KidsOut is the only UK charity dedicated to bringing fun and happiness into the lives of disadvantaged kids by positive activities and experiences that contribute to their development, well-being and outlook for a happier future.

Kids Out Day is an event carried out by a large number of the Rotary Clubs throughout UK and Ireland on the same day – taking kids with learning or physical difficulties to some fun place for the day.

We have been participating in this day out for five years taking the pupils of Mitchell House School out for the day to the Portaferry Aquarium, Castle Espie, the Zoo and, this year, to Streamvale Open Farm, Dundonald.

Kids Out Day 2012

It was decided for our 6th Kids Out day, we would take the Mitchell House children to the Ulster Museum, Belfast to see the Dinosaur Exhibition on the Museum's top floor. The decision taken by Vice-President Ken Morrison to have an indoor venue this year proved inspired. As we waited, in a steady downpour, outside the Ulster Museum for the doors to open at 10.00, we were all thankful we attended an open farm last year!

We met the 20 children and 7 helpers from Mitchell House in the canteen at 10.30am, where juice was provided before the tour. 

Prior to taking the lift to the main event, we had a chance to explore the ground floor exhibits, where the children measured themselves against an Irish Wolfhound and walked over finest crockery, set in the floor and protected by reinforced glass.

This is a wonderful group of children, quick witted and full of fun. They enjoyed the exhibits, especially the large models of moving dinosaurs. The more educational halls at the end were a success also, where they were able to study the time line of the dinosaur, discover their eating habits and compare their height to that of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. 

After the tour, they ate a picnic lunch in the dining area provided by the museum, before thanking the Club for organising a most enjoyable day out. We were able to assure them that the pleasure was all ours!

They subsequently sent a hand-made thank you card.

Our thanks to our willing ‘helpers’ VP Ken Morrison, PP Brian Ferguson, Rtn John McCleery and PP Maurice and Hilary Brooks and of course to Kids Out organizer Rtn Mark Davidson.

See also 

Kids Out Day 2010 - click here

Gallery

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