Summer 2011 Activities for young people in Medway by Medway Council

Summer 2011

Activities for young people in Medway

www.medwayfisd.com 01634 335566

Clowns, juggling, big tops and swinging acrobats are in store this summer as a world of circus fun awaits. Stories, craft, games and circus skills are just some of the activities children can take part in. If you’ve mastered the tightrope and are looking for more adventure then look no further. We also have

dance workshops, mask making, football training, teddy bears’ picnics, mountain bike trials and much more. The summer months can be expensive which is why we aim to provide you with affordable activities, many of which are free, so that we can all make the most of the summer months. I hope you find this brochure useful and have a very enjoyable summer. Cllr Les Wicks Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services

Aiming High Aiming High is a scheme which provides activities for children and young people with physical or learning difficulties, hearing or visual impairments, autism, Aspergerʼs Syndrome and those with complex needs. For information about Aiming High activities, including short breaks, please visit www.medwayfisd.co.uk/aiminghigh or call the Family Information Service on 01634 335566.

Disclaimer: Every care has been taken to ensure that the details given are correct at the time of printing. However, circumstances can and do change and the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any subsequent amendments. Please contact the venue before you visit. All activities will be led by adults who have been subjected to checks to ensure they are suitable to work with children.

What is the Medway Family Information Service Directory? Medway Family Information Service Directory is a searchable online directory for parents and carers, young people, children and practitioners. How can it help me? The directory provides full information, all in one place, on services and activities matched to your area. l Access advice and guidance l Special needs and disabilities support l Discover youth activities and clubs l Support for practitioners l Find local childcare l Locate health services l Get family and parenting support Medway Family Information Service Medway Family Information Service provides free, impartial advice and guidance on a range of issues for parents and carers, young people, children and practitioners. Visit www.medwayfisd.com Email familyinfo@medway.gov.uk Phone 01634 335566

G6236

I’m delighted to introduce such an imaginative collection of summer activities for children and young people.

Wednesday, 27 July, 5.30-8.30pm

Activities in July

Fishy kites free family craft workshop

Friday, 22 - Sunday, 24 July

London 2012 Open Weekend Free taster sessions, gym, track, martial arts and more. Medway Park, Gillingham. For more info visit 8 www.medway.gov.uk/ festivalofsport ☎ 338764

Tuesday, 26 July, 2-3pm

The big top

Sunday, 24 July, 8.45-9.30am

Mountain bike trail Ride the trail to better your lap times. For all ages & abilities. £1 per person. Capstone Farm Country Park, Chatham ☎ 338191

Monday, 25 - Friday, 29 July, 10am-4pm

Sunday, 24 July, 11am-5pm

Learn 1950s style rock ‘n’ roll dancing. Create your own version of this popular tale. For 8-16 years. £55. The Brook Theatre, Chatham. ☎ 338338, booking essential

Whatever the weather Guided walk with RSPB and (weather permitting)a visit from the Mid Kent Astronomical Society to safely look at the sun. Suitable for all ages and abilities. Members: adults £3, children £1.50. Non-members: adults £5, children £2.50. Northward Hill, Hoo Peninsula. ☎ 222480 Monday, 25 - Wednesday, 27 July, 10am-12.30pm

Holiday dance club Learn to dance like the stars, make friends and have fun. For 6-11 years. £30 for all 3 mornings. Delce Junior School, Rochester. ☎ 07850 644633 8 www.therightstepdc.co.uk

Grease - a five-day drama workshop

Monday, 25 - Thursday, 28 July, 10am-12.30pm & 1.30-4pm

Summer fun club Hula hoop workshop, dance, football, cookery, art and much more. For 8-19 years. £2 per session. Woodies Youth Centre, Rochester. ☎ 400592 8 lorraine.burford@medway.gov.uk Tuesday, 26 July, 10am-2pm

Orienteering family fun For groups, families or individuals who are after a bit of adventure. £1 per person. Capstone Farm Country Park, Chatham ☎ 338191

Stories and craft for 3-8 years. Free. Strood Library. ☎ 335890, booking essential Tuesday, 26 July, 5-6pm

Football Children aged 9+. Free. Greenacre 3G Pitch, Chatham. ☎ 338745, booking essential Wednesday, 27 July

Medway mile Free fun-run marking one year until the start of the London 2012 Games. All ages. Free. Rochester Castle Gardens. 8 www.medway.gov.uk/london2012

Make colourful Koi carp kites. Suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. First come, first served. Rochester Castle Gardens. ☎ 338338 Thursday, 28 July, 9am-12noon

