February’s Holiday Club at Fairthorne Manor brought together children, staff and plenty of energy for a week packed with activities, creativity and teamwork.
Across the five days, the team welcomed around 175 children, with a mix of first-time attendees and many familiar faces returning for another week of holiday fun. That combination created a lively atmosphere from the start, as new friendships formed and returning children settled quickly back into the rhythm of the club.
The week’s programme was designed to keep everyone active and engaged, with activities ranging from den building and scavenger hunts to balloon drops, parachute games and team challenges. Each day brought something different, giving children the chance to try new things, build confidence and work together with others.
For many children, Holiday Club is about more than just activities. It’s a space where they can spend time outdoors, develop social skills and build friendships outside of the classroom. The variety of games and challenges also encourages teamwork, problem solving and creativity, all while making sure everyone is having fun.
Despite the winter weather doing its best to interrupt the plans, spirits stayed high throughout the week. The enthusiasm of both the children and the staff meant the energy never dipped, whether activities were taking place outside or moving indoors.
Behind the scenes, the success of the week relied on a strong team effort. Becky led the day-to-day running of the Holiday Club, ensuring the programme ran smoothly and that every child had a safe and enjoyable experience.
She was supported by a fantastic team of staff who led activities, supported groups and kept the atmosphere positive throughout the week:
Cammy B, Aaron, Jamie, Addy, Scarlet, Jess, Ben, Jack, Lucy, Grace, Amy and Evie.
Holiday Clubs are an important part of what YMCA Fairthorne Group offers families in the community. They provide children with a safe and welcoming space during school holidays, while giving them the opportunity to stay active, learn new skills and spend time with friends.
For the team at Fairthorne Manor, the February programme was a great reminder of the impact these weeks can have – not just for the children who attend, but also for the staff who help create those experiences.
With such a successful week behind them, the team are already looking ahead to the next Holiday Club in April.
