Summer Escape 2025: Mid-Summer Adventures on Wheels, in the Park, and Beyond

This summer, our Summer Escape programme has already been filled with challenge, laughter, and learning. From cycling through London’s iconic streets to laser tag battles and fresh wraps in the park, our young people have embraced new experiences, built confidence, and strengthened friendships. Thanks to Southwark Council Short Breaks for funding the spaces for young people aged 16–25. And the best part? The adventure isn’t over yet—there’s more to come!

Cycling Through London – Two Rides, Two Adventures 

The first ride began in the heart of London, with a sightseeing route past Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and through Hyde Park. For some, especially those less experienced or new to city cycling, this was a big step. 

Before we set off, we held a safety briefing: high-visibility jackets, bike checks, signalling, and road awareness. We stressed the importance of following instructions, riding together, and waiting for others. This was especially important for our neurodiverse members—showing them, and their families, that with the right support they can safely take on challenges that build confidence. The second ride took us towards Paddington and along the scenic canal paths. We paused at Somerville Park for an impromptu skatepark session, swapping bike rides for BMX-style fun. The return journey even brought a downpour, but it didn’t slow us down—in fact, spirits were higher than ever. By the end, everyone had improved their cycling skills and gained confidence navigating London.

We would like to give a big thank you to B.R.A.P (Bethwin Road Adventure Playground), who made this possible by lending us their pool of bikes and allowing us to use their playground as a launching base for departure.

Lasertag – Strategy, Sportsmanship, and Fun
Another big highlight was our Lasertag outing. This fast-paced activity combined physical movement with teamwork, strategy, and respectful competition. We played both individual and team games, practising communication, quick thinking, and cooperation. Many worked alongside new teammates from outside our club, adapting to different playing styles and personalities.

As with any competitive game, a few disputes popped up—especially when some players bent the rules or forgot them entirely. These moments became valuable teaching opportunities, as we paused to talk about fairness, sportsmanship, and how to resolve conflicts respectfully.

The trip also involved using London’s public transport to reach the venue, which became its own lesson in navigation and independence.

Healthy Eating and Play – A Day at Burgess Park

One of our more relaxed but equally rewarding days took place at Birch Park, where healthy eating met outdoor fun. We began with a shopping trip, giving each group a budget to buy ingredients for balanced salad wraps. They discussed choices, planned meals with protein, carbs, and vegetables, and managed their spending together. At the park, we turned our picnic area into an outdoor kitchen. Everyone prepared their wraps, learning basic food preparation skills and enjoying the satisfaction of eating what they’d made. The afternoon was filled with football, racket sports, an obstacle circuit, and a long walk. It was a chance to play, laugh, and enjoy the summer weather together.

More Than Just Activities

Even though we’re only partway through, it’s clear that Summer Escape 2025 is about much more than the activities themselves. It’s about building trust—between young people and staff, between peers, and between parents and the idea that their children can take on new challenges.

It’s about including and empowering neurodiverse members, helping them thrive alongside their peers. It’s about teaching patience, communication, planning, respect, and resilience—life skills disguised as fun. And above all, it’s about joy: the joy of trying something new, of being cheered on, of surprising yourself with what you can do.

The summer continues, if you’ve enjoyed seeing what we’ve been up to so far, keep following us—and check our full Summer Escape programme so you don’t miss what’s coming next (Song writing, baking, carrer workshop etc.): https://eequ.org/book/16-25-yourban-escapes-august-programm-with-the-neurodiversity-family-hub-17164