A fun and interactive summer camp dedicated to teaching young people how to run their own business will take place in Ballylanders this August.
Running from Tuesday, August 4th to Friday, August 7th, 2026 in the Village Park building, this innovative camp is designed for children aged 11 and 14 years who are curious about how businesses come to life. Only 10 places are available, so parents are encouraged to book quickly.
The camp will offer a unique, interactive opportunity for children from the wider region to learn how to create, market, and sell their own products.
“This is going to be a really fun camp. The primary aim of the camp is to help every child bring an idea into reality and into a fully-fledged business, and learn a little along the way,” according to local businesswoman, Máiréad O’Donnell, who will facilitate the course.
The camp has two key highlights: each student will get to do a Dragon’s Den style presentation to recognised businesspeople and have an opportunity to sell their products to real customers at the local Pattern Festival on August 15th.
Ms O’Donnell, a mother of one, has over a decade experience at senior leadership positions and runs her own strategy consultancy business. However, she claims that being a mother, has taught her most the value of people learning through fun.
“By developing an idea into something real and tangible, the children will learn the really important elements of running a successful business and they won’t even know they’re learning.”
“We’re going to keep the group small, so every child has an opportunity to get the most out of their time.”
Unlike larger camps, this programme is intentionally limited to just 10 participants. Further information can be got by texting your details to Máiréad O’Donnell on 087-2070539 or emailing hello@maireadonnell.com