Parent and child fishing Learn the basics of coarse fishing. For beginners and those wanting to improve. £8, equipment and bait supplied. Suitable for 8-12 years. Capstone Farm Country Park, Chatham. ☎ 338191, booking essential Thursday, 28 July, 10am-3pm

Henna fun one-day art workshop Design and paint henna tattoos. Learn the history of henna, from it’s Indian origins to how it’s made. For 8-16 years. £14. The Brook Theatre, Chatham. ☎ 338338, booking essential

Wednesday, 27 July, 1-4pm

Open youth session Children aged 9+. Free. Lordswood Youth Centre, Chatham. ☎ 338745 Wednesday, 27 July, 2-3pm

The big top Stories and craft for 3-8 years. Free. Walderslade Village Library. ☎ 686467, booking essential

Thursday, 28 July, 10.30-11.30am

Thursday, 28 July - Monday, 1 August

Catch the circus train at Wigmore

Modern Pentathlon European Championships

Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Wigmore Library. ☎ 235576, booking essential Thursday, 28 July, 12noon-2pm

Lacrosse Children aged 9+. £2. Spinnens Acre Junior School,Chatham. ☎ 338745

See Europe’s leading sports athletes compete in The Pentathlon events, with 8 Olympic qualification spots up for grabs. Medway Park, Gillingham. 8 www.europentathlon2011.org Friday, 29 July, 10am-4pm

Community safety day Children aged 9+. Free. Woodies Youth Centre, Rochester ☎ 338745 Friday, 29 July, 2.15-3pm

Roll up, roll up

Thursday, 28 July, 2.15-3pm

Bring on the clowns Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Luton Library. ☎ 406923, booking essential Thursday, 28 July, 2.30-3.15pm

Clowning around Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Cuxton Library. ☎ 711391, booking essential Thursday, 28 July, 3.45-4.30pm

Roll up for the ringmaster Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Thomas Aveling Library, Rochester. ☎ 338728, booking essential

Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Rainham Library. ☎ 333854, booking essential Friday, 29 July, 2-3pm

Come on down and make a big top Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Walderslade Library. ☎ 686467, booking essential Saturday, 30 July, 10am-12noon

Mini beast hunt Learn to identify creatures found in ponds and meadows. For accompanied children aged 5-12 years. £1. Capstone Farm Country Park, Chatham. ☎ 338191, booking essential

Activities in August Monday, 1 - Wednesday, 3 August, 9.15am-4pm

Trampolining and gymnastics double mini camp Come and use the trampolines and gymnastics equipment for fun gym and body management. Jumpers Rebound Centre, Gillingham. ☎ 855507 8 liz@trampoline.co.uk

Monday, 1 August, 12noon-2pm

Netball Children aged 9+. £2 Rainham Girls School, Rainham ☎ 338745, booking essential Monday, 1 August, 1-2pm

Circus arts and crafts

Monday, 1 August, 10-11am

Arts and crafts for 4-10 years. Free. Rainham Library. ☎ 333854, booking essential

Circus arts and crafts

Monday, 1 August, 2-4pm

Arts and crafts for 4-10 years. Free Hoo Library. ☎ 250640, booking essential Monday, 1 August - Friday, 5 August, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30-4pm

Summer fun club

Circus skills workshop Experience circus activities, unicycle, hoops, plates and more. For 8-14 years. Free Strood Library. ☎ 335890, booking essential

Hula hoop workshop, dance, football, cookery, art and much more. For 8-19 years. £2 per session. Woodies Youth Centre, Rochester. ☎ 400592, booking essential 8 lorraine.burford@medway.gov.uk Monday, 1 August, 10.30am-12.30pm

Circus skills workshop Experience circus activities, unicycle, hoops, plates and more. For 8-14 years. Walderslade Hook Meadow Library. ☎ 861531, booking essential

Monday, 1 August, 3.30-4.30pm

Wednesday, 3 August, 1-4pm

Thursday, 4 August, 10.30am-12noon

Circus arts and crafts

Open youth session

Circus fun workshop

Arts and crafts for 4-10 years. Free Thomas Aveling Library. ☎ 338728, booking essential

Children aged 9+. Free. Lordswood Youth Centre,Chatham. ☎ 338745

Fun circus activities including hoops, diabolo, devil sticks, ribbons, plates and more. For 8-12 years. Free. Chatham Library. ☎ 337799, booking essential

Tuesday, 2 August, 10.30-11.30am

Circus arts and crafts

Wednesday, 3 August, 2-3pm

Balloon modelling circus animals

Arts and crafts for 4-10 years. Free Luton Library. ☎ 406923, booking essential

Arts and crafts for 4-10 years. Free. Walderslade Village Library. ☎ 686467, booking essential

