This month is all about ‘thumbs up for a good cause’. It’s always busy at A4Y but over the summer months we’re bursting at the seams with young people enjoying themselves. We have our Xtremely passionate NCS leaders and young people braving the unpredictable weather and so many Xciting and inspiring activities across the A4Y teams. Here’s two recent students from The Mandeville School giving the arrival of our updated Adventure Mark certificate a thumbs-up! We are proud of our kitemarks that show we are always striving to be the best we can be. Plus, this month we have launched our Xtremely fun team-building Xtreme Challenge event so adults get to join in the fun too.
Xtremely Good Fun for an Xtremely Good Cause
The Caldecotte Xtreme event promises FUN and something a little different? Simply round up a team of four to six people and tackle an adventurous obstacle course across land and water. The course provides exhilarating challenges from climbing, abseiling, caving, striking arrows, canoeing, running, and wading. Sounds scary? Relax, it’ll be fun, we promise! We’ll be there to help you and if an 8 year old can do it, so can you! Bring out your fearless side and create team legends! By taking part, teams will be helping create life-enhancing experiences for all young people, especially for those with disabilities and complex needs by contributing to our appeal.
NCS has Started with a Bang
Sarah (bottom right) and Liz (top left) have joined us to Wave Lead this summer pictured alongside Programmes Director, Emily (bottom left) and Programmes Manager, Rebecca (top right).
NCS has kicked off for 2023 and we couldn’t be happier to start this year’s journey of delivering the programme that turns ‘no we can’t’ into ‘yes we can!‘ The groups have enjoyed staying in the bell tents at The Caldecotte Xperience and turning their hand to cooking, climbing, caving and more all with a smile on their faces, despite the turns in weather!
Jessie, a recent NCS student, even text us once she got home to share a special thanks to our inspiring NCS wave leaders – “I would like to thank them for everything. They have been wonderful, happy, motivating… words cannot describe how much I’ve enjoyed myself. Thank you.” 💖Jessie – you are amazing too!
The Junction Continues to Support The Local Community
The Junction team has been especially busy this month, showcasing their extraordinary offering in the local area. Attending Armed Forces Day was a real pleasure for the team, especially RAF veteran and Centre Manager, Paul Dyne (pictured above).
The team also challenged young people to test their abilities hosting fun games in the A4Y gazebo at the Desborough carnival. The town’s tradition returned for another year to support the local community and families that The Junction serves.
Paul is also heading up the A4Y footy team as they go head-to-head later this year against funders and avid supporters, NHBC in a fun-filled, competitive tournament at The MK Dons to raise crucial funds.
Things You May Have Missed….
We share thanks to Borras Construction Ltd. which hosted a business experience for some of our Inspiration Programme students. The group got to visit ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and had a fantastic time (pictured above).
Tracy Palmer, Inspiration Programme lead commented, “The zoo session was part of our business experience session of the Work Life pillar. I have had follow-up conversations with the group and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves! They were able to explore career opportunities both at the zoo and at Borras construction with several of the group recognising they would like to explore career paths that they learnt about.”
As we head towards the summer holidays, many of our programmes draw to a close. Our programmes can be life-changing for some of our students. They can set them on a different path as they head towards the next phase in their lives post secondary school.
Remember, there’s still time to book adventure clubs at The Caldecotte Xperience. Parent/carer of an 8-16 year old? Book them a real adventure this summer holidays!
With Thanks…
We couldn’t do what we do without all of our amazing partners, funders and sponsors. This month we are celebrating a grant from Thrive towards the counselling costs at our youth, safe space, The Junction. Counselling is of huge importance for the young people we serve in the community as it gives them free access to an otherwise, sometimes inaccessible service. Gehad is our in-house counsellor who provides counselling in a safe and confidential environment at The Junction in High Wycombe. Young people will find someone to talk to who listens, cares, gives emotional support and empowers them to find a solution. One student shared their utmost thanks with Gehad recently, below.
If you would like further information please contact us: gehad.mursi@action4youth.org.