Polly’s Challenge
Opportunities for all Island children
Polly’s Challenge is a funded programme for Island children aged 10 – 14 years during the school holidays.
Five action packed days help build confidence and a sense of adventure!
About the Fund
About the FundPolly’s Fund was set up in memory of Polly Birch, who had a passion for sailing. Her family are proud to continue the challenge in her memory. Polly’s Challenge offers Isle of Wight children a special opportunity to join us at UKSA for a fully funded five-day sailing course or multi-activity watersports adventure. The courses run during the school holidays enabling them to have fun, be adventurous and learn new skills through participation in outdoor activities.
As part of the challenge, we ask each young person to fundraise a minimum of £20 that goes straight back into Polly’s Fund, to enable the programme to support more children in the future. We encourage the children to do this through sponsorship like cleaning cars, tidying their room, or helping a neighbour in need but they can be as creative as they like!
The ethos of Polly’s Challenge
“Appreciate the people around you, adventure with them, buy less stuff and go out to experience the world. Laugh, dance and have fun. Respect the world and look after the bees.” – Polly Birch
Who’s it for?
Who’s it for?All island children in school years 6 to 9 can take part in Polly’s Challenge. The funding enables those who may not be able to afford to get back out on the water after taking part in UKSA Test the Water programme.
Get involved
Get involvedWe ask students to raise £20 for the week through sponsorship. This then goes back into Polly’s Fund to support more children in the future.
UKSA will provide all the specialist equipment your child needs; lunch will also be included. All they will need to bring is a swimsuit, towel and shoes they can get wet (full kit list will be provided).
Who can take part? Isle of Wight young people in school year 6, 7, 8 & 9.
Help fund an adventure on the water
Help fund an adventure on the waterLooking to the future, Polly’s Fund is committed to continue supporting Isle of Wight young children, to give them the opportunity to have an adventure just as Polly wished. All money raised helps to make this dream a reality and give young people who have had their normality and freedom altered a chance to unleash a passion for adventure and the sea with their friends.
Polly’s Challenge Impact Report 2023
There are limited spaces available so follow the three steps below:
Step one – Enquire
Drop us a line either by telephone to 01983 203001 or by e-mail to [email protected]
To provisionally book a space, you will be asked which date you are interested in, details about your child, and contact details for yourself. You will then be sent a sponsorship form which your child needs to complete to confirm their space on the programme.
Step two – Get sponsored
From tidy bedrooms, walking the dog to washing the car, each child is asked to raise a minimum of £20.00.
Step three – Complete booking
To confirm your child’s place, please contact [email protected] to pay in sponsorship money and sponsorship form.
Don’t just take our word for it
Parent of a Polly’s Challenge Participant
“My son Brody has benefited so much from the Polly’s Challenge course, he was quite shy and not usually one to enjoy being out of his comfort zone but he absolutely took to the challenge with his confidence and enthusiasm growing each day. It has taught him to have a go at new things without fear of failure and he has used Polly’s Challenge as the inspiration to apply to the Wildlife Trust competition with his project plan to “look after the bees”, just as Polly Birch said”.