Thousands of children and young people across Staffordshire are taking part in exciting activities and learning new skills this summer thanks to the county’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
Almost 40,000 holiday activity sessions have been booked by Staffordshire children this summer, a 68 per cent increase in bookings from this time last year.
The programme is helping young people discover new interests, including archery, kayaking, circus skills, acting, cookery, crafts and sports, all of which help children build confidence and make new friends during the school holidays.
The popular scheme provides free holiday activities and nutritious meals for children who receive benefit-related free school meals. Eligible children can book up to 16 free sessions over the summer, with a wide variety of activities available across the county.
Katie Lowe, Youth Programmes Manager from Entrust Outdoor Education Services, said:
"One of the most rewarding parts of the summer has been seeing young people try things they never thought they could do.
“We had a young person who couldn't ride a bike when they first arrived. Through encouragement and support, they learned to ride and are now choosing to take part in bike trail activities.
“Stories like this show how the programme helps children build confidence, resilience and new friendships."
Nick Lakin, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Staffordshire County Council, said:
"The huge increase in bookings shows just how valuable these activities are for Staffordshire families.
"For many children, this is their first chance to try activities like kayaking, archery or circus skills. They are building confidence, learning new skills and making friends, while parents have the reassurance that their children are active and get a healthy meal whilst enjoying their summer holidays.
"It's fantastic to see so many young people taking part, and there are still places available for families who haven't yet booked."
Demand for the programme has increased significantly this year, with 39,833 sessions booked so far in 2026 compared to 23,761 during the same period in 2025.
While many sessions have already been booked, there are still places available at a range of venues across Staffordshire. In addition, many providers offer paid places, allowing even more families to access activities and take part in the programme.
The HAF programme is funded by the Department for Education and aims to support children and families during the school holidays by providing engaging activities and food in a safe and welcoming environment.
Families can explore the full range of activities and book places at Staffordshire HAF bookings.
