It is never too early to start making a difference in the community, and the Rotary Club of Retford's RotaKids gives those aged 7-12 the chance to do just that.
Fun and exciting
Rotakids is a fun and exciting way for children to get involved with voluntary community activities, while having a great time in the process.
Learn new things
RotaKids clubs are based in primary schools, (Key Stage 2) and with the help and support from teaching staff and the local Rotary club, children can gain valuable experience in helping others and learning interesting new things. It also brings an exciting and practical approach to supporting the citizen element of the curriculum.
Service Above Self
In keeping with the Rotary motto ‘Service Above Self’, children taking part in RotaKids projects and events enjoy a boost in their confidence and self-esteem and develop an understanding of how their actions can positively impact on others.
Rotary Club of Retford
The Rotary Club of Retford has been a positive force in and around the town since it was formed in 1937. Now in its 84th year, our Club is still thriving and is the largest in the East Midlands District. We normally meet every week on a Monday evening at Ye Olde Bell, Barnby Moor, and our Club currently has over 70 members, both men and women, from a wide range of backgounds. Rotary's moto is 'Service above self', which we achieve throughout the year by both practical and financial means, donating substantial funds to local, national and international charities, community organisations, families and individuals. Our Club's main fundraiser is the Annual Swimathon which takes place in the Bassetlaw Leisure Centre every March, which many of you will have no doubt heard of, or in which you possibly will have participated!
Thank you for your involvement in RotaKids which is slowly growing into a significant initiative for our Club, adding an important link within the local community.
Adrian Sumner - Rotary Club of Retford President
Every KS2 child in a RotaKids school can be an active member. There are usually two adult mentors per school: a teacher or teaching assistant acts as one of the adult mentors and the Rotary Club will assign a Rotarian as the second member (the RotaRep).
Most schools also like to launch RotaKids at an assembly or special school event where a RotaRep is willing to make an informative presentation.
Schools may form a RotaKids council, similar in format to a school council, who will come up with ideas and ‘manage’ the club with support from the mentors. Sometimes these are year 6 led, but with children from years 3,4,5 also in the team to provide continuity at the end of the school year. Each team will meet in school hours on a regular basis with the mentors to come up with and manage their ideas/projects.
