaders.

The camp was the brainchild of Camp Co-ordinator and former board member of the Irish Deaf Youth Association Seán Herlihy from Cork in Ireland. At the World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section (WFDYS) Camp  in Canada in 2003, Joe Murray, the then president of the WFDYS remarked to Seán on the fact that there was no regional camp for Ireland and the UK. On his return from Canada, Seán proposed that there should be a camp for Ireland and it was agreed that the IDYA and the Deaf Youth Workers Forum (under BDA) would work together to set up the first IUK camp in Ireland in summer 2004.

It was decided that the IUK camp would be for 13-17 year olds as ‘we thought it was best to start with teenagers and build the foundations for future Deaf leaders. You can read an interview with Seán and his experience here.

Previous Camps:

• 2004 – Ireland
• 2005 – Scotland
• 2006 – Northern Ireland
• 2007 – England
• 2008 – Wales
• 2011 – Ireland

Click here to find out more about the IUK Camp 2011