Tuesday, 2 August, 10.30am-12noon

Tuesday, 2 August, 2.30-4pm

Stories and craft for 3-8 years. Free. Walderslade Hook Meadow Library. ☎ 861531, booking essential

Circus fun workshop

Wednesday, 3 August, 6-8pm

Thursday, 4 August, 11.15am-12noon

Tag rugby/football

Circus show time

Circus fun workshop Fun circus activities including hoops, diabolo, devil sticks, ribbons, plates and more. For 8-12 years. Free. Rochester Community Hub. ☎ 337411, booking essential Tuesday, 2 August, 1-4pm

Gillingham north summer activity day Join us for an afternoon of arts, crafts, football, tennis, crazy golf and power boating. Strand Leisure Park, Gillingham. ☎ 07795 370864 8 kris.butler@medway.gov.uk Tuesday, 2 August, 2-3pm

The big top

Fun circus activities including hoops, diabolo, devil sticks, ribbons, plates and more. For 8-12 years. Free. Lordswood Library ☎ 862096, booking essential Tuesday, 2 August, 3.30-4.30pm

Roll up, roll up Stories and crafts for 4-10 years. Free. Hempstead Library. ☎ 361544, booking essential Tuesday, 2 August, 5-6pm

Football Children aged 9+. Free. Greenacre 3G Pitch, Chatham. ☎ 338745, booking essential

Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Strood Library. ☎ 335890, booking essential

Wednesday, 3 August, 10.30am-12noon

Tuesday, 2 August, 2.15-3pm

Circus fun workshop

The big top Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Hoo Library. ☎ 250640, booking essential

Tuesday, 2 August, 2.30-3.30pm

Fun circus activities including hoops, diabolo, devil sticks, ribbons, plates and more. For 8-12 years. Free. Gillingham Library. ☎ 337340, booking essential

Children aged 9+. Free. Lordswood Leisure Centre, Chatham. ☎ 338745, booking essential Thursday, 4 August, 9am-12noon

Parent & child fishing Learn the basics of coarse fishing. For beginners and those wanting to improve. £8, equipment and bait supplied. Suitable for 8-12 years. Free. Capstone Farm Country Park, Chatham. ☎ 338191, booking essential Thursday, 4 August, 10am-12noon

Creative clay creatures Spot the wildlife in the park and make clay models of what you have seen. For accompanied children aged 5-12 years £1. Riverside Country Park, Gillingham. ☎ 337432, booking essential

A special performance of tricks, jokes and balloons. For under 8s. Free. Twydall Library. ☎ 232488, booking essential Thursday, 4 August, 12noon-2pm

Lacrosse Children aged 9+. £2. Spinnens Acre Junior School, Chatham. ☎ 338745, booking essential Thursday, 4 August, 1-4pm

Gillingham north summer activity day Join us for an afternoon of arts, crafts, football, tennis, crazy golf and power boating. Strand Leisure Park, Gillingham. ☎ 07795 370864 Thursday, 4 August, 2-2.30pm

The big top Stories and crafts, for 3-8 years. Free. Rochester Community Hub. ☎ 337411, booking essential

Thursday, 4 August, 2.15-3pm

Friday, 5 August, 12noon-12.45pm

Sunday, 7 August, 8.45-9.30am

Circus show time

Trim trial

A special performance of tricks, jokes and balloons. For under 8’s. Free. Grain Library. ☎ 338727, booking essential

A special performance of tricks, jokes and balloons. For under 8’s. Free. Wigmore Library. ☎ 235576, booking essential

Come along and keep fit on our new trim trail. £1 per person. Capstone Farm Country Park, Chatham. ☎ 338191, booking essential

Thursday, 4 August, 2.30-3.15pm

Friday, 5 August, 2-3pm

Sunday, 7 August, 11am-5pm

Big top hats

Balloon modelling circus animals

The RSPB wildlife and countryside fayre

Thursday, 4 August, 2.30-4pm

Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Walderslade Village Library. ☎ 686467, booking essential

Circus fun workshop

Friday, 5 August, 2.15-3pm

Fun circus activities including hoops, diabolo, devil sticks, ribbons, plates and more. For 8-12 years. Free. Hempstead Library ☎ 361544, booking essential

Circus show time

Live music, wildlife, food and stalls. Children’s explorers trail, family quiz, pond dipping and bug sweeping. Free event - £3 for car park. Northward Hill, Hoo Peninsula. ☎ 222480

A special performance of tricks, jokes and balloons. For under 8’s. Free. Cuxton Library. ☎ 711391, booking essential

