YOUNG people who want to take part in holiday venture schemes have just a week left to get their application forms in.
The Department of Education and Children’s youth service has plenty of activities lined up to keep young people busy throughout the six week summer holidays.
Holiday venture schemes will be held at Cronk-y-Berry Primary School and Douglas Youth Centre and there will, for the second time, be specialist outdoor adventure weeks too.
The Cronk-y-Berry scheme runs from Monday, July 26 to Friday, August 13 and will run from 9am-4pm Monday to Friday.
Young people from current school years four to eight will enjoy games, arts, crafts and trips out and about around the Island and will have input into activities themselves.
Youth officer Grainne Burns said: "This year we are also piloting an initiative joining with our colleagues from Manx Sport and Recreation to offer some specific sports sessions such as football, cricket and rugby."
From Monday, July 26 to Friday, July 30 there will be a mixed arts scheme based at Douglas Youth Centre in Kensington Road.
Grainne explained: "We are changing the format this year following feedback from parents and young people. Instead of a build-up to one big performance at the end of the week, there will be a series of workshops on offer including dance, acting, props and costume-making, multimedia use and photography.
"At the end of the week there will be a variety performance – an X Factor meets Britain’s Got Talent experience. There are limited places on this scheme, which is also for current school years four to eight."
Grainne continued: "Following the success of the inaugural adventure week last year and the overwhelming positive comments from the young people involved, we will run two weeks this year, each catering for 12 young people in current school years 8 to 10.
"The same activities will be on offer on both weeks and will include orienteering, mountain biking, sailing, and climbing."
Holiday venture schemes have provided activities for young people over the summer holidays since the 1980s and Grainne said: "If the weather isn’t great or young people are not heading away on holidays, they can be looking for things to do during late July and August.
"We aim to give all participants the opportunities to try new activities, have new experiences, meet new friends and have a fun and memorable experience."
Prices of schemes have been frozen this year and the charge for both the Cronk-y-Berry and mixed arts weeks will be £80 per week for the first child and £60 for subsequent siblings.
The daily rate will be £18 and £15 respectively.
Adventure weeks from 2-6 and 9-13 August will be £100 per week, or £20 per day, for all participants.
Activities may be subject to change due to weather conditions, numbers in the groups and staff skills and experience.
Places on all the schemes are limited. For further information contact the youth office on 01624 686057 or visit www.iomyouth.com to download an application form, which should be returned by Friday, July 16.
