THE husband of Michaela McAreavey, who was murdered while on honeymoon in Mauritius in 2011, has said his late wife would be "so proud" to see the way in which young people in Fermanagh have embraced all that she believed in.

Over 70 girls and 20 volunteers from across the county took part in the Michaela Foundation Summer Camp at St. Fanchea's College in Enniskillen this week. Set up to commemorate and celebrate all that Michaela believed in the camp offered 11 to 13 year-old girls from Fermanagh the opportunity to experience inspiring activities across a number of themes.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter, Michaela's husband John said it was important to him and his family that the camp "inspired" the children as it was something his wife was passionate about.

"The ultimate goal is to provide these girls with inspiration; encourage them to be happy and confident, and allow them to celebrate their Irish culture. This is about setting these girls off on a journey. Eventually we want one in every county" he said.

Mr McAreavey explained that "at the backbone of everything" is the family's faith, adding: "You have to look at situations in different ways. We chose to act in a positive way and we like to concentrate on that. It has served us well; you only have to look at what we have achieved so far." Asked if Michaela would be proud of the summer camp set up in her name, Mr McAreavey said: "I am sure she would be so proud of all the people that are involved in doing all of these lovely things. The foundation has grown so much and it is the volunteers' spirits that shines through." He paid tribute to all the volunteers that took part in the camp this week, including co-ordinator Niamh McBrien from Derrylin and Ryan McCluskey who visited the girls on Monday.

Ms McBrien said she was "privileged" to be part of the event.

"It is about giving something back. I think the Michaela Foundation, its values and what it stands for influences everybody," she said.

Mr McCluskey, the Fermanagh captain, said he was thrilled to visit the girls taking part in the camp.

"I have a lot of respect for both Mickey and John. I look at them as inspirational people and that's what drove me to help in whatever way I could. A lot of work has gone into the camp and it is a credit to everybody. It highlights the person that Michaela was; how spiritual she was, how good she was and it is amazing that her spirit lives on," he said.

The five core elements during the camp included: fun, fashion, faith, Irish and well-being and activities included; new fashion styles, cupcake design, making rose bath bombs, healthy eating, Irish singing, understanding the rosary, dancing and much more.

Margaret Corrigan, a former teacher at Mount Lourdes, helped with the flower arranging class.

She said: "I had no hesitation in getting involved because I think it is a great thing for girls to do. I got myself equipped and came in here. There are some beautiful arrangements and of course it is a new skill for them, they see how easy it is to do." 12-year-old Aoife Farrell from Enniskillen explained how she made her wonderful flower arrangement.

"It didn't take too long to do; you have to put the leaves in first and pick the right flowers that go together. It was easy enough to do. I picked these flowers because they go together and I didn't really want dark colours in it. I will bring it home and set it on the table," she smiled.

In another class, the girls were singing "Open my eyes of my heart Lord." Riona McCreesh from Lisnaskea, said: "Singing has been enjoyable. Yesterday we practised the words and today we got to do it which was fun." Enniskillen girl Casey McGuinness treated her fellow students to a performance on the guitar.

Speaking afterwards, the 11-year-old said: "I like singing, I sing a lot at home, I sing every day. I have been practising a lot for this. It is for a good cause and is in memory of Michaela's death." Pupil Molly Flynn from Tempo enjoyed decorating buns as part of the camp.

"This is my favourite activity, I like buns. I am enjoying this because they are doing this in memory of Michaela and it is going to help their family," she said.

12-year-old Lucia Warnock took part in the Irish version of the 'Haka', a traditional Maori dance from New Zealand.

"We did it in Irish instead of Australian; it was fun. We had to learn the words at the start and then the moves and had to go over it a few times before we did it," she said.

Volunteer Aine Burns, who used up a week's annual leave to take part, enjoyed the experience and interacting with the girls "It is always good to do a bit of charity work and give something back. I think this is a great way to interact with the girls and get something out of it," she said.

Yesterday (Wednesday), Michaela's brother Mark Harte visited the girls as well as some of the Fermanagh GAA team.

The Irish 'Haka' An Haka Gaelach Bualadh bos, bualadh bos Gualainn dheas, gualainn chl� Bualadh bos, bualadh bos, L�mha ar na gl�ine Cromaig�, cromaig� L�mha in airde �ir�g�! �ir�g�!� S�os ar na gl�ine� L�mha sna cluasa Bualadh bos, bualadh bos L�imig� suas.....Sea!