The Big Summer Outing
The Summer Outing has featured in our annual programme since RFA's earliest days.
We offer families a good day out, a change of scene and a chance to enjoy each
other's company away from the stresses of daily life at home. For some children, this is the only 'holiday' they'll get all summer. Many of the families we support never have a holiday. Perhaps money is too tight, or maybe a parent or a child is too unwell to travel much. Whatever the reason, they don't have the opportunities to get away from it all that most of us take for granted - not even for a single day. Some of the children on our seaside trips have never even paddled in the sea before.
other's company away from the stresses of daily life at home. For some children, this is the only 'holiday' they'll get all summer. Many of the families we support never have a holiday. Perhaps money is too tight, or maybe a parent or a child is too unwell to travel much. Whatever the reason, they don't have the opportunities to get away from it all that most of us take for granted - not even for a single day. Some of the children on our seaside trips have never even paddled in the sea before.
To read more about the special experiences we have arranged for local disadvantaged families please have a look at our blog.
In 2019, on the hottest day of the year we took 4 coach-loads of families to Paultons Park. There was great fun to be had on all the rides and the mature trees in the beautiful garden gave welcome shade for picnics and a rest. Everyone came home tired, but happy after a great day out!
In 2018, on a gloriously warm and sunny day, we took 5 coaches of families to Bournemouth. They enjoyed the beach and the waves and also the Rock Reef climbing experience at the end of the pier. We also took families to Odds Farm again at Easter and Camp Mohawk in the summer half term week.
In 2017 we arranged day trips for local disadvantaged families to Odds Farm, Camp Mohawk and to Chessington World of Adventures!
In 2016 we went to London Zoo and in 2015 we visited Butlins in Bognor Regis.
In 2014 families identified by different agencies were whisked away from Reading in coaches for a fun day and picnic at Paultons Park. There were a variety of rides to enjoy as well as animals and birds to view. Also on offer were Water attractions and a 4D cinema experience as well as all the Peppa Pig World activities. The adults accompanying the trip also enjoyed the beautiful, well maintained gardens.
In July 2013 we took four coaches full of children and their families on a day trip to Bristol Zoo. In 2012, 200 children and their families came with us to Butlin's at Bognor Regis, and in 2011 three coach-loads had a great time at Chessington World of Adventures. Other destinations have included Windsor Safari Park, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Legoland, and lots of seaside trips, to places like Hayling Island, Southsea and Bournemouth.
In 2019, on the hottest day of the year we took 4 coach-loads of families to Paultons Park. There was great fun to be had on all the rides and the mature trees in the beautiful garden gave welcome shade for picnics and a rest. Everyone came home tired, but happy after a great day out!
In 2018, on a gloriously warm and sunny day, we took 5 coaches of families to Bournemouth. They enjoyed the beach and the waves and also the Rock Reef climbing experience at the end of the pier. We also took families to Odds Farm again at Easter and Camp Mohawk in the summer half term week.
In 2017 we arranged day trips for local disadvantaged families to Odds Farm, Camp Mohawk and to Chessington World of Adventures!
In 2016 we went to London Zoo and in 2015 we visited Butlins in Bognor Regis.
In 2014 families identified by different agencies were whisked away from Reading in coaches for a fun day and picnic at Paultons Park. There were a variety of rides to enjoy as well as animals and birds to view. Also on offer were Water attractions and a 4D cinema experience as well as all the Peppa Pig World activities. The adults accompanying the trip also enjoyed the beautiful, well maintained gardens.
In July 2013 we took four coaches full of children and their families on a day trip to Bristol Zoo. In 2012, 200 children and their families came with us to Butlin's at Bognor Regis, and in 2011 three coach-loads had a great time at Chessington World of Adventures. Other destinations have included Windsor Safari Park, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Legoland, and lots of seaside trips, to places like Hayling Island, Southsea and Bournemouth.
Photo used under Creative Commons from dustinj