(with apologies to Janet Jackson, Luther Vandross… and every staff member whose nerves have been tested since Week One)
If Janet and Luther were here on the Leys this summer, they’d probably look at our youth courses, smile, and say, “Yep… that’s exactly what we meant.” Because the best things in life are free.
Free to access thanks to the incredible support of Oxfordshire County Council’s HAF funding, Oxford City Council’s Youth Transformation Fund, and the ongoing generosity of Peabody Housing, Morgan Sindall, Mulalley Construction and so many others who understand that investing in young people isn’t charity… it’s common sense.
And what do young people do when you give them free access to a safe space, caring adults, and a summer bursting with opportunity? They climb trees. They swing off ropes. They explore places we didn’t even know existed. They sing loudly, proudly, and wildly off‑key. They dare to do everything.
Meanwhile, the staff stand underneath those trees, calculating risk levels like human spreadsheets, whispering prayers to the gods of health and safety, and wondering how many grey hairs can appear in a single afternoon !
Because here’s the truth …. young people are wired for thrill seeking. Their brains prioritise social rewards, self‑expression and high‑energy exploration over risk calculation. That part… the calculations…. is left to us. And honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
In just the first week we’ve welcomed 75 different juniors, each bringing their own spark and we’ve only just got started…. With more ‘High‑energy sports, Creative arts , Educational talks, Intergenerational events, trips and visitors to CDI’. Plus, the opportunity to Climb trees, thrill seek and terrify the staff !! (PLEASE bear a thought for the staff!!) …..The fun and Summer 2026 memories have only just begun.
If you know of or ‘own a little thrill seeker!’ and wish to enrol him or her please use the following link to book on for the summer – https://eequ.org/book/leys-cdi-holiday-courses-blackbird-leys-with-leys-cdi-community-development-initiative-14577
