This summer Springhead is open for your children to join us for up to three exciting days of discovery, creativity, fun and adventure.
This page shares key information about Summer @ Springhead, and includes a booking form at the foot of the page to reserve your place/s.
If you don't find what you are looking for here then please get in touch and we'll get back to you quickly.
Essential details
Who is this for?
Summer @ Springhead is open to children aged 8-13 years inclusive.
When is it?
Tuesday 20th, Wednesday 21st, and Thursday 22nd August
What are the timings and costs?
The Main Session is from 10.00am - 4.00pm each day. (£35 per child per day*)
In addition we offer the following wraparound options:
Sunrise Club from 8.30-10.00am (£5 per child per day)
Sunset Club from 4.00-5.30pm (£5 per child per day)
* £95 per child if all three days booked in advance.
Your children's safety and wellbeing
The care, safety and wellbeing of your children is always our number one priority:
- All staff involved are DBS (CRB) checked;
- We have First Aid (including Paediatric First Aid) trained staff on site at all times;
- We have staff trained in wellbeing (Listening, Mindfulness and Peace Education);
- All staff are experienced at working with this age group (we run regular school residential visits at Springhead);
- Our staff team includes several qualified teachers;
- We are fully insured to run activities with children;
- We maintain a child to adult ratio of at most, 8 children per adult;
- Our team are know for being 'approachable' and 'child-friendly'.
Our activities:
- are all carefully planned and risk-assessed;
- are adaptable to suit changes in weather conditions;
- include options for those who need some downtime or to opt out of an activity;
- incorporate regular breaks to ensure children are well-hydrated and won't go hungry;
- include restful sessions built in to every day;
- encourage team-building and other socialisation skills to help your children meet others and quickly make new friends if they don't know anyone.
Session programme
Our programme has been designed to encourage children to be adventurous, to try new things, to collaborate with others, and to appreciate nature. We have created a structured and supportive environment, but at the same time give your children considerable choice as to how they spend their time with us.
DAY 1: How does your garden grow?
Discover our productive gardens and try out some seasonal jobs. Meet our resident archaeologist to explore the world beneath our feet. Explore the science of soils and their amazing colours - is all soil brown? Get busy in the kitchen using ingredients from our site. Take some downtime, make a journey stick, or create some art inspired by our surroundings.
Day 2: Water, water everywhere
Discover the life-giving waters of Springhead and its many uses. Try out engineering a canal in our gardens. Build a bark boat and see how fast it moves. Meet a local artist and try out using watercolours. Use your construction and team-building skills to make a 'tip-tap' for washing hands on site. Enjoy a mindfulness session by the tranquil waters of our millpond.
Day 3: Bugs, bees and birds
Discover some of the amazing creatures that call Springhead their home - who will we meet? Explore the orchard and find the mini beasts that lurk within. Get your feet wet and go dipping in our stream to find underwater life. Learn how scientists classify and record what they find and become a citizen scientist. Meet a local bee-keeper to find out how we all depend on bees. Build a bug or bird-box to take home or relax with some nature-inspired downtime.
* this is a guided example of the type of activities that will be included on each of our themed days. These may vary due to weather and other factors beyond our control. In addition to these proposed activities there will be restful activities (games, books, art-station, puzzles etc) at our 'basecamp' for those who wish to opt out at any point.
What to bring (and what not to bring)
To get the best from their day at Springhead, children should bring:
- water bottle (it can be refilled from our spring here)
- packed lunch (we will provide morning and afternoon snacks)
- any medicines, inhalers etc
- hat and sunscreen (sunglasses optional)
- older clothes (that won't matter if they get a little 'natured'!)
- waterproof jacket (trousers optional) in case of wet weather
- good sturdy shoes for exploring (wellies might also be good)
- a book to read (optional) during downtime
It will help if children avoid bringing:
- mobile phones or other devices (there is no reception or charging facilities)
- valuable items (jewellery, watches, toys etc) that might get lost or broken
- best clothes as this is a nature-inspired and connected experience and dirt will be involved!
- sweets, fizzy drinks (we will provide drinks and snacks for breaks)
Booking Information
Places are limited to 20 children per day so please book early to avoid disappointment.
1. Booking is simple and online using the form below.
2. Once we have received your booking request we will contact you to confirm your place/s.
3. We will need you to complete an essential contact and health information form for your child/children once we have confirmed your place. This will be sent via an electronic link to complete online.
4. We will require full payment for your booking in order to hold places. Payment options will be shared once we have received your booking request.
Please fill out the booking form below to reserve your places for Summer @ Springhead.
Please note that Summer @ Springhead is a repeated programme in each week.
This form is to reserve a booking only. Details of extras like 'Sunrise' and 'Sunset' clubs will be completed at the next stage along with essential health and emergency contact information. Payment options will also be shared at the next stage.
Thank you for requesting a booking for Summer @ Springhead. We will get back to you to confirm your place/s as soon as possible (normally within 2 working days).