Our Mission
Our Mission
Helping children grow in confidence, resilience and independence.
Who we are
Life Skills Academy was founded by Gavin Bourke and Stephen Flood, both Master's-qualified primary school teachers. Gavin also works as a consultant in human behaviour through gavinbourke.ie, while Stephen serves as principal of St. Brigid's Boys' National School, Foxrock.
Together, they bring their experience in education and child development to camps that help children aged 6–14 build confidence, discover new interests and develop practical skills for life in a fun, safe and supportive environment.
Learning beyond the classroom
We believe education should prepare children for both the world around them and the challenges they face within themselves.
Through practical experiences, encouragement and reflection, we help children discover what they can do, try something unfamiliar and grow from the experience.
One:
Confidence through responsibility
Children set personal goals, from introducing themselves to someone new to learning a new technique. They reflect on their progress and learn that making an effort matters more than getting everything right first time.
Two:
Discovering new interests
Our campers explore a wide range of practical life skills, guided by experienced instructors who encourage curiosity, participation and the confidence to try.
Our ethos
Three values that guide us
Be yourself and follow your own path. Have the courage to be yourself and let your personality shine.
Make the uncomfortable comfortable. Approach unfamiliar situations with curiosity and discover what you're capable of.
Take personal responsibility. Recognise the choices you can make and the experiences you want to create.
We reinforce these values through daily encouragement, goal-setting and reflection.
Give your child room to grow
Explore our Easter and summer camps in Dublin and Kilkenny, and find the experience that suits your family.
Explore our camps