the trade magazine for mums & DADS!
Cambridgeshire
itn w ing n u P
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free!
JULY / AUGUST 2015 issue #31
n seasot ! e k c i t ge 3 See pa
SUMMER CAMPS
Book on to the best camps and workshops in the area!
See page 14
Dance Teachers: Lindon Barr (Elementz Entertainment) Currently in Thriller Live Shean Williams Worked with Michael Jackson, Damage and Shola Ama
Urban Styles Summer School 2015 To book a place, email here:
Hip Hop cial Commer ce Street Dan g gin R&B Sin ! and more
Time: 10am – 4pm Location: Bodywork Dance Studios Price: £120 week with £50 deposit Ages: 6-11 years and 12-16 years
admin@bodyworkds.co.uk or call 01223 314461
Two weeks of urban music and dance workshops with world class teachers
Workshop series 1: Monday 27th Friday 31st July Workshop series 2: Monday 10th Friday 14th August
Days out • summer in the museums • Computer programming for kids
Summer at the Museums 23 July – 2 September 2015
www.cam.ac.uk/museums/summer
Cambridge university museums @camunivmuseums #Satm2015
BodyRock Fitness
Change Begins with one small step l Do you lack motivation at the gym?
l Do you want to lose some baby weight?
l Would you like a personal trainer but can’t afford one?
l Do you find class times inconvenient & you don’t know where to start in the gym? Mike will work with you to achieve your goals, whether they are weight loss, competing in a fun run or improving fitness to make day to day life easier. Train with a group of friends and split the hourly rate between 4 of you to bring the cost down to...
Parker’s Piece Friday 10 July – Sunday 12 July
Just £5 per hour!
Train at a time that suits you and fits around your family and work commitments, to make sure you don’t give up. Learn how to use the weights, gain good technique and confidence in the gym.
Based at the 24/7 Gym in Wisbech
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BodyRock Fitness with Michael Wilkinson
Live music from Slade, Heather Small, Hayseed Dixie, CC Smugglers and more! Artists subject to contract.
Contents & Competitions It’s the summer holidays already and we need to cherish these moments as there may not be another chance to relax until Christmas! So for me it’s a time to re-charge my batteries ready for the autumn term and spend some quality time with the children. It’s sometimes the simplest routines and small pleasures such as eating breakfast in the garden and a family walk along the beach that form the cherished memories of summer. Hopefully some of the events we have found going on in
Cambridgeshire this year will become one of your most talked about summer memories. As usual you can find the events and days out on pages 6&7 from tree climbing to strawberry picking and on pages 14&15 we have put together a selection of summer camps and workshops, with something for everyone from Spy camps to Athletics.
What’s in this issue?
@familiescambs facebook.com/ CambridgeshireFamilies
Don’t miss a copy! Receive Families Cambridgeshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk for a subscription form.
WIN
a Punting Season Ticket– Punt whenever you want!
Last month’s winner was Anjali Das from Cambridge
Scudamores are offering you the chance to win one of their season tickets
worth £165!
Take your friends and family punting along the beautiful College Backs, or head up to Grantchester Meadows f or a picnic. Season Tickets entitle you to one self-hire session a day, seven days a week. If you wanted, you could go punting every day between March and September. Each hire session can be as short as an hour or as long as all day, leaving you with plenty of time to master the art of punting. If you aren’t quite a professional punter you’ll be reassured to hear that Scudamores expert chauffeurs are always happy to give pointers and guidance to those with less experience. In addition to this, you can choose to try out one of their kayaks, Canadian canoes or rowboats instead of punting for the day. To be in with a chance of winning a Season Ticket for your family through Families Cambridgeshire visit the www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk website and answer the question. Families Cambridgeshire is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license.. We take every care preparing the magazine, but the publishers and distributers cant be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any correspondences.
4 News & Views 17,000 copies of Families Cambridgeshire available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know. Cover image: ©M&Co
Dear Reader,
6W hat’s On
Great days out and events to keep you and your family occupied this May half term.
10 S ummer at the Museums
We look at the 24 Venues across the county who will be presenting a jam packed programme of drop in events, activities and trails.
11 N atures Classroom
A parent’s guide to outdoor learning by Hannah Hunter.
13 R eimagining computer programming
Jamie Mitchell, Head of computing at St Faiths, tells us how to equip future generations with the skills of computer programming.
14 S ummer Camps
Not booked onto a summer camp or workshop yet? We have selected a few of the camps and workshops on offer in the area.
Editor: Lisa Exell 01945 861336 editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk Design: Michelle Jones michelle@squarkdesign.co.uk
As a busy mum it’s important to make time for yourself… Natural style and simple elegance designed for you.
019 4 5 5 8 427 2 | t e a m @ t o p t o t o e l t d .co.u k | 27 H i l l S t re e t , W i s b e c h , C a m b r id g e s h i re , P E13 1B A J U LY / AUGUST 2015
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News & views
Set Sail for Reading Success!
