Woodhall to Pickleball - Summer 2024 at Tobermore

Looking back on a memorable summer camp, Member of the Year Nakita Duffy recalls her highlights of Summer 2024 at Tobermore...

A summer camp doesn't start until we get a photo on these steps

As part of the Summer programme, I was fortunate enough to join REACH Across on their summer residential 2024 to Tobermore.

Firstly, our beginning trip was to Wood hall where we participated in many sporting activities, such as ‘Human Jenga’ ; three members would climb up upon milk crates and hope not to fall, we did. Our group was also taken to do archery in which I thoroughly enjoyed, getting a bulls eye.

Nakita didn't lie about that bullseye...

Similarly, on Tuesday we had a ‘Good Relations’ session with Barney, discussing

There was a lot of debate on school rules

change schools rules if we were in charge, as well as doing a questionnaire regarding our opinions on social-political issues. We also, as mini groups went on scavenger hunt as well. Then, in the afternoon, we took a trip to Escaramouche where we did many sporting activities again; tug-of-war, an obstacle course, laser quest and gladiators.

There's a minion in my bed...

That night the youth leaders also suggested to the members to participate in music video competitions, Me, Clodagh, Holly, Mia, Méabh, Cailín, Shauna and will all made one together of Katy Perrys ‘Last Friday Night’  with the help of the youth leaders Lauren and Caitlin. The music video competition was one of the highlight of the residential for me as we filmed around the Tobermore house and had a dance choreography.

On Wednesday we had the peace line tour where Barney gave us a historical tour around Belfast, discussing events of the Troubles such as the Shankill Road Bomb. We were also able to write messages on the wall like, ‘Join Reach Across.’

In 2013, a plan was announced to have all peace walls in Northern Ireland torn down by 2023. They're still here...

After this, we went to Colin Glen where we did a sky park, doing an obstacle course while harnessed in the air, as well as zip-lining which had an amazing view. As well as that we went on the bull run which I also found very relaxing and the workers were lovely. By the evening, we had a Tobermore Court case, led by the youth leader Josh, -it was hilarious, especially when some were removed from the ‘court-room’.

There are two types of friends: Those that help you when you fall down a ditch and those that photograph it

Thursday was my favourite day. It started with me and others playing catch and tip outside (inspired by the leaders game of tip).

Then we went to the Ulster Folk Museum which was very fun, sunny and interactive. However, I went to pick a flower and fell down a ditch. Following that, we went to the Eddie Irvine centre and did many activities such as laser quest, go-karting, virtual driving, pickle-ball and roller-skating. For me, the go-karting and roller-skating was the highlights of the day as it was so much fun. Moreover, when we returned home that night we had the RAFTAS and I won the ‘Biggest Cheerleader’, which I’m very grateful for, as well as Cassie winning ‘Dare-Devil’, Clodagh winning the ‘where is it’ award and many others.

Finally, on Friday we returned to Derry. I had so much fun at Tobermore, and all of the members and leaders were so lovely. The Tobermore Residential really made my summer, especially as it’ll be my last as a member, I’ll always cherish it as one of my best summers ever.

-Nakita Duffy