OIC 2023 Summer Holiday Programme launches with something for everyone!

There’s no time for any “Summertime Blues” as the OIC Sport & Leisure Team launches its packed programme of activities for the summer months – and even better, some of them are free!

If you are looking for something to do “All Summer Long”, then take a spy at our booklet here - Sports and Leisure (orkney.gov.uk)

The team have been working with a range of partners, local groups and organisations to provide something for everyone and in addition to the free activities, many others are included within ActiveLife memberships.

The activities that are free include cyclo-cross at the KGS rugby pitches, parent and baby interactive floor projector fun and games and VR headset interactive sessions at Orkney Library & Archive. At Papdale Primary School and Stromness Primary School there will be a mix of free cycling sessions, from additional support needs cycling sessions for all ages, play on pedals for age five and under, learn to ride for P4-P7 and Bikeability level 1 P4-P7.

There’s free netball camps in the KGS Games Hall and rugby camps at the KGS rugby pitches.

A host of activities come under the ActiveLife membership banner – such as the Picky arena inflatables and family cycle, Water Walkerz, Stepping Stones and floats, games club, parent and wee one sessions and snorkel and flippers.

Finally, there’s a host of activities that folk can opt to pay for including the ActiveLife ones already mentioned and Learn to Swim weeks and craft sessions.

Community Learning, Development and Employability will be offering some free events for families, children and young people during the summer break. For example, on Monday 17 July, 2.30-4pm, Stromness Community Centre there’s a free DJ taster session for P5-S1. To book a place email Karen.bevan@orkney.gov.uk by 14 July.

Follow CLDE on Facebook at www.facebook.com/communitylearningorkney for more.

The Pickaquoy Centre will be offering their summer holiday camp with fun and stimulating activities, Learn to Swim weeks and climbing and bouldering.

How to book -

For Stromness Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre – please book by calling 01856 850552 during opening hours or email stromness.pool@glow.orkneyschools.org.uk

For The Pickaquoy Centre – Please book by calling 01856 879900 or email enquiries@pickaquoy.com

For all other activities – we are encouraging people who are registered users and ActiveLife Members to book online where possible:

• Go to www.orkney.gov.uk/booknow
• Login using your email and password (if you can’t remember your password, or you have not booked a course through OIC before, select forgotten password and follow the steps)
• Select your child’s name from the drop down menu near the top of the page (you may need to click the drop down menu)
• Click on ‘Enrol on Course’
• Click on ‘Groups’ filter, and select Summer Programme 2023
• Select the activity you would like your child to attend
• Click on the date you wish to attend
• Fill in the medical and photo consent information box and remember to click ‘save’
• Click ‘enrol and continue’ to take you to your basket
• If you wish to add further days or activities, click ‘continue shopping’
• Checkout to confirm your booking.

Activities can also be booked by calling 01856 873535 ext 2461 or 2427 or email leisure.culture@orkney.gov.uk

To book activities at Orkney Library & Archive please contact them directly at library@orkney.gov.uk or call 01856 873166.

Hard copies will be available from KGS Sports Centre, Dounby Centre, Stromness Swimming Pool and the Picky Centre.

The Council’s Leisure and Culture Service Manager, Garry Burton, said: “We are working with a range of partners, local groups and organisations to provide something for everyone to participate in locally this summer.

“This is yet another exciting and inclusive programme providing opportunities for children and young people to socialise, take part in activities and generally just have fun over the summer.

“There’s nothing better for everyone’s wellbeing than getting out and about, getting active, meeting old friends and making new ones.”

The Council’s Chair of the Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, Councillor Gwenda Shearer, added: “What a fantastic array of activities to keep families busy over the summer months and it’s great to see some are free and others included with the ActiveLife membership, so important in these times of challenge for many families.”