THE BIG Challenge- 30 days of Universal/After School Care Project…Jan- March 2024

We were off to a late start, as the project stalled due to Christmas and new years and didn’t get going until January 17th 2024. I had 30 days to make a difference. The goal was to explore the different services landscapes, resources and provision in Carntyne, Dalmarnock, Riddrie, Govanhill, Dennistoun, Knighthood, Drumchapel and the Gorbals.

Although, initially the project could have used online, face to face training and coaching. I quickly decided the personal, onsite, tailored support of ‘coaching’ was what was needed. Each initial visit consisted of an informal chat with staff, a look around the outdoor spaces they accessed and a browse of their resources. This was followed with shelter building (in under 5 minutes - using hitches). it was January, after school, and so some of this took place in semi-darkness and chilly conditions.

Now we were off the starting block, I offered each service a range of choices to further the opportunities they offer the children after school and in the holidays. Some went for the classics tool working and cooking on fires.

Being informal learning: Science became experiments; Maths became game creation; Team work became problem challenges; and creativity became using our imaginations. As budgets were tight we did this all through recycled, repurposed and natural materials… This led to pac man, some classics like pick up sticks and yoghurt pot telephones plus the simplicity of what is the best way to make a boomerang?

Despite the challenges of the variable weather (wind, snow, rain, rainbows, sleet, ice, cold), the early dark nights, initial wariness of some staff and tight timescales. We have made it to the end. I hope the services continue to innovate, motivate and create with the children under the tarp shelters or out in their open spaces around Glasgow as the year continues …..