HAPpy Camps are Back this Summer

Living Magazines Herts HAPpy camps

Hertfordshire County Council is launching its free summer activity camps for children and young people in Hertfordshire.

Fully-funded holiday activity camps return for the summer holidays, providing eligible children and young people with the chance to meet friends, learn new skills and enjoy nutritious food.

The HAPpy programme, funded by Hertfordshire County Council and the Department of Education (DfE) via the government’s Holiday Activity and Food programme, and coordinated by Herts Sports Partnership and the Hertfordshire Community Foundation, is running approximately 180 activity camps from 24 July-31 August 2023 (not bank holiday).

With over 40,000 free activity camp places available, eligible families are being encouraged to get their booking code from their school and reserve a place at a camp near them as soon as possible. Booking opens at midday on Monday 26 June.

As part of its commitment to help residents manage the cost of living, Hertfordshire County Council provided funding for more than 69,000 places last year for children to attend free activity camps.

Cllr Fiona Thomson, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families at Hertfordshire County Council, said: ‘We’re here to help families. We’re working together with partners to make sure that children and young people in Hertfordshire can have fun, while making new friends, learning new skills and receive a healthy and nutritious meal. HAPpy camps are a huge success, and last year alone over 8,000 children enjoyed the camps.’

Eligible families should have already received their booking code from their school. They can book their free place at a camp near them by visiting sportinherts.org.uk/booking. Parents/carers who have not received the code should contact their school office or email haf@herts.ac.uk.

Hertfordshire County Council also provides food vouchers during holiday periods to eligible families which are distributed through schools.

The council has dedicated advice and support for those who need it. Get in touch with HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044 to find out what support is there for you. For more information, visit: hertfordshire.gov.uk/hereforyou.