Fun in the sun at summer camp
Record temperatures and a record turnout for the first week of The Stones Community Trust summer camp.
The club’s charity has pitched up at Greenfields Community Primary School to bring four weeks of fun for children in Mangravet, Park Wood and Shepway.
As the mercury soared, so did the number of children coming along to enjoy a range of free activities including arts and crafts, football and supersoaker sessions – all served up with a healthy lunch halfway through the day.
Led by community development officer Kay Skelton and a team of coaches, the summer camp was only possible thanks to the backing of the Kent Community Foundation, Safer Kent, The FA and Stones fans who’ve purchased one of the new face coverings.
Kay said: “Week one was such fun. You can see how much it means to the children to be here, especially for those who’ve missed out on the stability and structure of school in recent weeks.
“That’s the main reason we wanted to do something this summer. Home schooling is fine but children need that social interaction and for those that are here, I think it will make their return to school in September that bit easier.
“I am so grateful to Kent Community Foundation who are our main backer and to Safer Kent and The FA for their contributions. A shoutout as well to the Stones fans who’ve purchased our face coverings. Proceeds from those sales are helping towards the costs of hosting this event.
“I also want to thank Greenfields for hiring this superb facility to us, you couldn’t wish for a better place – everything we need is here.”
2020 has been a busy year for the trust. During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Kay galvanised a team of volunteers who made medical grade PPE from donated materials.
More than 2,000 items, including face masks and visors were made and delivered to care homes, hospices and hospitals in the county.