2007 Breaks
Most of the children who visited Ardvullin in 2005 suffer because of parental substance abuse or mental health problems, and as a result they act as the main carer for close family members. They don't get the chance to play and form friendships like other children. A week at Ardvullin gives them not only the opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves, but a chance to grow and develop through the many activities that are organised for them. Children grow in confidence and self-esteem, believing in themselves and their ability to create a positive future. They learn team work, tolerance, decision making and practical skills in a supportive and encouraging environment. Children leave Ardvullin often with an increased ability to address their own problems and overcome the hurdles they face in their everyday lives.
Our Programme 2005 has been very busy and successful. It ran for 26 weeks providing 312 children with a break at Ardvullin. We appointed Sarah Anderson to the post of Project Worker and she worked with tremendous enthusiasm and dedication throughout the season and built-up a great rapport with all the groups who visited us during the season.
We added indoor climbing and fishing to our programme this year. Both these activities proved very popular and it broadened the choices available to groups as each week is tailored to each child's needs. Old favourites such as the farm park, a visit to Ardtoe Beach and a trip to the top of Aonach Mor by Cable Car proved as popular as ever.
In January we changed our name from HopScotch Holidays to HopScotch Childrens Charity to reflect our commitment to providing much more than a just a holiday for children. We recently implemented a new Health and Safety Policy which includes risk assessments for the property, the activities and transportation. We are currently undertaking a refurbishment project at Ardvullin. This involves replacing the windows and doors, resurfacing the driveway and installing a new heating system.
HopScotch has a small and highly motivated team. At the end of our seventh season, our achievements are clear and measurable, the need for and interest in our organisation is growing and we are determined to build steadily on our success, whilst ensuring that we provide the highest quality experience for some of Scotland's most disadvantaged children.
Good childhood memories are powerful things - they last a lifetime