Cobnor Activities Centre Trust (CACT) is an independent charity and provider of adventurous outdoor activities based in Chichester Harbour, accredited by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (LoTC) and The Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA). As a recognised training centre for the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and PaddleUK, CACT provides sailing and paddle sports as well as land activities. The overarching purpose of CACT has always been to help educate and inspire young people to reach their full potential through the provision of high quality, educational and fun outdoor and residential activities. Therefore, CACT was delighted to receive £1,000.00 from the Bassil Shippam and Alsford Trust to fund a Multi Activity Camp during the school summer holidays for six local disadvantaged pupils from Chidham Parochial Primary School. The children were identified by the head teacher Kim Thornton and were selected due to mental health and wellbeing needs, were Looked After Children (LAC), eligible for Free School Meals (Pupil Premium) and/or had an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) which is a legal document that outlines a child or young person’s special educational needs and disability as well as any required health and social care.
Mrs Kim Thornton said “this is an incredible opportunity for these children and their families, especially during the school summer holidays, which can be particularly challenging for families with disadvantaged or vulnerable children”.
“This is an incredible opportunity for these children and their families, especially during the school summer holidays, which can be particularly challenging for families with disadvantaged or vulnerable children. We are extremely grateful to Cobnor for making this wonderful experience possible.” The children were joined by 30 other children who had made bookings independently. All the children on the Multi Activity Camp enjoyed a variety of activities over the three days including a range of Sailing, Raft Building, Low Ropes, Team Building, as well as Canoeing, Climbing, Archery, Cycling Skills, Orienteering and Camp Craft. Given that the camp coincided with the hottest days of the year, the children were delighted to spend most of their time in the water, splashing around and having fun with new friends. Throughout the three days, the instructors continually heard screams of delight and “this is the best fun I have ever had”.
The father of one of the 9-year old girls participating said “This is a great opportunity and on behalf of us all, we would like to thank you for your generosity, not only in providing the activities but to offer lunch as well, really helps us out.” Mother of 10-year old Teddy contacted Caroline Fisk, our Education Development Manager, to say how much this had meant to them. “Many thanks to the team for giving Teddy this great opportunity. Although Teddy was slightly under the weather, going to Cobnor boosted his confidence in socialising with new people and made him feel more independent. Ted really enjoyed the water activities and learning new skills in building a raft. Other children should definitely have this opportunity.”
The foster carer of two children attending this week spoke to the Head Teacher to say how much they had both enjoyed all the activities. One of the children had “the time of his life and loved jumping into the water with the instructors!” This opportunity would not have been possible without the generous funding from the Bassil Shippam and Alsford Trust.
