two women in red t-shirts
Amber and Chanel run play sessions at Our Lady of the Angels RC primary school and Llanyrafon Methodist Church

Chanel and Amber are the leaders running the Torfaen Play summer playscheme at Our Lady of the Angels RC primary school and Llanyrafon Methodist Church. They are supported by a team of volunteers who are running fun sessions for children throughout August.

Across Torfaen, there are 180 volunteers aged 16-17 and 140 paid workers providing a wide range of play activities at 37 sites. All went through a week’s training to give them the skills to support children and young people during the summer holidays. The 37 sites being run by Torfaen Play are:

  • 13 laugh, learn and get active camps (food and fun) at local primary schools. Over 1,300 children have booked on to attend every day with a waiting list for every single camp.
  • 9 Open Access Playschemes
  • 6 Play and Respite Sessions
  • 9 Play in the Park Sessions

Cwmbran Life asked Chanel and Amber to tell us a bit about themselves

Chanel

What is your favourite memory of playing as a child?

My favourite memory of playing as a child was when I attended a tennis club.

What are the best things about being a playscheme leader?

Being able to ensure good play is delivered and helping workers.

Favourite music artist?

Anything

Favourite hobby?

Shopping

Favourite food?

Curry

Favourite item of clothing and why?

Coats as they can dress up an outfit

Dogs or cats?

Dogs 

Summer or winter?

Summer

First or last on the dancefloor?

Last

What song do you always sing in the shower?

Anything and everything

Amber

What is your favourite memory of playing as a child?

I love swimming. Any pool that had slides, you not tear myself or my brother away from.

What are the best things about being a playscheme leader?

Being able to facilitate a wide range of activities and learn lots of fun and games.

What is a typical day at your site like?

Register, opening activity, ranger of activities for different likes (arts/ sports etc), break, second activity, clean up.

Favourite music artist?

Black Sabbath/ ACDS

Favourite hobby?

Cooking

Favourite food?

Pizza

Favourite item of clothing and why?

Sun and moon dress- summery but different

Dogs or cats?

Cats

Summer or winter?

Winter

First or last on the dancefloor?

Last

What song do you always sing in the shower?

I usually just have conversations with myself!

Info on play sessions across Torfaen

  • All the food and fun camps taking place in the primary schools are full so parents/ carers should not turn up. Email torfaenplay@torfaen.gov.uk to be added to a waiting list.
  • There are 160 spaces at the camp at Cwmbran Stadium and these are for children from Torfaen, aged eight and over. Your child will need a packed lunch.
  • Info on the open access sessions is below. Please go with your child for the first session to register.

play in the park poster play camp at Cwmbran Stadium poster

No booking needed for these sessions but parents and carers should attend on their child’s first day to register