Tag: young volunteers

“We’re All Mad Here!” – Young Volunteers Host Community Tea Party

Ellis on 18 August, 2025

After two weeks of learning how to plan, promote, and host events, a group of young volunteers wrapped up their efforts with a vibrant and joyful Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Held in the Community Garden at Dalkeith Country Park on Friday 1 August 2025, the event was a collaboration between the young volunteers and MCA’s Youth Coordinator, Carey Douglas.

The volunteers, who dedicated part of their summer holidays to this project, chose the Mad Hatter theme themselves and transformed the garden into Wonderland. Around 70 parents, carers, and children joined in the fun, enjoying a range of free activities, including a treasure hunt, face painting, glitter tattoos, and themed games like ‘Pin the Tail on the Bunny’ and ‘Guess the Bunny’s Name.’ There was also a pop-up café offering free refreshments, run by the volunteers themselves.

This exciting day marked the culmination of two weeks of workshops, where the young volunteers developed essential skills in teamwork, marketing, and communication. With support from MCA’s communications staff, they designed their own promotional graphics using Canva, gaining valuable experience in digital design and creative collaboration.

Carey Douglas, Youth Coordinator at MCA, said:
“The young people were full of enthusiasm and energy, they were a great bunch. They quickly became a team, working hard to plan, organise  and host what turned out to be a ‘mad success. I’m so proud of their commitment and creativity. We’ve had lovely feedback from parents and the public — especially the children, who were absolutely in their element. Thank you to everyone who supported the event”

One young volunteer shared, “I loved how everything came together — and I’ve made lots of new friends.”
Another added, “This was such a different experience for me. I’ve definitely grown more confident.”

All eight young volunteers were recognised with 25-hour Saltire Awards for their contribution — a well-deserved celebration of their effort and dedication.

Thank you to everyone who came along to support the event — we hope to see you again next year!

Authored by Carey Douglas, Youth Coordinator.

END.

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Ready, Teddy, Go! Success for Young Volunteers’ Event

Ellis on 5 August, 2024

After two weeks of planning and learning about event management, young people from across Midlothian came together to host a Teddy Bears Picnic for local children and their families. The event took place on Friday 2 August 2024 in Dalkeith Country Park Community Garden, and was facilitated by Volunteer Midlothian. We had 80 parents/ carers and children in attendance. The volunteers designed a famous bears treasure hunt and there was a pop up café serving refreshments and snacks. Children had the opportunity to meet the bear and guess his name, the children were so excited they could bearly contain themselves!

Young volunteers welcoming guests to the ‘Teddy Bear’s Picnic’ event.

Carey Douglas, Youth Coordinator at Volunteer Midlothian said:

“The young people were full of enthusiasm and energy from the get go.  They became a team very quickly and worked hard to plan and host the event which was a roaring success, I am very proud of them all for their commitment and hard work.”

When asked about the volunteering experience, one volunteer said:

“I enjoyed organising the event and deciding what to include.  I enjoyed working as a team and meeting new people.  I enjoyed welcoming the children on the day and seeing all the smiley faces.  Its been great everyone has been very supportive.”

A member of the public who came along to the event said:

“This is the third event I have been to in the garden it is such a safe space there is always someone on the gate so you can let the kids enjoy their treasure hunt, I had a cuppa.  It is such a great event well done to the young volunteers for organising it.  I will be back again next year!”

A young guest at the event said:

“It was Pawsome!”

The event was the culmination of two weeks of hard work from the young volunteers, who met weekly to plan the event as part of Volunteer Midlothian’s Summer Youth Programme, ‘Event Volunteers’.  The young volunteers took part in team working activities, they learned about poster design principals, marketing, customer service, planning and communication.  With the latter in mind young people also helped at our conversation café funded by UK Shared Prosperity fund.  The café is dedicated to helping learners in Midlothian enhance their English speaking abilities. 

The young volunteers will all now receive Saltire Awards as recognition for organising and hosting this unbearably special event!

Thank you to everyone who came along and supported our volunteers! Learn more about our Transform project for young people here.

Article by Carey Douglas, Volunteer Midlothian.

Teddy Bear’s Picnic at Dalkeith Community Garden

Ellis on 29 July, 2024

Young volunteers have been working hard over the summer holidays to organise a FREE Teddy Bear’s Picnic for local children and families. The event will take place this Friday 2 August from 13:00-15:00 at Dalkeith Country Park Community Garden (opposite St. Mary’s Church)🌱

We’d love to see you there to support our volunteers! We will supply snacks & drinks, but if you want to bring a picnic & blanket please do – don’t forget your special guest 🧸