Children and teachers work so hard throughout the school year, meeting achievement targets each term – only to find that when they start the new school year in September, things have gone backwards. This is referred to as the ‘summer slide.’ A little bit of reading each day will stop the ‘summer slide’ and get your children off to a flying start at school in September. The holidays are the perfect time to encourage reading, allowing children to have more choice in what they read and ideally read for pleasure. Some children will do this automatically, whereas others may need a little encouragement... l Help to create the right environment so that children are more likely to read. Make sure that books, magazines and comics are easier to find than the iPad or Xbox. Don’t let the television become a constant background noise. l Even if children don’t like reading themselves, they all like listening to stories. If you are out of the habit of reading (possibly to older children), then get back into it! Camping holidays are perfect for storytelling when there is no power supply to charge up other gadgets. l Be a reading role model. Research shows that the impact of parents reading (and in particular dads reading), has a huge positive impact on children’s reading. Children fall into reading habits based on what goes on in their home. If they never see their parents reading, they are much less likely to pick up a book themselves. l Make the most of long car journeys with audio books. They are a brilliant way to keep children’s interest in stories alive. l Always keep something good to read in your handbag or car, so you can fill in those boring waits at dentists and doctors without having to pick out the highlights of ‘Woman’s Weekly’ or ‘What Car’ with your 7 year old. l Join readingchest.co.uk to receive regular deliveries of books at your child’s reading level delivered to your door. Members also get reward charts, certificates and write book reviews online. Reading Chest is offering Families Cambridgeshire readers £5.00 off their first month’s membership with the promotional code FAMILIESCAM15. 4
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J U LY / AUGUST 2015
Supporting Breastfeeding
s Familie
! loves
The time has come again for World Breastfeeding Week, with 2015’s theme concentrating on working mothers and breastfeeding. This 1-7 August, World Breastfeeding Week aims to support all women to combine work with child-rearing, particularly breastfeeding, in a productive manner. Although much has been achieved in 22 years of global action, with much stronger maternity entitlements and more actions taken to set up breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, many women still struggle with this. 2015’s World Breastfeeding Week hopes to gain support from all sectors to enable women everywhere to work and breastfeed, to encourage all employers to support their staff if they want to continue breastfeeding, and to inform people about the latest in maternity protection entitlements, plus much more! Find out more at www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org . If you are a breastfeeding mum who is worrying about maintaining their modesty when feeding at work or in public, the Bebe au Lait Nursing Cover offers mums a stylish way to gain privacy. Thoughtfully designed with mum and baby in mind, the Bebe au Lait Nursing Cover is easy to use, securing around mum’s neck just like an apron. The adjustable strap allows the front to be positioned in exactly the right place and
the patent-pending rigid neckline gives mum and little one unobstructed eye contact during feeding. This innovative ‘stand out’ neckline also prevents baby from being distracted by its surroundings and allows airflow to the baby, which is difficult for mums to achieve if covering up with a blanket whilst feeding. For more details visit www.bibsandstuff.com Prices from £27.50
Stagecoach Cambridge rated OUTSTANDING Stagecoach Theatre Arts Cambridge was recently visited by an independent Inspector from Harding Associates Limited who’ provides an independent inspection service that covers all the Stagecoach schools throughout the UK. Stagecoach Cambridge was delighted with the feedback received. Teaching, learning, enthusiasm and energy of students were all ranked as ‘outstanding’. The Inspector also commented that Stagecoach is “A well-managed school with a buzz of enthusiasm and very committed students. A fun place to be.” Due to popular demand Stagecoach Cambridge will be running summer workshop’s again in Cambourne this year. The Workshop’s will run from 10th – 14th August, at Cambourne Village College. Children aged 5 – 16 are invited to visit for 5 days of fun, working with a professional team to rehearse and perform for family and friends. The sessions will run from 10.00am - 4.00pm daily and childcare vouchers are accepted – no experience needed, just enthusiasm! To learn more, call 01223 359974 or visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/cambridge
Join the Summer Reading Challenge! The Summer Reading Challenge takes place every year during the summer holidays at many participating libraries throughout the UK. It encourages children to read six books of their choice and gives them the opportunity to gain rewards along the way, aimed at children aged four to eleven. It is run in very nearly all libraries in the UK and it is completely free. Go to your local library during the summer holidays – the sooner you go the longer your child will have to read six books. Staff will enrol your child and give them some fun materials to get them started on the Challenge. You can go to any UK library running the Summer Reading Challenge and you don’t have to keep going to the same library. So if you are on holiday in the UK your child should still be able to keep up with the Challenge. For more details visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
FREE !
News & views
Bumps, Babies and Beyond
Get your wakeskates on! BWSW accredited wakeboard facility in Stretham near Ely has linked up with the Sportivate program, an organisation that are trying to encourage people who are not particularly sporty to get involved. By subsidising the rate Hannams wake hub can now offer 6 wakeboard sessions for just £60 (a 50% discount) to be taken throughout the summer. They will teach you how to get up on a wakeboard, ride along and learn to control the board. They will progress individual skills depending on personal goals and will use the British Waterski and Wakeboard (BWSW) Cutting Edge program to track progress. If the stage goals are completed participants will achieve a Bronze, Silver or Gold award depending on their skill level. Aimed at encouraging people aged 11 – 25 to get into sport, this is a great way to get out on the water, to improve health, fitness, balance and to meet new people. www.hannamswakehub.com
Cut out obesity
UKfamilies3LO.pdf 1 2-6-2015 13:34:47
Over 30,000 people have signed a petition by the British Heart Foundation to ban junk food adverts before the 9pm watershed, as new statistics show that the majority of UK parents believe stopping children being exposed to junk food adverts will help prevent obesity.
