Organised Activities
Fostering can be tough – for carer and child – but there should also be plenty of opportunities for fun…with the help of organised activities from quadbiking to teddy bears’ picnics.
Fun days out, or group activities, give children and carers the opportunity to meet and form lasting friendships with others in similar positions.
The range of activities has evolved over the years, developing from the traditional ‘bucket and spade’ annual holiday to more team-orientated experiences – although trips to the seaside still form an important part of our calendar, as it’s not unusual for some of our children never to have seen the sea. One little boy had to be comforted because he thought his caravan was going to be washed away because he didn’t trust the tide to stop, while another cried when the tide went out as she thought it would never come back.
All carers are expected to take their foster children on a holiday, and they also have the opportunity to go on holiday as a group of families, allowing them and the children to make new friends and extend their support network.
In addition, there is a tremendous range of organised activities on offer, from quadbiking to African drumming, graffiti workshops to teddy bears’ picnics – with choices geared to each child’s interest.
There is also the opportunity for foster children to take part in national events. In 2003 children from all over the UK met up to take part in our first national children’s forum, enabling them to give us their ideas on what is important to them. When it comes to our activities, our most important critics are the children and carers themselves – with everything subjected to their honest evaluation, and tweaked where necessary to maximise the fun factor!
In their own words….
“It was nice to meet up with other fostered young people while having a nice time on holiday.”
“The best thing about this holiday was all the kids and carers being together, mixing well and having a brilliant time together – we were spoilt for choice with lots to do!”
“It was brill!”
“Well, I think the holidays I have been on have been great!”
“We enjoyed the beach, the pool and the play areas were very good”
“There was plenty to do and the children were entertained both day and evening.”
“I think it is very good and I like it because it gives us a bit of a break.”
“Cool!”
