With the school term about to end, children and young people will be spoilt for choice of things to do this summer with Cumbria’s Summer Holiday Activity Programme.
There are 200 different activities on offer from more than 60 organisations through the school holidays. From football camps and rock climbing to zoo visits and circus skills, the range of activities on offer is huge.
Funded by the Government’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme all the activities are free for families whose children receive benefits-related free school meals. Over half of the activities also have paid-for places available to all children and young people.
Around a third have additional free places available for children in particular circumstances, eligibility depends on the organisation running the activity.
Some activities are for single days, others offer a multi-week programme. All activities must be booked in advance.
Cumbrian families are being encouraged to visit www.cumbria.gov.uk/holidays to see the activities on offer and book.
Councillor Deborah Earl, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health, said: “With the disruption caused by covid it has been a really tough year for the county’s children and young people and we know it’s often been toughest on those in low-income families.
“This fantastic activity programme, with things going on all across the county, means there are now loads of free fun things for them to get involved with during the summer weeks – and more than half the activities are available to any child, not just those that receive free school meals.
“I’d also like to thank all the different organisations that have got involved in this programme, from big national companies to small community organisations, it’s been great to see what fantastic range of activities the county can lay on. Places are filling up fast so book now to avoid disappointment.”
Cath Clarke from Cumbria Youth Alliance said: “I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to put together this fantastic programme for local families. The additional funding this year means there are activities to choose from in all the county’s six districts.
“All the activities are searchable online, so it’s easy to see if there are things that would suit your child. I’m really looking forward to hearing the feedback from children and young people once the activities start at the end of term.”
The Cumbria Holiday Activity Programme is funded by the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme 2021 and administered by Cumbria County Council working with Cumbria Youth Alliance.