Monday, 8 August, 10am-4pm

Thursday, 4 August, 3.45-4.30pm

Friday, 5 August, 3-5pm

Clowning around

Table tennis

Monday, 8 - Friday, 12 August, 10am-4pm

Stories and crafts, for 3-8 years. Free. Thomas Aveling Library. ☎ 338728, booking essential

Children aged 9+. £2. Chatham Table Tennis Club. ☎ 338745, booking essential

Stories and crafts, for 3-8 years. Free. Cuxton Library. ☎ 711391, booking essential

Pentathlon taster day Medway Park, Gillingham Children aged 9+. £3. ☎ 338745, booking essential

The Little Mermaid fiveday drama workshop Create your own production of the Disney classic. Create puppets, costumes and props for a show at the end of the week. For 8-16 years. £55. The Brook Theatre, Chatham ☎ 338338, booking essential

Tuesday, 9 August, 1-4pm

Gillingham north summer activity day Join us for an afternoon of arts, crafts, cricket, football, rounders and laser tag games. Hillyfields Recreation Field, Gillingham. ☎ 07795 370864 8 kris.butler@medway.gov.uk Tuesday, 9 August, 2-3pm

The big top

Tuesday, 9 - Friday, 12 August, 10am-3pm

Stories and crafts for 4-10 years. Free. Strood Library. ☎ 335890, booking essential

All day cycling sessions

Tuesday, 9 August, 2.15-3.30pm

Children aged 9+. £3 (£9 for all 4 sessions). Spinnens Acre Junior School, Chatham ☎ 338745, booking essential

The big top Stories and crafts for 4-10 years. Free. Hoo Library. ☎ 250640, booking essential

Tuesday, 9 August, 2.15-3pm

Wednesday, 10 August, 2.30-3.30pm

Bring on the clowns

Roll up, roll up

Stories and crafts for 4-10 years. Free. Twydall Library. ☎ 232488, booking essential

Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Chatham Library. ☎ 337799, booking essential

Tuesday, 9 August, 3.30pm-4.30pm

Wednesday, 10 August, 6-8pm

Clowning around

Tag rugby/football

Stories and crafts for 4-10 years. Free. Hempstead Library. ☎ 361544, booking essential

Children aged 9+. Free. Lordswood Leisure Centre, Chatham. ☎ 338745, booking essential

Tuesday, 9 August, 5pm-6pm

Thursday, 11 August, 9am-12noon

Football

Parent and child fishing

Children aged 9+. Free. Greenacre 3G Pitch, Chatham. ☎ 338745, booking essential

Learn the basics of coarse fishing. For beginners and those wanting to improve. £8, equipment and bait supplied. Suitable for 8-12 years. Capstone Farm Country Park, Chatham. ☎ 338191, booking essential

Wednesday, 10 August, 10am-12noon

Family discovery walk Join the rangers looking for signs of summer. Free fun for all the family. Capstone Farm Country Park, Chatham. ☎ 338191, booking essential Wednesday, 10 August, 1-4pm

Open youth session Children aged 9+. Free. Lordswood Youth Centre, Chatham. ☎ 338745 Wednesday, 10 August, 2-3pm

Funny clown faces Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Walderslade Hook Meadow Library. ☎ 861531

Thursday, 11 August, 10.30-11.30am

Clowning around Face painting and craft for all ages. Wigmore Library. ☎ 235576, booking essential Thursday, 11 August, 1-4pm

Gillingham north summer activity day Join us for an afternoon of cricket, football, badminton and Graffiti Art Project £2.50. Hillyfields Recreation Field, Gillingham. ☎ 07795 370864, booking essential 8 kris.butler@medway.gov.uk

Thursday, 11 August, 2.15-3.15pm

Bring on the clowns Stories and crafts for 4-10 years. Free Gillingham Library. ☎ 337340, booking essential Thursday, 11 August, 2.30-3pm

The big top Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Lordswood Library. ☎ 862096, booking essential Thursday, 11 August, 2.30-3.15pm

Clowning around Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Cuxton Library. ☎ 711391, booking essential Thursday, 11 August, 3.45-4.30pm

Roaring lions Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Thomas Aveling Library. ☎ 338728, booking essential Friday, 12 August, 2-3pm

Funny clown faces Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Walderslade Village Library. ☎ 686467, booking essential

Friday, 12 August, 8 -11pm

The RSPB - perseid meteors A chance to look at the night wildlife at Northward Hill, Hoo Peninsula. Members: adults £3, children £1.50. Non-members: adults £5, children £2.50 ☎ 222480 Saturday, 13 August, 10am-12noon

A world of circus fun Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Luton Library. ☎ 406923, booking essential Saturday, 13 - Sunday, 14 August, 10.30am-10am next day

