On Saturday the 30th of June I arrived at Albany Sailing centre in Kingston upon Thames to take part in a fun day for looked after children. 

Everyone was welcomed by the Youth Support Service and the Director of the Learning and Children’s Services and then the head instructor for the centre explained what we would be doing, he told us that we would get a double ended paddle and a canoe and we had to pair up with another person. We then had to carry the canoe down to the river and helped each other get into the boats.

We learned how to paddle properly and as a group went  down the river towards Kingston Bridge, it was quite hard work as we had to work as a team to manouver the boats. It was also tiring as I used my arms a lot, to steer the boat one person had to paddle one way and the other person paddled in the opposite direction, luckily no one capsized. Being out on the water was good especially as it was not raining which was a change from the wet weather we have been having lately.

Afterwards we went and had a burger, chicken, salad, barbeque grub! it was good food and I ate a lot, to finish off the lunch we had a chocolate fountain with strawberries and Marshmallows. The whole day was ended with a presentation to all the young people that took part in the water activities who received a certificate. My overall thoughts of the day were that it was good and I would want to do it again, but if I was going to do it again it would be great if we could do powerboating.

Through attending the day I was able to find out about other activities that I can get involved with in Kingston and I have joined KCFC which is the Kingston Cared for and Fostered Council. All the other young people had fun, got to meet new people including the KCFC members.  The foster carers had a social time and gave their thoughts about services that could help them.