"Corrymeela has a special place in my heart.  Volunteering at Corrymeela was an amazing and unforgettable experience. I truly enjoyed working with people from other backgrounds, and I had the unique opportunity to form life-long friendships with other volunteers from all over the world. I loved volunteering during the Summer Programme and the experience really had an impact on my life.  It helped me understand how to work with others who are different from me and it was a great education on how diverse our world really is.  I definitely plan to volunteer at Corrymeela again!"
-Meghan from USA, Summer Volunteer

Each year, during the months of July, August and September, Corrymeela hosts and supports a series of summer programmes at the Ballycastle Centre for various groups from across Northern Ireland and beyond.  We ask volunteers interested in this time to stay for a minimum of three and a half weeks.  The breakdown of this time will involve three days initial training, followed by three weeks of volunteering in various areas of the centre.  It is important to participate in the three days training at the begin of every volunteer cycle, but in exceptions shorter or longer periods of volunteering might be possible.

Volunteering cycles are from:

1.  Tue 28th June-Fri 15th July (leaving at 10am)
2.  Fri 15th July-Fri 5th Aug (leaving at 10am)
3.  Fri 5th Aug-Wed 24th Aug (leaving at 10am)
4.  Wed 24th Aug-Fri 23rd Sept (leaving at 10am)

During your stay you will help in different areas, for example House Keeping, Arts & Crafts, Recreation or Hosting Groups.  The goal is to create an extraordinary holiday experience for groups visiting the centre: hospitality and good food, taking care of groups, offering fun and outdoor activities and so on.  We value all roles at the centre as they all contribute equally to the group's experience.  Be aware that volunteers work long hours each day.

Whilst full board and accommodation is provided, those volunteers who are in a position to make a financial contribution towards these costs may be requested to do so.  Such requests are entirely voluntary and all applications are viewed equally regardless of financial support.  Any such support arrangements will be discussed and agreed in advance.

Volunteers normally help within specific teams.  These include:

Arts & Crafts Team

Working with children, young people and adults, providing arts and crafts activities including painting, printing, sculpting, mask-making and other related activities.

Recreation Team

Working with children, young people and adults, helping with team and adventure games, swimming, camping, and much more.

Kitchen & Housekeeping Teams

Volunteering to assist the kitchen staff and housekeeping team in preparing and serving meals, and maintaining a standard of cleanliness throughout the Centre’s residential units.  Previous experience is helpful.

Group Links

Volunteering to be part of a team working alongside a specific group residing at the centre for the duration of their stay.  This would usually involve working with families, including both children and adults, or youth groups.


Due to the high level of interest in volunteering during our summer programme, there will be an initial closing date of Monday 14th March 2011 for applications to volunteer during the Summer Programme 2011.  Applications may still be accepted after this date, but we cannot guarantee that applicants’ preferred dates will be accommodated. 

Email volunteersupport@corrymeela.org for more information and to request specific dates for the Summer Programme.