THE summer holidays may be a chance to enjoy a bit of well-earned down time for some…but for others, the long break from school in July and August is just about as busy a time as it gets.
And fewer groups in Helensburgh and Lomond are busier during the summer break than the Route 81 youth project in Garelochhead.
Having held their annual volunteer awards ceremony at Centre 81 at the end of June, the focus at Route 81 is now very much on its annual summer programme, which, as in previous years, features a combination of community-based activities, much of it on the theme of helping others, and days out giving the young people involved in the project a chance to let their hair down.
Route 81 youth project at M&D's theme park
Route 81 youth project on a day trip to Millport
The latter category so far has included a trip to the M&D’s theme park in Lanarkshire and a day out to Millport, with their island visit including the favourite tradition of hiring bikes and cycling around Cumbrae.
And on Monday, eight of Route 81’s young volunteers hosted a ‘picnic party’ for a group of residents from Crosslet House in Dumbarton featuring lots of lovely food, good chat, a game of ‘penny can’ and even a visit to Centre 81’s gym.
Route 81's young volunteers hosted visitors from Crosslet House in Dumbarton for a 'picnic party' on July 22
A spokesperson for Route 81 said: “Our guests created a postcard to their younger friends with words of wisdom we could learn from – ‘don’t ignore old people, you will be old too one day’, ‘be truthful and honest, it will make your life much easier’, ‘try and behave so you don’t stress those who love you’, and ‘have fun!’.
Route 81's young volunteers hosted visitors from Crosslet House in Dumbarton for a 'picnic party' on July 22
Route 81's young volunteers hosted visitors from Crosslet House in Dumbarton for a 'picnic party' on July 22
“The day ended with a visit to the fantastic Centre 81 community garden and a wee song from one of the residents – a beautiful day, with beautiful people, creating a beautiful project and beautiful memories.”
Find out more about what's happening at Route 81 this summer by visiting the 'Route 81 Youth Project' page on Facebook.
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