Gael Scoil USF is a half-day educational and cultural experience designed for grade school-aged children to explore Irish heritage through hands-on sessions. Facilitated by members of the USF Irish Culture and Language Club, USF faculty, and community members, the event covers topics such as Irish food, crafts, literature, history, language, music, dance, and sports.
All child participants must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult. Scout troops, homeschool groups, and other organizations are welcome to attend. Session materials will be provided exclusively for registered youth participants. Click here to read the story of Gael Scoil USF 2025 and relive the highlights from this unforgettable event.
Gael Scoil USF
| Location | Grade Levels | Time | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USF Tampa Campus - CWY Building | Rising 3rd - 12th | Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM | $25 |
What to Expect
Explore Irish Culture
Engage in hands-on sessions covering Irish history, language, food, crafts, and more, facilitated by faculty from USF and the University of Notre Dame, members of the USF Irish Culture and Language Club, and local community experts. Engage in hands-on sessions covering Irish history, language, food, crafts, and more - including a hands-on Irish soda bread baking activity and a look at the history and traditions of Irish Halloween. Facilitated by faculty from USF and the University of Notre Dame, members of the USF Irish Culture and Language Club, and local community experts.
Learn Irish Language
Discover common Irish phrases and greetings to connect with the culture and heritage of Ireland through fun and interactive learning.
Experience Irish Sports
Participate in activities with the Tampa Bay Gaelic Athletic Association and get introduced to traditional Irish sports like Gaelic football and hurling.
Celebrate with Irish Dance
Enjoy a lively Irish dance and ceilidh, where children will learn and participate in traditional dance steps and rhythms, experiencing a fun piece of Irish tradition.
Gael Scoil USF offers grade school-aged children a fun, hands-on introduction to Irish culture on the USF Tampa campus. Participants will explore Irish history, language, crafts, music, and sports, with sessions led by USF faculty, the Irish Culture and Language Club, Ganley Academy of Irish Dance, and community members.
Children will learn basic Irish phrases, make St. Brigid's crosses, experience Irish sports with the Tampa Bay Gaelic Athletic Association, enjoy traditional Irish dance, and join an interactive singalong and storytelling session with USF alum Dan Wolfe of the Black Velvet Band. This exciting event brings Irish traditions to life in an engaging way!
Useful Information
General Information
When and where is the Gael Scoil USF event?
- Date & Time: Saturday, October 24th, 2026
- Location: USF Tampa Campus
Who can attend the Gael Scoil USF event?
- The event is designed for children entering grades 3-12
- All child participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Scout troops, homeschool groups, and other organizations are welcome, but each child must have a responsible adult present.
Will session materials be provided?
Yes, registered youth participants will receive session materials.
Parking
If I need to park, what should I do?
- Parking on the USF campus always requires a permit. Explore your options, including daily permits and ParkMobile, on the USF Parking Services website.
- We recommend parking in Lot 6, where daily passes can be purchased using the ParkMobile app.
Food
Will food be provided at the Gael Scoil USF event?
- Some educational demonstrations may include food.
- Participants are welcome to bring snacks and a reusable water bottle.
- After the event, lunch can be purchased at USF Dining options such as Panera, Kahwa, and Chick-fil-A.
Scouting & Merit Badges
Is the Gael Scoil USF program open to everyone?
Yes! The program is open to all participants but is designed to support the advancement needs of Scouting America and Girl Scouts of America members.
Does Gael Scoil USF help fulfill any merit badge requirements?
Yes! Gael Scoil USF partially meets the requirements for the "American Cultures" merit badge for Scouting America with an optional badge session occuring at 1:00pm.
Who can I contact for more information about the merit badge?
- Merit Badge Counselor Jennifer Knight can provide more details. Contact her at jlknight@usf.edu.
- More information about the "American Cultures" merit badge can be found here: Scouting America - American Cultures Merit Badge
Take a look at the fun activities waiting for you at Gael Scoil
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