Childhood Eye Cancer Trust support worker Lesley Geen unveils the charity’s plans for its first ever teenage weekend away, offering younger members a weekend of fun, confidence building, indoor and outdoor activities and even some inspirational Olympic magic….
What’s in store?
You may have heard about the work the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust is now doing with and for teenagers who have been affected by retinoblastoma. We’d like to tell you a bit more about the weekend away we have planned and have found a fabulous setting for it in rural Essex (very accessible by road and rail).
The venue’s theme for this year is Knights of Olde England and St Mark’s College has a host of extra activities such as jousting and stocks on top of an already packed programme.
You can stay in a literary-themed dorm, from Hogwarts or Middle Earth to Wonka’s Chocolate Factory and we’re looking forward to chilling in the Tipi circle too.
How much will it cost?
The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust is hoping to cover all the costs as we have been fundraising to pay for 12 young people to attend – each place will cost the charity around £500 per person. The good news is we are almost there so it’s full steam ahead now with bookings!
If you’d like to join us for the weekend and would like to help contribute towards the cost of your place, how about taking up our £50 challenge – and fundraising with family and friends? We’ve lots of ideas to help you do this and there will be prizes for the most raised and for the most unusual fundraising idea too!
When is it happening?
Friday 10th July (arrive between 5pm and 6pm, in time for your evening meal and the first activity) until after lunch on Sunday 12th July 2015.
Where will I be staying?
St Mark’s College, Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex.
Take a look at the college website to see where you’ll be staying and the activities that may be on offer (here).
Whats going on?
There’s so much to do at St Mark’s you’ll never fit it all in! Included in your weekend away…
- Two nights’ accommodation – from Friday night to Sunday lunch
- All meals during that time – all dietary needs can be catered for
- Packed programme of activities to include some of the following: table football; air hockey; volleyball; giant chess; tennis; laser tag; circus skills; bushcraft; and ‘It’s a Knockout’-style games session, sumo wrestling and bungee challenge. For the less energetic there are a range of crafts and indoor activities to try out. (All activities we choose for our programme will be accessible for those with a VI.)
Get involved
Tell us what you’d like to do during the weekend by getting involved with planning the evening entertainment and shaping the day programme too – it’s your weekend, after all. Ask any questions and let us know any ideas you have – the most bizarre ones are usually the best!
What if I have a visual impairment?
All activities chosen for our programme will be accessible if you have a visual impairment and there will be plenty of people around to help and support you if you need/want it.
Are you a parent?
If you are a parent reading this, would your teenager be interested in joining us for the weekend? You may have lots of questions to ask before you make your mind up so if you’d like to find out more about how your child could benefit from this weekend do get in touch.
So……it’s now time to let us know, are you interested in coming on CHECT’s first teenage weekend away?
Invitations should arrive in the post by the end of April, but you don’t have to wait until you receive yours – get in touch now if you’re interested. Don’t worry if you don’t receive an invite, just contact Lesley Geen, our support worker, as soon as possible, to find out more: Phone 0207 3775578 & 07471199809 or email lesley.geen@chect.org.uk
Support Worker Lesley Geen with teenage member Theo Sergiou
Feedback
What do you think about the plans for The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust’s first weekend away for teenagers affected by retinoblastoma. Have we got it covered? We’d love to hear your comments and ideas below……
