We meet the four adventurous young people who won Islington Council’s competition to become Chief Discovery Officers this summer. They’ve been exploring the borough, video camera in hand, to capture and celebrate some of the amazing things children and families can see and do for low or no-cost, and sharing their adventures on social media. They tell us why they applied, what they’ve enjoyed most and their hopes for the future

Tam, 14

I applied for the competition because I really want to get into the media and videography industry. I love making films and thought that being a Chief Discovery Officer would be a really good opportunity to put my creativity out there.

There are so many good things about Islington, like the diverse shops, so many green spaces, free or cheap opportunities for young people – for example, I’ve done courses at the Young Actors Theatre, as well as Summerversity activities at Lift and London Screen Academy.

Being a Chief Discovery Officer has been fun. I really like having deadlines because I have a lot of ideas! This has really pushed me to get it out there and to focus. I hope to get more opportunities out of it – to build a group of people who are interested in the stuff I create that will lead me to making more in the future.

Sidra, 18

I entered because it’s a fun opportunity, and also my mum suggested it. She said it will probably be fun. I also wanted to gain life skills like putting myself out there, exploring things, seeing things differently. I think it has been a valuable experience.

I love that Islington has so many different things you can do, for all ages, especially in the summer. It’s just a fun place to explore. There’s always something going on. One of my favourite things is the Cally Festival.

I’ve definitely enjoyed the experience, especially filming at Chapel Market. It was like a walk down memory lane. I also did a video about Whittington Park. I loved going there as I go to parks sometimes but not as much as I’d like, so I was just glad I got to film in a park setting.

Cruz, 14

I decided to enter the Chief Discovery Officer competition because I wanted to do something productive over the holidays, and I thought that if I could help other people my age also do something productive, that would be a good thing.

I like Arsenal’s stadium, the Finsbury Park running track, and shopping at the Angel – they’ve got Flying Tiger Copenhagen, and a stall selling great churros during the summer. They’ve got all the shops you could want, it’s good mix.

I haven’t done any filmmaking before, but I really enjoyed it. It hasn’t been easy being a Chief Discovery Officer. Like the recording, for example: I do find it fun, but it can be challenging sometimes, making sure I get the right angles, the right footage that I need. It has definitely been good doing the storyboarding and planning out what you’re going to do.

I‘m very proud of myself for completing it and actually finishing – I have that sense of pride.

Teayanna, 11

I applied to be a Chief Discovery Officer because I love Islington, and it’s just an environment that I’ve been in for a long time and I feel like it’s basically a place where you get to have fun.

I also entered because I just wanted to see what it was really about and help out. Islington is special because I love the nice people in the borough. I also wanted to inspire other children and let them know that there is interesting stuff to do in Islington.

I have to wake up early, plan what I’m going to do for the day, record everything, and put together the video. The experience was good: I have especially liked bonding with lots of different people in Islington.

Check out what the Chief Discovery Officers have been up to this summer over on the Instagram and follow Islington Council @islingtoncouncil

Discover more opportunities for young people, including joining the Islington Youth Council, info and advice.