A Summer of Memories

Our YouCan summer programme has now come to an end and what a summer it’s been!

This year, 19 young people joined us in person for activities, and 33 chose to get creative with at-home activity packs. Together, we’ve learnt new skills, explored new places, and built memories through nine incredible activities.

Week One

We kicked off with Pizza Making and a Movie in King’s Lynn, where young people cooked up their own delicious creations before relaxing together with a film.

Later in the week, we travelled to Norwich Castle. Rosalind, Learning and Engagement Officer, guided us through the art gallery and the Colin Self exhibition. Inspired, the young people created their own artwork, before exploring the museum and even trying on armour! To top off the day, everyone went home with a special goody bag including a quill pen, bouncy ball, and a family pass to Norfolk County Council museums.

Week Two

Our next stop was Shallowbrook Lakes in Costessey, where young people learnt how to fish. For some, this was a first-time experience and while there were some nerves around handling maggots, by the end, everyone felt confident. Best of all, every single young person caught a fish and proudly took home a medal that read “I caught a fish!”

We also enjoyed a day of rock pooling at West Runton. With bingo sheets in hand, the group searched for sea creatures hidden among the rocks. A huge crab was caught by one of the young people, it caused plenty of excitement!

Week Three

In the third week, we headed to Sandringham on one of the hottest days of the summer. To stay cool, we walked through the forest on a scavenger hunt, searching for animal trails, webs, and mushrooms (although a fish on the list proved impossible to find in the woods!) We then went on the adventure playground and then we cooled off with ice cream.

Later that week, we ran an art session, where young people worked together on a large piece for our counselling room after we received feedback from young people that the room needed updating. Their artwork will brighten the space and make it feel more welcoming for young people.

Week Four

A big highlight came with our visit to Watatunga Wildlife Reserve. We travelled by trailer with a guide, spotting buffalo, wildebeest, deer, and a wide range of birds. The day ended with an educational talk and even the chance to hold antlers!

Back in Norwich, our hospitality lead, Steven, ran a Pizza Making session. From dough to toppings, young people created pizzas entirely from scratch, with plenty to take home and share with their families.

Week Five

We ended the summer with something completely different, a Krav Maga self-defence session. Young people learnt practical skills for protecting themselves, building confidence and resilience.

A huge thank you to every child and young person who joined us this summer, and to our brilliant YouCan team who worked so hard to make it all possible.

We’re already busy planning for October half term, and we can’t wait to see what memories we’ll create next!

Thanks, Josie & Léa