RotaKids
RotaKids is a junior branch of Rotary that encourages children to make a positive difference in their school, local community, and the wider world. Through teamwork, creativity, and compassion, RotaKids learn the value of service above self while developing leadership and citizenship skills. The club gives pupils the opportunity to plan and run projects that promote kindness, social responsibility, and global awareness — empowering young people to see that even small actions can have a big impact.
Check out all of the amazing social action we have taken below:
Crocus Badges for World Polio Day - 24th October
Our RotaKids have been busy making and selling beautiful Crocus badges to raise money for World Polio Day. The purple crocus is a symbol of Rotary’s global campaign to eradicate polio — a disease that once caused immense suffering but is now on the brink of elimination thanks to Rotary’s dedication and the support of partners worldwide. Each badge sold helps fund vital immunisations for children in vulnerable communities, protecting future generations from this preventable disease.
/RotaKids/RotaKids_End_Polio_Now_Day.mp4
This project encourages pupils to look through the windows, mirrors, and doors of spiritual reflection — windows to learn about others’ experiences, mirrors to reflect on their own values, and doors to take compassionate action.
Mirror: “We recognise that kindness and care live in each of us.”
Window: “We see how working together across the world makes real change possible.”
Door: “Together, we open the door to a world free from Polio – and full of hope.”
In doing so, they embody the spirit of service found in the words of the Bible:
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4
RotaKids support Rotary Duck Race
https://cdn.ex.co/transformations-account/production/4a3bc053-9182-43c6-a264-62b0fb218ea8/cc0e6e48-4e32-4eae-b4be-c56fd8fb2e64/720p.mp4
Tickets were sold for £1 each with the proceeds going directly to help local charities.
On Sunday (June 15), the races started at 11am - with four held - two heats, a children's race and then a final.
£1,000 was up for grabs for the fastest duck of the day - with £500 for the second, £250 for the third and £125 for the fourth.
The four winning numbers for the day's races were:
- First place - 176
- Second place - 6005
- Third place - 3576
- Fourth place - 6426
Rotakids visit Withins Care Home
As part of their local community action plan, secretary Poppy, aged eight, wrote a formal letter to the activities manager, Bev Stewart, at The Withins Care Home if the pupils could lead an activities afternoon with the residents.
As well as playing UNO with them, the pupils left them with some playing aids to help with their mobility.
Recognising that some of the residents would struggle to hold the cards, the young advocates sought out a solution.
They found some manipulative aids online that are suitable for the elderly, those with Parkinson's disease, or decreased gross motor skills.
They raised funds in school through splash the teacher to purchase five decks of UNO cards and eighteen cardholders.
The group walked to the care home from their school, in a bid to be more ecologically aware and reduce the impact on the environment of the visit.
Bev said: “We were delighted to receive the letter from the RotaKids Club, we used to have lots of schools visiting us in the past and it’s a shame that there aren’t as many anymore.
“Now that the RotaKids have been in and the residents enjoyed their visit so much, we will look to build up the link further.”
Withins Residential Home plans to invite the children to return at Christmas to join residents in watching their annual pantomime at the care home and the children have reciprocated with an offer for the residents to come to school to watch their Christmas Nativity production.
RotaKids aim to endeavour to be fair to all, serve the community and to show respect for others. Through their constant efforts, the RotaKids at Bolton St Catherine’s Academy are certainly demonstrating their school values of Believe, Strive, Care and Achieve.
Window – Seeing into someone else’s world
“When we look through the window, we see the residents at The Withins Care Home. Some of them might feel lonely, or find it hard to hold playing cards because of age or illness. Through this window, we understand what life can be like for older people — and how much a friendly visit can brighten their day.”
Mirror – Reflecting on ourselves
“When we look in the mirror, we see our own hearts and actions.
We think about the kindness and thoughtfulness that the RotaKids showed — writing a letter, raising money, and finding special aids so everyone could join in the fun. It reminds us that when we see a problem, we can choose to care and find a solution.”
Door – Stepping into action
“Now we open the door to new possibilities. By visiting the care home, walking there to help the planet, and sharing laughter over a game of UNO, the RotaKids built real connections between generations.
Their actions opened a door of friendship — one that will stay open as they visit again at Christmas and welcome the residents to our school.
When we walk through that same door, we too can bring joy, fairness, and care to others.”
Rotary launches new club for kids at Bolton St Catherine's Academy
The RotaKids Club has been launched for year four children at Bolton St Catherine’s Academy and has received an official charter from the Rotary International Organisation.
All the children made the RotaKids pledge which is: "As a RotaKid I endeavour to be fair to all, to serve my community and to show respect for others."
In their assembly, the RotaKids explained to the whole school that children in Burundi can have to travel for around five hours every day to get water safe enough to drink.
They hope to raise enough money to help those children as well as also planning a litter pick in the local area.
They will also be planning fundraising events for the future to help their local community and with national and international projects.
Window – Seeing into another world
“We look through a window and see the children in Burundi walking for hours every day just to find clean water.
It helps us understand what life is like for others, far away from our own homes, and reminds us how precious clean water really is.”
Mirror – Reflecting on ourselves
“When we look in the mirror, we think about our own lives.
We realise how lucky we are to have taps and clean water whenever we need it.
It makes us ask, What can we do to show kindness and gratitude for what we have?”
Door – Stepping into action
“Now we open the door to action. The RotaKids are already planning ways to help — by raising money, picking up litter, and supporting local and global projects.
When we walk through that door, we choose to make a difference too — one small act of kindness at a time.”
