Mallow Cadets
Best for 6 to 9 year olds who want adventure in a half-day format with a younger group and extra leader support.
Book CadetsSummary
Mallow Cadets, Mallow
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Duration 09.30 - 12.30
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Suitable Ages 6 yrs +
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Difficulty Challenge By Choice
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Activity Type Land | Water | Height
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Days Mon - Fri
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Wetsuits Provided Yes
Mallow Summer Camp · 6 to 9 yrs
The first big Ballyhass camp for small adventurers.
Mallow Cadets is our half-day summer camp for younger kids who are ready for adventure, but not quite ready for full days. Friendly leaders, smaller age groups, extra time to get comfortable, and a brilliant first taste of Ballyhass.
Best for first-timers, younger siblings, nervous-but-curious kids, and children who would enjoy adventure more in a shorter, calmer morning format.
Half Day Format Aquapark Included Dedicated Leaders Challenge By Choice
Why Cadets exists
A gentler first step into outdoor adventure.
Some kids are ready to charge straight into a full-day camp. Others need a little more time, a smaller age range, and a morning format that does not wipe them out by day two. That is exactly where Cadets fits.
It gives younger campers a proper Ballyhass experience, but with more patience built in: more time getting changed, more encouragement from leaders, more celebration of small wins, and less pressure to keep up with older kids.
01
Shorter days
The 09.30 to 12.30 format is easier for younger children and much less intimidating than a full adventure day.
02
Younger group fit
Cadets keeps the energy closer to their own age group, instead of placing them into a wider 8 to 16 year old camp environment.
03
Water confidence
Children do not need to be strong swimmers. They should be happy floating in a lifejacket and willing to try.
04
Challenge by choice
We encourage campers to try new things, but we do not force them into activities they are not ready for.
Who it is perfect for
For the smallies who are nearly ready for the big stuff.
Cadets is a great fit for kids who want adventure, water, games and fun, but who may still need a little help with confidence, kit, nerves or stamina. It is especially strong for younger siblings who have watched the older ones do Ballyhass and now want their own version.
First proper outdoor summer camp
Nervous or new to water activities
Younger camper who needs shorter days
Smallie who wants Ballyhass but not the full Troopers week yet
Kids who like being active outdoors
Friend groups who want to start together
How the week works
Five mornings, loads of confidence built.
The week is designed around land and water activities, with the Ballyhass Aquapark guaranteed as part of the experience. Each group has dedicated leaders who help campers settle in, get geared up, move between activities and celebrate their wins during the week.
1
Arrive and settle in
Day one includes check-in, group allocation and making sure friends are together where requested.
2
Gear up without the rush
Younger kids take longer to get ready. Cadets is built with that in mind, so the morning does not feel frantic.
3
Try land and water activities
Activities are selected to give campers a brilliant first taste of outdoor adventure at the right level.
4
Finish on a high
Leaders help children recognise what they tried, what they achieved and what they might want to do next.
Choosing the right camp
Cadets, Troopers or One Day Warrior?
Cadets has a very specific job. It is the soft landing into Ballyhass for younger children. Here is the simple parent decision.
Mallow Troopers
Best for children ready for full days, bigger adventure energy and the classic week-long Ballyhass camp experience.
View TroopersOne Day Warrior
Best for a one-day taster, last-minute plans, or seeing how your child gets on before committing to a full camp week.
View One Day WarriorDates and times
Summer 2026 weeks
Cadets runs Monday to Friday from 09.30 to 12.30. On day one, please arrive between 09.00 and 09.30 for check-in and group allocation.
Jun 29 June to 3 July
Jul 6 July to 10 July
Jul 13 July to 17 July
Jul 20 July to 24 July
Jul 27 July to 31 July
Aug 3 August to 7 August
Aug 10 August to 14 August
Aug 17 August to 21 August
What to bring
Keep the bag simple.
Cadets is a half-day camp, so the kit list is lighter than a full-day camp. Wetsuits and activity safety equipment are provided. Campers should arrive ready for an outdoor morning and bring dry clothes for after water sessions.
Swimwear and towel Wear swimwear under wetsuits. Bring a towel for changing after water activities.
Wet shoes or old runners Footwear is needed around water areas. Flip flops are useful but wet shoes or old runners are stronger.
Warm outdoor layers Bring a hoodie or fleece and a rainproof layer. Ballyhass is outdoors and we keep going in normal rain.
Dry bag or plastic bag Handy for wet gear at collection time.
Water bottle A refillable bottle is ideal for keeping them topped up between activities.
Small snack Pack something easy for a quick break. This is not a full-day lunch camp.
Sunblock Use waterproof sunblock even on cloudy days. Wind and water still catch skin.
Big confidence They do not need to be fearless. They just need to arrive ready to try.
Parent FAQs
The questions that usually decide it.
Yes. Cadets is specifically designed as a friendly first step into outdoor adventure. Leaders take more time with the group, activities are introduced at a younger-child pace, and everything is challenge by choice.
They do not need to be a strong swimmer. We recommend that they are comfortable floating in a lifejacket and happy to be in and around the water. Wetsuits and safety equipment are provided.
Friend requests can be supported up to a group size of 10. Let the camp supervisor know at check-in on day one and the team will do their best to keep the group together.
No. Cadets is the younger, half-day introduction. Troopers is the bigger full-day camp for kids ready for longer days and a wider age group. Cadets is usually the better first step for younger campers.
On day one, please report to the main office with your camper for check-in. Collection and pick-up for the rest of the week is usually in the overflow car park.
When booking, you can usually choose to pay in full or pay a deposit, then settle the remaining balance later by phone or when you arrive on the first day of camp.
Ready for their first Ballyhass week?
Cadets gives younger kids the buzz of summer camp without throwing them into the deep end. Half days, dedicated leaders, plenty of encouragement, and a proper Ballyhass adventure to talk about all afternoon.
Two amazing
locations
Mallow
Coachford
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