Posted on January 24th, 2012
We’re supporters of the Love Outdoor Play campaign! Look out for this logo in Gloucestershire. It’s a symbol that shows:
- understanding of the importance of outdoor play for the well-being of individuals and communities
- communities that welcome and are creating space for outdoor play
- freedom and independence for young people to learn and have fun
- responsibilities within communities to care for one another.
Play Gloucestershire’s Play Rangers Love Outdoor Play, whatever the weather, all year round. We believe that play is good for children and young people, good for families and good for communities which is why we’re supporting this campaign. You can sign up as well! Check out the website www.LoveOutdoorPlay.net
Posted on January 13th, 2012
Congratulations to Matt and Megan who are Play Gloucestershire’s ‘Young Volunteers of the Year’ 2011. Each year the Play Rangers vote for the young person they think has made the most outstanding contribution to volunteering throughout the year. This year, the award went to two young people – Matt from Cheltenham and Megan from Shurdington.
At a special award ceremony attended by Play Gloucestershire’s Trustees, 16 young volunteers were thanked for all their tremendous commitment and support over the previous 12 months. Our young volunteers support us at after-school and holiday play sessions as well as at fetes and festivals. They are so dynamic and caring and brilliant role models for younger children attending our play activities. They help us plan and deliver all sorts of activities from den building to campfire cooking to face painting. Without them we would not be such a vibrant, fun and effective charity. Massive thanks to all of them and especially Matt and Megan who have been outstanding this year.
By Pip Levett, Director of Play
Posted on January 6th, 2012
‘Twas the week before Christmas and all through the house a lot was stirring and that included feeding the cows!
Play Gloucestershire and 16 of our AMAZING Young Volunteers visited Wick Court Farm near Stroud for a residential trip to celebrate all the hard work done by the team over the last year!
In beautiful surroundings we enjoyed an extremely muddy night walk across fields overlooking the River Severn. Heather (the farm manager) invited us to wake up early to feed and muck out the animals, this gave a great insight into the workings of a farm, as well as what exactly what went into our cooked breakfast in the morning (eggs & sausages).
Inside the farm house the games room was popular with extreme ping-pong and air-hockey battles, and how could we forget the epic games of THE CEREAL BOX GAME.
Workshops allowed Play Gloucestershire to get the Young Volunteers thinking about what it means to help the Play Rangers on a regular basis and what opportunities this can offer them; we also played games that are easily transferred to play sessions and got the team thinking about keeping people occupied, especially in poor weather conditions.
Our last morning saw a Christmas Brunch prepared with small gifts sent early from Santa before we all ventured home to families and friends for Christmas.
A special thanks to Wick Court Farm for their hospitality and a MASSIVE thanks to all who came and made it truly memorable.
by Ben Morris, Urban Team Leader.
There are lots more fantastic photos in the Gallery.
Posted on December 23rd, 2011
Click to see a Christmas card. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and look forward to seeing you again in 2012.
Posted on December 14th, 2011
Play Gloucestershire’s Play Rangers have won a ‘Gloscar’ for ‘Best at Involving People in the design and delivery of services’. The annual awards, celebrating Gloucestershire’s voluntary and community sector are presented by the Gloucestershire Assembly. We were nominated by Gloucester City Council (thanks!) for the way that we enable children and families to choose and direct their own community play activities, with support from our fantastic Play Rangers.
Gloucester City Council said: “It is about active free play in a safe environment, enabling those taking part to explore and learn through their own play. Play Gloucestershire works effectively with its users, supporters and partners in advance of any programme to identify what the play sessions should offer and how they can be tailored to different sites. The beauty is that even with this advanced planning, sessions are adapted on the day as the participants use their imagination, enthusiasm and energy to make it special to them!”
We’re well chuffed with the award and would like to thank all our supporters for getting involved in so many days of adventure, friendship and fun!
Pip Levett, Director of Play
