Empowering Children through Sports, Science, and Creativity: The Story of Our HAF Summer Camp
This summer, Cricketqube was thrilled to host another set of action-packed HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) camps in Newcastle. Building on the success of our Easter camps, we continued to offer a vibrant and inclusive space where children from diverse backgrounds came together to play, learn, and grow. This time, our summer camp ran for 16 days at the DiverCity Hub in central Newcastle, with 25 different children joining us in the sessions.
A Focus on Inclusivity
Like our previous camps, the majority of our participants were from ethnic minority backgrounds. In fact, out of 25 children, 23 came from ethnic minority communities, showcasing the incredible reach and impact of our work in the local area. At Cricketqube, we’re deeply committed to ensuring that every child, no matter their background, feels welcome and included, and this camp was a testament to that mission.
Cricket, Dodgeball, and Football: Building Teamwork and Skills
At the core of our summer camp were the exciting cricket games that helped the children develop not only their physical abilities but also essential life skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership. Our cricket sessions focused on teaching the fundamentals of the game while promoting active participation and collaboration among the kids. Beyond cricket, we also introduced other sports such as dodgeball and football, giving the children a chance to engage in different types of physical activity. These games fostered a sense of camaraderie, encouraged friendly competition, and taught the children how to work together towards common goals—whether it was taking a wicket, scoring a goal, or dodging an incoming ball. Through these activities, the children not only had fun but also learned the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and respect for one another.
A Balanced Mix of Fun and Learning
We believe in making learning fun, and this summer was no exception. The children got to engage in a variety of activities that combined physical, creative, and educational experiences.
One of the highlights of the camp was our collaboration with HealthWorks, where the children enjoyed two interactive cooking lessons where they prepared biriyani and tortilla wraps. These sessions not only taught them about healthy eating but also encouraged them to experiment in the kitchen, making meals they were proud to take home and share. The food at our sessions were provided by Hey! Food is Ready's many home cooks! The children really enjoyed that as well!
Creativity on Display
Beyond the world of cricket and cooking, creativity flowed during our painting lessons. The children had the chance to unleash their artistic talents, painting vibrant scenes and expressing their individuality. This not only gave them a break from the physical activities but also helped them tap into their creative potential.
A Visit from the Vet
To add to the excitement, we were delighted to have a local vet visit the camp. The vet talked to the children about how to take care of their pets and introduced them to different careers within the veterinary industry. This opened up a whole new world of possibilities for the kids, many of whom were fascinated by the idea of working with animals. This interactive session was a unique addition to our program and helped spark curiosity about career paths they may not have considered before.
A Day of Science at the Life Centre
As part of our commitment to providing enriching experiences, we also took the children on an exciting trip to the Life Science Centre in Newcastle. Here, they explored science exhibits and workshops, getting hands-on experience with fun, interactive science activities. This field trip allowed the children to delve into the world of science and technology, broadening their horizons while making learning enjoyable.
Building Community Connections
At the heart of our camps is the aim to build strong community connections and provide a supportive environment for children to thrive. Our summer camps, like the ones before, did just that. It was wonderful to see the children making new friends, learning new skills, and feeling part of something special. The energy, enthusiasm, and joy that each child brought to the sessions were infectious and a reminder of why we do what we do.
Looking Ahead
As we wrap up another successful camp, we look forward to continuing to offer these enriching opportunities for children in Newcastle. Each session at our HAF camps serves as a stepping stone for young people, providing them with the skills, confidence, and inspiration to pursue their passions—whether it’s in sports, the arts, or beyond.
A huge thank you to everyone who made this summer camp possible—our coaches, partners, and of course, the incredible children who participated. Here’s to many more camps filled with fun, learning, and community spirit!
Stay tuned for more updates on our upcoming programs and camps!