Survival challenge Camp out in the woodlands with the rangers. Build your own shelter, cook your own food and learn traditional woodcraft. For accompanied children aged 7+. £20 (inc breakfast). Capstone Farm Country Park, Chatham ☎ 338191, booking essential

Friday, 12 August, 2.15-3pm

Clowns Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Rainham Library. ☎ 333854, booking essential

Monday, 15 - Wednesday, 17 August, 9.15am-4pm

Trampolining and gymnastics double mini camp Come and use the trampolines and gymnastics equipment for fun gym and body management. Jumpers Rebound Centre, Gillingham ☎ 855507 8 liz@trampoline.co.uk Monday, 15 - Friday, 19 August, 10am-4pm

Mamma Mia five-day drama workshop Based on the movie/musical. Week ends with a showcase featuring all your favourite ABBA songs. For ages 8-16 years. £55. The Brook Theatre, Chatham. ☎ 338338, booking essential Monday, 15 August, 10.30-11.30am

Roll up, roll up Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Chatham Library. ☎ 337799, booking essential Tuesday, 16 August, 9am-3pm

Family fun trail challenge Follow clues around the lake and woodlands. Prizes for all who complete the trail. £1. Capstone Farm Country Park, Chatham. ☎ 338191

Tuesday, 16 August, 10am-3.30pm

Tuesday, 16 August, 2-3pm

R ‘n’ B style one-day dance workshop

The big top

Learn a street-style routine to the latest R ‘n’ B tunes with dancer J who has appeared in films, pop videos and TV shows. For ages 8-16 years. £14 (save £4-book R’n’B and Glee Club for £24). The Brook Theatre,Chatham. ☎ 338338, booking essential

Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Strood Library. ☎ 335890, booking essential Tuesday, 16 August, 2.15-3pm

Funny clown faces Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Hoo Library. ☎ 250640, booking essential

Tuesday, 16 August, 10am-12noon and 2-4pm

Tuesday, 16 August, 3.30-4.30pm

Monster & critter masks

The big top

Join the rangers to make masks of creatures that live in the park. For accompanied children 5-12 years. £1. Riverside Country Park, Gillingham. ☎ 337432, booking essential

Stories and crafts for 4-10 years. Free. Hempstead Library. ☎ 361544, booking essential

Tuesday, 16 August, 12noon-2pm

Squash Children 9+. £2 (£4 for all 3 sessions). Medway Park, Gillingham ☎ 338745, booking essential Tuesday, 16 August, 1-4pm

Gillingham north summer activity day Join us for an afternoon with Charlton FC football session, arts, crafts and Graffiti Art Project £2.50. Great Lines Heritage Park/Garrison Sports Field, Gillingham. ☎ 07795 370864 8 kris.butler@medway.gov.uk

Tuesday, 16 August, 5-6pm

Football Children aged 9+. Free. Greenacre 3G Pitch, Chatham ☎ 338745, booking essential Wednesday, 17 August, 10am-3.30pm

Big noisy drums one-day music workshop Get into the rhythm of the carnival with fun games and exercises. Learn percussion techniques from around the world and perform a showcase. For ages 8-16 years. £14. The Brook Theatre, Chatham. ☎ 338338, booking essential

Wednesday, 17 August, 11am-2pm (last entry 1.30pm)

Treasure trove trail Find the pirate and his treasure. Prize for all children. Accompanied children aged 5-12 years. £1. Riverside Country Park, Gillingham ☎ 337432, booking essential Wednesday, 17 August, 1-4pm

Open youth session Children aged 9+. Free. Lordswood Youth Centre, Chatham. ☎ 338745 Wednesday, 17 August, 2-3pm

Clown hats Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Walderslade Hook Meadow Library. ☎ 861531, booking essential Wednesday, 17 August, 6-8pm

Tag rugby/football Children aged 9+. Free. Lordswood Leisure Centre, Chatham. ☎ 338745, booking essential Thursday, 18 August, 9am-12noon

Parent & child fishing Learn the basics of coarse fishing. For beginners and those wanting to improve. Suitable for 8-12 years. £8, equipment and bait supplied. Capstone Farm Country Park, Chatham. ☎ 338191, booking essential

Thursday, 18 August, 1-3pm

Fishy kites Family craft workshop. Make Koi carp kites. Suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. Free. First come, first served. Capstone Country Park, Chatham ☎ 338191 Thursday, 18 August, 2-2.30pm

Clowns Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Rochester Community Hub. ☎ 337411, booking essential

Clown hats Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Walderslade Village Library. ☎ 686467, booking essential Saturday, 20 August, 11am-4pm

