A day to remember!
On Saturday 7th of June, Woodrow welcomed around 50 young people from across the local Buckinghamshire community for a day of fun and adventure. These young people would not normally have easy access to a facility like ours, and it was an absolute privilege to host them thanks to the generous support of Buckinghamshire High Sheriff, Pippa Kirkbride.
The objective for the day set by Pippa was to ensure every young person enjoyed a day of adventure and fun. On arrival at 10.15am, the majority of young people were nervous and anxious, hiding behind their carers/ parents, and unsure about what the day had in store for them. At lunchtime, the buzz of chitter chatter and infectious laughter in the dining hall was pure joy. Everything had clicked into place, and everyone was happy – we suspect a combination of friendships being formed and the delicious home-cooked meal prepared by our chefs played a part. By home time, all the young people were socialising, sharing and talking about their experiences with excitement and confidence.
They climbed the high ropes course and told us they felt like they were flying. They did archery and said they felt like Robin Hood shooting arrows into the target. They jumped over obstacles and scaled the climbing wall on the challenge course that made them feel as if they could do anything. And for those who needed a quiet space, a sensory tent and lawn games were put out to ensure the experience was fully inclusive. The activities were designed to be challenging, fun and adventurous; all the while ensuring every young person achieved a positive outcome from the day.
Local dignitaries enjoy the Woodrow experience
It was also a pleasure to welcome the His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant Elizabeth Howe, Sarah Green MP, Roger Jefcoate DL, Judge Jon Cooper, Cllr Sarfarez Raja (Chairman of Bucks Council), Cllr Majid Hussain (Mayor of High Wycombe), Cllr James Brown (Deputy Mayor of Amersham), Cllr Parveiz Aslam (Deputy Mayor of Chesham), Caroline and Nate Sence of Restore Hope, Dr Judy White of Lindengate, and community champion BJ Tailor of Tesco. Our Chief Executive, Pauline Daniyan, and Head of Woodrow, Asti Kanaris, spoke about the work of London Youth and our direct impact within Buckinghamshire since 1946, followed by the highlight of the visit being observing young people outside. Even Pippa had a go on the climbing wall, which is not as easy as it looks, ably spotted by Livvie for safety!
Transforming young lives
But the most powerful part of the day was witnessing the transformation of young lives in motion, as it happened in situ. Outdoor learning transforms lives – and there is nothing more powerful or inspiring than seeing a young person taken outside of their comfort zones and showing them that they can do things they didn’t believe they could. It’s humbling to witness that change from “I can’t”, “I’m afraid“, “It’s impossible” to “I want more!” “I CAN DO IT” “This is sooo easy“. We see it every time a group of young people arrives at our centre for a residential trip away from home for the first time. The impact and the benefits of outdoor learning and leisure experiences for young people cannot be underestimated, especially for those who don’t have easy access to these opportunities.
They say success is measured in smiles, and we saw that in abundance from our young VIPs as well as local dignitaries who joined us for the day. A huge thank you to Pippa and all our guests on the day, as well as the outstanding Woodrow team, for making it a special day to remember for local young people.
