Cloud, that is great, thanks.

He wouldn't answer 'cause he was worried they were going to stitch him up for something.

Summer in a cast... irritating.

... and itchy. Sorry to hear that Jinx.

Sorry for the girl, Jinx.
Is there still at least a cool factor to it?

Hang on - homeschooled (and coming up to summer anyway) I guess there aren't as many kids to impress with it. And the worst weather otherwise.

If you manage to get her in a kayak I'd love to see pics :)

I'm going through the volunteer database at the mo.
I have 2.5 days left at school then nothing for 6 weeks.
And I know Mum will e.x.p.l.o.d.e. if I don't find myself something to do during the holidays.

I shouldn't be so mingy about it - even if I get stuck with something I don't like I guess I only have to stick it for 6 weeks. More likely 4 once I get trained up and then start back at school beginning September.
And there is a good chance I'll find something I enjoy... Maybe.
They want volunteers on the maternity ward - welcoming, door monitoring (to prevent baby snatching, sadly) and escorting postnatal parents to the waiting area. Sounds like something I can do.
Another which has caught my eye is pushing the Chaplain around on ward visits. She is in a wheelchair. A good way to sweat off a few pounds? The Chaplin is described as "small", but they want volunteers to push patients to chapel on Sunday mornings too. I reckon I could handle a little old lady or too. As long as I don't have to sit in...

I'll find something.
Watch this space.

Is paid work still not an option at this point, SG?

Apparently there are waterproof liners that can go inside a fiberglass cast so it can get wet. The ER doc said it just depends on what's available at the ortho - but I'm thinking we might ortho shop if it's not available at the one we've made an appointment with. It's important, for swimming and kayaking. I just can't see her having to sit these out or 4-6 weeks.

Yes, she's home schooled, but school has been over since June 1. She has cheerleading camp and then practices comeing up on a few weeks... will have to make due impressing all the kids at the gym (they have summer camp there, as well as members like us) until then.

What I'm looking for is work with children - I'd be willing to take even part time and then any number of additional part time work to support that.
That way I'd still be moving towards my goal of full time teaching assistant position.

From September I will volunteer three days a week.
To be reviewed (by me) at Christmas.
If I'm up to three days a week with no trouble, I'll accept I have to go back into an office short term. I'd still have my volunteer experience behind me if and when there is a vacancy within a five mile radius.

At present the job opportunities locally are limited. In every field, even jobs I do not want to take or am unqualified for.
The only real option available would be the office based admin that brought me down so far last time. And saying that I haven't even seen one of those jobs recently. I do look every week.

I'm also looking at working as a volunteer for the Brownies/ Guides.
Again, that would look great on my CV and keep my hand in.
That's part of the plan which involves taking any job I can to get back in the workplace.

Do they have summer reading programs at the library, SG?
that might be a good place to volunteer. Maybe you could even start one if they don't have one?

Also, get first-aid and CPR certified. that's great on your CV too, when you want to work with kids.

Most kids get waterproof casts in the summer. I'm amazed at the number I see swimming with them. And they're such cool colors too. You can't really write on them like the old plaster of paris ones, though -Sharpie works OK, and nail polish..... but at least they're cool colors to start off with.

Good plan re the first aiding.
I wonder if I could get a discount if I volunteer for them - £117.50 otherwise :eek:

I know they're after drivers - might not be a bad ida to brush up those skills either.

It's a worthwhile investment, though -can you get any help with course fees?

That sounds really high - IS there a local YMCA or something like it? They usually offer courses for about $30-$50. Sometimes they are free.

This is the St Johns Ambulance - it's the standard body for certification. Certainly the First Aiders at school have their qualifications from them.

I'm going to contact them and ask if any discounts apply or if I could volunteer with them in order to obtain a discount.

I'm looking at funding information too, but it's all so complicated and doesn't seem to apply to me...

Well thats good. I'm sure you'll figure it all out. I'd still check with the school or someone who works there ... they may have a less expensive alternative or know about funding/discounts.

yup, looks to me like if you volunteer, they will train you

http://www.sja.org.uk/sja/volunteer/first-aid.aspx

I can't believe there's VAT on First Aid training -that's nuts!