summer holiday activities

[Ojibwa]

hi just wondering if anyone knows of any activities on in the summer holidays for kids. My son is 4 and a half and I think most stuff that is on is for 5 years and up. Can anyone help?

[Bill Fernie]

Look out for the summer clubs forchildren. Some folk only seem to find out about when it is too late to sign up for them.

Some are already taking names and once they have a certain number the list is closed.

In Wick for example the Pultenytown People's Project which is open to all dfor the summer club is running a two eek club from Monday 4 July until Friday 15 July 9.00am - 5.00pm at South School. The rpogramme includes visitos by exernal professionials to provide daily arts and dance sessions. There will be sports sessions and avisit by clowns to teach the children circus skills. Football and pool competitions. On one day the group will meet up with the Casper Club from Castletown. Much more so contact PPP in Wick on 606950. but be quick they are usually fully booked.

If you miss that one try the Pulteneytown Parish church in Argyle Square who run a week of activities for children and they are hugely popular also.

If in Castletwon try the Casper Club at the school. Watten has a cluib at the village hall for few days - check the school whomay know who to contact. Thurso has things on at Ormlie. Pone now though as places are being booked up for some of these.

Througout the summer watch out for Highland Ranger activites some which are at the beach for children - sandcastle competitions day and other activites. Lots of the places might need help so even if your son is only 4 and a half they might be willing to bend the ruils if you go along and help.

Also a nice day out for the family is at the RSPB place at Forsinard if you are able to get there - you need a car. Some events are aimed at children and you can check their calendar at http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/forsinard/events/index.asp

The other place you will find lots of activites for children of all ages is at the various gala weeks held in Wick, Thurso, Halkirk, Castletown and Lybster. Halkirk is on this week but watch the pages fo the Galas page for dates and check out the events on each day - many are for children http://www.caithness.org/fpb/galas/index.htm

We have not seen the gala programems for Wick or Thurso yet but take a look at last year in Wick to seeif this is the sort of events you are looking for http://www.caithness.org/fpb/galas/wick2004/index.htm
The 2005 leaflets should be out very soon and are usually available in local shops and we will publish them on the web site when we receive them.

PPP and possibly others are also organising day trips. PPP this year are going to Dounreay Visitor Centre and SSPCA Animal Centre, Ten pin blwoling and the boating pond. Again anyone can go but you need to get booked up. Phone PPP on 606950

There is probably a lot more going on this summer than we know about and some groups maybe do not have to advertise so it might be hard to find out about things if you are new to the area. Local nurseries and schools might know about some activities so check there.

Hope that is of some help

[Ojibwa]

Thanks for all the info Bill, certainly lots going on so I'm sure I'll find something out of all that. Much appreciated.