Saturday Social Club
The main service that The Butterfly Club offers is our Saturday Social Clubs. The Members come one Saturday each month to our unit in Rathkeale, from 1pm-5pm. Here they have a chance to socialise and build friendships, while taking part in activities such as art, baking, sensory play and music therapy. As well as outings to the swimming pool in St. Gabriel’s. The members are divided into three groups, Group A, Group B and the Youth Clubs. They each meet one Saturday per month of the school term. The Youth Club enjoy a range of trips out to places such as swimming, golf, bowling and a yearly Pantomime.
Summer Camps
We run two weeks of summer camps during the month of July. The members are offered one week of camp, which run for four days. This is a fun way to finish our club year. We enjoy activities in the club, such as baking, music therapy, games as well as trips out. We finish our final day with a party day.
Weekend Away
Youth Club members can enjoy getting to experience two nights away at the end of the year instead of the summer camp. This is an opportunity to have a bit of independence away from home and spend time away with friends. We do board games/bingo on the Friday night, a day trip on Saturday, and a disco on the Saturday evening. The club has gone to many different places over the years including, Foto Wildlife Park, The Wetlands in Tralee and Spike Island in Cobh.
Santa Run
Prior to the covid pandemic the club used to do a large Christmas party. As we couldn’t do a party that year, we came up with an alternative. Santa, Mrs. Claus, the sleigh and the elves would visit each child outside their home. We were amazed at how well this was received by our members as they were much more comfortable in their own environment. This was a magical experience therefore we decided to continue and thus our annual Santa Run began. Over four night each December Santa’s sleigh visits our club members in communities across West Limerick, delivering gifts and festive cheer.
Youth Club Christmas Party
The Youth Club get together each December for their annual Christmas Party. This is also a reunion night where past members of the club are invited back and can catch up with their friends. We enjoy an evening of food, music and laughter.
St. Gabriel's Hydrotherapy Pool
The Butterfly Club over the last few years have booked a one-hour slot each Saturday at St. Gabriel’s, in Limerick. When the pool is not being used for a Saturday club this slot is made available for club members and their families to enjoy. This pool is heated and has hoist facilities.