“14 hours in Disneyland but it was the happiest place on earth” – Finley, Woolwich Common Youth Hub
On Monday 6 August, 33 young people departed from Dover for a five-day trip to France. The group from Young Greenwich, the youth service Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) delivers on behalf of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, enjoyed their summer abroad.
Accompanied by six members of CACT staff, the young people came from Hawksmoor, Woolwich Common and Avery Hill youth hubs, all situated in Royal Greenwich.
After crossing the English Channel on the ferry and a four-hour coach ride, Young Greenwich members arrived at PGL Château de Grande Romaine, the French centre located at Lésigny, just South East of Paris. The accommodation’s facilities included a swimming pooltrapeze, high ropes, basketball and tennis courts.
The young people took part in various activities and excursions during the week, making their trip to the French capital exciting and memorable. With a designated driver and coach, the young people explored the heart of Paris, visiting landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and sightseeing on a cruise across the River Seine.
On Wednesday, the young people explored Disneyland Paris for a full day. Accessing Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios Park, the young people had an action-packed day with thrilling rides, fantastic shows, a parade and a grand finale, watching spectacular fireworks by the castle.
“I find the city really pretty and I actually met a lot of people I really liked. I only knew people from Hawksmoor.” – Annie, Hawksmoor Youth Hub
The young people relaxed on Thursday after visiting Sacre Cœur and Montmartre, coming back to PGL for a swimming session and games before their disco night, celebrating the week’s events.
Throughout the trip, the young people learned how to be independent abroad, met new people who shared the same interests and got to understand differences between each other.
CACT would like to thank all staff involved on this trip, giving young people in the Borough a different perspective and support to their summer.