A raft of exciting activities were on offer for the youngsters, including a joint trip with Helensburgh and Lomond Young Carers to Youthbeatz, a music festival in Dumfries and Galloway featuring the likes of Nathan Evans and Pixie Lott.

Ashley Bolton, senior young carer support worker, said: “It’s been three years since we’ve attended Youth Beatz due to Covid-19 and it did not disappoint. Being able to take our young people to such a well organised and unique event was just amazing. A great time was had by all and we can’t wait to return next year.”

Two canoeing sessions followed in July in partnership with Keith Davis from Paddlepower and Adventure. The sessions took place out on the Gareloch, with ten young people achieving their British Canoeing Paddle Start Award.

Also on the cards was go-karting at Scotkart, Clydebank, and a visit the sugar boat on the Clyde.

Enthusiastic young volunteers also took time to give back, developing culinary and horticultural skills as part of Ready Steady Soup sessions and a community barbecue.

The activities were made possible following a £500 grant from the Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) Community Action Fund, as well as Aileen’s Legacy Fund and support from the Lottery Community Fund’s Young Start programme.

6 weeks of Summer Fun was brought to 30 local young people by Route 81 Youth Project based in Centre 81, Garelochhead.

Made possible by a £500 grant from ACHA Community Action Fund, supplemented by ‘Aileens Legacy’ Fund and core funding from the National Lottery Young Start, ensured the Summer would be one of affordable and fun activities for no more than a Fiver! Opportunities to volunteer and gain hours for Saltire Awards were also included in the Summer Programme.

Youthbeatz, a music festival for young people in Dumfries and Galloway, launched the start of the activities. Headlines acts of Nathan Evans, Pixie Lott, Ella-Eyre and I Am A Raver, attracted 39 people from both Route 81 and partner organisation Helensburgh and Lomond Young Carers.

Ashley Bolton, Senior Young Carer Support Worker told us “It’s been 3 years since we’ve attended Youth Beatz due to Covid-19 and it did not disappoint. Being able to take our young people to such a well organised and unique event is just amazing. Great time had by all, and we can’t wait to return next year”.

Michelle, Route 81 Team Leader “Route 81 has a great relationship with Helensburgh and Lomond Young Carers and Youthbeatz is now becoming an annual partnership event which benefits many local young people! “

Two canoeing sessions followed in July in partnership with Keith Davis from Paddlepower and Adventure. The sessions took place out on the Gareloch and one passer-by told us ‘its great to see young people out on the loch, brings back memories of the days when the former Garelochhead Outdoor Centre was here (now Centre 81). Ten young people achieved their British Canoeing Paddle Start Award this year.

The calm, peaceful chill effects of canoeing were soon replaced by the adrenaline, petrol –charged atmosphere of Go-karting at Scotkart, Clydebank. This trip was a fantastic new experience for most of the group and proved to be an absolute hit!

And then the calmness returned ...with a fantastic boat trip with You&Sea (Helensburgh Boat Trips) to visit the legendary Sugar Boat on the River Clyde. What a fantastic educational and fun opportunity was provided by Euan and Aneesh, the team onboard, The young people got to learn about the Sugar Boat and water safety. This included cold water shock and hypothermia and what to do if you are struggling in the water plus lifesaving equipment on a boat and how it all works. The young people were also provided with the unique opportunity of driving the boat, something they have not stopped talking about since!

...and then it was time for some more adrenaline - 13 young people made their way courtesy of Garelochhead Coaches to The Worx Airsoft at Shandon. Team briefings and safety kits on, the young people were then let loose in teams to ‘capture’ or ‘defend’ the sacred fort on the hill above. With missions to achieve and lives to save, the young people rose to the challenge and loved every minute of it! Lenny and his team from Airsoft created a unique experience that made an incredible impression on the young people.

And the Summer was not just all about trips and activities – 9 young people also signed up to volunteer at a variety of projects.

The weekly ‘Ready Steady Soup’ session was very popular and the young people learned how to write a risk assessment, make fresh soup from scratch and create a variety of lunches including baked potatoes, sandwiches, toasties, rolls and sausage and bacon.

The beneficiaries of all of this hard work and dedication, were the wonderful Boccia group in Centre 81. Maud, one of the attendees told us “it’s nice to see youngsters doing positive things during the summer holidays. The menu is always different and interesting and tastes good! The staff are always pleasant and friendly. It’s the highlight of our week coming to Centre 81”

The Boccia group also got the benefit of the Centre 81 Cafe which was run by one of our new volunteers Ean, permitting the R81 young people to focus on their cooking skills!

Not only did the Boccia group benefit from the young volunteers’ efforts, so did the community!

A Community Barbeque attracted over 100 people in early August – not even the Scottish rain hindered attendance. The Barbeque was in partnership with Cove Park and the Dandelion project who over months have created a flourishing and ‘very edible’ ‘Unexpected Garden’ in the grounds of Centre 81 for the community to enjoy. And enjoy they did! Ingredients were carefully picked and cooked by culinary artist Rudy Kanhye, his assistant Lauren and his team which included two young Route 81 volunteers and enjoyed by many.

Every week the Route 81 volunteers have taken on responsibility to water the ‘Unexpected Garden’ and it was satisfying to see their and others efforts being so readily enjoyed at the Barbeque.

And so the Summer Programme all came to an end just as the schools recommenced. A well-earned break for the youth team will take place over the next few weeks and Route 81 will commence activities in September. Watch out on Facebook (Route 81) or email michelle@route81.org.ul for more information.

Route 81 is for young people age 11-17 living within the catchment area of Hermitage Academy. A membership is required and is free.