The Huddle dived into 2021, with 213 participants getting out of their comfort zones, learning new skills and building new connections in school summer holiday program.
It was a welcome start to 2021, reconnecting with peers and meeting new people who soon became friends.
Ten months to the day since closing The Huddle doors due to Covid, it soon became evident that it was not just the young participants who were excited to be back.
Thanks to Anglesea Surf Live Saving Club, participants had the opportunity to learn about water safety before getting their feet wet in a surf lesson. Sea Earth Adventures provided another opportunity for water sports, with a river kayaking lesson.
Other activities included barista courses, Huddle fun days and an OMG Yoga session held on the Anglesea foreshore.
Taking part in The Huddle’s Anglesea surf trips, North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos captain Emma Kearney spoke on how excited she was to see the resumption of its programs.
“Our school holiday program is a great opportunity to allow young people to meet other young people and experience different things,” Kearney said.
“It’s not just a surf day, it’s a barista course so there are job ready skills, there is kayaking so it challenges them as well mentally and builds resilience.
“It is good social interaction and considering the year we have had its great to see smiles on young people’s faces again.”
Looking back on the year that was, Kearney recognised the impact COVID-19 has had on families, reflecting on how important getting back to face-to-face interactions is to our community.
“You can’t underestimate the impact that COVID and our lockdowns had on everyone not just young people and to be able to interact with people again that is not done online, it’s nice to see people face-to-face.
“It is great to see kids being kids again and to see them outside doing things that challenge them physically and mentally.”
The Huddle thanks the Department of Education and Training for their continued support of the School Holiday programs, empowering people across all ages and from diverse backgrounds to learn, grow and belong.
