School is out and for the Ballymote youth in Downpatrick and this means one thing… getting out and about and keeping active this summer.
The fun has kicked of at the Ballymote Health Sport and Well-Being Centre in Downpatrick as kids line up to get on board this summer’s action-packed programme writes Lauren Burns.
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Ready for their graffiti art session. Back row, Nareen Skeffington, SEELB Senior Youth Worker, Down PCSP Oficer Katrina Hynds, and Down Community Arts artist David McClelland, with Samantha Gorman, Matthew Burns, Josephine Douglas, and Ellen McGurnaghan.[/caption]
The youth wing organised through the South Eastern Education Library Board in the building has been running summer schemes for children aged 10-16 throughout the months of July and August. Each week has a new theme filled with exciting adventures and activities, many outdoors.
Narene Skeffingtom, Senior Youth Leader, said: “From scaling the Carrickarede rope bridge and a trip to the Giant’s Causeway, to drumming lessons and coasteering against the cliffs, there is something to engage every child this summer, no matter what their interests!
“We provide a wide  range of challenging, innovating activities. The summer scheme at Ballymote offers personal and social development programmes which enable young people to become the best that they can be.  The summer is an opportune time for young people to broaden their horizons, make new friends, to build confidence and develop a range of new skills.
“Programmes this year began with ‘Culture Vultures’ which provided opportunities for young people to explore the norms, beliefs and values underpinning Irish culture and enhance their knowledge of local history. This included a tour of Belfast City and the Peace Walls.
“After the trip the young people were able to articulate their own learning, voicing greater acceptance of those from other religious and cultural backgrounds.
“Another activity week organised,” Narene explained, “was the ‘We Are The Champions’ programme in recognition of the Commonwealth games and the 2014 World Cup. The week included workshops and group work exploring flags and emblems affiliated with both world-wide events.
“The young people developed skills in athletics and soccer and made educational visits to a range of local leisure facilities towards the development of a healthier, more active lifestyle.”
And finally, The urban extremes programme offered a high energy and physically challenging week offering a range of provision to include a drumming workshop, graffiti and junk art and outdoors activities to include coasteering and mountain biking.
The week ended with a grand finale of an extreme cookery workshop and collation of a photo story capturing the memories, learning and experiences of the group.
This is just a taster of what youth work has to offer as programmes run all year around focussing on all aspects of the personal and social development of young people.
If you are interested in getting your child involved in youth work or getting involved yourself, you can contact senior SEELB youth worker, Narene Skeffington, at :Â 028 4461 6377.
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