Adventures in submarines, across the open ocean, sandy deserts, athletics tracks and even outer space. These are just some of the creative themes that entertained and engaged children at summer holiday clubs across the diocese.
Although summer may seem a distant memory for some, many churches in the Diocese of Guildford ran holiday clubs for young children over the summer break, and we wanted to share some of the highlights. We caught up with seven churches who welcomed around 700 children between them, following their fun-filled activities.
We start at a first-time holiday club venture for St John's Church in Merrow who ran "Desert Detectives". Youth Worker, Georgie Gregson, said, "It was a good opportunity to build connections. Most of the children had had little to no involvement with the church. It was also great to see the team of volunteers, from different parts of church life connect with both the children and each other."
St Paul's Camberley joined up with sister churches Heatherside Church and St Barbara's Deepcut to go 'underwater' as they explored Bible stories through their 'submarine'. The team of nearly 70 volunteers welcomed over 100 children, three-quarters of whom weren't regular attendees of the church.
At the end of the 3-day holiday club, families were invited to a BBQ for a chance to get a taste of what their children had been up to and to connect with members of the church community.
Bethany Larby, the Children & Families Pastor at St Paul's, said, "It is very inexpensive compared to other holiday clubs, and with subsidies available, it's accessible for most. We provided lunches for those who have free school meals in term time which many were grateful for."
At full capacity, St Peter's Farnborough was hugely excited to welcome 270 children to their summer holiday club. With over 150 volunteers, including 60 teenage helpers, the five days were filled with energy and activities such as songs, games, crafts and dramas.
The team at St Peter's also saw 600 people come for their family fun night during the holiday club week. The Children's & Young Families' Minister, Helen Smith, said, "It's always a highlight to hear the parents say how much their children are enjoying the holiday club. Lots say it's the highlight of the summer for their family!"
"The Greatest Treasure" was the theme for Godalming Minster's holiday club. The 70 children across the three days helped Captain Heave Ho and Yo Ho search for the world's greatest treasure. Presuming it would be gold and jewels that met them at the end of their journey they discovered that the joy of knowing Jesus is worth far more than any chest full of treasure.
Ben Barnes, Youth Minister & Director of Children and Youth Ministries, said, "We wanted the holiday club to be good news to parents by providing them with accessible and high-quality childcare. Helping ease the anxiety of logistics over the summer period, especially in households where both parents have to work."
In West Byfleet, St John's Church ran a week-long singing and craft-based holiday club. The children explored different Bible stories and ended each day helping to lead a short service.
"Following last year's holiday club, we set up a Junior Choir who sing at our Family Service once a month." says the Director of Music, Ian Church. "We hope that more children from this year's club will join the choir."
For 2024 there had to be at least one Holiday Club that was going to pick up the Olympic theme. Both Christ Church in Virginia Water and Christ Church Guildford did just that.
Christ Church Virginia Water looked at stories from the Gospel of Mark and ran the aptly named "On Your Mark's" club. Activities included sung worship, teaching, crafts, messy games and a lot of gunge.
Christ Church Guildford hosted 55 children for their "Going for Gold" holiday club. Michael Tame, a volunteer who has been involved in the holiday clubs at Christ Church for almost two decades, said, "It's a great opportunity for young leaders (and older ones!) to serve our local community. It also allows them to build relationships with each other and the wider church family."
Many local churches, including those in the Diocese of Guildford, run holiday clubs as well as other children and youth activities throughout the year. Search A Church Near You to see what might be happening at your local church.
Emma Coy, Mission Enabler for Children & Families at the Diocese, says, “Holiday clubs are an excellent way to connect with children and their families, to give them a positive experience of church and invite them to find out more about the Christian Faith.
“In addition, they provide opportunities for strengthening relationships between different generations and for developing leaders, among the young and not so young. They are also a great way for parishes to work together, particularly where a local school draws children from a number of different parishes.”
If your church is looking to start or develop a holiday club, you can find lots of helpful resources on the Scripture Union website.