Today, 12 adults and young people (15+ yrs) with DS, plus their parents/carers had a day out on a narrowboat!
Arriving at the Nottingham Narrowboat Project this morning, they all put on their life jackets and set up. The project supplied 2 staff per boat, which meant our members could – if they wish – just sit back and relax.
But very few of them wanted to do that! They all wanted to take a turn at steering, at opening and closing the locks, and helping to throw the ropes. And what good workers they were!
The morning was spent travelling up the canal and down the River Trent, past the Forest ground and on to Colwick Park. There, they all disembarked for a play on the swings/park or a footy kick about, while they waited for their burgers and hot dogs to cook on the BBQ.
The planned game of cricket had to be abandoned as everyone was just enjoying themselves too much, so after a wander down to the ice cream stall for everyone to get ‘dessert’, it was time to get back on the boats – which was pretty good timing too, as it proceeded to then throw it down for the next 15 minutes!
The journey back involved more lock-opening and closing, cups of tea, some arts and crafts, and even a nap for one of the young adults! They also did lots of great steering (including one boat hitting a wall) but they made it back to base in one piece, and still with big smiles on their faces!
I think everyone would agree it was a lovely day out, and a great escape from electronic devices (which were only used for taking photos!) People who previously had never met, became friends – both parents and young adults! And everyone had a wonderful time!
Think this is definitely something NDSSG will be doing again, maybe offering to some of our older younger children (11-14ish) and parents, and potentially extending to becoming an overnight residential weekend for our young adults. There are 24 beds on board, after all, so we may as well use them some time!
Thanks to all the wonderful young adults and parents who helped make the day so much fun!