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Mifold, the revolutionary Grab-and-Go Booster seat is more than 10x smaller than a regular booster seat and it’s just as safe. Regular booster seats raise a child upwards to fit an adult seat belt, mifold’s unique patented design does the exact opposite. Instead of lifting the child up, mifold actively lowers the adult seat belt to fit the child snugly, taking the belt off the stomach and the neck and making it comfortable, safe and easy to use for children from the age of 4 all the way up to 12 years.* In the UK it is a legal requirement to have a child booster seat for any child travelling in a car under the age of 12 and most of us parents have booster seats available in our car for each of our children. However there are still many journeys, such as cab rides, holidays and outings with grandparents or school friends where an appropriate booster seat is not available, or we have a surprise additional child in the car. mifold is so compact and portable that you can store it almost anywhere: Handbag, glove compartment, door pocket, seat back and even in a child’s backpack! So no need to worry about bulky booster seats ever again!. mifold can be used by children from the weight of 15kg which is approximately the age of 4 years old and retails at £34.99. To see a video clip of the mifold visit www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk
or your fifth, there is something for everyone at one of the biggest parenting events in the county, celebrating everything pregnancy to preschool Cambridgeshire has to offer! Discounted advanced tickets are just £2.50 and are available now at www.camsbabyshow. eventbrite.co.uk, or buy them on the door for £3.50 (children go FREE). The first 500 advanced ticket holders will receive an exclusive goodie bag (one per family)! For more information go to www. yourlocalbabyshow.co.uk
neatlynamed
The revolutionary booster seat that is smaller than an iPad
The Cambridgeshire Baby and Toddler Show sponsored by Families Cambridgshire is coming to the Wood Green Animal Shelter on Sunday 13thSeptember 2015, from 10am to 4pm with over 100 stalls offering shopping, demonstrations, giveaways, activities, and family entertainment. There is entertainment for the little ones with a large soft play area, special guest appearances, meet and greets and photo opportunities with Fireman Sam, Minnie Mouse and friends throughout the day! In the demonstration area there is hypnobirthing, baby massage, baby yoga and much more.. Whether you are expecting your first child
orisson Michael M 34
12 4 067890 phone: +4
J U LY / AUGUST 2015
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Families Fun Get lost in a Maize Maze when? July to September where? Skylark, March, Cambridgeshire
Robin Hood the Musical
when? 12 & 29 July,1 & 2 August
how much? £8 (under 3’s FREE) Skylark Maize Maze offers an amazing family day out. The giant maize maze is a huge puzzle of fun, one of the biggest mazes in the country! www.skylarkmaizemaze. co.uk
when? July and August
where? Fulborn and Milton Cambridge, Chesterton Peterborough , Ely, Kings Lynn
W hat’s On places Things to do, e had… to go, fun to b
how much? See website Children will love Strawberry picking. Visit a local ‘pick your own’ farm near you, most farms are listed on this website Details were up to date at the time of print but the farms may close, run out of fruit or change. http://www.pickyourownfarms. org.uk/EastAnglia
… for k ids of a
Wildlife Trust Bat Safari Punt Tours
ll ages!
Jesus Green Lido
when? Every day until September where? Cambridge
how much? See website. Take a dip in the Jesus Green Lido every day! One of the longest swimming pools in Europe. https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/ jesus-green-outdoor-pool
when? July and August
where? Scudamores Punting Cambridge how much? Child: £16.00 Search for the Cambridge bat population on Scudamore’s Bat Safari Tours. You’ll get to see both the Soprano Pipistrelle and the Daubenton’s bat flitting around the punt and other species too if you’re lucky! The Wildlife Trust Expert will teach you to aim your bat detector and tune it to catch the sonar clicks allowing you to listen as the bats feast on the array of insect life around the punt. You can catch a Bat Safari every Friday night until September and as a bonus feel-good-factor you’ll be reassured to hear that 50% of your ticket price goes to the Wildlife Trust. http://www.scudamores.com/batsafari-punting01223 359750
Hanhams Wakeboarding
when? July and August – TuesdaySunday until 8pm. how much? Prices from £20 per session A BWSW accredited wakeboard facility north of Cambridge with an inspiring cable facility that will help you to progress your ability on a wakeboard or wakeskate, whether you are trying it for the first time or are a well seasoned rider. Ben and Terry Hanham are two of the first level 2 cable wakeboard coaches in the UK so you know you will be getting the best tuition possible. www.hannamswakehub.com e!
The Superworm trail when? July and August
where? High lodge Thetford forest how much? FREE The brand new Superworm
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J U LY / AUGUST 2015
trail is now open. You can buy your activity pack from High Lodge Information Point for £3.50, which contains an exclusive mini book, trail activity leaflet and stickers. For more info visitwww.forestry. gov.uk/superworm.
Minions
when? Showing in July
where? The Luxe cinema,Wisbech
how much? Family tickets £22. The story of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s Minions begins at the dawn of time. Starting as single-celled yellow organisms, Minions evolve through the ages, perpetually serving the most despicable of masters. Continuously unsuccessful at keeping these mastersfrom T. rex to Napoleon-the Minions find themselves without someone to serve and fall into a deep depression. www.theluxecinema.co.uk Call: 01945 588808
Fre
e!
