CHILDREN of HM Naval Base Clyde workers and Helensburgh residents were welcomed back to Lomond School sports centre recently to enjoy a huge range of sports and activities during the school break.

Usually taking place in the summer holidays, this Kings Camp was held from October 18 to 22 at the Lomond School sports centre with dozens of kids joining the fun.

Kings Camp have been running school holiday activity events since 1991 with the aim of inspiring children to try something new while learning team ethics and making new friends.

A total of 45 children attended the half term camp, ranging in age from 5 to 17. All the fun activities familiar from the summer camp were on offer, such as football and badminton, and children also got to try their hand at bench ball, dodgeball, capture the flag, parachute and lacrosse. The emphasis is always on having fun and ensuring all of the sports and games are inclusive for all.

Older children had the chance to take part in the ‘Rookie Programme’, aimed at older kids aged 15-17, an initiative designed to give them the chance to gain a Sports Leadership Award and teach them to coach and become a young leader through practical and hands-on activities.

Sponsored by Captain of the Base, Captain Nick Gibbons, grants were provided by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), as well as affiliates of HM Naval Base Clyde. The event benefits the children of Naval, MoD, Lockheed Martin and Babcock staff as well as local children.

Captain Gibbons said: “This is a fantastic initiative for our families and a real privilege to see such enthusiasm first-hand. The Clyde community is very grateful to the Kings Camp staff and the RNRMC for their continued support.”