Hundreds of kids are having a summer of fun, thanks to Renfrewshire Council’s free activity camp programme.
The sports and craft-making sessions, provided by the council’s community learning and development team and Street Stuff, are fully booked for the whole summer, with around 1,200 places taken each week.
Young people from primary one to third year can take part in football, basketball, handball, hockey, badminton, tennis, dance, art, crafts and more, with activities happening twice a week in Ferguslie, Foxbar, Gallowhill, Johnstone, Linwood and Renfrew.
While at the event, kids also get a free healthy lunch.
Councillor Marie McGurk, convener of Renfrewshire’s communities and housing policy board, visited Gleniffer High, in Paisley, to find out how young people have been enjoying the experience.
She said: “Summer should always be a fun time for all young people and that’s why it’s important we continue to provide free activities across the area. Our holiday activity camps ensure children can have a fun break from school without it costing families money.
“There’s lots on at each camp and it was good to join in the hockey, handball and dancing when I visited. You can see how much they love it from the smiles on their faces.”
The activity camps are part of a wider Summer of Fun programme to help parents find free activities for children and families to take part in over the summer holidays.
The council has worked with local groups and organisations to create the programme, which includes activities such as magician shows, sports sessions, summer camps, upcycling and more.
It also includes free activities put on by Street Stuff in the evenings, with OneRen’s libraries hosting drop-in and set activity sessions, including giant games, Lego and storytelling.
People can visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/summer-activities to see what’s on offer across Renfrewshire during the summer break.
The school holiday activity camps are funded through more than £100,000 from the council’s Fairer Renfrewshire budget and topped up by an additional £120,000 provided by the Scottish Government.
The Fairer Renfrewshire programme also helps people get the right advice and support when they need it.
People can visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living for support. Alternatively, book an appointment with Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau on 0141 889 2121 or with the council’s Advice Works team by emailing adviceworks@renfrewshire.gov.uk or calling 0300 300 1238.
Advice on energy bills is available through the council’s energy advocacy team on emu@renfrewshire.gov.uk or 0300 300 0300.
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