The air at RAF Leeming was buzzing with excitement as the children arrived, ready to tackle the day’s challenge itinerary. Scribbled on the big whiteboard, it promised a day packed with fun and friendly competition. With many of the same enthusiastic RAF children returning for their second year, we knew it was going to be an absolute blast.
The morning kicked off with a towering game of giant Jenga, quickly followed by an unexpected and absolutely hilarious armpit-pumping competition. The RAF officers gave it their all, but we had a sneaking suspicion the kids had been secretly practising their armpit-pumping skills – they totally wiped the floor with the adults! Before lunch, things got seriously stylish with an epic fashion show, where the Airplay children unveiled some truly showstopping ensembles.
YMCA staff visiting from North Shields HQ got right into the spirit of things, battling it out on the foosball table. Meanwhile, the children went head-to-head with RAF officers in a doughnut-eating competition. Now, there might have been some strategic sabotage of the officers’ doughnuts, but, well, let’s just say the evidence has been thoroughly disposed of.
After a much-needed lunch break, the action continued with spelling bees, dancing, rugby, football, t-shirt designing, and even cake decorating. And, in a welcome break from the miserable weather, everyone got stuck into the water bucket challenge. With soggy shoes and tired legs, the RAF and YMCA staff finally managed to bag their only points on the leaderboard that day – every little helps, right?!
To wrap up an incredible day, RAF Leeming Station Commander popped by and bravely took part in the renowned Mummy dressing challenge. One person from each team was vigorously doused in toilet roll, all in the hopes of resembling the most authentic Egyptian Mummy. With not a single roll of loo paper left in the building, the YMCA Airplay children racked up their final points of the day, clinching a well-deserved win!
As parents and families arrived for pick-up, everyone gathered for the grand trophy presentation to the gleeful children. It was clear from all the smiles and chatter that everyone had an absolutely excellent day. One of the visiting YMCA staff perfectly summed it up: “It was brilliant to see first-hand what life is like for the RAF families and children living behind the wire on base at RAF Leeming. It’s easy to see how life can become isolated for the children which just makes the work Cheryl, Carli and the team does all the more important. The kids and youth clubs play a vital part in making the children feel part of something, giving them a place where they feel safe and can have fun. I’d highly recommend attending next year’s Airplay VS RAF Leeming day to any of our staff team. It’s great fun!”
What is Airplay, and how does it involve YMCA?
Airplay is the RAF Benevolent Fund’s youth support scheme that provides essential youth club sessions on RAF stations. YMCA North Tyneside is responsible for RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire, and is part of a consortium of 13 YMCA’s delivering Airplay across the UK.
Growing up as part of a military family has its challenges; parents often spend long periods away from home, and children are required to move school and home frequently. Airplay supports military families by providing a safe place for youngsters to spend time with their peers, with support on hand if needed.
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