Hillyfields community sports day

Children 9+. £2 (£3 for both sessions). Rochester Maths School, ☎ 338745, booking essential

Join us for an afternoon with Charlton FC football session, badminton, and more. Hillyfields Recreation Field, Gillingham. ☎ 07795 370864

Thursday, 18 August, 2.30-3.15pm

Saturday, 20 August, 8-9pm

Thursday, 18 August, 2pm-4pm

Hockey

Carnival masks Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Take home your own carnival mask. Free. Cuxton Library. ☎ 711391, booking essential Thursday, 18 August, 3.45-4.30pm

Swinging acrobats Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Thomas Aveling Library. ☎ 338728, booking essential Friday, 19 August, 1-3pm

Horse riding Children aged 9+. £8. Callum Park, Sittingbourne. ☎ 338745, booking essential

Friday, 19 August, 2-3pm

Batty about bats Kent Wildlife Trust will lead a walk around the Vines in search of bats that roost in Rochester. Children must be accompanied. Free. The Vines, Rochester. Sunday, 21 August, 10am-12noon

Guide walks, Berengrave local nature reserve Come and learn about the flora, fauna and industrial history of the site. £1 per person. Not suitable for those with walking difficulties/pushchairs. Berengrave Nature Reserve, Gillingham. ☎ 337432, booking essential

Sunday, 21 August, 10am-1pm

Tuesday, 23 August, 10am-3.30pm

The RSPB - winged mini beast

Glee club one-day dance workshop

Learn about winged mini beasts such as, butterflies, dragon flies, moths etc. Northward Hill, Hoo Peninsula Members: adults £3, children £1.50. Non-members: adults £5, children £3. ☎ 222480

Dance and sing-along to your favourite songs from the TV series Glee. For ages 8-16 years. £14 (save £4-book R ‘n’ B and Glee for £24). The Brook Theatre, Chatham ☎ 338338, booking essential

Monday, 22 - Wednesday, 24 August, 9.15am-4pm

Doctor Who spectacular five-day drama workshop Be part of a dramatic adventure with a showcase on the last day. For ages 8-16 years. £55. The Brook Theatre, Chatham. ☎ 338338, booking essential Monday, 22 August, 2-4pm

Hockey Children 9+. £2. Rochester Maths School, Rochester ☎ 338745, booking essential

Tuesday, 23 August, 12noon-2pm

Squash Children 9+. £2. Medway Park, Gillingham ☎ 338745, booking essential Tuesday, 23 August, 2.15-3pm

Clown hats Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Hoo Library. ☎ 250640, booking essential Tuesday, 23 August, 2.15-3.15pm

Juggling workshop Come and learn how to juggle. Strood Library. ☎ 335890, booking essential Tuesday, 23 August, 2.15-3pm

The big top Stories and crafts for 4-10 years. Free. Twydall Library. ☎ 232488, booking essential Tuesday, 23 August, 3.30-4.30pm

Make a circus game Stories and crafts for 4-10 years. Free. Hempstead Library. ☎ 361544, booking essential

Tuesday, 23 August, 5-6pm

Thursday, 25 August, 2.30-3.15pm

Tuesday, 30 August, 5-6pm

Football

Send in the clowns

Football

Children aged 9+. Free Greenacre 3G Pitch, Chatham ☎ 338745, booking essential

Stories and crafts. Come dressed as a clown or a wacky character. For 3-8 years. Free. Cuxton Library. ☎ 711391, booking essential

Children aged 9+. Free. Greenacre 3G Pitch, Chatham ☎ 338745, booking essential

Wednesday, 24 August, 1-4pm

Open youth session Children aged 9+. Free. Lordswood Youth Centre, Chatham. ☎ 338745

Thursday, 25 August, 3.45-4.30pm

Nellie the elephant packs her trunk Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Thomas Aveling Library, Rochester ☎ 338728, booking essential

Wednesday, 24 August, 2-3pm

Bear masks and bear hunts Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Walderslade Hook Meadow Library. ☎ 861531, booking essential Wednesday, 24 August, 6-8pm

Tag rugby/football

Thursday, 25 August, 1-3pm

Fishy kites Family craft workshop. Suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. Free, first come first served. Riverside Country Park, Rainham. ☎ 337432

Children aged 9+. Free. Lordswood Leisure Centre, Chatham. ☎ 338745, booking essential

Thursday, 25 August, 2.15-3pm

Thursday, 25 August, 9am-12noon

Walk the tightrope

Parent & child fishing

Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Luton Library. ☎ 406923, booking essential

Learn the basics of coarse fishing. For beginners and those wanting to improve. Suitable for 8-12 years. £8, equipment and bait supplied. Capstone Farm Country Park, Chatham. ☎ 338191, booking essential Thursday, 25 August, 10am-12noon

