Here's a fun and affordable way to get your teens active these school holidays (but hurry, it's filling up fast).
Last year I discovered the Teenage School Holiday Program and to me as a parent, it ticked all the boxes. I asked my 11-year-old daughter if she'd like to go. She was super-keen, so we booked her in. Here's why we were both so enthusiastic about it:
1 – It's just plain fun for the kids
The events are chosen for "maximum fun factor". They go to a variety of locations; for example, they've been to the beach, kayaking, rock climbing at Clip 'n Climb in Berwick and Gumbuya World. This autumn, the kids will do paint ball, cooking lessons, hip hop and even a trip to Healesville Sanctuary.
I asked my daughter how her day went, the answer was an enthusiastic "Great! It was fun!"
2 – They will make new friends
While it's true that some kids make friends more easily than others, the Casey Youth Services Team provide a safe, respectful space within which your kids can to get to know other children of a similar age at their own pace.
Because they spend intensive time each day exploring exciting, fun and new experiences together, there is a strong chance that they will come back raving about how lovely everyone was and the new friends they made.
For any parent this is always heart-warming to witness because, ultimately, we just want our kids to be happy. I personally was stoked to see my daughter come running to the car at the end of the day, happy as a clam and falling over herself to tell me all about the new friends she'd made.
3 – It ticks all the boxes for parents
Firstly, each event is priced very reasonably. For example, the Autumn program includes activities priced from zero to $30, depending on the activity. It's great value.
Secondly, supervised transport is provided. All you need to do is drop your children off at one of the convenient pick-up locations. They ride in a coach to the events and are dropped off again at the same spot. They are supervised by Casey's Youth Services team from drop-off to pick-up. If you are late to pick your child up, a staff member will wait with them until they have been safely handed over.
Lastly, you can rest assured that, while you take some time out from parenting to work, run errands or just relax, your child will be safe in the hands of trained Casey youth workers, qualified and cleared to work with children and heavily invested in making sure the kids have a great time in safe, inclusive and encouraging environments.
Hurry, places are limited and selling fast. To avoid disappointment, do not delay – book today.