The Big Weekend when? 10th- 12th July
where? Parkers Piece, Cambridge
how much? FREE! The Big Weekend on Parker’s Piece brings three days of free entertainment including the everpopular ‘Smart of Cambridge’ Fireworks Display on the Friday evening. Plus, a whole host of family fun activities: learn coding and programming with BBC Make It Digital, the Home Front Marquee will take you back to 1940s, whilst the Ping Pong Disco welcomes fancy dress. www.cambridge.gov.uk/summer
Comedy for Kids - Part of Cambridge Comedy Festival 2015 when? 18th July 4pm
where? The CambridgeJunction
how much? £10 adult | £5 child (under 16). For the last twelve years,
where? Stretham, Nr Ely
Fre
6
how much? Family ticket £24.00 Visit this open air theatre and have a joyful, fun-filled picnic with your family while you watch this hilarious musical show. The story is Robin Hood the Musical – and you and your family can follow his greenwood adventures at a number of open air venues Before some of the performances, there is a 45 minute drama workshop where children aged 5-10 can play drama games with the actors. Age 3 -12 www.cambridgetouringtheatre. co.uk
Ely Aquafest
when? 5th July where? Ely
Free!
how much? FREE event A fun day out for all the family the annual raft race on the River Ouse, with spectacularly decorated rafts, there is also the fun fare, beer tent, burger bar and stalls. Plus the two arenas provide varied entertainment through the day. www.elyaquafest.org.uk
Please quote Families when booking any of these events
Pick Your Own Strawberries
where? Kings Lynn, Peterborough and Cambridge
Families Fun Cambridge Junction have been running a proper comedy club for anyone over the age of 8, featuring the best comedians on the circuit doing what they do best… but without the rude bits! Now you and your family can catch the Festival’s funniest acts, swear-free and otter-ly hilarious. Ideal for ages 8-11 year olds but smaller and bigger people welcome. No dragons. www.junction. co.uk
OTIZ CANNELLONI: THE HISTORY OF MAGIC
when? 19th July –
and something for everyone. Pick up a programme and scrapbook in the Museums tent at the Big weekend Parkers piece 11th July 12-5pm or visit www. familiescambridgeshire.co.uk www.cam.ac.uk/museums/summer Fre
e!
Tree Climbing for Kids when? 27th July 11-3pm
where? Nene Park Trust Peterborough
how much? FREE! Climb into a harness and let the rangers show you how to climb. Learn about the equipment the Rangers use when they have to work up in the trees and see how high you can get! Suitable for 4yrs + www.neneparktrust.org.uk Call: 01733 234193
where? The CambridgeJunction
how much? Adults: £10 Kids: £5 A family show about one of the most popular forms of entertainment – magic. It’s funny, informative and there are plenty of chances to join in. www.cambridgecomedy festival.com
how much? £100 per shelter A chance to stay at the Wicken Fen Wild Camp site, in purpose built wooden camping shelters, in the middle of the fens! A ranger will stay and lead a range of family activities - bat detecting, geocaching, campfire cooking... Booking essential. 0844 249 1895 visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/Wicken-fen
where? Nene Park Trust
how much? FREE! What lies beneath the still waters of the Lakes at Ferry Meadows? Spend some time pond dipping and identifying the creatures you find. Suitable for 5ys Plus www.neneparktrust.org.uk 01733 234193 Fre
e!
Summer at the Museums
when? 23rdJuly – 2 September
how much? FREE! This summer, family entertainment and adventure will be just around the corner as museums in Cambridge and beyond offer up a jam-packed programme of creative activities, events and trails. With 19 local venues offering an exciting mix of drop in and bookable goings-on there will be something Fam different every day i l ie
faves s !
how much? £5.25 per child. Your chance to get really dirty! Explore the finer qualities of mud, for throwing, painting, building and cooking (mud pies for the worms!). Suitable for ages 3-10 0844 249 1895 visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/Wicken-fen
where? Wimpole Estate, Cambridge
where? Wicken Fen - Ely
when? 19th July 10:30am – 12pm
where? Wicken Fen
when? 14th August
when? 28th and 29th July 5pm – 11 am
Pond Dipping
when? 31st July, 10th and 26th August 10.30am—12.30am and 2-4pm
50 things to do before 11¾ – Go birdwatching
Family Camp
e! Fre
Mud Glorious Mud
Bugs and Beetles
when? 10th August 1:30-4:30pm where? Cambridge University Botanic Garden
how much? Adults: Standard Garden admission Kids: FREE Go along and meet artist John Wiltshire who will be making colourful watercolour beetles and butterflies. For all ages. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk 01223 336265
how much? No additional charges From bluetits to buzzards, join the ranger and see how many of Wimpole’s top 50 bird species you can spot identifying some of Wimpole’s more common birds and searching for some of the more unusual ones. More Information: NT Central Box Office, 0844 249 1895,ticketingsupport@ iristicketing.co.uk
Awesome Archaeology Fun when? 23rd August 12 – 4pm
where? Denny Abbey how much? Normal admission prices apply. Start the school holidays with the popular archaeology afternoon at Denny Abbey. Activities will include digging and looking at ‘poo’! www.dennyfarmlandmuseum. org.uk
Movies on the Meadows 2015
when? 29th – 31st August
where? Grantchester Meadows – Cambridge how much? See website. This year Cambridge Film Festival is bringing the annual Movies on the Meadows to Grantchester. Nine films will be shown, on three giant inflatable screens, in the incredible and picturesque setting of Grantchester river meadows. http://www.cambridgefilmfestival. org.uk
Please mention Families Cambridgeshire when booking
Dragon Boat Festival
Free!
