Young people across the borough have been enjoying a summer packed with fun and free activities.
Bolton Council’s Play and Youth Service has delivered its annual Summer Fun programme for four to 17 year olds.
Daily activities have taken place in the north, south and west of the borough, including free play sessions in the park or in centres for four to 12 year olds; junior youth clubs for nine to 12 year olds; and an older youth club for teenagers aged 13 to 17.
Activities included arts and crafts, sports, games, cookery sessions and archery plus much more.
In addition to the regular sessions throughout the summer holidays, the Play and Youth Service has organised the annual Play Day on Victoria Square and arranged special skate park sessions for scooters, skateboards and blades.
Activities end on August 26, but so far the team has:
- Held 245 free play session, 140 free youth sessions, four skate park sessions and two childcare schemes, amounting to 1,680 hours over the summer
- Entertained more than 2,200 children
- Consumed 3,200 litres of juice and 2,740 pieces of toast
- Driven 2,438 miles
- Had more than 3,000 social media interactions
Parents have been leaving their comments on Facebook and include the following words of praise from Jaclyn Harbot-Taylor: “Thanks to all the staff, absolutely amazing! Miles has had a wonderful time at both Sharples and Andrew Lane and hasn’t stopped talking about it. Lots for kids to do, the staff are fantastic and really engage with the children. Highly recommended!”
Karen Marie Lenaughan added: “It was fantastic, our little girl had a fab time with her cousins. She particularly enjoyed taking part in the scavenger hunt and the assault course.”
There’s plenty of opportunity to continue the fun after the holidays have ended with regular youth activities at clubs throughout the borough and a chance to join Bolton’s Youth Council.
For those aged 14 and over, there’s also exciting opportunities to volunteer for the service.
Anyone interested in helping others, developing their skills and working with other children and young people can contact the Positive Activities email or 01204 338190 for more information.
Bolton Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Youth and Sport, Cllr John Byrne, said: “Once again we’ve had a jam-packed summer of activities for young people in the borough. Our play and youth service has been out in all types of weather entertaining hundreds of children and making sure everyone has a good time.
“Some of the activities have been able to go ahead thanks to funding from our area forums, and I’d like to express my appreciation to them for their contributions. The summer holidays should be about getting out and about and having fun, and I think everyone involved has enjoyed themselves.”