Holiday Club Ideas and Resources for Mission and Ministry with children
Below are links to a number of resources to help you with your ministry. Many of the resources are not produced or endorsed by the Diocese. Please ensure that the resource is right for both your tradition and context before using. Do contact growingyounger@elydiocese.org if you have any questions or need further help or support. Items are free to access unless stated.
- Big-summer-holiday-bucket-list | Roots If you do not subscribe to Roots you can buy the resource for £12. It consists of six hour-long sessions that run through key aspects of the Old and New Testament and are written for the full primary age range in mind. There are plans with Bible stories, printable templates, video and audio, crafts and activities. It's a one-stop-shop if you want to set up a holiday club or summer activities but need a little guidance along the way.
- Holiday-club-book-Clubhouse-2025-online | URC This is a holiday club for all ages on the theme 'All are welcome'. It has everything you need to run 5 sessions in whichever way you wish. There are readings, songs, prayers, craft ideas, games and lots of useful advice for setting up the events. The videos are a little 'homemade' but can give ideas for your own input.
- Holiday Club Material | Scripture Union There are a number of detailed holiday club programmes that cost approximately £16 with additional costs if you wish to buy workbooks etc. There are programmes for youth, older primary and younger children. The booklets are full of ideas to help you from planning to review, and the resources are of a high quality. Diary of a Disciple is a particularly good one, with a lovely storybook of Luke in the style of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. You can often get second hand copies of the book to accompany the programme.
- Get OWT! | Salvationist This is a resource for running family toddler sessions in the outdoors. There is a range of themes and advice for setting up as well. This could be one way to keep your toddler sessions running in the warmer weather.
- Holiday club | Bible Society If you are an Open the Book member you have access to these holiday club resources in the members area. They are new to the Bible Society's bank of resources. The cost to join Open the Book is £20 and this gives access to free training.
- Shipwrecked Holiday Club (Jonah) | Faith In Kids This an engaging primary aged holiday club that is downloadable straight off the Faith In Kids website. There are practical activities, dramas, songs as well as planning, structure and roles and responsibilities.
Things to do out and about with the children and bring them closer to God
- Beyond the Classroom | Outdoor Activities for Kids’ Spirituality This an easy-to-read guide to nurturing curiosity and spirituality with children.
- Sun Hats & Wellie Boots | Introducing the Wonderfully Wild Churchyard Pack - with resources for all ages A pack full of activities and ideas for children to engage with in the churchyard. To download a pack, you will be asked to donate to Sun Hats and Wellie Boots. There are also hedgehog, bird and bee trails for different times of the year, which are free to download.
- God’s Playground | 7 Fun Ways to Teach Kids Faith – Timeless Children's Bible Stories Here you will find a range of ideas of how to bring the Bible to life in the outdoors. This is not a resource base but gives good suggestions for what you can do with children in the outdoors.