Over the summer holidays our community team have been hard at work delivering a range of summer activities for young people. Find out more about what was available for the young people in our communities from our team;

North Shields: This summer in North Shields, we expanded our school holiday provision to the entire 6 weeks, as well as extending hours to 9am-4pm, to help parents who work a typical schedule. The YMCA Summer Holiday Camp focused on primary aged children which included a number of staff children. The camp is one of our initial Path with a Purpose programmes, which aims to create opportunities for young people to realise their potential as they grow to HOPE, BELONG, CONTRIBUTE, and THRIVE.

During the 29 days we served over 60 children in their more than 400 individual attendances, provided over 250 lunches, played 70+ games, made 30+ crafts, went on 25 visits to a number of parks, took 13 trips on the metro, went to the beach 6 times, visited 4 museums, and took several kids on their first voyage on the Shields Ferry! With all that said, it is easy to say that YMCA created really positive memories for many local children!

Willington Quay: The Willington Quay Summer Club had an amazing time trying out new activties, from tie-dying and henna art to pizza making and water balloon fights! We also went on some trips to Cullercoats beach for a picnic and a paddle in the sea whilst the sun was shining. We’ve created some amazing memories and formed new friendships which will last past the end of summer.

RAF Leeming: Over the summer at Airplay in Leeming we have been very busy! Having done everything from fun and engaging activities on site, to lots of exciting off site trips. We had one of the largest (if not the largest group) attend the Airbreaks residential where young people from all over the country attended and had a fun filled, jam packed 2 night residential. The young people loved it, the staff were pleased to get home!

Our activities didn’t stop with the residential – from Ninja Warrior to Washington Wetlands Centre, to Beach Day, Water fight and Circus skills, we have been incredibly busy over the last 6 weeks. Now the team are having a short break when they will then be back with a busy, jam-packed schedule for the new school term! All to support our children and young people of RAF personnel ensuring that they all belong, contribute and thrive. 

Teesdale: Over the summer holidays YMCA Teesdale ran sessions and trips for young people funded by TAP Fun and Food. This has included climbing and trampolining and some very messy sessions with paper mache and slime! We have also had a Seniors lunch club trip to Redcar where members enjoyed fish and chips by the seafront and a nice ice cream. Our first Cockfield Community Cafe Summer Fair went very well with lots of members of the Community enjoying stalls, games and freshly made treats from our cafe team.

All in all, our Community team have had an incredibly busy but rewarding Summer and we’re excited to get planning next years activities!

Interested in our children’s programmes for the next half term?

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