Seriously in2Cricket!

Slade's involved in this most awesome cricket program called in2Cricket, which is sponsored by Milo. There's more info about it here.
It's a 10 week program and they run activities every Saturday morning from 8.30am until 10am. Slade's participating through the Macgregor Cricket Club, and their awesome group of volunteers.
Through the program Slade has been exposed to so much, and we now have a really enthusiastic cricket player in our family.

Apart from participating in the weekly program, Slade has so far been given: A backpack, cricket bat, ball, shirt, hat, cap and drink bottle. They've also had a group photo taken that he'll get in the next week or two.
Although he was a little daunted the first time that we headed to the cricket (he didn't have any friends who were going), I am really proud to see my son having grown in confidence over the weeks. He is now running out on to the field, getting involved in everything, and is so enthusiastic about it all.

Yesterday was a major highlight, so far, as there was a family day for in2Cricket at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane. The kids got the chance to do some activities on the field, and there were a number of state and national cricket players who attended. Slade headed off with the bat that he'd been given on Saturday and got autographs from a whole bunch of players. Then there was also another special signing opportunity, as well as rides and activities for the kids. These included nets in which the kids could bat and bowl, special nets for practising catching, as well as slides, swings, and a jumping castle. The highlight was that Matthew Hayden attended, and Slade got him to sign his bat.
Slade came home on such a high -- he enjoyed every minute of it. And insisted on taking his bat to school today for Show and Tell!
But there's more to come. The participants in in2Cricket also get tickets to a big cricket match, and this year the tickets are to attend the Ashes on Saturday. The kids also get to go onto the field at the Gabba during the lunch break. Needless to say Slade is really in his element, although also a little nervous!
The program cost us about $90 to participate, but considering everything that Slade's got out of it, I think that it's certainly more than worth it.

Rock Climbing

We've recently discovered an indoor rock climbing facility at Browns Plains. And our kids are addicted! It's called The Rock, and you'll find it at 49 Eastern Road, Browns Plains, Brisbane. Based at The Spot Community Centre, there's also info about it on their website.
It provides such a great opportunity for the kids to get some good exercise in a great environment and it's really character-building.

The first time we visited was with my daughter Kai's Girl Guide group. They had a wonderful time playing a few games and doing the rock climbing.

Since then we've visited a couple of times on a Wednesday afternoon when they hold a kid's club. This is a time for the kids to try the rock climbing and do a variety of games that involve skills such as climbing, swinging and balancing.
Apart from the enjoyment the kids get out of the activity, it's also great for their confidence -- they feel great when they get a bit further up the wall than the previous time or are able to reach the top. And when activities are a little bit more difficult or they are on a more challenging part of the wall, it's also an opportunity for them to do some problem solving and to practise some persistence.
We were really excited to discover recently that they also do birthday parties. The kids went to one there recently and we've now booked for Slade's party in December. You provide your own food and they have kitchen facilities available, and there are options for climbing only or climbing and games.

Postscript: The Rock Adventure Specialists have organised a special kids rock climbing club climb at Kangaroo Point on November 18, 2010. It's from 3pm to 6pm and you can contact them on 0424 023 932 for more info.