We took advantage of the fantastic weather in the first week outside at RRUFC checking in on our allotment, doing some tidying up and using the beautiful open spaces for some multi sports. Rochdale Cricket Club also supported more multi sports during the week.
We had the pleasure of Ben Floyd; a previous attendee of the charity who has returned to support the camps with his guitar and lessons for attendees. Its absolutely fantastic that Ben is giving back in this way and sharing his skills, knowledge and time.
In addition to the activities, attendees chose and prepared breakfast and a healthy lunch (supported by HAF) daily; sometimes a packed lunch if out and about but all made by themselves.
As the weather broke in week 2, we had moved to Photography, Art workshops (sculpture, modelling, drawing), sessions with our technology (VR / SIM), a visit to the Cinema and more Ben Floyd music sessions.
As we reached the closed the camps, on the final day we also had the pleasure of another returner. Daniel Dargue; who we last caught up with in our May blog, visited for the morning to support the camps and updated us on his journey as he enters his final year at University this September. It was great for Daniel to catch up with staff who had supported him along the way and also to hear of his enjoyment of University life in which he is thriving. He explained how some of the experiences he had with us at EBFT have opened doors to getting involved further – one being now an annual skier and member of the Ski Society at University, fuelled by his visit to the Chill Factore whilst with us.
Daniel gained a scholarship from JP Morgan and for the previous two summers has been on internships within their company and meeting their clients. If he successfully gains a first in his studies, he will get a job offer from JP Morgan for a role in wealth management.
In the meantime, he’s worked in a local pub in Exeter and is working at Tesco this summer to manage the costs of study. He also works with the Charity ‘The Social Mobility Foundation’ supporting A Level students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
We look forward to welcoming back on graduation or before.
Like Ben, we are exploring opportunities with Daniel to work together as alumni. Coincidently, both Ben and Daniel are from Cardinal Langley (CLRCHS) and joined others from there at the camp providing several generations of CLRCHS at the venue!
We are presently finalising plans for our 26/27 provision, refreshing the decorating at our base, adding a cabin to the allotment and looking forward to welcoming back our next cohorts early September.
Enjoy the rest of the summer !
