On Friday 26th until Sunday the 28th July eight young people aged 14-17 from around the UK came to an Adventure Centre in Northamptonshire to join us for a full and fun packed weekend. They were supported by staff from the Member Involvement and Volunteer Team along with three very kind volunteers, two of whom sit on our youth panel and one consultant gastroenterologist from Alder Hay Children’s hospital. The aim was simple...
...to provide young people between 14 and 17 with IBD, the opportunity to meet each other, to share experiences and to have as much fun as possible in the process
Both the participants and even some of the adult volunteers risked life and limb abseiling, kayaking, mountain biking, and going over assault courses. There was also some time just to socialise with the odd kick about with a football and some volleyball, and even an impromptu hill rolling session.
Some of the more structured activities included team work and problem solving games. In the evenings there was a film night complete with popcorn and a camp fire that included games, a piñata, chocolate bananas and a sudden down pour of rain.
On Sunday we said goodbye and with numbers and emails exchanged, everyone returned home but not without the opportunity for some feedback, so here is some of what they had to say about the weekend
- ‘I was relaxed and had fun’
- ‘I will see you next year’
- ‘Everyone was friendly and made the weekend fun and relaxed’
When asked what they would like to change about the event the response was encouraging with one attendee saying,
- ‘An extra day maybe?’
So if any of this sounds like something you might like to try then keep your eye out on here for next year's events.
