Youth Week 2024 (11 - 21 April) has been hailed a success by both young people and their families. 

Hosted by Kiama Council’s SENTRAL Youth Services team, Youth Week was packed with a variety of activities and events to provide entertainment and a sense of community for people aged 12-24 years. 

The festivities boasted a variety of engaging options, such as classic favourites like a day at Zone Bowling, which included laser tag, arcades games and bumper rides. Other events included an outdoor movie night and gaming sessions at the SENTRAL cottages. 

SENTRAL also encouraged the creative side of young individuals, providing an array of workshops including 3D printing and painting. Other events fostered exploration and appreciation for our environment, such as fishing outings that provided an opportunity to connect with nature and learn about marine life.

For those seeking more adventurous experiences, an overnight camping trip featuring kayaking and bouldering offered a chance to develop survival skills, resilience and teamwork. 

The theme of Youth Week 2024 was ‘Express, Empower, Get Loud!’. SENTRAL services did a great job providing opportunities for young people to emulate these values, providing them with experiences and educational opportunities to build skills and feel empowered in a safe and inclusive environment. 

The young participants got to have their say for future Youth Weeks, with suggestions such as deep sea fishing, surfing, rock climbing, and biking all at the top of the list for next year - a challenge the SENTRAL team is more than willing to accept.