Early Years Camps Little Imaginations

At our early years creative camps, open play is an exciting part of each child's day! From the moment they arrive, children are greeted by a world of fun and creativity. Whether they are piecing together puzzles, crafting unique art, building with blocks, or exploring with magnets, open play fosters a sense of belonging. This engaging environment not only helps kids settle in comfortably but also encourages them to build lasting friendships with their peers.

Over the course of the week, the children learn a simple song and dance, which they eagerly look forward to performing in a casual five-minute show for their loved ones. This fun finale not only celebrates their achievements but also fosters individual expression.

Throughout the week, children explore an array of materials, from colorful paper and paints to beads, clay, and fabric. They dive into multiple ways of crafting, experimenting with techniques like painting, weaving, sculpting, and collage-making. This hands-on exploration sparks creativity and self-expression, encouraging every child to create unique masterpieces and take pride in their work. Crafting not only nurtures artistic skills but also boosts confidence and fine motor development, making it a cherished part of each day.

Each hunt is a chance for children to engage their problem-solving skills as they search for hidden treasures and solve clues. Whether exploring nature trails, or following themed treasure maps, these activities bring joy and energy to the day. Along the way, kids develop teamwork, sharpen their observation skills, and build memorable experiences with their friends. It’s all about the thrill of discovery and the fun of working together!

Dressing up and puppet play bring imagination to life in an engaging and interactive way! Children start by exploring our collection of costumes, accessories, and props to transform into characters like superheroes, royalty, or adventurers. Once dressed, they dive into role-playing, acting out their own creative scenarios and stories with friends.

In puppet play, children choose from an array of hand puppets, finger puppets, or even larger character puppets. They can create their own mini puppet shows using a stage or role-play as the puppets themselves, collaborating with friends to invent exciting tales and adventures. 

Role-play adventures are immersive, leader-guided activities that transport children into imaginative worlds! Each session follows an exciting theme—such as exploring a magical forest, embarking on a pirate treasure hunt, or solving a detective mystery. The leader sets the scene and guides the storyline, introducing characters, challenges, and clues along the way.

Disco time is all about music, movement, and letting loose on the dance floor! Led by the facilitator, the session kicks off with upbeat tunes and colourful lights, setting the perfect party atmosphere. Children are encouraged to dance to their favourite songs, try out fun dance moves, and even join in group activities like dance-offs or conga lines.

The leader introduces games like freeze dance, where kids stop when the music pauses, or follow-the-leader dances that teach simple, energetic routines. Props like glow sticks, ribbons, or hats add an extra layer of excitement. Disco is a chance for children to express themselves, burn off energy, and share laughter with friends in a lively and celebratory environment. 

(Catch us in the cooler months for a disco!) 

Sports sessions are packed with energy and excitement, featuring sports day-style activities and ball games that get everyone moving! Children participate in classic races like sack races, egg-and-spoon relays, and obstacle courses, fostering teamwork and friendly competition.

Ball games are another highlight, with options like soccer, dodgeball, or catch games tailored to the group’s age and interests. The activities are guided by a leader who ensures everyone is engaged, encourages fair play, and keeps the fun going. These sessions are a fantastic way for children to stay active, develop coordination, and build camaraderie while enjoying the thrill of outdoor play.

Storytime is a magical part of each day, where imagination takes center stage! Our story corner, available as part of our continuous provision, is a cozy space filled with books that children can explore on their own or with friends throughout the day.

Daily, we gather together for a dedicated storytime session, where the leader reads aloud to the group. The stories range from timeless classics to exciting new tales, carefully chosen to spark curiosity and capture imaginations. Children are encouraged to listen, engage with the story, and sometimes even participate through actions or answering questions. Storytime is not just about enjoying a good tale—it’s also a moment to unwind, foster a love of reading, and share the joy of storytelling with friends.

Yoga and meditation provide a peaceful and calming break in the day, helping children relax, focus, and connect with their bodies. The session begins with gentle stretches and simple yoga poses, led by the instructor, who encourages children to move at their own pace and listen to their bodies.

Parachute fun is an action-packed, team-based activity! Children hold the edges of a large, colorful parachute and work together to create movement and excitement. They can shake it to make waves, lift it high and run underneath, or try to keep balls on top by gently shaking the parachute.

Other games include creating a "parachute tunnel" to crawl through or popping the parachute into the air and keeping it floating. The leader guides the activities, fostering cooperation, coordination, and lots of laughter as the children enjoy the rhythm of teamwork and movement

Water play is a refreshing and sensory-filled activity that lets children explore, splash, and have fun! With a variety of water tables, containers, and tools, children can pour, squirt, and mix water to see how it moves and reacts.

Activities include filling and emptying buckets, creating mini rivers, and using watering cans or sponges to soak and squeeze. The leader introduces games like "splashing races" or "water transfer" challenges, encouraging cooperation and creativity. Water play helps develop fine motor skills, sensory awareness, and provides a cool, relaxing way to explore the wonders of water in a fun and engaging environment.

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(Catch us in the warmer months for water play!)

Nature activities immerse children in the beauty of the outdoors, encouraging exploration and hands-on learning. Whether it’s collecting leaves, examining bugs, or building mini habitats, children connect with the natural world around them.

Activities include nature walks to observe plants, trees, and wildlife, followed by creative projects like leaf rubbings or making nature crowns from found materials. The leader encourages curiosity by guiding children to identify different plants, insects, and textures. These activities promote environmental awareness, teamwork, and help children develop a deeper appreciation for nature while engaging their senses and imaginations.

Drama games in the early years focus on imagination, expression, and creativity in a fun and supportive environment. Children engage in simple, interactive games that encourage role-playing, acting out scenarios, and using their voices and bodies to tell stories.

Sensory fun engages children’s senses through hands-on exploration and play, helping them discover textures, smells, sounds, and sights in a playful environment. Using tuff trays, we create sensory-rich experiences with materials like sand, water, rice, pasta, and foam, offering children a variety of textures to touch, pour, scoop, and mix.