Annual Summer Trips
Our Annual Summer Holiday trips have become a beloved tradition, and this year was no exception. Each Thursday during the holidays, we organised trips to thrilling theme parks, fascinating zoos, and more, not just for the children, but for the entire Bradford community! For our RE children, we even provided childcare during these trips, ensuring they could enjoy a day of adventure even if their parents couldn’t attend due to work or other commitments. This year, we expanded our itinerary to include five incredible destinations: Yorkshire Wildlife Park, York Maze, Alton Towers, Blackpool Beach, and Southport Pleasureland.
Our visit to Yorkshire Wildlife Park was a delight for animal-loving children and families alike. From zebras and lions to polar bears, the chance to see these majestic creatures up close in the warm summer weather made for a relaxing and memorable day. York Maze offered a playful and exhilarating experience, packed with activities for our young adventurers. From bouncing on The Popcorn Pillow and scaling the steep Volcorno to racing down the Cobsleigh Run and capturing beautiful memories during a flower field photoshoot, there was never a dull moment.
Alton Towers provided the perfect mix of excitement for both adults and children. The iconic theme park and the child-friendly CBeebies Land were big hits, with our younger children thrilled to meet their favourite CBeebies characters while the older ones braved Alton Towers’ most thrilling rides. Blackpool offered a variety of attractions for both families and thrill-seekers, including the Pleasure Beach amusement park, the scenic beach, and popular spots like Blackpool’s Sea Life, Madame Tussauds, and the Blackpool Dungeons.
Our final trip to Southport Pleasureland was the perfect way to wrap up the summer. As the liveliest, friendliest family amusement park in Great Britain, Southport Pleasureland had our children grinning from ear to ear as they enjoyed all the fun rides and attractions. On a hot summer day, the water rides were both exhilarating and refreshing—a fitting end to an unforgettable summer before the new school year begins.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for this year’s annual trips. We hope you had as much fun as we did, and we’re already looking forward to planning even more exciting adventures for next year. See you all next summer!
Strawberry Picking
This summer, we made it a priority to increase the number of local outings in our club timetable, ensuring our Raising Explorers children spent more time outdoors in the fresh air while engaging in a variety of new experiences. One of the standout outings this month was our visit to Kemp Farm—a charming farm dedicated to growing and harvesting an array of fruits, including strawberries.
Upon arrival, our children eagerly grabbed their baskets and ventured into a lush maze of towering strawberry plants, hunting for the juiciest, ripest strawberries to take home to their families and friends. They enjoyed a scenic tractor ride around the vibrant green fields, followed by a delightful lunch break under large tents, where they savoured their homemade meals and freshly picked strawberries under the warm sun. The farm experience left our children buzzing with excitement and a newfound appreciation for the art of harvesting.
A Grand Sports Day
Another memorable local outing was our Sports Day at Lister Park! On Wednesday, August 21st, we organized a grand Sports Day that brought together all our children, ages 5 to 15, along with our entire staff. It was truly heartwarming to see the Raising Explorers community unite for a day filled with activities and fun!
The children raced through obstacle courses, hopped around in sack races, challenged each other in long-distance throws, and took a well-deserved break to enjoy pizza together. One of our staff members brought in a drone, capturing breathtaking photos and videos from a bird’s-eye view. The highlight of the day was when our children, with the guidance and coordination of our staff, came together to spell out ‘RAISING EXPLORERS’ on the ground. The drone captured an incredible photo that truly showcased the spirit of teamwork and community!
Beyond the outdoor adventures, our children had a fantastic time inside our centre, where their creativity truly flourished over the six-week holiday. They channelled their artistic talents into a variety of incredible projects, ranging from intricate clay models and impressive 3D creations to vibrant canvas paintings and more. Meanwhile, our kitchen became a bustling hub of activity, filled with little chefs eager to whip up delightful treats. From baking cupcakes to crafting their own unique culinary creations, the children learned valuable skills while having a great time. Our playground also became a lively gathering spot, hosting cheerful picnics and exciting group games that kept everyone entertained. The laughter of children filled the air as they competed in friendly games to win plushies and mystery prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement to their time at our holiday club.
In summary, this year’s Summer Holiday Club was truly one for the books! We are already looking forward to making next year’s club even better, with new activities and adventures in store. A heartfelt thank you to all the children who joined us this summer—we wish you the best of luck in the new academic year
For further information about our School Holiday Clubs or to learn more about Raising Explorers, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our main office. You can contact us at 01274 493 034 or email us at funtolearn@raisingexplorers.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you!