Exchange with Centre Paul Gauguin, Alencon.
In August 2008, we linked up with a youth group in Alencon, France (Basingstoke's twin town). Centre Paul Gauguin works with young people from an area of Alencon that is also in the process of regeneration.
Workers from Centre Paul Gauguin and Bishops Green have both used adventurous activities as a way of working with young people.
The first week was held at Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Activity Centre in the New Forest, 8 French young people joined 8 members of Bishops Green Youth Council staying in log cabins. Activities included Archery, Kayaking, Climbing, Zip Wire across a lake, Mountain Biking, High Ropes, a visit to New Forest Water Park for Banana Boating and a visit to the youth club at Bishops Green.
The second week, 8 young people and 2 adults from Bishops Green boarded the ferry at a ridiculously early hour in the morning for the SLOW journey to Caen Ferry Terminal. We were met by French Youth Worker, Philippe. We stayed at the beautiful village of Saint Generei, where we enjoyed activities including climbing, canoeing, mountain biking and orienteering as well as a visit to Alencon town centre and Centre Paul Gauguin.