What a fantastic summer we have had at the Spinney Holiday Club! The theme was Around the world in 30 Days’ which saw the children visit a different country each week by different modes of transport where they experienced the culture and learnt about the country by doing a wide range of activities. Let’s see what fantastic things they got up to:
Week 1: Fly to America & Canada
This week the children explored the lands of the Americas travelling from the UK by aeroplane. As this was their chosen mode of transport, it seemed only fair that they would get to make their own paper planes and try to fly them! Throughout the week they made a variety of Flags of a few of the countries found in the Americas, such as Canada and Argentina.
They also learnt about the Native American Indians and their culture and customs as well as making Tepees and Headdresses!
As they headed towards Central America, they made their own burgers, which they had for their tea ‘diner-style’ and Waffle Sundaes, which they enjoyed immensely. One of the days was ‘Disney Day’ where they could all come to Holiday Club dressed as their favourite Disney character and take part in a variety of fun games and activities. They finished the week with a Carnival Party complete with a Piñata in homage to South American traditions! They finished the week looking at the spectacular Niagara Falls which inspired them to attempt to make their own!
Week 2: Sail to Australia & New Zealand
This week they set sail for Australia and New Zealand but not before having a go at building their own boats and testing them on the water to see if they would float! The Holiday Club children found learning about Australia’s Great Barrier Reef fascinating and decided to make their very own mini Reef to have in the Holiday Club Room.
The children also learnt about the Aborigines and how they lived using very clever techniques to hunt and survive in the challenging terrain, as well as looking at their fantastic dot art, which they had a go at creating themselves.
After trying to learn to play the Didgeridoo and baking Australia Lamington Cake it was time to sail over to New Zealand where they learnt the traditional Maori dance called the ‘Hakka’.
They also looked at the various types of native animals Australia and New Zealand have including the Koala and Kiwi, learning the latter was not just the name of a fruit!
For each country they visit, they will make a flag of the countries so they created a fantastic flag for both New Zealand and Australia
Week 3: Hot Air Balloon to North & Central Africa
The Spinney Holiday Club reached for the skies as they jumped in to a Hot air balloon and set sail for Africa this week. Firstly, they made their own Hot Air Balloons using helium to make them fly before they landed in Egypt to explore the Pyramids (which they made small versions of) and design hieroglyphic stones like the Egyptians.
After exploring this ancient land they set off for Central Africa, learning about countries such as Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya to name but a few.
Here they made some fantastic African beads, which they used to and necklaces and made some brilliant African Masks. They also learnt about the wildlife of Africa, the cultures and customs of different African Tribes and even made their own African Drum! It was a very busy but exciting week as the explored the countries of Africa!
Week 4: Drive to Asia
Having mastered the art of getting a car to Asia (Made fruit and veg), the children made their way to China where they learnt all about the Great Wall of China end even attempted to make their own one for the Holiday Club Room!
They also looked at the Chinese Alphabet, learning the letters so they could write their own names in Chinese! On one of the days, we had the lovely Pippa come in to talk to the children about the Indian culture, bringing in traditional Indian clothes for them to try on.
She also showed them the art on Mehndi and they all had their hands painted in this beautiful and intricate style.
They thoroughly enjoyed the samosas that they made with Pippa and learning all about the culture and traditions of India.
Week 5: Bicycle to Europe
On your Bike! This week the children rode across Europe on a bicycle stopping off in various countries to explore. The visited Italy where they made cool Italian bracelets and attempted their own ‘Leaning Tower of Pizza’ that was devoured as quickly as it was assembled!
They also had a look at all the different types of currency throughout Europe, especially the old coins that were in circulation in the individual countries before the Euro was introduced. They found these coin fascinating and created some ancient coin rubbings to take home with them.
Whilst in Rome they looked at the ancient buildings and learnt about the history of the country including the time when the Emperors ruled! They even made their very own Roman Emperor headdresses from gold leaves!
Next stop was Greece where they had an amusing time tasting the different Greek food such as Olives, Tzatziki and Taramasalata. A quick stop in France to make their own Eiffel Tower and to learn how to French Knit and it was time to head to another country for the next week of Holiday Club.
Week 6: Train to the UK
The last week of the Summer Holidays meant that the Spinney Holiday Club children had to make their way home to the UK after an incredible summer exploring the world! What better way to spend the last week than to explore our fantastic homeland, Great Britain! The children started the week travelling on train from France to the UK but had to make the Channel Tunnel first, so working together, they created a fantastic mini version.
They then discovered the ancient landmarks across the country such as Stonehenge!
After lots of playing outside in the sunshine, they made some delightful English Bunting and enjoyed making (and eating) Welsh Cakes. Before it was time to end the fantastic ‘Around the World in 30 days’ adventure they popped over to Ireland where they learnt to make a brilliant ‘Crois Bride’.
What can we say? This summer has been absolutely fantastic and we have had such a great time with all the children at the Spinney Holiday Club! Every day has been jam packed full of activities and fun and interesting things to do, see or learn. There has been something for everyone with many arts, crafts, sports and games throughout the week as well as all the activities mentioned above.
We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to Becca, our Holiday Club Leader, who planned all the activities and made the Club a fun, friendly and great place to be. We would also like to thank Els, Vanessa, and the other staff for helping out over the summer.
Last but not least, a massive thank you to all the children who attended the Spinney Holiday Club and made it a brilliant place to be over the summer. Have a great time going back to school and good luck to those going to high school!!
Have a great time and we will see you again in October Half Term!