Camp Joshua, a free cross-community summer camp for children, returned to Brackaville in County Tyrone for its sixth year. The camp operates over three days each August and is coordinated through the committee and volunteers of Brackaville Owen Roes GFC.

The camp was established in 2021 following the deaths of Josh Griggs (19) from Newmills in June that year and Josh Green (22) from Dungannon, who died in January 2021. Both men were from Protestant backgrounds and were known locally for their cross-community work.

Funding is provided by the Shared Housing Programme through Apex Housing and Choice Housing. That funding was confirmed on the day of Josh Griggs’s funeral, according to Kaitlin Gillis of the Brackaville Owen Roes GFC and Camp Joshua organising committee.

The camp serves children from Brackaville, a predominantly Catholic area, and Newmills, a predominantly Protestant village. Josh Griggs’s father Andy runs the Newmills Community Garden, and both Josh Griggs and his brother Nick played for Brackaville Owen Roes.

Activities include Gaelic games run by the club, rugby delivered with assistance from Ryan Ross of Dungannon Rugby Club, and soccer run with help from Dungannon Rovers and Newmills Football Club. Arts and crafts sessions are also provided, with groups rotating through each activity over the three days. Every child attending receives a hot meal and a Camp Joshua t-shirt.

Registrations for the first camp in 2021 drew over 200 sign-ups within minutes of opening. The camp remains free of charge each year.

GAA President Jarlath Burns described the camp as something very special and said there is a need for much more cross-community work of this kind in Northern Ireland. He noted the commitment of volunteers to bringing young people together through sport and mentioned Nick Griggs, expressing pride in his spirit and determination.