A Summer to Remember: Launching Our First HAF Camp in Gateshead
This summer marked a special milestone for Cricketqube – our very first Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) camp in Gateshead. Over eight fantastic days at Teams Life Centre, we welcomed local children into a space full of sport, creativity, learning, and community connection. It was the perfect venue for our first Gateshead camp, with its warm and welcoming staff, supportive volunteers, and excellent facilities helping us create an unforgettable programme.
Sports, Skills, and Smiles
At the heart of every Cricketqube camp is the joy of being active, and this one was no exception. Each day began with a mix of energetic games that kept everyone moving, laughing, and working together. From fast-paced cricket matches to friendly football games, from the excitement of dodgeball to classic favourites like “Duck, Duck, Goose” and “Over the Hedge,” the children had endless opportunities to burn energy and try something new.
The variety meant that everyone could take part, no matter their confidence or sporting experience. It wasn’t just about fitness – these activities built teamwork, communication, and resilience, with plenty of moments where children encouraged each other and celebrated every small achievement.
Creative Moments and Learning Opportunities
Our HAF camps are about more than sport – they’re about giving children the chance to explore new interests and develop skills that go beyond the playing field. We had some fantastic guest sessions that brought fresh energy to the week.
One of the biggest highlights was having Joanna Lacey from Nourish Food School join us to deliver hands-on cooking sessions. The children worked together to make their own meatball subs, learning how to prepare ingredients, follow instructions, and create a delicious lunch they could be proud of. The excitement on their faces as they tucked into their own creations was priceless.
Another special day came when Tracey from RelaxKids led an hour dedicated to mindfulness and relaxation. She guided the children through yoga, breathing exercises, and gentle games that helped them wind down, focus, and understand the importance of looking after their mental wellbeing as much as their physical health.
We also had a brilliant visit from Gateshead Libraries, who ran an engaging arts activity where the children painted their own plant pots. The concentration and creativity on display were incredible, and each child left with a unique, colourful pot to take home.
The final special visit came from the team at REfUSE, who brought a fun and healthy twist to making smoothies. The children got to blend their own creations – not with a regular blender, but by cycling on a specially adapted bike that powered it! There was plenty of laughter as they pedalled to create their drinks, and all enjoyed the tasty results.
Community, Diversity, and Great Food
Over the eight days, we welcomed 32 unique children to the camp. Many were trying a Cricketqube programme for the first time, and the atmosphere quickly became one of friendship and inclusion. As with all our sessions, diversity was at the heart of it – children from different backgrounds and experiences came together, united by the simple joy of playing, creating, and learning.
Of course, no HAF camp would be complete without great food. Thanks to the support of Hey! Food is Ready and the talented team at Jasmine’s Canapés, the children enjoyed healthy, delicious meals every day, ensuring they had the energy to take part in all the activities.
A Strong Foundation for the Future
This first HAF camp in Gateshead has set a strong foundation for the future. It showed us what’s possible when sports, creativity, and community come together in the right environment. Most importantly, it gave children a place where they could feel safe, valued, and inspired – and that’s what Cricketqube is all about.
We’re looking forward to building on this success and working with even more families in Gateshead in the months to come. If this first camp is anything to go by, the future looks bright.