Something for body or soul these school holidays

PRIMARY-aged kids and teenagers can access entertaining and meaningful activities provided by children’s service groups over the holidays.

The YMCA Ballarat is offering a two-week program from both Alfredton Primary School and Newington Primary School between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.

With a special theme each day, children will be taken on pirate, circus, spring, science and space adventures, explore the animal kingdom with a visit from Grubby Gumboots mobile farm, play challenging minute-to-win-it games, enjoy a movie day, animate and create, and step back in time.

Alfredton service coordinator, Emily Griffiths said the aim of the YMCA Ballarat team these school holidays is to nurture social interaction.

“Children have not been experiencing a lot of it, so it’s all about them coming into the space, having fun, interacting with peers and making new friendships,” she said.

At $100 per day, all children need to bring is sturdy, comfortable shoes for playing, a healthy lunch without nuts, water and a hat. Bookings and more information can be made at ballarat.ymca.org.au.

Ballarat Youth Services is encouraging 12 to 25 year olds to take some time for themselves, and remain social, even while socially distanced.

Their Virtual Ballarat Youth Collective on Tuesday, 29 September from 4pm to 5.30pm will focus on self-care and nurturing body and soul.

It’s a Zoom forum led by young people to nurture connections, draw attention to mental health issues, and forge leadership, critical thinking and volunteering opportunities.

A Pottery Class with Ballarat Youth Awards ambassador and ceramic artist, Shelby Sherritt will run on two days, Wednesday, 23 and Wednesday, 30 September.

From 2pm to 3.30pm, Sherritt will cover beginner techniques for forming and shaping clay, and then how to paint it. Youth Services is sending required materials out to participants that register for free.

Known for her popular, cute koala pots, Sherritt and her work supports threatened Australian wildlife.

Youth development officer, Katja Fiedler said no matter what the restrictions, it’s important young people stay engaged and active.

“We want to make sure whatever we’re offering is interactive… and people can participate, hands-on from the comfort of their home,” she said.

The Youth Services team is promoting the My Name Is… campaign from Deaf Children Australia, encouraging everyone to learn their name is Auslan this National Week of Deaf People. Visit deafchildrenaustralia.org.au.

They’re also encouraging participation with FReeZa scooter comp and Victorian Rumble skateboard comp. Visit facebook.com/MoyneFReeZa.

Visit facebook.com/ballaratyouthservices, Girl Space Ballarat at facebook.com/groups/175523252932646, or linktr.ee/ballaratyouthservices for more information.

 

School holiday activities

 

POTTERY CLASSES WITH SHELBY SHERRITT

Wednesday, 23 and Wednesday, 30 September, 2pm to 3.30pm. Online.

Ceramic artist, Shelby Sherritt will cover beginner techniques for forming and shaping clay, and how to paint it. Youth Services is sending free required materials to participants. Places very limited. Visit facebook.com/ballaratyouthservices.

 

VIRTUAL BALLARAT YOUTH COLLECTIVE

Tuesday, 29 September from 4pm to 5.30pm. Online.

A Zoom forum for 12 to 25s, led by young people to nurture connections, draw attention to mental health issues, and forge leadership, critical thinking and volunteering opportunities. Visit facebook.com/ballaratyouthservices.

 

VICTORIAN RUMBLE SKATE COMP

Until Wednesday, 30 September. Online.

Skateboarders, prepare to show off your kickflips. Under 25s are invited to film their best tricks from isolation and enter them into this first online skateboarding competition of its kind. Prizes to be won. Visit clippero.com/skateboarding/victorian-rumble-13a7.

 

VICTORIAN SCOOTER VIDEO CHAMPIONSHIPS

Until Wednesday, 30 September. Online.

Passionate scooter riders of all ages are invited to film their best tricks from isolation and enter them into the online scooter competition. Prizes to be won. Visit facebook.com/MoyneFReeZa.

 

MY NAME IS…

Saturday, 19 to Friday, 25 September. Online.

This campaign from Deaf Children Australia encourages young people to learn some Auslan and their name during National Week of Deaf People. Visit deafchildrenaustralia.org.au/hellomynameis for resources.