Youth Groups off to a Flying Start
| Author: Claire Smy | Published: 13th October 2008 19:50 |
Claire Smy, Community Youth Work Coordinator at the YMCA is celebrating a very successful start to the two new youth 
groups running at the centre.
The groups have been running since mid September and are growing in popularity each week. With a total of almost 30 young people aged from 8 to 19 currently using the facilities on a Thursday and Friday evening, Claire and her team have been busy busy busy!
"So far we've made 'Me-Shirts', planted bulbs, taken part in an autumn scavenger hunt and joined in with obstacle courses, football, uni hoc and badminton. Each week we sit down together for food and drinks which are included as part of the £1.00 entry fee and this is a lovely chance for us all to chat and get to know each other. I am so enjoying meeting all the young people coming to the groups and am pleased to see so many faces returning each week, with new ones joining all the time," said Claire.
"Whilst the groups are definitely aimed at having a good time and meeting new people, these are not simply clubs for kids to hang out. There is far more focus to them than that. Each week has a theme which is given to members and their parents in advance and weeks work together as a unit with a common theme. This autumn we are working on teamwork and everyone is doing really well.
"Junior group has carried out a first aid evening where all the young people received a certificate as a young first aider from St John's ambulance for being able to establish if a casualty is breathing, put them into the recovery position and call for emergency help. I have been particularly impressed with how the senior group has worked together designing an obstacle course that they then completed together on three-man skis. To do this successfully they had to communicate effectively and work as a team, and they did so brilliantly."
Events coming up before Christmas include photography skills and a gardening night with the Somerset Wildlife Trust for Junior Group, and a treasure hunt and Parkour demonstration for Senior Group. Both groups will also have the chance to experience live music at the YMCA and to take part in a Christmas ice-skating trip.
New members are always extremely welcome. SYC (13-19 years) runs on a Thursday evening from 7-9pm, and JYC (8-12 years) on a Friday from 6.30-8.30. Entry is £1.00.
To find out more call Claire on 01823 277043, or email ymcayouthtaunton@yahoo.co.uk
Useful Links
Coordinator Claire supports youth Groups
Holway Youth Groups
Junior Youth Group
Senior Youth Group
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