when? 12th September
where? Fen Ditton Cambridge This will be the eleventh charity dragon boat festival to be staged on the River Cam in Cambridge. Open to everyone, with over 40 crews expected to battle it out over the 200m race course. www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk
J U LY / AUGUST 2015
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Families Fun
Time travelling buses, Victorian Selfies, fantastic fungi
Discover summer adventure and fun on your doorstep at this year’s Summer at the Museums, 23 July – 2 September P
ack more into your holidays this summer and join museums in Cambridge and beyond for some family fun and adventure. 24 venues across the County will be presenting a jam-packed programme of drop-in and bookable creative activities, events and trails - all part of the annual Summer at the Museums line-up. Whether it’s something to do on a rainy day, a day out close to home, or a bit of hands-on creativity, there are loads of activities and events for you to choose from. From creating miniature masterpieces at the Fitzwilliam Museum, solving detective mysteries at the Farmland Museum or travelling through the ages on the Burwell Museum Time Travel Bus, this year’s Summer at the Museums ‘What’s On’ guide is full of events and activities to keep everyone entertained. In addition to general family happenings, you will also find events for older children and teens, along with useful information about packed-lunches, picnics, travel advice and other useful stuff! Pop in to one of the participating museum’s to collect a copy of the ‘What’s On’ guide or visit the www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk website.
SUMMER AT THE MUSEUMS Check out the list to see if a museum or organisation near you is participating in this year’s Summer at the Museums programme: Burwell Museum & Windmill Cambridge Centre for Computing History Cambridge Museum of Technology Cambridge Science Centre Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Cambridge Ely Museum Farmland Museum and Denny Abbey Fitzwilliam Museum Great St Mary’s Church March & District Museum Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology Museum of Cambridge Museum of Classical Archaeology Norris Museum The Polar Museum Prickwillow Museum Saffron Walden Museum Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences St Neots Museum Stained Glass Museum University Library Whipple Museum of the History of Science Wisbech& Fenland Museum, For more information visit www.cam. ac.uk/museums/summer
For a taste of Summer at the Museums fun, there is a Make and Create tent at the Big Weekend, Saturday 11 July, 12 – 5pm on Parker’s Piece. Families top ten events this summer
l Outdoor Drawing Get drawing with artist John Wiltshire who will share his tips for drawing plants and wildlife – Monday July 27th at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden
l Electronics Lab Build a Pong Console Wednesday 29th July at the Centre for Computing History l Peg People Make your own shoppers and soldiers. Friday 31 July at St Neots Museum l Anglo Saxon Adventure Join in with Anglo Saxon
activities and crafts Saturday 1 August at Ely Museum l Towers and Rockets Design build and test your own tower and rocket Wednesday 5 August at the Cambridge Museum of Technology l Dangers at Sea Make a pirate hat, eye patch and a shipwreck collage Wednesday 5th August at Wisbech& Fenland Museum l Conducting Carrots Explore the principles of circuits, resistance and conductivity. Wednesday 5th August at the
Centre for Computing History l Electronics Lab Build a Bug – Thursday 6th August at the Centre for computing History l Design it! Wear it Design and screen print your own t-shirt with visiting textile artist Ricki Outis-Wednesday 19th August at the Norris Museum, St Ives l Glass and Precious Metals Fusing Workshop Create artwork from glass and precious metals. Wednesday 26th August at the Stained Glass Museum, Ely
For more information on FAMILIES events this summer visit www.cam.ac.uk/museums/summer
J U LY / AUGUST 2015
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Families Parenting
Nature’s classroom A Parent’s guide By Hannah Hunter
s parents we know that children are happy in the outdoors, and once even the most hardened of city-dwellers have got used to the damp and mud, they revel in unstructured time spent in the natural world. This applies not only to small children, but older ones too – contact with nature is known to impact positively on teenage anxiety and depression. Outdoor play can develop children’s understanding of risk, as well as testing their emotional and physical strength. Learning how high they can climb or how brave they can be, teaches them about themselves as well as how they relate to the environment. Contact with nature has even been shown to increase creativity and language development. Children’s activity levels automatically go up when they are outdoors. As childhood obesity has a direct link with inactivity, outdoor learning could be a key to tackling this growing problem. Despite this, many of today’s children are missing out. According to Stephanie Hilborne OBE, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts: “Children in 2015 are spending half as much time outdoors as they were a generation ago and it can not be unrelated that one in ten children suffer from depression. Society is starting to realise the risks that this separation from our natural environment poses to our children’s health and happiness.” So what can you do as a parent to increase your kids’ contact with nature? Here we explore some of the options:
A
in 1993, at Bridgewater College. Since then the movement has spread across the UK, with many Local Authorities employing trained Forest Schools practitioners to deliver a woodland learning experience each week, usually to primary-aged children and nurseries. [Eds -add local info?] Leading charity, The Forest School Association, lists the principles governing the sessions. Small groups of children are taken into woodland or other natural environment, “to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.” Children are encouraged to explore their environments, taking supported risks, and the learning is childcentred rather than teacher-led.
