What Happens on a School Holiday Program Day? A Parent's Guide

The first question is always what the day looks like

If your child has never been to a school holiday program, it is fair to wonder what happens between drop-off and pick-up. A full day is a long time to hand over to someone else.

This is the picture we give parents at our Woden club, based on our most recent program. Details can shift a little from one break to the next, so check the current dates and times on our holiday programs page before you book.

Drop-off, pick-up and the shape of the day

Doors open at 8am, and the first class starts at 9:15am sharp. Arriving a little early gives your child time to settle in and say hello to the other kids before things begin.

The program wraps up at 4pm. Children need to be collected by 4:30pm from Monday to Thursday, and by 4pm on Friday. Please plan around those times so your child is not left waiting at the end of a long day.

In between, the day moves through martial arts classes, games, a lunch break, and morning and afternoon tea. It has enough structure that nobody wonders what comes next, and enough looseness that it still feels like a holiday.

What your child should bring

The list is short, and it is the same every day.

• A drink bottle. This is the one that gets forgotten most often.
• A packed lunch.
• Something quiet for downtime, such as a book, a board game or some colouring.

We provide snacks for morning and afternoon tea, so there is no need to pack those. If your child has an allergy, tell us when you book so we can plan around it.

Screens, books and quiet time

This is the hesitation we hear most from parents, and the answer is simple. Children are welcome to bring books, board games, colouring and devices.

Devices can be used before the day starts and during the second half of the lunch break. They stay away the rest of the time. Quiet time is there for the children who like to read or draw, as much as for those who would rather run around. That way the day is spent moving and playing with other kids, not looking at a screen.

Give a child something new, let them work it out without needing to be perfect, and watch them get hooked.

Movie day and Nerf day

Thursday is movie day. The group goes to the cinema together, and parents are sent a form to order snacks ahead of time, so nothing is left to the last minute.

Friday is Nerf day. Every child is given eye protection and a Nerf gun, so please leave your own at home. We supply everything they need, and there is nothing to pack for it.

The worries parents tend to have

My child does not know anyone. This is very common. Our coaches lead every activity, with help from our Junior Instructors and Junior Leaders, so no child has to walk up to a group and introduce themselves.

My child does not train with you. That is fine. The program is open to everyone aged 5 to 14, whether or not they are a member during the term.

I am not sure my child will last the day. Some children are nervous about a full day away from home. If that sounds like yours, start with a single day instead of the whole week. You can see how the options work on the holiday programs page.

Is it safe? Any physical activity carries some risk. Our team supervises every session, equipment is supplied, and we contact you if anything comes up on the day.

Book early, and ask if you are unsure

It is easy to leave the decision until the last moment, then find the day you wanted is nearly full. Days fill up, and some fill faster than others. Bookings also close before the program starts, so do not leave it to the last weekend.

If you have a question that is not covered here, reply to any of our emails or send us a message. A real person will get back to you.

If you would like to see the club first, you can come and try a class during term. Have a look at our kids programs, check the timetable, or read how to get started on our getting started page.