This summer, churches across our diocese came alive with colour, creativity, and community as they hosted a wide variety of Holiday Clubs and events. From the expanse of space to the depths of the sea, these creative gatherings were more than just a way to keep families busy; they were powerful expressions of faith, hospitality, and intergenerational joy.
At St Peter’s Church, Chertsey, the theme of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe transported 55 children into the magical world of Narnia. With 30 volunteers, including two teenagers who had once attended the club as children, the week was a vibrant mix of storytelling, worship, and wonder. The dedication of the volunteers paid off, having rehearsed their parts six weeks ahead of the Holiday Club.
“The story came to life with the props and costumes,” shared Clare Rice, the Children and Families Worker. “Seeing each child engaged and watching with excitement was incredible.”
Worship was a highlight, with songs like My Lighthouse by Rend Collective and Praise by Brandon Lake filling the church with energy. “God was moving,” Clare said. “The whole team left that week buzzing and set on fire for Jesus.” One child even came to faith, declaring Jesus as her friend and Saviour, a moment that left the team deeply moved.
Over in Pyrford, the ALLSORTS Holiday Club at the Church of the Good Shepherd focused on being Kingdom Builders through the parables of Jesus. With 40 volunteers and up to 140 children each day, the club offered activities from clay modelling to drama and dance.
“To be church family with team members from 11 to 70 years is a privilege and joy,” Suzanne Lee-Smith, the Children and Families Minister, reflected. “So many different gifts and skills were used.” The impact was clear: “Seeing children excited to come back and raving about the club to their parents is fab.”
In Deepcut, a joint Holiday Club between St Paul’s Camberley, St Barbara’s Deepcut, and Heatherside Church took children on a space-themed journey through the book of Daniel. With 80 children and 54 volunteers, the club was a huge success, especially considering it was the first time it had been held in Deepcut.
One of the most touching moments came when a child from a non-church background confidently retold the story of the Writing on the Wall from Daniel 2. Her mum, attending the BBQ on the final day, said: “I assumed we would just pick them up, eat, and go! I was so overwhelmed by the altogether time, seeing my child answering questions and learning so much. They had the best time!”
Christ Church Virginia Water ran the Mega Makers Club from Scripture Union, exploring three stories from the book of Matthew about following Jesus. Attendance was up 50% from the previous year, with most children coming through school links. Highlights included messy games, machine building, and the hilariously popular “poo in the loo” game, where the children had to try to throw a fake poo into a portable loo we had on the stage. “We even used it in the Sunday service!” Jeremy Brown, the Children and Families Pastor, laughed. The service, led entirely by the Holiday Club team, brought the week’s joy into the wider church. “Several children prayed a prayer of commitment on the last day,” Jeremy added. “It was a beautiful moment.”
In Guildford, St Peter’s Shared Church hosted Underwater Explorers, a three-day club capped with a celebration BBQ and a record-breaking Sunday service. Though smaller in size, the club was packed with enthusiasm. “I loved all the arts and crafts and games,” said one 8-year-old. “I also loved watching the grown-ups get slimed in the memory verse messy challenge!”
A helper added, “It was amazing to see the children get excited about who Jesus is and sing their hearts out.”
Burpham Church took a different approach with their first Intergenerational Holiday at Home, welcoming guests from 6 months to 90 years old. Each of the two themed days- France and Italy - offered crafts, games, quizzes, and even worship songs in French and Italian, led by a talented accordion player.
“Watching all the different ages come together, interacting and having fun, was wonderful,” Carol Lowries, the Intergenerational Minister, shared. “We’ve had so many positive comments and requests to run it again during the next holiday!”
Across the diocese, these Holiday Clubs have been a testament to the creativity, commitment, and compassion of our church communities. They’ve provided safe, joyful spaces for young and old to explore faith, make friends, and encounter Jesus, some for the first time. They’ve also strengthened intergenerational bonds and reminded us all of the power of shared purpose.
To every volunteer, leader, and participant—thank you. You’ve made this summer unforgettable.