Justin, Elliot and Joe, are the leaders running the Torfaen Play summer playschemes at Woodlands Fields, Cold Barn Farm and Penygarn Community Primary School. They are supported by a team of volunteers who are running fun sessions for children throughout August.
Across Torfaen, there are 180 volunteers aged 16-17 and 140 paid workers providing a wide range of play activities at 37 sites. All went through a week’s training to give them the skills to support children and young people during the summer holidays. The 37 sites being run by Torfaen Play are:
- 13 laugh, learn and get active camps (food and fun) at local primary schools. Over 1,300 children have booked on to attend every day with a waiting list for every single camp.
- 9 Open Access Playschemes
- 6 Play and Respite Sessions
- 9 Play in the Park Sessions
Cwmbran Life asked the trio to tell us a bit about themselves
Elliot
What is your favourite memory of playing as a child?
I enjoyed climbing trees with my mates in the local park.
What is a typical day at your site like?
Fun, busy and tiring
Favourite music artist?
Madonna
Favourite hobby?
Scout leader! I enjoy this very much!
Favourite food?
Cooked dinner
Favourite item of clothing and why?
Jogging bottoms
Dogs or cats?
Both
Summer or winter?
Summer
First or last on the dancefloor?
Always first with my great moves!
What song do you always sing in the shower?
Holiday by Madonna
Joe
What is your favourite memory of playing as a child?
Going up my local park and playing hide and seek. Learning the best routes around the park and climbing trees.
What are the best things about being a playscheme leader?
Just being able to present yourself in a way you would like to. Everyone has a different way of leading and speaking to the children. I personally like treating everyone as a friend.
What is a typical day at your site like?
At my school, we typically try and do a wide range of activities and just be inclusive to all.
Favourite music artist?
Twenty One Pilots
Favourite hobby?
Football as of late
Favourite food?
Mexican food. Pineapple on pizza
Favourite item of clothing and why?
Shoes- just got to express yourself. Cargo pants as I love the pockets.
Dogs or cats?
Cats
Summer or winter?
Summer
First or last on the dancefloor?
Last
What song do you always sing in the shower?
Level of Concern or Shy Away by Twenty One Pilots
Justin
What is your favourite memory of playing as a child?
Sliding down a hill in the snow on a tray.
What are the best things about being a playscheme leader?
Meeting people from the community.
What is a typical day at your site like?
Very busy, lots going on!
Favourite music artist?
Sean Paul
Favourite hobby?
Football
Favourite food?
Chinese
Favourite item of clothing and why?
Shorts- they keep me cool in work
Dogs or cats?
Dogs
Summer or winter?
Summer
First or last on the dancefloor?
Last
What song do you always sing in the shower?
I don’t sing in the shower!
Info on play sessions across Torfaen
- All the food and fun camps taking place in the primary schools are full so parents/ carers should not turn up. Email [email protected] to be added to a waiting list.
- There are 160 spaces at the camp at Cwmbran Stadium and these are for children from Torfaen, aged eight and over. Your child will need a packed lunch.
- Info on the open access sessions is below. Please go with your child for the first session to register.
