Holiday Programmes
Our holiday provisions are innovative and highly engaging, designed to deliver enhanced learning and fun through experiential learning. Our workshops, trips and residentials improve the skills and self-esteem of individuals, their abilities in groups, and provide a safe space to make new friends.
The YAA Summer Programme has clear objectives:
Encouraging the formation of new friendships
Building confidence and self-esteem
Improving mental health and overall well-being
Promoting healthier lifestyles
Providing opportunities to learn new skills and knowledge
Summer 2024
Running from July 25 to August 22, 2024, the YAA Summer Programme successfully engaged 159 local young people, consisting of 94 males and 65 females. These participants spanned six key stages of education.
Activities were designed based on feedback and consultations with individual members, aligning with their interests and suggestions to offer a mix of fun and challenging experiences while developing practical skills.
Each participant was provided with meals and spent time in safe, supportive environments, which contributed to the positive atmosphere throughout the programme. The trips were categorised into three main areas: learning trips, residential trips, and social excursions, each offering unique opportunities for personal and social development.
The programme had a significant positive impact on the participants with many young people reporting improvement in confidence, mental health, and overall well-being. They also developed healthier lifestyle habits and learnt new skills, which they can carry forward into future opportunities.
Life Skills Workshops
First Aid
Street Doctors workshop on emergency first-aid education, a comprehensive 2-hour training session.
27 young people engaged in the first aid workshops which empowered young people with essential life-saving skills. 85% of the young people reported increasing their knowledge and confidence to act effectively in emergency situations. They did this by learning practical, hands-on techniques, including physical steps to administer aid. In addition this also provided mental preparedness required to handle high-stress scenarios.
“I learnt how to give CPR and how to help someone and carry them if they’re unconscious.
”
Substance Misuse
Drug Use workshop by Insight, a 2-hour session aimed at educating young people about common drugs that teenagers might encounter.
15 young people engaged in the Substance misuse workshop. 70% of young people feel that they have increased their understanding of the long-term effects of substance use and the risks and consequences. They learnt strategies for maintaining their autonomy and making healthier choices. This ultimately Increased their confidence in handling social situations that could involve drug use.
“I learnt how the bad effects of vaping are irreversible. And vaping is so common in my friend’s group, it’s concerning.
”
Sex Education
Sexual Health Workshop by Support and Advice on Sexual Health (SASH),a 2-hour session for two age groups- 8-12 and 13-18.
37 young people attended the Sex education workshop. The workshop helped young people to understand topics such as gender, healthy relationships, boundaries, and consent.
90% feel more empowered and confident to ask and give consent. They also reported that they now recognise boundaries and have more respect for others. The group was able to jointly develop a framework for what it means to maintain a healthy dynamic with others.
“Being respectful, having trust and asking for consent is so important in any relationship, especially romantic relationships.”
Residential - Jamie’s Farm
Jamie's Farm trip - a transformative 5-day residential experience at a rural livestock farm in Hereford.
12 young people engaged in the residential to Jamie’s farm. This safe space offered peace and sense of grounding through direct involvement with rural life and natural surroundings. 100% of the young peoples reported that they have improved their mental and emotional wellbeing through meaningful farm work.
Young people developed life skills through hands-on involvement in farming tasks, cooking, and gardening. They were encouraged to express their emotions and be more self-aware through reflective sessions. Young people feel that they have strengthened their teamwork skills and have an increased understanding of the value of cooperation and respect for their peers.
“Jamie’s Farm gave me the chance to step away from my busy life and connect with nature and myself. I learned new skills, made real connections with people, and felt proud of the work I did. It’s made me feel more confident about facing challenges at school and home.
”
Social Trips
Quad Biking
Quadbiking activity at Quadrenalin in Milton Keynes - an exhilarating outdoor adventure.
30 young people engaged in the quad biking experience. 60% stated they have improved coordination and control by learning how to operate quadbikes effectively.
Young people feel that they have increased safety awareness and have a better sense of responsibility. They were able to improve decision making via challenging terrains and obstacles.
“I learnt about driving techniques that you need to keep one thumb on gear and one on break. And most important be not going too fast and being safe.”
Go Karting
Go-karting activity at Surbiton Raceway - improving young people’s driving skills in a fun and competitive setting.
37 young people engaged in the go-karting activity. They were able to enhance their driving techniques including steering, controlling speed, and manoeuvring.
57% feel that they fostered a sense of healthy competition as participants raced against their peers. Young people showed an improvement in their ability to focus and maintain concentration in a fast-paced environment.
“It was both exciting and challenging, and it taught me how to stay focused and work as a team while having so much fun!”
Air Soft
Intense airsoft session at Mayhem Essex, an outdoor paintball centre. A 2-hour friendly competition filled with various missions, objectives, and themed scenarios.
30 young people engaged in the airsoft session. By navigating through complex, military-style missions, they developed their tactical skills and strategic thinking. This activity improved their ability to cooperate with others, share responsibilities, and foster a strong sense of teamwork, with 77% stating that they had built resilience and perseverance through this session.
This session promoted stamina and agility and improved young people’s physical health.
“It was exciting to strategize and work with my team through different missions. The tactical gameplay made it feel like a real adventure, and we all had an amazing time competing and cooperating.”
Southend Island
Adventure Island - a popular theme park in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, with more than 40 rides and attractions.
