Aug 12 - CBF Visits Summer Activities Programme
Commander British Forces, Commodore Ian McGhie visited Europa Pool and met some of the children who took part in the MOD’s Summer Activities Programme at their end of programme BBQ.
The four week scheme was organised by Command Community Development Manager Sally Crawford and her team. The activities have proved very popular and one volunteer, Royal Gibraltar Regiment Private Sean Crome, has been a firm favourite with the children; Sally explains, ‘This is the first year a soldier from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment has become involved in our summer activities programme. We are always looking for volunteers, in particular male volunteers, who are especially useful to give the young lads a role model, we gave a presentation to the RG to explain what we do and asked for volunteers, luckily enough Shawn came forward and he was definitely the most popular volunteer, the children thought he was great fun to have around.’
Shawn enjoyed working with the team so much that on the fourth week, which was the start of his own personal annual leave, he decided he wanted to carry on helping out for the final week of the programme, he noted, ‘I really enjoyed helping out especially the RG sports activities in DTC, everyone really enjoyed the circuits and the day trip to Amazonia was fun as well.’
The fun packed four weeks included arts and crafts, a trip to Amazonia Adventure, snorkeling, murder mystery dramatics, dolphins, rock tour, caves and cycling proficiency.
Sally commented, ‘GDP Community Liaison Officer Jo Thompson ran a cycling proficiency week with some other GDP officers. They spent four days cycling around Rooke Camp learning about awareness on the roads and hand signals after which they had a fun day where they ‘pimped’ their bikes, the children really enjoyed this and created some fantastic decorations for their bikes.’
CBF took the opportunity to present the children with their Cycling Proficiency Certificates and eight year old Bailey Elston, who received a certificate, said, 'I really liked the cycling awareness, I learnt how to indicate and cycle more safely; before I went I never used to indicate, but I do now.’
The summer activities have been an excellent way to help settle new arrivals to the Rock as Sally explains, ‘Three new families have arrived and taken part in the activities and we have had some really good friendships made over the last four weeks, it has been really beneficial for them to get involved and meet other children whilst seeing what Gibraltar has to offer.’
