As part of the Department for Education-funded Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme delivered through Bradford Council, our multi-sports holiday camp provided children with a safe, engaging, and enriching environment during the Easter holidays. The initiative aimed to promote physical activity, social interaction, and access to nutritious meals for children who may otherwise face barriers to such opportunities.
The camp ran over four days, welcoming up to 30 children per day aged between 5 and 11. Each day operated from 10:00am to 3:00pm and included structured sports sessions, free play, and meal provision. In total, the programme supported 120 attendances across the week.
Children participated in a wide variety of sports and physical activities, including football, rugby, cricket, rounders, running games, and dodgeball. A key focus of the camp was to introduce participants to sports they may not typically experience, encouraging them to build confidence, develop new skills, and discover new interests.
The diverse activity offering ensured inclusivity and high engagement levels, catering to different abilities and preferences while maintaining a strong emphasis on fun and enjoyment. One parent noted they were impressed with “The variety of sports on offer, communication whilst explaining games and including the parents.” while another added “I was impressed you did a bit of work on sign language.”
Each child received a hot, nutritious meal daily, supporting the HAF programme’s objective of improving access to healthy food during school holidays. This provision played a crucial role in ensuring children were fuelled for activity and supported overall wellbeing.
Coaches Jake and Tom reported exceptionally positive behaviour throughout the programme. The children were described as a “joy to work with,” demonstrating respect, enthusiasm, and teamwork across all activities. The camp provided a valuable space for children to build friendships, improve social skills, and develop confidence in a supportive environment. A parent added “White Rose gave Ellis the opportunity to develop his social skills, build his confidence and make new friends.”
The camp successfully delivered:
- Increased physical activity levels among participants
- Exposure to a wide range of sports and new experiences
- Improved social interaction and teamwork skills
- Access to nutritious meals during the holidays
- A safe and structured environment promoting wellbeing with one parent saying the camp was “very organised providing structure to the children that most need it.”
One of the most significant outcomes was the opportunity for children to enjoy experiences they may not otherwise have access to without HAF funding. The programme helped remove financial and social barriers, ensuring all children could participate fully.
As part of our feedback received, a parent said “Funding is vital for some families. Sending children to camps like this stops children from sitting inside playing computer games and the like.
Children don’t seem to play outside anymore like I did growing up in the 70’s and 80’s so anything like this is only a bonus in my opinion.”
The multi-sports camp was a highly successful delivery of the HAF initiative, combining sport, nutrition, and social development into a meaningful holiday experience. The positive feedback from coaches and the evident enjoyment of participants highlight the value of continued investment in programmes of this nature.
We look forward to building on this success in future holiday camps, continuing to support children’s health, happiness, and development.
