Vika’s Shine Squad! – Autumn Sessions

Welcome to the Shine Tribe!

An exciting online youth club designed specifically for young people aged 9-15 years old with a vision impairment.

Meet Vika!

Vika is our vibrant and energetic Youth Engagement Officer. Passionate about working with young people, Vika brings loads of fun, creativity, and positivity to everything she does. Originally from Ukraine, Vika moved to the UK a few years ago and has quickly become a beloved member of our team. She’s a self-proclaimed pasta monster, loves Ukrainian borsch (beetroot soup), coffee, and dumplings (pelmeni)—but isn’t a fan of sweets!

What is Vika’s Shine Tribe?

This fun, friendly, and interactive online group gives young people with vision impairments the chance to:

• Make new friends
• Share experiences
• Express creativity through arts and crafts
• Relax and enjoy a safe, inclusive environment

Each session is packed with engaging activities, and every week brings a new and exciting theme!

Upcoming Themes

Here’s what’s in store for the coming weeks:

4 September – Autumn Around the World

Theme: How Different Countries Celebrate Autumn

• Learn about harvest festivals from different countries
• Autumn traditions quiz
• Taste challenge (apple, cinnamon, pumpkin spice if available)
• Share family autumn traditions
• Group discussion: “If you could invent a new autumn holiday, what would it be?”

11 September – Hot Chocolate Social

Theme: Cosy Autumn Treats

• Make hot chocolate together
• Taste test different toppings (marshmallows, cinnamon, cream)
• Describe flavours and textures
• “Would You Rather?” autumn edition
• Best cosy autumn activities discussion

18 September – Leaf Garden & Nature Workshop

Theme: Exploring Nature Through Touch

• Feel and compare different leaves and natural objects
• Create a sensory leaf display or mini autumn garden
• Learn why leaves change colour
• Autumn nature sounds challenge

25 September – Autumn Movie Club 

Theme: Cosy Films & Storytelling

• Discuss favourite family-friendly autumn or Halloween films
• Audio-described movie recommendations
• Movie trivia quiz
• Create a group “Top 10 Autumn Films” list
• Share favourite characters

2 October – Baking and Recipe Sharing

Theme: Harvest Time

• Simple autumn baking activity
• Share family recipes
• Guess the ingredient game
• Seasonal food quiz

9 October – Pumpkin Festival

Theme: All About Pumpkins

• Pumpkin facts quiz
• Describe your dream pumpkin
• Pumpkin-themed games and riddles
• Pumpkin spice late making or tea

16 October – Halloween History Special 

Activities

• Halloween history quiz
• Spooky sound guessing game
• Create a Halloween story together
• Myth or Fact challenge
• Share favourite Halloween traditions

23 October – Spooky Escape Room

Theme: Mystery & Teamwork

• Audio clues
• Riddles and word puzzles
• Team challenge
• Secret code breaking
• Halloween mystery story

30 October – Halloween Party

Theme: Autumn Celebration

• Costume showcase (optional)
• Monster sound competition
• Halloween bingo
• Spooky story circle
• Autumn & Halloween quiz
• Awards and celebration

Spaces are limited, so book now to avoid missing out! We can’t wait to welcome your young person to the group.