Whilst the kids might be excited to see the last day of term, the Summer Holidays bring new childcare challenges to parents. Balancing the needs of children (who need some structure outside of their usual school routine), parents with paid jobs (who need reliable childcare) and stay-at-home parents (who need some breathing space) – all in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis – is no easy task!
So, we’ve rounded up Ten Holiday Clubs to help Sussex parents out this summer. There’s something to cater for all tastes – from sports fans and nature lovers to dance fiends and cookery enthusiasts. But we’re starting (obviously!) with our own drama workshops…
DRAMATIS HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS
Working out at a bargainous £5 per hour (!), our much-loved Holiday Workshops always leave participants with smiles on their faces. Themed around popular films and musicals, they incorporate drama-based games and exercises as well as music and dance. The emphasis is very much on having fun, with simple song lyrics and dance routines that everyone can follow. As the week progresses, children work together to create their own devised performance which is filmed to camera on the last day (providing a nice souvenir of their holidays). This Summer, we’re running ‘INCREDIBLE MADRIGALS’ (based on Encanto) in Hove and then ‘MAGIC & MUSICALS’ (based on Wicked) in Bognor.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
THE OUTDOORS PROJECT
As its name alludes to, these Holiday Clubs are all about playing outdoors whatever the weather (as well as having fun, making new friends and learning some new skills). Every day is different, they run specific activities in small groups throughout the day – games, learning skills, communicating, making, playing & creating memories. On a typical day, they run 4 main activities and plenty of games based around the days theme. From Desert Island Survival (where children learn bushcraft and how to find water) to Savage Stone Age (involving drawing cave paintings and playing stone aged games) there’s something to suit all tastes!
For more information, CLICK HERE.
PIED PIPER MULTI-ACTIVITY CLUBS
Pied Piper have been running activity clubs for over 20 years. Their multi-activity camps are a great way for children aged 4 –12 years old to really enjoy their school holidays. The daily programme of 45 minute activities is carefully structured to balance high energy action games like the inflatable obstacle course with calmer fun based activities like Art & Craft all based around the theme of the week.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
TURNING POINTE’S SUMMER DANCE CAMP
Turning Pointe covers a number of locations across Sussex and we offers Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Tap, Musical Theatre and Contemporary dance lessons throughout the year. Their Summer Dance Camp offers an exciting programme of different dance styles, including special guest teachers. Children who aren’t Turning Pointe students, or who are totally new to dance, are very welcome.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
RISE COOKERY SCHOOL CAMPS
Back by popular demand, the “Cook Around The World” theme will be continuing for 2023, taking children to even more countries and continents. Whether attending for the first time, or returning to camp to further develop their culinary skills, children attending this new and improved cookery course can look forward to serving up new recipes and challenges. Every child attending RISE Cookery School will receive their very own RISE Cookery apron and all ingredients are provided.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
LAGOON WATERSPORTS ACTIVITY WEEKS
The Lagoon Kids Activity Week is a week-long course where children will experience the thrills of windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, knee boarding and on-land activities such as team challenges and treasure hunts. The week is suitable for ages 8-14 (with kids spilt into age groups so younger kids are not mixing with older ones).
For more information, CLICK HERE.
SUMMER CIRCUS SKILLS CAMP
In association with High Top Circus and University of Sussex, this one-week, half day camp will teach your child circus skills such as trapeze, acrobatics and juggling. There will be plenty of circus themed drama games with experienced tutors too.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
SUMMER FILMAKING WORKSHOP
This workshop covers everything children need to know to make a simple short film. Over 3 days children will learn the basics of film language; framing, editing a scene and then have a go at making their very own short films using easily accessible kit such as smartphones. Although the course is geared towards using smartphones and tablets, to keep the technical barrier as low as possible, children are more than welcome to bring along their own digital cameras to film with if they wish. Filmmaking is a social and collaborative medium so all children will work in small groups.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
SOUTH COAST SPORTS
South Coast Sports are passionate about serving their local communities across West Sussex, to ensure that quality sports provision is available to all. Through positive sporting experiences, they support children to grow in both confidence and ability – with the aim to help them making healthy life choices as they move into adulthood. They are committed to providing affordable, reliable childcare and also offer funded places for children in receipt of Benefit related free school meals. They are also able to provide funded places for Refugee children. Whilst based around fun and engaging sports sessions, each site Each site differs slightly in the activities on offer including collaborations with other local providers, such as drama, dance and golf clubs.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
BEE IN THE WOODS
Bee in the Woods Forest School is play-based and child-led, with plenty of opportunities to take part in games, challenges, natural crafts, dens, survival skills, pond-dipping, tool-use, wildlife, growing, camp cooking and exploration. During holiday club, children can join between 9.30am-3pm for a day of adventure and play in nature. They will cook over a campfire. make friends, learn new skills, get muddy, get active and get creative in the fresh air. Little ones will be nurtured by kindergarten practitioners, whilst older siblings and friends will strengthen teamwork and creative skills with Forest School leaders.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
