Holiday Activity & Food Programme Summer Camps at Vandyke Upper

Local MP Andrew Selous visited Vandyke Upper School on Thursday 10th August to see first-hand the benefits of the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme in action.  Mr Selous joined in playing Badminton, just one of the many activities HAF camp provider Leighton Linslade School Sports Partnership offered at Vandyke Upper School during the summer holidays.

Dozens of local families benefitted from the free activities and healthy meals this summer as part of the Central Bedfordshire Council funded HAF programme. The summer camps ran for 3 weeks in total; Monday – Thursday, in the weeks commencing 7th, 14th and 21st August.

Nationally the scheme, which is funded by the Department for Education, is open to young people aged 5-16 who are entitled to benefits-related free school meals. The Vandyke Upper School Camp specialises in providing opportunities for children aged 8 – 12 years old.

Families receive e-vouchers they can use to book up places on the Vandyke Upper School HAF Camp.

Stewart Seymour, Leighton Linslade School Sports Partnership said: “The HAF programme makes such a huge positive difference to families all across the area, helping kids to eat well, have fun and make new friends while taking some of the pressure off parents and guardians.

“There are so many exciting activities on offer at the Camps it’s wonderful to see our young people enjoying themselves in a fun and safe environment with the help of our incredible delivery team.

“We know times are particularly tough for a lot of families right now so we’re really pleased our HAF summer camps will make things a little easier for those who need the most support.”