Summer camp success

12 September 2011

Schools

Over 10,000 primary school children attended sports days at the campus, engaging in activities such as tennis, orienteering, climbing and rounders. Each school had a day tailor made to suit their needs so that pupils enjoyed taking part in sports that they might not normally get the chance to do. The days were all staffed by students from the Faculty, offering them World of Work experience in addition to paid work over their vacation time.

 AClass Teacher commented:

"We have used LJMU sports days now for over ten years, the staff are great and give the children an engaging sports day. They are always well managed and good value for money.  They are fantastic!"

Local community

The campus also hosted its annual summer camps for the local community. Over 200 young people attended the camps each week for activities such as dance, multi sports, springboard diving, trampolining, judo. This year over 35 children attended a new Drama Academy developed and run by students from the primary (QTS) course with a final performance of 'Snow White and the 7 Aliens'.

The programmes now have a valuable role for schools, the community and students. World of Work (WoW) skills are a key part of the students experience at LJMU and the programme presents a range of opportunities to the students and in many cases much need childcare cover for parents.

Steve Grace, LJMU Activities Manager commented:

"The school and community programmes we offer are extremely valuable to the students, schools and parents alike. Not only do our students get the opportunity to earn a wage in their chosen profession they also have added value to their CV with high quality work experience."

June Gargen, parent of Dan aged 9 said:

"Being a working parent I need child affordable childcare for my son throughout the school holidays. It is great for me that my son can’t wait to get to the Marsh Sports Centre every morning. Not only do I know he is safe and well looked after but he also has the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities. This summer alone he has taken part in week long camps in; Ju-jitsu, Spring board diving, soccer, cricket & rugby and has  played many more sorts when in Multi Sports Camp."

Maureen Owens, parent of Tom age 14 also commented:

"As a parent of a teenager the holidays are a difficult time as I work full time. The Marsh Sports Centre, Sports Leadership Academy has been fantastic for our family as Tom has had a great time taking part in activities from dance to rugby. He has also gained First aid skills and leadership qualities as well as a summer away from the x-box."

Further details of these and other community programmes ran by the Faculty of Education, Community and Leisure, contact Track Dinning, LJMU Business and Entrepreneurship Manager.  Tel: 0151 231 5278 email: T.M.Dinning@ljmu.ac.uk