Spring into Sport, Creativity and Community: Cricketqube’s 2024 Spring HAF Camps
As spring arrived, so did another exciting chapter in Cricketqube’s journey to make sport inclusive, creative, and joyful. Our Spring HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) Camps this year were bigger and better than ever, spanning 12 packed days across two new venues, reaching over 40 children, and bringing together sport, creativity, and community like only Cricketqube can.
New Venues, New Faces, Stronger Impact
This was the first time we delivered HAF camps across two brand-new venues—Kenton and Cowgate—and the results were fantastic. These new locations enabled us to connect with new communities and introduce Cricketqube to children and families who hadn’t previously had access to our sessions. The warm welcome we received was matched by the enthusiasm of the children, who quickly made these spaces their own.
A Celebration of Returnees and New Beginnings
While it was heartening to see so many new faces, it was equally rewarding to welcome children from our Family Cricket sessions funded by the North East Combined Authority. Seeing familiar faces returning with even more confidence, curiosity, and excitement reminded us why long-term, community-rooted programming matters. These returnees helped build a sense of continuity and comfort, making the camps even more welcoming for everyone involved.
Cricket at the Core—and So Much More
True to our roots, cricket remained the heartbeat of every day at camp. From fun drills to small games and cricket-inspired challenges, we created a space where kids of all skill levels could learn, compete, and grow. But that was just the start.
Each day featured a wide range of activities designed to keep children engaged, moving, and connecting. The laughter and energy around games of dodgeball, football, and even spontaneous rounds of air hockey showed just how much the children enjoyed being active together. These games built physical confidence, developed teamwork, and above all, kept everyone smiling. It was also heartening to see some of our returning HAF campers joining cricket clubs between camps, showing that our impact extends beyond the camp.
Creativity Unleashed
As always, we balanced sport with the creative spirit that defines Cricketqube’s camps. Our resident art lead, Kyle, once again led their ever-popular painting lessons, where children explored colour, form, and self-expression. But this spring, we added something new: clay modelling sessions.
These hands-on activities quickly became a highlight of the camp, with kids crafting imaginative and detailed clay models they proudly took home. It was more than just art—it was storytelling through sculpture, and the sense of pride on their faces said it all.
Sharing Meals, Building Community
Food is at the heart of connection, and this year’s Spring HAF camps featured delicious meals provided by two fantastic local partners. Jasmine’s Canapés at Kenton and Café Hope at Cowgate brought warm, home-style food that nourished and delighted the children after each session. Sharing meals together gave kids a chance to relax, talk, and form deeper connections.
Reflecting on a Powerful Spring
What stood out the most this spring was the diversity of our participants—children from a range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds coming together, learning from one another, and having fun side by side. This is what Cricketqube is all about: bringing people together through cricket and creativity, creating spaces where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired.
Looking Forward
With the success of our Spring HAF camps, we’re already looking ahead to summer with excitement. We’re committed to expanding our reach, welcoming more children and families into our sessions, and continuing to provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities to play, learn, and grow.
A massive thank you to all the children, parents, community partners, funders, and team members who made this camp possible. You are what makes Cricketqube special.
Until next time—let’s keep building, playing, and imagining together.