“Children in 2015 are spending half as much time outdoors as they were a generation ago and it can not be unrelated that one in ten children suffer from depression...”
Forest schools
Inspired by Danish ‘open air life’ nurseries, the first UK Forest School was started in Somerset
Clubs and classes
If you’re not lucky enough to live close to a forest school, there are after-school clubs and classes that can support children’s learning outdoors. Many schools have nature or gardening clubs, often run by parent volunteers. Tried-and-tested outdoor organizations, the Scouts and Girl Guides, offer a range of activities and camps. The less traditional Woodcraft Folk, (http://woodcraft.org.uk) focus on developing children’s connection with activities exploring issues around nature and the natural environment.
Family nature days
As well as providing accessible venues for school and group outings, the Wildlife Trusts
run activities across the UK just for families and children, organised by local groups, ranging from ‘nature tots’ toddler groups to family pond-dipping days. Visit their website to find local information wildlifetrusts.org Go to the Forestry Commission website at www.forestry.gov.uk, to find your nearest woodlands. They have a free app with maps and local information on camping, trails and activities. At many of their forest centres you can buy a pack that will take you on a ‘Superworm’ kids trail, which includes activities and challenges for younger children. To get the whole family moving, you could try geocaching. The National Trust has set up free trails– all you need is a GPS enabled device that uses coordinates (you can use a smartphone). Download co-ordinates to find the caches (small waterproof boxes of ‘treasure’). The Trust also provide less ‘techy’ outdoor activities for families – their 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ is a good starting point. You can pledge some ‘wild time’ with your children by signing up to The Wild Network – an organisation dedicated to reconnecting children with nature, at projectwildthing.com. They have a calendar of different events, and lots of fun activity ideas that will get you and your kids outdoors. The film that inspired the organization is available to watch online, it’s an interesting take on how to ‘re-brand’ nature to appeal to the younger generation, who they claim are suffering from ‘nature-deficit disorder’.
Useful links Local and national information and ideas for families rspb.org.uk www.neneparktrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wicken-fen Historical sites in natural settings english-heritage.org.uk
J U LY / AUGUST 2015
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Summ
er y act ivit
holida
Stay active in the school holidays with our...
Holiday Activity Courses 2015
ies for a ll child ren aged betw een 7 - 14 years
What’s on?
A fortnight of fun-filled holiday activities such as Cooking, Cricket, Music, Netball, Rugby, Textiles, History and much more!
Who can join in?
We welcome children from all schools aged 7-14 years to join in
When?
Cooking
Our courses run from 17-28 August 2015
What does it cost?
£12 per morning or afternoon session £22 per day (1 morning + 1 afternoon session) £100 per week (5 morning + 5 afternoon sessions)
. . hops .
Works
Creativ e arts and much m ore . . .
For more information:
Please visit: www.wisbechgrammar.com or contact Aidan McGarry t: 01945 583 631 (ext. 253) e: AJMcGarry@wisbechgrammar.com
. . . Sports Sessions
Families Education
sponsored by
Re-imagining Computer Programming Jamie Mitchell, Head of Computing at St Faith’s, Cambridge reluctant towards entering in to a foreign world. amie teaches a diverse and progressive The level of autonomy and creativity provided coding-based Computing curriculum at by starter projects like the excellent Raspberry St Faith’s Prep School in Cambridge. He is a Pi computer ignites something in the mind of former professional computer programmer and children that inspires them to want to learn more. is accredited by The Department of Education Various free programming languages like Scratch as a Master Teacher in the Network of Teaching and Python can be downloaded on smart Excellence in Computer Science. phones, tablets or computers Controlling your computer and are another great way by giving it intricate to engage eager children. instructions might seem Lego is also well ahead like an intimidating Lego is also well ahead ot of the curve with fun rob idea, but when fun h wit ve cur the of robot coding kits you consider that Do We the like kits coding like the WeDo and children across and Mindstorm that combine Mindstorm that the country, as combine traditional young as four traditional block building with block building with are learning how the h wit t, tha rs ute mp i-co min mini-computers to program their right instructions, bring that, with the right own robots and instructions, bring the computers, there’s the toys to life! toys to life! surely a trick to the Aside from the necessity trade. We live in a digital to get young children feeling age where the world around us comfortable with programming to prepare is becoming increasingly computerised. them for the future, there are many basic At the supermarket, the train station and all over cognitive functions harnessed with learning the home, complex technology never evades us, coding. The process requires focussed, organised and so it is our duty as educators to equip future thought and the ability to communicate your generations with the skills to be masters, rather intentions clearly. By delving in to the world of than servants of the world around them. code, certain patterns emerge that become Everyday software such as Microsoft Office, more detailed and increasingly tricky to decipher. iTunes or computer games are all programs that Pupils are required to memorise recurring have been written, or coded, by professional patterns in order to progress further and to computer programmers. Of course, this is not orchestrate more complex ones themselves. where children start out, but the same concepts The digital landscape of coding is infinite, and for these programs are transferrable to the so by combining universally valuable learning earliest stages of learning code. The fantastic techniques within this medium, children are able thing about getting children involved with to develop academically, whilst expressing their programming at an early age is that they are creativity and their individuality. excited by its endless possibilities, without feeling
J
Useful Links
For courses and local computer programming workshops and camps HackLab Holiday Camps www.thehacklab.uk Fire Tech Camps www.firetechcamp.com Build for Fun www.build4fun.co.uk Our Computing classes here at St Faith’s do not resemble scenes of decades passed, with children routinely learning spreadsheets. From Years 3-8, pupils enjoy a rich curriculum with programming embedded from start to finish. Classes and activity sessions vary from learning how to make robots and instructing them to walk around, to creating fractal patterns, studying logic gates, coding websites and understanding binary. Cambridge is undergoing a ‘tech boom’ thanks to a handful of global frontrunners based in the area, but all over the world, computer coding jobs are proliferating significantly, to meet the demands of the modern age. Computing and IT, as an industry, supports more than 790,000 jobs in the UK alone, and contributes over £30.5m of the country’s GVA. It is undeniably one of the most expansive and profitable career industries that will come to define the future, and as parents, the task of inspiring your children to a career in Computing does not have to be a challenge. At St Faith’s, we allow pupils a stimulating and an enjoyable start in coding, and with the encouragement of parents who might just learn a thing or two along the way, anything is possible for the programmers of the future.
