Summer Camp
For us Summer Camp is a total highlight and in some cases a showcase of the relationships built with the young people over the year. This year was no different. Rosie and I gave our selves the target of taking at least two young people from Queens Crescent (Where we live) away. We smashed this in May when when we took a few away and since that every week the YP had been asking when we can go next!?
Well this summer we took 10 away from our local estate and 20 others from all over North and East London. The weekend is always packed full of activities and new experiences for the YP. Quite a few have never left London and most of them have never camped. Being able to take young people away from their areas is so important, its in these time that breakthrough can be made.
One story I can tell was a complete shift in behaviour by a group go kids we took. They where determined to test us, i'll be honest they where not very good at testing us and I have seen better however they tried pushing buttons to a point where we decided to confront them. A very wise colleague of mine suggested instead of telling them off, encourage them about everything they have done well and that we are proud of them for trying. He suggested to still acknowledge that behaviour could be better but to encourage them on the good things they have done. I can tell you that the contemplative and clever among you might see this as an obvious cause of action but when you are cold and tired I can see its not. The result of this conversation transformed the dynamic of the group, the attitude of the YP changed and actually they stepped up to the attitude that had been spoken over them.
This is why we love weekends away because of what it teaches us about the YP we work with but also teaches the young people about us. We hope summer camp can give the YP we work with a positive experience of adult interaction.
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