Mini beast hunt Learn to identify creatures found in ponds and meadows. For accompanied children aged 5-12 years. £1. Riverside Country Park, Gillingham. ☎ 337432, booking essential

Friday, 26 August, 1-3pm

Thursday, 25 August, 2.15-3.15pm

The big top Stories and crafts for 4-10 years. Free. Gillingham Library. ☎ 337340, booking essential Thursday, 25 August, 2.30-3pm

The circus Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Lordswood Library. ☎ 862096, booking essential

Horse riding Children 9+ £2 Callum Park, Sittingbourne ☎ 338745, booking essential Sunday, 28 August, 8.45-9.30am

Mountain bike trail Ride the trail to better your lap times. For all ages & abilities. £1 per person. Capstone Farm Country Park, Chatham ☎ 338191, booking essential Monday, 29 August, 11am-2pm

Teddy bears’ picnic Bring a picnic, fun and games. Don’t forget your teddy bear. For accompanied children aged 3-7 years. £2.50 per child. Capstone Farm Country Park, Chatham ☎ 338191 Tuesday, 30 August, 11am-2pm

Teddy bears’ picnic Bring a picnic, fun and games. Don’t forget your teddy bear. For accompanied children aged 3-7 years. £2.50 per child. Riverside Country Park, Gillingham ☎ 337432

Tuesday, 30 August, 12noon-2pm

Squash Children aged 9+. £2. Medway Park, Gillingham ☎ 338745, booking essential Wednesday, 31 August, 1-4pm

First aid course Children aged 9+. Free. Lordswood Youth Centre, Chatham. ☎ 338745, booking essential Wednesday, 31 August, 6-8pm

Tag rugby/football Children aged 9+. Free. Lordswood Leisure Centre, Chatham. ☎ 338745, booking essential

Activities in September Friday, 2 September, 2-3pm

Finger puppets Stories and crafts for 3-8 years. Free. Walderslade Village Library. ☎ 686467, booking essential Sunday, 4 September, 8.45-9.30am

Mountain bike trail Ride the trail to better your lap times. For all ages and abilities. £1 per person. Capstone Farm Country Park, Chatham ☎ 338191, booking essential

Holiday Schemes Summer 2011 Funtime Lordswood Leisure Centre, North Dane Way, Chatham. ME5 8YE 6-16 year olds Monday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00 01634 682862 www.lordswood-leisure.co.uk Parklands Resource Centre Holiday Scheme Oxford Road, Gillingham. ME7 4BY 6-18 year olds. Monday to Friday 09:30 to 15:30 01634 338500 Kidstreet Nursery Holiday Playscheme 29-38 Jenkins Dale, Chatham, Kent ME4 5RD 4-7 year olds Monday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00 01634 848222 www.kidstreet-nursery.com Hempstead Day Nursery Holiday Playscheme 197 Hempstead Road, Gillingham. ME7 3QG 4-11 year olds Monday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00 01634 230222 / 261156 Play-a-way Activity Centre Holiday Playscheme 26 Christmas Street, Gillingham, Kent. ME7 1TD 4-11 year olds Monday to Friday 07:30 to 17:30 01634 280167 or 851107 Smilers Ltd Wainscott Primary School, Wainscott Road, Strood. ME2 4JY 4-13 year olds. Monday to Friday 08:00 to 17:30 01634 297658 Mickleodeon St Michael’s RC Primary, School, Hills Terrace, Chatham. ME4 6PX 4-11 years old. Only children who attend St Michael’s School can attend Monday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00 01634 812821 / 337420 Woody’s Holiday Scheme Siri Guru Ravidass Temple, Vicarage Road, Strood. ME2 4DG 4.5 – 11 years. Monday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00 01634 722272

Prima Montessori Holiday Playscheme Elm Court, Capstone Road, Gillingham. ME7 3JQ 5-11 year olds. Holiday scheme for children aged 5-11 years. Monday to Friday 07:00 to 19:00 01634 838400 / 08448 877462 www.primamontessori.co.uk City Way Day Nursery Holiday Scheme 18 City Way, Rochester. ME1 2AB 6 months -11 years Monday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00. 01634 845724 / 07811 9887091 Hoo Kids Club - Hundred of Hoo Day Nursery Main Road, Rochester. ME3 9HH 4-11 year olds Monday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00 01634 252334 / 256862 The Monster Club 1st Friends Day Nursery Ltd, Scott Hall Ingram Road, Gillingham. ME7 1YL 4-11 years Monday to Friday 07:00 to 18:00 01634 578396 www.1stfriends.net Buttercups Holiday Scheme 359-361 Walderslade Road, Chatham. ME5 9LW 2-11 years Monday to Friday 07:00 to 18:30. Various sessions available. 01634 685 511 www.buttercups-care.co.uk Abacus Children’s Nursery Holiday Scheme Kingfisher Drive, Chatham. ME5 7NX 3 months – 11 years Monday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00 01634 863332 abacuschildrensnurseries.co.uk