For more information on St Faith’s visit: www.stfaiths.co.uk J U LY / AUGUST 2015
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Families Fun
SUMMER CAMPS If you still haven’t booked onto a summer camp or workshop then there is still time…..here are a few of the camps and workshops on offer in the area
Barracudas activity day camps for ages 4½to 16 years St Faith’s School, Cambridge
From: 27th July to 21 August - Days are from 8am-6pm Prices: from £39 per day or £149.00 per week Barracudas offers multi-activity day camps for children aged between 4½ to 16 years. They have been running activity day camps for 22 years now, and have an experienced team who make sure your children always have a brilliant time. Your holiday childcare is covered with activity holidays that are Ofsted registered, giving parents peace of mind, whilst ensuring maximum FUN for kids! A wide range of activities are on offer from Monday 27th July until Friday 21nd August. Call 0845 123 5299 or visit www.barracudas. co.uk
Paxton Lakes Sailing Club Learn how to sail Paxton Lakes, Hall Rd, (next to the nature reserve) Little Paxton.
Stagecoach - Drama, Dance and Singing Summer workshops ages 5-16 years Cambourne village college
From: Morning courses 10- 1 pm afternoon courses run 2- 5pm Prices: Adult £125:00 Child £85:00
From: 10th – 14th August 10-4pm Prices: £120 for a 5 day camp
An official RYA training centre that welcomes people of all ages and abilities, with a large selection of club owned boats & equipment available. By the end of the course participants will have been introduced to the sport. They will have sailed a dinghy and learned to reach, tack, run and gybe. They will know the essentials such as rigging and rope work and how to launch and recover a dinghy. Courses are run for 4 days in the morning and afternoon. www.paxtonlakes.org.uk
The original, largest and still the best network of performing arts schools in the world. Nurturing and developing young people’s potential through dance, drama and singing, helping develop confidence. This summer children are invited to visit the workshop for 5 days of fun, working with a professional team to rehearse and perform for family and friends. No experience needed just enthusiasm. www.stagecoach.co.uk/cambridge or call 01223 359974
Open this summer at: Hinchingbrooke School, Huntingdon SUMMER: 27th July–28th August
St Faith’s, Cambridge SUMMER: 27th July–21st August
BUILDING & ROBOTIC FUN!
Children’s Holiday Program for 7 - 12 years old
Early bi
£25
rd offer
Availabl
Morning Session £15 (10am - 12.30pm) Afternoon Session £15 (1pm - 3.30pm) – or £30 for both St Paul’s Centre, Cambridge CB1 1JP (corner of Hills Road and St Paul’s Road) Also available - Birthday party in different Lego theme. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this program.
