An unprecedented variety of activities for children and young people across the Borders is being offered up this summer through the launch of the Get into Summer programme of events
What does the programme offer
The exciting programme offers up a wide range of sporting, social and cultural activities for young people to enjoy throughout the summer months.
Holiday activity camps, sports camps, free swimming activities, film screenings, dance workshops and a museums programme are just some of the offering being made available through Live Borders.
Supported by Scottish Government funding, the campaign will help children, young people and families across the region reconnect and re-engage with their local communities and the environment and provide opportunities to socialise following a challenging period during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of the wider campaign, a range of local partners, clubs and organisations across the Scottish Borders will be supporting the programme of activities by putting on their own events across the summer holidays. This includes Nature Unlimited, Rock UK and Transform Arts, amongst others who will be providing free outdoor activities for children and young people in rural areas of the Borders.
Additionally, in a drive to provide easy access to emotional health and wellbeing support to young people, the Quarriers Resilience for Wellbeing Service will offer weekly drop-in sessions and attend various events.
YouthBorders are administering a micro and small grants scheme for community and voluntary organisations working with children and young people from 0-18 years to apply for funding which can be used to purchase play equipment and provide summer experiences.
Further information
As part of the Get into Summer activities, a range of COVID-19 measures will be in place to ensure that the events take place as safely as possible. Social distancing, the wearing of face coverings and hand sanitising stations will be in place to ensure the safety of all young people, volunteers and staff.
All those involved in running activities for children, young people and families this summer are being encouraged to use the hashtag #BordersGetIntoSummer on social media to make it as easy as possible to help the public find out what is going on and book places.
Further activities will continue to be developed by all the partners.
Councillor Carol Hamilton, Executive Member for Children and Young People
“Our children and young people have experienced an extremely turbulent time over the last 15 months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The virus has had an extremely negative effect on their daily lives and has severely impacted their ability to socialise, have fun and explore all that the Borders area has to offer.
“The Get into Summer campaign, and the additional funding associated with it, is a fantastic opportunity that allows us to offer an unprecedented programme of events and activities that can provide enjoyable and rewarding experiences to those who deserve it most.”