Summer report

A sizzlin’ summer

The summer programme is always a highlight of our calendar, and 2022 was no different.

We delivered a six-week programme that was open to all existing members and new members. The programme featured a huge range of off-site trips, club activities, and residential stays.

In total 90 young people attended the programme – up on 2021 levels – and 23 were new to the club. We delivered 18 different activities, including two overnight residentials. This amounted to 140 contact hours with young people over the six weeks.

Most young people attended three sessions, but some attended as many as 18.

70 per cent of attending members described the programme as ‘fantastic.’ The same proportion said they tried something new over the summer.

Juniors

53 Juniors took part in the summer programme – a solid uplift on 2021’s numbers and our biggest group session. 15 from the group were from Richard Atkins, where we run our schools programme. More than 30 young people attended each trip, which included three off-site visits to the likes of the Agnes Riley Gardens and swimming at Latchmere Leisure Centre.

Of the young people who attended, five were young leaders from Inters and Seniors.

  • ‘The group grew in number and we formed a positive environment and community throughout the summer.’

    LEADER

  • ‘I was impressed by how the older young people took their role as leaders seriously. It was great to see how proud they were.’

    LEADER

  • 'The young leaders were helpful, supportive and demonstrated great leadership skills.'

    LEADER

Inters

In total, 15 Inters took part in the summer programme. While this was the smallest group section, since the clubs reopened in the Autumn terms, the Inters section doubled in size. Inters went on two day trips: cycling round London on Santander bikes and to a water park. There was also a short residential stay at Avon Tyrell.

  • ‘My highlight was the residential because we all got close and it was really fun – it turned out to be like the best thing ever.’

    MEMBER

  • ‘Young people tend to open-up when they come out of their comfort zone. They began to work together and bond as a group.’

    LEADER

  • ‘Every year it’s the same thing. Every time we have a residential it’s so much fun.’

    MEMBER

Our Inters pose together on a summer residential.

Seniors

New to this year’s summer programme was the Seniors section. In total 18 young people aged 15 and over took part, attending trips to a water park, go-karting and paintballing – as well as a short residential at Hindleap Warren.

  • ‘It’s nice to get away from home. I’d just be gaming. You can come to Knights for a safe, protective, encouraging environment.’

    MEMBER

  • ‘Doing the leap of faith was a challenge – I had to believe in the person holding the rope and the team cheering me on.’

    MEMBER

A brave member tackles the heights at Hindleap Warren.

Girls

20 girls took part in the summer programme – three more than last year. Four girls were new to the club, and two came from our schools programme.

It was a varied programme taking in trips to Gravity, Laser Quest, Go-Karting, Ninja Warrior and Nando’s.

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  • ‘Ninja Warrior was a highlight. Having to climb the monkey bars - I did things I never thought I’d be able to do.’

    MEMBER

  • ‘It’s great to think of them going back to school and talking about the things they’ve done because Knights and our funders.’

    LEADER

  • ‘It was such a fantastic opportunity to plan this programme. The young people were happy and had a good time.’

    LEADER

Club-wide trips

Following the successes of 2021, we organised two trips that were open to the entire membership. We took 36 young people to Southend and 37 to Thorpe Park – and both trips were the highlight of the summer. The young people loved the trips, enjoying friendly ‘competition’ between sections, each thinking their group had the best trips.

Parent feedback

A number of parents voluntarily completed a feedback survey at the end of the programme. 80 per cent rated the programme ‘amazing’ and 20 per cent rated it ‘good’. 80 per cent said it had a noticeable impact on their child.

  • ‘She’s changed a lot since volunteering and attending trips. She’s getting on very well at school.’

    PARENT

  • ‘Keep doing a great job – it’s what the community needs. I see the kids are really benefiting from the club.’

    PARENT

  • ‘This whole summer programme totally changed their outlook and attitude.’

    PARENT