Sessions available within these times. 01634 880298 www.kloisters.co.uk Buzz Club Cuxton Community Infant School, Bush Road, Cuxton. ME2 1EY 4-11 year olds. Monday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00. Various sessions available. 07956 820655/ 01634 723085

Childcare for working parents during school holidays

Rainbow Holiday Scheme Mierscourt Primary School, Silverspot Close, Rainham. ME8 8JR 4-11 year olds Monday to Friday 07:45 to 17:30 01634 389889 Sam’s Place Holiday Scheme New Road Primary School, Bryant Street, Chatham. ME4 5QN 4-11 year olds. Monday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00 01634 845419 / 844651 www.stpaulwithallsaints.org.uk Smilers Holiday Scheme Chattenden Primary School, Chattenden Lane, Chattenden, Rochester. ME3 8LF 0-13 years Monday to Friday 09:00 to 15:00. 07817398519 www.smilerspreschool.co.uk Funkidz Club – Kings School, Rochester Kings Preparatory School, Chadlington House Lockington Grove, Rochester. ME1 1RH 3-12 years Monday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00. Half day 08:00 to 13:00 or 13:00 to 18:00. Short day 10:00 to 16:00. 07888827577

ABC Holiday Scheme The Pilgrim V C C E School, Warwick Crescent, Rochester. ME1 3LF 5-11 years Monday to Friday 10:00 to 15:00 01634 817454

Phoenix Education Day Nursery Holiday Playscheme H.E Services,Whitewall Road, Medway City Estate, Rochester. ME2 4DZ 5-11 years Monday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00. 01634 717151 www.phoenixeducationdaynursery.co.uk

Kloisters Kindergarten Holiday Scheme Arethusa Road, Rochester. ME1 2UR 4-11 year olds. Monday to Friday 08:15 to 17:30.

Gloworms Holiday Scheme Twydall Junior School, Romany Road, Gillingham. ME8 6JH 4-11 years 07963082918 / 07910090977

Working parents need not dread the school holidays as Medway has a host of childcare facilities including holiday playschemes and childminders to care for children up to the age of 16 while parents are at work. Using registered childcare not only safeguards your children, it also gives you the peace of mind and reassurance that your children are well cared for by qualified individuals.

Holiday schemes Holiday schemes offer a wide range of activities for children during the school holidays. Some schemes operate alongside existing childcare settings such as nurseries, but some only run during holiday periods. They can be booked in advance and often cater for children aged four to sixteen, however some do take children younger than four years and some are for older children only. Holiday playschemes that cater for children under the age of eight must be registered with Ofsted and are subject to regular inspections. Staff at the schemes will have formal

qualifications in childcare or playwork and have completed Criminal Record Bureau checks (CRB). Playschemes usually charge a daily rate and allocate places on a first come, first served basis. It is important to plan ahead and consider schemes in advance of the holiday, as some have limited places.

Childminders Childminders offer caring arrangements for children up to the age of 16 and are allowed to provide care for up to six children under the age of eight. They offer a flexible service as they look after children in a home environment. They are able to adapt their services to suit working parents, as they are able to work early mornings, evenings, weekends as well as part time. Some are even registered to provide overnight care. Childminders are able to organise activities to suit different age groups and would also arrange visits to libraries, parks etc. Registered childminders across Medway are regularly inspected by Ofsted. They are CRB checked and so is everyone over the age of 16 living with them.

Paying for childcare One of key benefits of using registered childcare such as holiday playschemes and childminders is the assurance that you are able to claim tax credits of up to 70 per cent of your childcare costs during school holidays (depending on your gross household income). You can also choose to take part of your salary in childcare vouchers to pay for registered or approved childcare such as childminders and holiday playschemes. You could be saving up to ÂŁ933 per year (or ÂŁ623 per year if you pay the higher tax rate). The exact amount you can save depends on how much you earn and how much tax or National Insurance you pay. You could even save up the childcare vouchers to use at specific times of the year such as school holidays. Further information, advice and guidance in choosing holiday playschemes or childminders and help with accessing help with childcare costs can be accessed via the Medway Family Information Service Directory on www.medwayfisd.com or by phoning the team on 01634 335566. You can also email us at familyinfo@medway.gov.uk