Summer at The Wayz

31 August 2022

We caught up with Gareth to learn about what the young people at The Wayz have been doing this summer.

Seniors Group Camping Trip
One of the highlights of the summer was taking our Seniors Group camping for the weekend by the sea. There was lots of joking, and many skills learnt, including pitching tents and lighting bonfires. The group even waited for me whilst I took part in the ‘Hang 10’ quiz on BBC Radio Berkshire with Julie – which we won for Berkshire Youth!

Here’s what some of our young people had to say about their trip:

“I enjoyed learning new things and being independent and it was good to get out and about for a few days! And it was also good to challenge myself to learn new things, like putting up and taking down the tent!”

“I really liked this weekend because I got to spend time with my friends and it was really nice to get away from what we normally do day to day we were really out of our comfort zone but we worked together and got everything done.”

13 – 17-Year-Old Programme
Over the summer, The Wayz has offered holiday activities for 13 – 17-year-olds across Bracknell Forest. These have included some centre-based and external activities, enabling young people to get involved in graffiti art, sports, cooking, go-karting, canoeing and kayaking, paddle boarding, beach trips, a visit to Aldershot Lido and a camping residential.

Numbers across the summer have been good, and young people have had a positive experience. We have had lots of young people take up the opportunities on offer, and have enjoyed welcoming some new faces. It’s so easy to stay indoors now, and to have young people fully engage in our programme and build new friendships has been amazing to witness and support. Feedback from young people, parents and local residents has been very positive.

Donation from the Rotary Club of Easthampstead
We were delighted to receive a donation of £250 from one of our sponsors, the Rotary Club of Easthamptead, following the Bracknell Together Walk in May. (We also raised £575 through sponsorship through the opportunity.) The club have supported The Wayz and young people across Bracknell for many years now, not only through funding but also a range of opportunities for The Wayz to get involved with in events, and we are hugely grateful for their continued commitment and support.

Community Fun Day
This week we aren’t running our usual evening sessions, as we plan for our Fun Day on Saturday (3 September) and carry out some work in the building. Instead, our team will be out in the community meeting and working with young people. We hope to see as many people as possible on Saturday at The Fun Day!