Funding lights up Wellsford holiday programme

The North Rodney Blue Light Venture school holiday programme made a welcome return to Wellsford last month after several years absence.

Coordinator Shane Gould said a national funding injection into youth initiatives from the Ministry of Social Development had allowed the programme to proceed. Wellsford was one of three centres nationally to receive funding.

“We didn’t have a lot of notice, so promoting it was a bit rushed,” he said.

“Even so, nearly a 100 children, aged between 10 and 12 years participated. Most were from the Wellsford-Mangawhai area, but there were also visiting groups from Dargaville and Waitoki.”

Activities during the week-long programme included gymnastics, archery, kayaking, air rifles, team games and team building activities, leadership development, music and basketball. An inter-active day with the Mangawhai Army Cadets proved a bit hit. The last day was spent at Rainbows End.

Shane said it funding was available, other programmes would be organised in future.
“One of the key goals is to develop good communication between police and young people.”

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