Brixton Wings Summer HAP 2025 Review & Reflections
Dates: 28 July – 5 August 2025
Total Participants: 18 young people
Average Daily Attendance: 15 participants
Programme Focus: Outdoor adventure, fitness, food, teamwork, creativity, and wellbeing
Overview
Brixton Wings kicked off its 2025 Summer Holiday Activity Programme with a bold and active start. Running from Monday 28 July to Tuesday 5 August, this year’s HAP brought together a dynamic blend of cycling, cooking, water sports, indoor rowing, and games-based learning designed to support young people through the school break physically, emotionally, and socially.
Over the course of seven active days, 15 young people took part in a rotating programme of enriching activities. Each day was tailored to engage different interests while building confidence, resilience, and social connection.
Programme Highlights
Day 1 – Richmond Park Trail Ride (28 July)
We opened the programme with a scenic trail ride at Richmond Park, guided by Lead Instructor Silvi. Young people rode the 11km Tasmanian Trail, some for the very first time, learning essential cycling skills such as gear control, trail safety, and group riding etiquette.
"It was amazing because we saw deer in the fresh air."
"I finally touched some grass!"
"A lot of hard work my legs hurt!"
Outcomes included increased physical activity, deeper nature connection, peer leadership, and improved confidence in an unfamiliar but supportive environment.
Day 2 – Games & Chill (29 July)
After an intense start, Tuesday was a restorative in-house day at the Brixton Wings Centre. Young people enjoyed card games, team building activities, and social downtime supporting relaxation, bonding, and positive peer engagement.
Day 3 – Cooking with Brodie Williams at Young People Matter (30 July)
We returned to our long-running partnership with Anna Purna’s Brodie Williams for our 8th cooking session together, hosted this time at the beautifully refurbished Young People Matter venue in Stockwell. Young people learned to prepare fresh, healthy dishes, exploring flavour, nutrition, and kitchen confidence.
“I really enjoyed cooking, we made pizza! I helped chop the vegetables it was yummy and cheesy.” – William
We are grateful to Young People Matter for facilitating this valuable experience in such a welcoming and professional space.
Day 4 – Watersports at the Olympic Park (1 August)
The program also featured three exciting watersport sessions at the Olympic Park and the Royal Docks. Participants rotated between rowing, bell boating, and paddleboarding no kayaking this time due to windy conditions, but that didn’t stop the fun. On paddleboards, the young people even played football, combining balance skills with teamwork and laughter. A special highlight came when Duvar stepped up to take responsibility for steering a bell boat under the supervision of coach Asias, showing leadership and confidence on the water.
“Today I enjoyed doing the relay race it helped show that we all have a sense of determination, we just need friends to help us express ourselves.” – Duvar
Day 5 – Rest Day (2 August)
Friday was a scheduled rest and recovery day, allowing participants and facilitators to recharge after an active week.
Day 6 – Indoor Rowing Tank Session (4 August)
On Monday, we visited the London Regatta Centre for a unique indoor rowing tank experience, giving participants an in-depth understanding of rowing mechanics, timing, and coordination in a controlled, high-tech setting.
“Brixton Wings has given me the opportunity to try and learn so many new things that I never thought I’d get to do. I never would’ve imagined I’d love rowing with my friends so much.” – Tammy
Day 7 – Final Watersports Day at Olympic Park (5 August)
We wrapped up the programme back at Olympic Park with a final round of paddle boarding, kayaking, and rowing. Participants were noticeably more confident in the water, showing improvement in both skill and teamwork.
Programme Outcomes
Quantitative
15 total participants
Average of 10 young people engaged daily
7 days of structured, safe, and active learning
3 watersport sessions
Qualitative
Increased confidence in outdoor and aquatic settings
Development of physical endurance and self-discipline
Exposure to new environments (Richmond Park, Olympic Park, Regatta Centre)
Greater peer-to-peer support and team communication
High levels of enjoyment, engagement, and creativity
Continued commitment from partners and facilitators
Thank You
This programme wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our partners, instructors, and volunteers. A special thank you to:
Silvi and the upCYCLE LDN team for the cycling session
Brodie Williams (Anna Purna Café) for delivering his 8th session with us
Young People Matter for hosting our cooking day
London Youth Rowing for supporting multiple on-water experiences
Lambeth Council, Department for Education, The Walcot Foundation for their continued funding and belief in our work
Leebra Productions our transport partners for over 10 years
And of course, the incredible young people who showed up, participated, and made this programme meaningful.
At Brixton Wings, our Holiday Activities Programme is about more than just keeping young people busy it’s about building their confidence, creativity, and connection to the world around them.
