Children's Holiday Venture (CHV) is a University of Edinburgh Volunteering Society that has been helping local children for over 50 years. Why not join up and become a part of it?
The Charity
Activities can be anything from day trips, scavenger hunts on the Royal Mile, or a trip to the arcade!
For over 50 years CHV has been volunteering with disadvantaged children across Edinburgh, giving kids and students a chance to get out and have a bit of fun! Think of us as a cross between a big brother scheme and a youth group.
Volunteers organise and run evening, day and weekend activities which can involve anything from ice skating to swimming, pottery painting to games nights! All of the activities are offered at no cost to children and their families, or volunteers.
With our 9 groups totaling over 80 students and 100 kids, in age ranges 8-12 or 12-16, we rock regular activities and even organise summer camps! Each of our groups has around 7 students to 10 kids. The high student to kid ratio means that kids get individualised attention. By providing a space where kids (and students!) can let go of stress and have a bit of fun, they are able to try new things, have fun and be themselves with a great boost in confidence!
Through our volunteering we give kids a much needed opportunity to get away and do activities they would rarely get a chance to do otherwise, and we're there for them when they just need some time and support.
The Society
New recruits and Committee members at our annual Training Camp, a weekend by Loch Tay where new volunteers learn how to put their best foot forward at CHV!
CHV started in 1963 (over 50 years ago!) and we think one of the top reasons we keep on going is the world of friends you make along the way. Student volunteers get to know each other through regular socials and fundraisers, and many lifelong friends are made along the way! Our weekend Training Camp for volunteers, Annual Ball and Families Nights all add up to a great society full of lovely people.
Student volunteers manage all aspects of the Socitey! Each group of kids has a 'Group Leader' who plans activities, a Driver for our two minibusses (Moira and Doris!), and a group to ensure the kids have a great time. As part of our wonderful Committee, you can help raise money, organise bigger trips like camps, help liaise with schools and social workers, manage our website or plan social events for volunteers.
Even if the nights with kids aren't your thing, maybe you can help us fundraise, apply for grants, help with admin, fix the minbuses, or just come along for the craic! We like people, and we say the more the merrier!
Come find us at the Activities Fairs in September and January, or contact us via email or Facebook :)
Committee Members
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Resources
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