6:20pm Saturday 31st July 2010
By Emily Allen
DOZENS of teenagers in Blackbird Leys are looking forward to a summer jam-packed full of activities.
The Oxford estate’s youth centre is organising a month-long programme of free activities, which starts on Monday.
The activities are open to all members of the youth centre, which is free to join for teenagers aged between 13 and 19.
Many of the activities are close to home, including skating at Oxford Ice Rink, swimming at Hinksey Pool and an activity day at the Scouts’ Activity Centre, at Boars Hill, where everything from abseiling to archery is on offer.
But there are also outings further afield, including a day trip to London and visits to the Thorpe Park theme park in Surrey and the Coral Reef Water Park in Bracknell.
Sociology graduate and youth worker Patrick Chambers, 22, has been helping to organise the programme.
He said: “We’ve got all sorts of trips.
“The aim is to engage the young people in things that they enjoy.
“There are a variety of different activities and it’s a good chance for them to try something different.
“I have never been canoeing before and I’m sure if I was a young person I would be taking part in these things.
“It’s about learning new skills and encouraging different interests during the summer holidays.
“It’s definitely worth it and any young person is welcome. It will be a friendly environment, very positive and fun.”
Mr Chambers has also planned a football tournament between teams from youth clubs across Oxford.
Area youth worker Gillian Elliott said the annual scheme was jointly funded by Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council.
She said: “The activities are to challenge and inspire the young people.
“The young people are instrumental so they chose the activities and they have pulled together the whole package.”
She added: “The numbers on each activity vary according the venue for example there are 20 places available for the Youlbury Activity Centre.
“Places on trips and activities can not be guaranteed as there is a high demand.”
For more information about joining Blackbird Leys Youth Centre and details of the summer activities programme call 01865 772886 or send an email to bblys.youth@oxfordshire.gov.uk
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