The young people have packed in an incredible amount into this 2026 summer holiday period. Together they visited beautiful places in Scotland, climbed mountains, learnt new skills, grew vegetables, created art, built friendships and discovered just how much they were capable of.
Looking back, we’re proud not only of everything that happened, but of the growth we witnessed. Throughout the summer, young people built confidence, developed resilience, strengthened friendships and experienced the positive impact that time outdoors and in nature can have on their wellbeing.
Setting Sail for Dunoon
We kicked things off with our annual all-ages beach trip, this year travelling to Dunoon aboard the Waverley, the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer.
The journey quickly became part of the adventure, with young people fascinated by the steam engine below deck before enjoying a brilliant day at the seaside. By the journey home, there was only one question being asked: When can we do it again? Thankfully, plans are already underway for next year.
Adventure, Challenge and Confidence
Summer wouldn’t be summer without our residentials.
Our primary group headed to Ardentinny Outdoor Centre for gorge walking, climbing, games, campfire stories and plenty of laughter. Later, our secondary group travelled to Glenmore Lodge with Urban Uprising after ten weeks of climbing at Brushworks, experiencing outdoor climbing for the first time before tackling a spectacular walk and scramble through Coire an Lochain.
Alongside the residentials, young people enjoyed wakeboarding with The Wake Yard, hillwalking, and more climbing!
These adventures were about far more than the activities themselves. They created opportunities for young people to encourage one another, overcome fears, step outside their comfort zones and discover a confidence that will stay with them long after the summer holidays.
Transforming Grassroots Garden
A huge focus this summer was continuing to develop our Grassroots Garden at Lister Street.
Working alongside the brilliant team at Boomerang Woodworking—equal parts carpenters and youth workers—young people built colourful signage, created beautiful timber arches and completed a vibrant mural that has transformed the space.
There was plenty of gardening too, with young people planting, growing and harvesting vegetables while learning about biodiversity. Many spoke about how peaceful the garden feels and how important it is to have somewhere green and welcoming in the heart of their community. As one young person put it:
“You know what I find chill? It’s listening to the sounds of people playing… and having a beautiful space nearby to relax.”
Learning New Skills
Alongside all the adventure, young people also took part in mental health sessions with SAMH, visiting The Nook to learn more about wellbeing and the support available within their community.
Another highlight was spending two fantastic days with SnowCamp. Every young person successfully completed the First Tracks course, and we’re excited to see them continue onto Graduate later this year.
Celebrating Together
We rounded off the summer with our biggest community event ever.
Inspired by the Glasgow Commonwealth Games legacy, Lister Street became a celebration of sport, creativity and community, with family activities, live music from Samba Ya Bamba, food from The Courtyard Pantry, creative workshops with Creative Bloc Glasgow and all the favourites, including a bouncy castle and face painting.
It was the perfect way to celebrate everything that makes our community so special.
Thank You
It was fantastic to welcome Hannah Wier and Stephanie McIntosh back to the SiMY team as sessional staff this summer. Their enthusiasm, warmth and encouragement made a huge difference, and we’re incredibly grateful for everything they contributed.
A very special thank you also goes to the amazing volunteers who helped make the programme possible. They gave their time, energy and enthusiasm so generously throughout the summer, delivering activities, driving vans, encouraging young people through challenges and quietly taking care of the countless jobs that keep the programme running. Their kindness, patience and commitment helped create the welcoming environment that makes SiMY what it is, and we simply couldn’t have delivered this summer without them.
We’re also hugely grateful to our partners, funders and everyone who helped make the programme possible.
Most of all, thank you to the incredible young people who embraced every opportunity with curiosity, determination and kindness.
Over seven unforgettable weeks, young people developed new skills, grew in confidence, built resilience, strengthened friendships and discovered the benefits of spending time outdoors and in nature. Those are achievements that will last far longer than the summer holidays.
We’re already looking forward to next summer.