30 young people engaged in the Southend island day trip. Some of the young people. Overcame personal fears and built confidence by trying new rides. This trip helped strengthen friendships and encouraged new social bonds, by some of the older participants leading and supporting the younger ones.
This experience fostered young people’s adventurous spirit with 40% feeling inspired to embrace new challenges in different environments.
“We tried so many rides and attractions, and it was awesome to challenge myself on the thrilling ones. It was great fun!”
The Splash
Shepperton Splash, Surrey - a vibrant water park offering a variety of water sports activities.
30 young people engaged in the Splash waterpark activities. 100% of the young people felt that they developed their swimming skills and felt more comfortable and confident in the water. They were able to learn the value of supporting their peers and work in a team.
“It was awesome! We spent the day jumping into the pool, climbing, and just messing around. It was a great way to chill with friends.”
Hamilton Theatre
An unforgettable experience at the hit musical Hamilton in Victoria, London.
6 young people engaged in the Hamilton theatre trip. 90% gained a deeper understanding of the Revolutionary War and American history, learning in an entertaining and memorable way. Young people were encouraged to think about their own creative potential and pursue artistic interests, whilst appreciating the technical and artistic elements of theatre.
“The show was amazing, and the Q&A part with the cast made it even better, like wow.”
Ice Skating
Shepperton Splash, Surrey - a vibrant water park offering a variety of water sports activities.
15 young people engaged in an ice skating session. 50% reported to have improved balance and coordination. Young people built resilience by persevering through falls and mistakes and learning to continue practicing until they improved. During the activity, young people strengthened friendships and built positive social connections.
“It was extremely fun to be here and ice-skate again. I’ve done it before, so this gave me a chance to practice and have a fun time with my friends.”
Bowling
Bowling session at Queensway - an opportunity for young people to engage in friendly competition and develop their bowling skills.
15 young people engaged in bowling. 6 young people fostered stronger social bonds and strengthened friendships. The group improved their ability to concentrate in a relaxed, and goal-oriented environment whilst working on their hand-eye coordination.
“It was really fun bowling with my friends and engaging in healthy competition. All of us had different ways of bowling so it was interesting to see how others are playing.”
Go Ape
Go Ape - a renowned activity chain venue to explore the forest canopy via a challenging treetop rope course.
15 young people engaged in the Go Ape outing. 9 young people reported to have improved their confidence and courage. Young people developed problem-solving skills and improved their balance and coordination.
“Climbing through the treetops and tackling the rope course pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it was so much fun. I felt proud of myself for facing my fears and working with my friends to get through the challenges.”
Escape Room
Escape - an escape room in Shepherd’s Bush where young people tackled the Da Vinci Room, one hour to solve intricate clues and escape by working together.
3 girls engaged in the Escape room experience. 100% reported to have strengthened their ability to work together. The group honed critical thinking and problem-solving skills whilst improving communication skills and self confidence.
“It was challenging but so much fun – we’re glad we were able to do it.”
Toca Social
An immersive football experience at Toca Social at O2 - an opportunity to engage in various challenges.
15 young people engaged in Toca. 80% of the young people report to have improved their communication, strategic planning and teamwork skills. In addition young people were able to and enhance their football skills.
“It was so much fun! I didn’t know there were so many people so good at football. I learnt something new about them, now I’ll practice more and beat them next time.”
Young Drivers
Young Drivers Experience in Uxbridge - a opportunity to get behind the wheel of a real car under the guidance of a professional instructor.
3 young people engaged in the Young Drivers experience. The group developed their driving skills, with 100% reporting to have a better understanding of road safety and tracking progress.
This ultimately led to young people feeling more confident.
“She (the instructor) was proper teaching me things I didn’t know before, I’ve definitely learnt more stuff.
”
Snow Centre
Indoor skiing and snowboarding at The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead - boasting a 160-meter slope.
15 young people engaged in the indoor skiing and snowboarding experience. Young people developed their skiing and snowboarding techniques and improved their balance and coordination. 60% of young people reported feeling more confident and better equipped to manage risks.
“Trying indoor skiing and snowboarding was such a rush! The huge slope made it feel like a real mountain, and it was awesome to build new skills while having fun.”
Coral Reef
Coral Reef Water World - offering a variety of water activities, including thrilling giant water slides and expansive swimming pools.
11 young people engaged in Coral Reef water world. They improved their understanding of water safety and swimming techniques which increased their confidence and provided them with a platform to challenge themselves.
70% of young people felt happier as a result of engaging in this trip. This improved their overall health and wellbeing.
“It was the best! The giant water slides were thrilling, and we had so much fun splashing around with friends. It was the perfect way to cool off and enjoy the day.”
BBQ
BBQ @ The Hut - a gathering for our young members to celebrate and reflect on their journeys.
56 young people engaged in our annual summer celebration - barbeque. The gathering allowed young people to connect with their community, foster a sense of belonging and shared identity. As a result they strengthened existing relationships and created new bonds.
Young people were also able to build on their self-confidence by expressing themselves in front of a supportive crowd during a karaoke session. 100% of the young people felt this was a positive outlet for fun and stress relief, which benefited their mental well-being.
“We got to enjoy great food, hang out with friends, and the karaoke was so much fun. It was a perfect day to relax and connect with everyone.”
Contact
Contact us via our online form if you would like to know more about our holiday and summer programmes. For more information you can also contact info@youthactionalliance.org.uk or call 020 8964 3149.
Previous summer Programmes
To see more from our previous holiday programmes click here.