Kids Out 2016

A FUN DAY OUT AT KIDSOUT

Rotary KidsOut Aberdeen is always considered a great success by the pupils and their teachers. Nearly 600 helpers also attend without charge and these included Rotarians, Rotaractors, Westhill Academy pupils, teachers and many individuals.  The event enables the children to handle and observe small animals in the presence of students from Aberdeen College and to get up close to owls from the Owl and Pussy Cat display. They get to ride a horse or pony around a short track supported by Riding for the Disabled and Rotarian helpers. They also experience a ride on a pony and trap as well as a short journey in the carriage of a miniature diesel train. After getting their faces painted by pupils from Westhill Academy or Ellon Inner Wheel ladies they help the magician to spin some plates and watch his magic show.

They are also entertained by members of the Satrosphere team and clowns who wander round the groups of children and man the throwing the bean bag at rows of ducks. Angus the Bull and his friend from Aberdeen FC Community Trust also gave high fives with the children. Committee Chairman Peter Newell from Stonehaven Rotary Club accompanied Lord Provost George Adam, Helen Shanks , Head of Inclusion Aberdeen City and Sheena Anderson our vice chairman around the activities. One Rotarian helper said “the kids really have lots of fun playing on the bouncy castles and knocking their friend over by hitting them with that soft rubber pillow. Most of them like to climb the tall wall. It was difficult to get them away from these fun activities.” The police vehicles were a great attractions because the kids get to sit in the driver’s seats and press the siren button as was the racing car which was a first at Kids Out.

The pupils receive a goody bag on arrival at the site and they also get a packed lunch with a tub of Mackies Ice Cream. At the end of this exhilarating day they have just enough energy left to jump about to the disco music on the lawn before catching their bus or taxi back to school. We are grateful to the suppliers of the activities, many of whom provide them for free while the rest provide activities and services at minimal cost. However this event still costs around £13,000 and we are always looking for sponsors of this charity (SC038228). If you wish to help in any way please contact Julien Brown or The Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside.