Creating Kids Life Coaching holiday programmes that work!
Holiday time opens a world of imagination, joy, and learning opportunities for the kids you coach. Designing a holiday camp or programme that captures the essence of the season you are in, while engaging young coachees is a great way to enrich their time off from school and maximise your reach in your community.
Here's how you can organise an unforgettable and educational skills based holiday camp or programme that kids will be thrilled to attend.
1. Select a Captivating Theme
Kick off your planning by choosing a theme that embodies the holiday spirit. Themes like "Enchanted Winter Wonderland," "Holiday Heroes and Legends," or "The Spirit of Giving" can ignite children's curiosity and excitement. A well-chosen theme provides a foundation for a cohesive and immersive experience.
2. Design Dynamic Activities
With your theme in place, curate a list of dynamic activities that blend Play Based Coaching® strategies with neuroscience education. Activities can range from creative arts and crafts, themed storytelling sessions, interactive games, to engaging science experiments that tie into the holiday theme. Ensure that the activities cater to various ages and abilities, allowing every child to participate fully.
3. Weave in Educational Objectives
With Play Based Coaching®, fun is always at the forefront but integrating educational goals adds depth to the camp experience. Each activity should aim to foster a specific skill or impart carefully curated knowledge. Just doing activities for the sake of doing activities are a dime a dozen and we all know those holiday camps and programmes. You want the kids who attend to leave with a lasting set of skills that they can implement into their home and school long after the holidays are gone!
4. Set the Scene
Transforming the camp environment into a holiday wonderland can significantly enhance the children's experience. Decorations that reflect the theme, festive music, and even themed snacks can create an immersive atmosphere that excites and inspires the imagination. Get the kids to dress up or have cultural visits or secret Santa's. Create excitement through play but at the same time, this useful NLP strategy will anchor the child's memories into the skills being transferred.
5. Promote Teamwork
Holiday camps and programmes offer a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn about cooperation and teamwork. Design activities that encourage working together, such as group projects or team challenges. This not only enriches the social experience but also makes the activities more enjoyable for the participants.
6. Offer a Memorable Takeaway
Allowing kids to create something unique that they can take home makes the camp experience more memorable. Whether it's a personalized craft, a group project, or a storybook they contributed to, having a keepsake from the camp gives them a sense of achievement and a lasting reminder of their holiday adventure.
7. Encourage Reflection and Sharing
Always conclude the camp or holiday programme with a session where kids can reflect on their experiences, share their favourite moments, and discuss how they can apply what they've learned. This not only reinforces the educational aspects but also helps children appreciate the value of their holiday experience. An added bonus could be a Zoom follow up session a week or two later to find out if skills are being implemented or to arrange weekly Zoom group calls for a few weeks as part of the package for additional mentorship.
Organising a holiday camp or programme for kids is an opportunity to create fun Play Based Coaching® entertainment while transferring the key neuroscience skills for learning and growth. By thoughtfully planning, creating a festive and inclusive environment, and focusing on engaging, purposeful activities, you can offer kids experience that they'll remember fondly which will leave them asking for more! A tip is to also remember to have discount vouchers for your next programme on hand to encourage the kids to enrol while the experience is still fresh in their minds. The goal is to spark joy, encourage learning, and create cherished holiday memories.
So what will you plan for your 2025 programme and beyond? Get your thinking cap on and get creating!