www.build4fun.co.uk build4fun.uk@gmail.com tel: 07466 546146
e
Families Fun Building and robotic fun for ages 7-12 years
St Pauls Centre – Cambridge
From: 4th,5th, 11th,12th, 25th,26th August Prices: from £15 per session A children’s holiday programme for 7-12 year olds, choose from Robotic Fun where children are introduced to mechanical and programming concepts through building Lego®. Children will program the model to bring it to life. Free Build Invention / Chain Reaction Fun where Children get to build and invent a model using Lego Technic Bricks, cogs & gears or Building Fun: where children can build Lego Sets which include: Legends of Chima, Lone Ranger, Star wars ™, Friends, Super Heros, Castle, Lord of the Rings, City, Technic, exclusive rare sets and many more. www.build4fun.co.uk
Pet activity day for 7-11 yr olds Wood Green, Kings Bush Farm, London Road, Godmanchester
From: 4th August, 9.30am – 3.30pm Prices: £50 including goody bag and certificate. A fun filled day where you can leave the grownups at home! Get hands on preparing feeds, making enrichment toys, meeting our animals looking for homes and have a go at dog training. www.woodgreen.org.uk handson@ woodgreen.org.uk Call: 0844 2488181
Super Camps
The Perse School Cambridge
From: Days are 9am-5pm with extended care available Prices: from £45 per day Perfectly located for families needing school holiday childcare in Cambridge, Super Camps at The Perse offers a fulfilling school holiday activity experience that combines wonderful outdoor pitches and courts with state-of-the-art indoor amenities. 01235 467300 or visit www.supercamps.co.uk
Spy Xperience – Become a secret agent
Peterborough, St Ives, Cambridge and Ely From: Various dates – see website Prices: £30.00 per day (Booking essential)
This is holiday fun with a difference. As a trainee spy, your child will receive a mission and learn things like navigation, code breaking and laser challenges. They will need these skills to complete their mission. Call: 08453 716121 Website: www.sports-xtra.com Email: sara.strid-coughlan@sports-xtra.com
Bodywork Studios Cambridge
Disney’s Jungle Book Summer Workshop for ages 5-10
Prices: £120 per week for ages 6-11 & 12-16 years
From: 27th– 31th July Prices: £50
Body Work Summer School From: 27th July-31st July and 10th August-14th August 10am – 4pm
The Angles Theatre, Wisbech
Bodywork Urban styles summer school offers hip hop commercial street dance, R&B singing and much more. Classes will be taught by world class teachers: Lindon Barr currently in Thriller Live and Shean Williams who has worked with Michael Jackson, Damage and Shola Ama! admin@bodyworkds.co.uk or call 01223 314461
This is a week of fun and adventure! A 5 day workshop covering Disney’s Jungle Book ending with a live performance on the Friday 31 July. Visit www.anglestheatre.co.uk or call 01945 474447
Gpan Athletics Summer Scheme
Wisbech Grammar School
Regional swimming and Fitness Centre, Peterborough
From: 3rd – 7th August and 10th – 14th August Prices: Full Day 9am – 4pm, £21.00 per day (Buy 4 days get 5th day free) Half Day 9am – 1 pm/12pm – 4 pm, £11.00 per half day (Buy 4 days get 5th day free) Are your children between 8 and 13? Can they run, jump and throw? If the answer is yes, then why not sign up to the Greater Peterborough Athletics Network summer scheme running for two weeks, athletic fun and games in a safe environment. gpansec@gpan.org.uk http://peterborough-ac.org.uk/activities/ peterborough-summer-athletics-scheme/
Holiday Activity Courses for ages 7-14 years From: 17th-28th August -
Prices: £12 per morning or afternoon session, £22 per day, £100 per week A fortnight of fun-filled holiday activities such as cooking, Cricket, Music, Netball, Rugby, Textiles, History and much more for children from all schools. www.wisbechgrammar.com or contact Aidan McGarry 01945 583 631 (ext.253)
Wisbech Town Cricket Club Summer School
Wisbech Town Cricket Club’s ground, Harecroft Road
From: 10th, 11th & 12th August 10am -3:30pm (ages 7 -16) Prices: £40 for 3 days (prices subject to change) A three day fun filled cricket camp where children will be able to learn all about the game of cricket, learn new skills encouraging teamwork and confidence. Booking essential: Contact Shane Sleath on 07917 646044 to book. Email: wisbechcc.youth@outlook.com
Mad Science Holiday Camps
Kings Camps
The Leys school, Cambridge
From: Days are 9am -4pm with extended care available Prices: start from £147 per week. Kings Multi-Active brings together the very best elements of sports and holiday clubs. MultiActive is a chance to try lots of new activities, including arts and crafts, parachute games, swimming and football.. Call 0114 263 2160 or visit www.kingscamps.org
Various locations including Cambridge City, Fulbourn, Camborne, Trumpington, Cottenham, Ely, Bury St Edmunds Newnham and Fenstanton From: Dates throughout holidays 10.00 am - 3.00 pm Prices: £160 per week (5 days) or £35.00 per day Capturing children’s interest and imagination means making sure Science is fun, colourful, hands-on and full of wonder. Mad Science holiday camps engage children by allowing them to investigate Science in a safe, structured but fascinating way. www.mad-science.co.uk/east atomicannie@ madscienceeast.co.uk 01223 880997
J U LY / AUGUST 2015
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Theatre Arts Schools
Stagecoach
Cambridge and Cambourne
Summer Holiday Camps 2015 4 - 19 years no experience needed just enthusiasm!
Mini Performers 4 - 7 years 9.45am - 2.00pm daily 27th - 31st July CAMBRIDGE UP, UP AND AWAY - FULLY BOOKED 3rd - 7th August CAMBRIDGE MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 17th - 21st August CAMBRIDGE WILD THINGS Performance at 1.00pm on final afternoon
All Star Performers 6 - 16 years 10.00am-4.00pm daily 27th - 31st July CAMBRIDGE DON’T STOP ME NOW 3rd - 7th August CAMBRIDGE COME FLY WITH ME 10th - 14th August CAMBOURNE (aged 5 - 16 years) A MUSICAL IN THE WEEK 17th - 21st August CAMBRIDGE ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK Performance 3pm on final afternoon
Advanced Musical Theatre 14 years + 10.00am - 4.00pm daily 17th - 21st August CAMBRIDGE
Acce p child ting c vouc are hers
Performance 5.30pm on final afternoon of course
Held at: Cambridge Centre Coleridge Campus, Parkside Federation, Radegund Road, Cambridge CB1 3RJ Cambourne Centre Cambourne Village College, Sheepfold Lane, Cambourne, Cambridge CB23 6FR
Call Angharad on 01223 359974
or email cambridge@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/cambridge www.facebook.com/StagecoachCambridge
QUALITY TRAINING ESTABLISHED 1988 600 SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE