Trinity Sport and Trinity Access Programme (TAP) in collaboration with the Dublin University Boating Club (DUBC) and Dublin University Ladies Boat Club (DULBC) ran a series of week-long Rowing summer camps throughout the month of June. The camps were open to all 4th and 5th year students in TAP’s linked schools.
Running from Monday to Friday, students started their week at the Trinity Sport Centre where they meet their rowing instructors and were educated on the work of Trinity Access Programme (TAP), why they should consider Trinity College Dublin when moving on to third level education and the many support systems available to them such as, The Trinity Access Programme foundation course, HEAR, DARE and SUSI. The rowing camp then moved to Islandbridge Boathouse, where they learned the basics of rowing before they spent three days practising on the water.
Focusing on the impact and success of the rowing camps, Kevin Sullivan, Associate Director, Schools Outreach, Trinity Access Programme (TAP) commented, "I'm delighted to see that the Summer Rowing Camps have been such a success again this year. The student feedback was hugely positive, describing a fun, active experience, a chance to develop skills such as teamwork and communication, and a chance to meet new people and make new friends. These young students got a taste of sport in a third level setting and got to spend the week learning and training with undergrad members of the Dublin University Boating Club (DUBC) and Dublin University Ladies Boat Club (DULBC). The key point made by most of the participants was that they were grateful for the support, encouragement and kindness of the boat club students. A key objective in any TAP outreach work is helping students feel welcome and comfortable in a third level setting. It's great to see the boat clubs, TCD Sport, and the TAP team working together so well to deliver these brilliant summer activities. Very well done to all involved."
Matthew Dossett, Deputy Director of Sport, and Physical Activity at Trinity College Dublin commented, “We are delighted to collaborate with Trinity Access Programme (TAP), Dublin University Boat Club (DUBC) and Dublin University Ladies Boat Club (DULBC) for the Rowing summer camps. This is a great opportunity for Trinity College Dublin to connect with young students in the local community and get them involved with sport at university. We hope that these camps will provide students with not only a foundation to grow their rowing skills but also a lasting connection to sport at Trinity College Dublin and Trinity Access Programme.”
Commenting on the important skills and takeaways from TAP rowing camps, Sophia Mulvihill, Captain of Dublin University Ladies Boat Club (DULBC) commented that “One of the most important skills taught in this camp is learning what college is like and how we balance sport and college life. This camp provides secondary school students with an opportunity to meet college students and ask any questions they have regarding the college experience. Additionally, it teaches participants the importance of teamwork and why sport is so important. Teamwork and cooperation are essential, especially in these boats. Everyone needs to communicate and work together, it's a skill we typically see being greatly developed throughout the week.”
When asked about their experience throughout the week, one participant offered "I loved this camp. The rowing camp coaches were so kind, helpful, and accommodating, and went out of their way to help us and make the experience the best it could be. I appreciate every second I spent at the camp". Another student referred to their camp experience as "an amazing week and hats off to all of the Trinity College students who helped us out. They really made the experience more enjoyable. Their attitudes were amazing".
The camp is named after Trinity alumni Rob Van Mesdag who rowed in the 1952 Summer Olympics and won a bronze medal in the 1955 European Championships. He rowed at St. Andrew’s School in Delaware, USA before attending Trinity College with his brother in the 1940’s. After graduating, he became a freelance correspondent reporting on sailing and rowing and even went on become a member of the London Rowing Club. Rob provided initial funding for the TAP Rowing camps and was a constant supporter of Trinity’s rowing and sports initiatives. He sadly passed away on the 18th July in 2018 but his memory lives on through the students who benefit from the lessons taught at the camp named in his honour.