Whilst this is clearly a fun activity for the schools, a visit to Clip ‘n Climb provides the children with much more in terms of opportunities to meet challenges and build self-confidence in a new setting. And, thanks to Rotary sponsorship, and the generous support of Clip ‘n Climb, the event could be made available to some who might otherwise not have these opportunities.
The children arrived in good time for a safety briefing and a video demonstration. They were all kitted out with a harness, given full instructions and assistance to rope up to the climbing walls. Many of them went very quiet when they walked into the centre and saw the sheer height of some of the walls, but within no time the room was buzzing with children challenging themselves. Many reached ‘great heights’ including one of our very own fellow Rotarians who was coerced to give the climbing a go! (Spot him on the wall.)
Watching the children push themselves and be able to concentrate in this way is inspiring. Some of those more timid children came into their own with a real self-belief in themselves, which was a joy to see. It was also lovely to see the children engaged and encourage each other, especially as they were all from different schools.
Mark Lowery from Langer Primary Academy said ‘’Clip ‘n Climb was a brilliant experience for our children. It was fantastic to see them grow in confidence and belief as the session went on. The lessons they learned - about perseverance, pushing themselves, trying again and again, and being brave - will benefit them for a long time to come. The children absolutely loved it!"
Andrew Rowdon, youth development coordinator for the Rotary Club of Felixstowe, said “This is such a great opportunity for the children to discover new skills and challenges that often help overcome any fear and trepidation. Hearing some of the children’s difficulties and what they have been through was quite staggering but seeing them build their confidence was really heart-warming."
more Thanks to Ipswich Clip ‘n Climb, on 21 March we were again able to give children from several junior schools around the town the opportunity to have fun, face challenges and build their confidence in a new environment.
more Thanks to the Yeo Group for again hosting at the Alex Brasserie, Kids Kitchen is an established part of our Youth Development Programme. This year eight young cooks prepared and served a three-course meal for almost fifty. (Photos: Bushfire Photography)
more On 22 March six teams from junior schools around the town met on the Portman Road all-weather pitch to compete in the Rotary Club of Felixstowe’s Community Cup. And for the second year running Colneis won the day.
more Children from Felixstowe junior schools had an amazing morning taking part in our Community Cup on Ipswich Town Football Club’s all-weather pitch. (Images thanks to Bushfire Photography)
more On 18 October, thanks to our young cooks and the Yeo Group, this year’s Kids Kitchen culminated in an excellent three-course meal for fourteen parents, special guests and Rotarians in the Alex Brasserie. (Photos thanks to Bushfire Photography.)
more Football tournaments in association with Ipswich Town Academy (Photos Bushfire Photography)
more Do We Have a Future Olympian Climber in Our Midst? (Images thanks to Bushfire Photography)
more Learning culinary skills in association with the Yeo Group and Felixstowe Academy (Images thanks to Carl Middleditch of Bushfire Photography)
more West End Week offers young people a 5-day musical theatre experience. Students take part in workshops covering drama, dance and singing with entertainment industry professionals and appear in a show alongside top West End performers.
more Excellent talk by Oliver Brooks, this year’s RYLA candidate
more Our annual lunch provides a fun opportunity to establish and maintain links with our supporters and collaborators working with young people across the community
back With our projects on hold through the lockdowns, it was great to get going again in October with a very successful Kids Kitchen 2021. Hopefully more to follow early in 2022.