The team at GYC were determined to find a Christmas activity where we could safely get young carers together to have a break and celebrate the festive season. 

Our youth work team found the solution – outdoor lazer tag! We were overwhelmed with the positive response from families wanting their children to take part in this activity. In the end, we ran three sessions over two weekends, with 70 young and young adult carers aged between 8 and 24 getting involved alongside staff and volunteers.

We were lucky with the weather for both days as we gathered together in the Forest of Dean ready for action.  Once the camouflage face paint went on, we were kitted up with our equipment, and the teams soon competed against each other to see who would become the ultimate champions - with a range of different games played. It was a true team-building opportunity, with different sides employing tactics, such as a surprise attack from the gully, hiding in shelters, and distracting with smoke bombs!  It was great to see the children and young people spending hours running about in the fresh air and clearly having fun. The sessions gave young and young adult carers a chance to bond, build friendships, and let off some steam in the great outdoors.   

Everyone went home tired, muddy, happy and with a selection box!  

We look forward to running more outdoor activities with young carers in the coming year.