Summer 2023
🌞 Summer 2023 – Happy Healthy Holidays Recap
#HAF2023 – Two Weeks of Fun, Learning & Community Spirit
What an incredible two weeks we’ve had with Happy Healthy Holidays Summer 2023! Across both weeks, children and families have taken part in exciting adventures, creative workshops, hands-on learning, and memorable visits from local heroes. From exploring nature to building life skills, every day brought smiles, surprises, and new discoveries.
🗓 Week 1 Highlights
👷♀️ Learning Through Construction & Teamwork
We kicked off with a brilliant session led by Sarah from Morgan Sindall, who introduced the children to the fascinating world of construction. They were inspired by the tools, materials, and teamwork it takes to build big projects.
🌿 Active Afternoons & Summer Treats
Paula from Evergreen led energetic outdoor activities that boosted team spirit and confidence. The children also made healthy summer popsicles, learning that nutritious can also be delicious!
🦁 Yorkshire Wildlife Park Adventure
Wednesday took us to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, where we watched cheeky animals play and explored nature close up—an absolute highlight for everyone!
🚓 Meet the Police & Get Creative
Thursday was packed with excitement as our local Police Community Support Officers visited. Children tried on safety gear, explored a real police vehicle, and learned how to stay safe over the summer.
That afternoon, we got creative with the Hepworth Wakefield team at Queen Elizabeth Park, where children worked together to design and build marble runs and dens—developing both imagination and collaboration.
🗓 Week 2 Highlights
🌧️ Rainy Day Litter Pick & Firefighter Fun
We jumped into Week 2 with a community litter pick led by Chris from WDH—the kids made the most of the rainy day, splashing through puddles while helping clean up the neighborhood!
In the afternoon, Wakefield Fire Service amazed us with a live demonstration of safety equipment, including a giant smoke-clearing fan and the body board used in emergencies. Children even got to sit inside the fire engine!
🐶 RSPCA Visit & Animal Kindness
Caroline from the RSPCA taught the children how to care for their pets and protect local wildlife. A very special furry guest—Fran the dog—was a big hit with lots of cuddles and interaction. A huge thank you to Wakefield and Leeds RSPCA for their kind donation to our Community Pantry!
🎨 Creative Days Out
Wednesday brought a return visit to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park—more giggles with polar bears, hide-and-seek with red pandas, and close-up encounters with lemurs and wallabies!
Later in the week, we visited Cannon Hall Museum, where children learned the art of portrait drawing and explored the grandeur of the historic house, including its secret servants’ quarters.
👩🍳 Healthy Cooking & Digital Design Finale
To wrap up this amazing fortnight, we welcomed Jane from ISS Education for a full day of healthy eating fun! Children cooked a tasty pasta dish, sampled fresh coleslaw ingredients, and even enjoyed courgette and lemon buns.
Using their new digital skills, they designed and printed their very own healthy eating T-shirts to take home—a proud reminder of everything they’ve learned!
💛 A Huge Thank You!
To all our visiting professionals, volunteers, families, and most importantly, the amazing children who made this summer so special—thank you. We’ve built memories, developed new skills, and had so much fun together.
Stay tuned for photos and updates, and we can’t wait to see you all for the next round of Happy Healthy Holidays! 🌿🍝🎨🐾
