Pointer Trip to New York City
On 11 March two young people and two leaders from JIMS embarked upon an amazing week-long trip to New York City.
The trip was organised by the Pointer Programme and included over seventy young people from five youth clubs in Kilkeel and Newry. The programme was points based. In the months preceding the trip the young people involved had various activities they were required to take part in, in order to earn the points required for the trip.
There was great excitement as the first glimpses of the New York skyline came into view from the airplane windows. The hotel housing the group was located a few blocks from Central Park and Times Square giving everyone great sightseeing opportunities nearby. Despite exhaustion from the long hours getting to the States, everyone wanted to get out and look around the first night. We were treated to an off-Broadway show put on by a theatrical group from England. After the show many spent time in Times Square taking in the sights.
The week held organised events as well as plenty of free time for the group of four to pick their own activities. The group from JIMS took one morning to go to the top of the Empire State Building and take in the view. They went from there to Macy’s, the largest store in the world, as well as visiting some other nearby shops. Another day took the group to the bottom of Manhattan where they were able to spot the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park. They toured the area around Ground Zero and walked down Wall Street. They walked around the bottom of the island to get a glimpse of the Brooklyn Bridge before hitting Chinatown to do some shopping. On the last day the group spent time in Central Park watching some of the street entertainers and looking for an open patch of grass to play Ultimate Frisbee.
There were various organised events throughout the week also. The entire group was treated to a meal at the Fitzpatrick Hotel on the first day. On Tuesday the five clubs were split into two groups. One group went to visit NYPD Emergency Services 1 for a tour and an explanation of all they do, while the other group visited a local youth club. On Wednesday the groups swapped. Thursday morning involved a tour of the United Nations before taking in part of the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The trip was a wonderful experience and we are grateful to Pointer for including JIMS in the adventure.