Activities booked, permission forms signed Exchange House Youth Service is ready to start its summer projects.

After the consultation process with the young people and good weather reports our summer projects began in Ballymun. Sunscreen applied and lunches packed the children were ready to go. This year we visited many places that were outdoors as well as some extremely interesting and educational sites. Some of the activities included:

• Dublinia
• National Museum of Ireland
• Dublin Castle
• The Viking Splash Tour
• Clara Lara Fun Park
• The Botanic Gardens
• The National Aquatic Centre
• Sports Day/Barbecues in Park
• The Beach
• Gold Hunting in Laragh
• Hill walking Glendalough
• Glasnevin cemetery and museum
• The Rock of Dunmase
• Causey Farm
• Leinster House

Exchange House strives to provide activities that are fun based and educational. The summer programmes provide opportunities for the young people to explore different topics as well as to have fun with their peers. During the programme the young people visited places which provided them with an insight into history, the environment, politics, personal development and wellbeing.

In total the Summer Projects ran over a six week period catering for young people aged 6-17 from: Labre Park and Kylemore Grove, Greater Ballyfermot area, St Margaret’s Park and Carton Estate, Greater Ballymun area and St. Oliver’s Park and Bridgeview, Clondalkin. This year 140 young people engaged in the summer programmes.

In addition to our programme, this year incorporated a four day residential trip with 11 young people to Glendalough. The projects were a huge success and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.The popular attractions this year were: the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin Castle, the historic site of the rock of Dunmase, the floral beauty of the Botanic Gardens and the fun facts of Dublin and sailing through the Liffey on the Viking Splash tour.