Getting the young people out and about and experiencing new things has always been something that we feel very passionate about here at Silx and this Summer has been no exception. The summer holidays can be a long and expensive time for parents so we always try and offer lots of exciting trips and activities to keep the young people occupied for very little cost or for free.
Dukeshouse Wood, July 2018
We kicked off this Summer’s activities with a residential weekend to Dukeshouse Wood. Dukeshouse Wood is an outdoor education centre in Hexham and is always very popular with the young people. We took 10 young people this time and they enjoyed a fun packed weekend that included a nightline, assault course, jacobs ladder and a campfire. The young people all worked well as a team and really had a great time.
Edinburgh Zoo, 28th July 2018
On Saturday 28th July we joined our friends from Newsham and New Delaval Youth Forum for a joint trip to Edinburgh Zoo!
We travelled by train which a lot of the young people had never done before so that was a new experience for them and there was lots to explore once we were at the Zoo, the highlights being the penguin parade and getting to hold and learn about giant insects! The weather wasn’t on our side that day with lots of torrential downpours but the young people had a fantastic time and it was great for them to spend time with other young people from Newsham Forum. (Read more about this trip here: https://www.silxteen.com/trip-to-edinburgh-zoo-july-2018/)
Bubble Football & Inflatable Pool Party- StreetGames (@ Blyth Sports Centre), 4th&11th August, 2018
On Saturday 4th and 11th of August we hosted Bubble Football and a Pool parties with StreetGames at Blyth Sports Centre. They young people were in teams for games of bubble football in the morning which was great fun and then they enjoyed the pool to themselves in the afternoon with large inflatables and this was all Free of charge for all that took part.
Flamingoland, 16th August 2018
On Thursday 16th August we went to Flamingoland alongside Newsham Forum. We set off from Blyth at 8am and arrived at Flamingoland at 10:30 for a fun packed day. The young people were able to go off in small groups to enjoy the rides and explore the Zoo, checking in with workers throughout the day. This is an annual trip that takes place every year and is always incredibly popular with 40 young people joining us this year.
Water Sports Day @ Coquet Shorebase, 21st August 2018
Another joint venture with Newsham took place on the 21st August. We took 12 young people to Coquet Shorebase to enjoy a water sports day. The young people were all kitted out in wet suits and took part in team games, canoeing, raft building and Kayaking.
As well as all of the trips this summer the young people have also attended our daily teen bar sessions and have been involved in Northumberland Live, The Blyth Carnival and of course our Annual Youth Festival. (you can read our blogs about these events here: https://www.silxteen.com/blog/) We have also had BBQs and played team games on the marketplace. Overall another fantastic summer for the young people of Blyth thanks to Silx Youth Project.