Churches Offer Fun and affordable Summer Clubs for Communities
As the school summer holidays begin, many churches across the Diocese turn their community spaces around for summer holiday clubs and events planned throughout the summer.
Churches in towns along the coastline and churches in rural locations are serving their communities in imaginative ways by offering families some support this summer with volunteer led activities – with many just covering costs.
Cost for childcare for the six week summer break have escalated over the years with many parents finding it difficult to manage.
The latest national figures put the average cost at about £191 per child per week, or roughly £1,145 for the full six-week summer break, up 5% on the year before. (Source: ITV News' Consumer Editor Chris Choi reported.)
Holy Cross Church in Uckfield runs an annual school holiday club as part of its giving and outreach to the wider community, and this year the theme is The Big Top, with stories and lots of activities.
The Vicar of Holy Cross, Fr John Wall said: "Our Summer Holiday Club is already full and is one of the key Junior Church events in the year, and is always a bright, bouncy celebration of our work with children. This year it will be a circus theme - the church will be transformed into a Big Top Tent and there will be much roaring, applause, bible stories, craftwork and general fun and games! We value our children and this is one of our special "party" times focused on them and their growth in faith. I will this year be a ringmaster. As ever, a highlight of the year!”
St George’s, Worthing is preparing to welcome up to 60 primary school-aged children to its annual summer holiday club, with 50 already registered for this year’s programme. The week-long club, titled “Shipwrecked,” is inspired by the story of Jonah and explores themes of God’s love and faithfulness in an engaging and accessible way
Kathryn Hughes-Burton, St George’s Children's & Youth Worker said, “A key priority for the team is ensuring that the club remains open and accessible to all, giving every child the opportunity to hear the good news of Jesus and experience God’s love.”
A team of around 30 volunteers will lead the week, delivering a programme of group activities, crafts, games, and interactive sessions. Each day also features an ongoing drama that brings the story of Jonah to life.
She added: “We aim to provide a fun, fast-paced, and engaging holiday experience to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all. We hope to build positive relationships with the children and their families.”
The week concludes with a special invitation for parents and carers to join the final session offering a glimpse of what the children have experienced. This is followed by a picnic in the church garden and an all-age service on the Sunday, bringing the whole church family together in celebration.
Kim Leach is the Children and Families Leader at St John’s Church, Eastbourne. She said: “Church holiday clubs are so much more than just fun. It is an opportunity to bless both our church and our wider community. We offer a safe, welcoming space where children can make friends, enjoy activities and explore God’s love, while also helping the church build stronger connections with local families.
“Our Holiday Club for children aged 5–10 will run Monday to Friday, 10am–1pm, for young people in Year 6 and above (ages 11–17) are invited to join the teen team.
“We already have 20 children signed up and hope to welcome at least 30. The cost is £5 per day or £20 for the week, with a sibling discount of £4 per day or £15 per week. This includes all materials, refreshments and an activity booklet. We also have a small number of bursaries available.”
Holiday clubs are taking place in other churches in Wadhurst, Burgess Hill, Chichester, Hastings, Chanctonbury, Broadbridge Heath, Saltdean and many more.
Dan Jenkins, Youth Officer for the Diocese of Chichester, said, “We want to thank all the dedicated Children, Youth and Families Workers and volunteers whose time, care, and energy make these moments so special for children and families in our communities. We wish them every blessing in this important work.”
Although the holiday clubs fill up fast you can check bookings for church summer clubs by contacting the churches directly. Find your local church on A Church Near You