1. A Refillable Water Bottle

Holiday clubs are busy places.

Children might spend the morning building dens, taking part in team games, creating artwork, exploring nature or getting stuck into a science experiment. Staying hydrated is important, especially during warmer weather.

A clearly labelled refillable water bottle helps children keep drinking throughout the day and makes it easy for our team to return it if it's accidentally left behind.

Top tip: Label it with your child's name, many water bottles look surprisingly similar!

See an example of what to bring here. Check your child's holiday club page for location specifics.

2. Comfortable Clothes They Can Play In

One thing we've learned over the years is this...

Children don't worry about keeping their clothes spotless, and that's exactly how it should be.

At Camp Glide, we encourage children to get involved, whether that's painting, building, running, climbing, crafting or exploring outdoors.

Choose clothes that are comfortable, practical and suitable for active play. It's always better to wear something that can handle a little paint or grass stain than something your child is worried about getting dirty.

3. Weather-Appropriate Clothing

British weather likes to keep everyone guessing.

Even if the forecast looks perfect in the morning, it's worth packing for every possibility.

Depending on the season, this might include:

• A waterproof coat
• A lightweight jumper
• A sun hat
• Gloves during colder months
• Sun cream where appropriate

We love getting children outdoors whenever it's safe to do so, so being prepared means they can enjoy every activity, whatever the weather. Having lots of different layers for children to wear is always adviseable.

4. A Healthy Packed Lunch (If Required)

Some holiday clubs provide meals on specific dates, while others ask children to bring a packed lunch.

If your child's lunch needs to come with them, try to include foods they'll actually enjoy eating, rather than trying to squeeze in lots of new options.

Holiday clubs are active environments, so children often come back surprisingly hungry.

Don't forget any snacks to help keep your little ones going throughout the day.

Always check your holiday club's guidance regarding allergies, particularly if they ask families not to bring products containing nuts. Camp Glide is nut free.

Have a look at healthy packed lunch ideas here.

5. Any Medication They May Need

If your child requires medication during the day, speak to your holiday club before their first session.

Whether it's an inhaler, allergy medication or something prescribed by a doctor, the team will usually explain exactly what information they need before your child's first day.

It's always better to have these conversations in advance rather than rushing through them during morning drop-off.

See Camp Glide's Administering Medication Policy

6. A Spare Change of Clothes

This is one of those items parents often thank themselves for packing.

• Water games.
• Messy crafts.
• Unexpected puddles.
• Spilled drinks.
• Accidents happen.

Having a spare set of clothes tucked into a small bag can make all the difference and means your child can get straight back to enjoying their day. While many providers, including Camp Glide, regularly have spares on site for children. If these have been depleted, or are not suitable for your child, you may get a phone call to provide some spares if there are none packed.

7. Suitable Footwear

Holiday clubs involve a lot of movement.

At Camp Glide, children might be running, climbing, dancing, playing sports or exploring outside.

Well-fitting trainers or other comfortable closed-toe shoes are usually the best option.

Flip-flops, sandals without secure straps or shoes that are difficult to run in can make active play more difficult.

8. A Smile... and Leave the Expensive Toys at Home

This might sound unusual for a packing list, but it's one of the best pieces of advice we can give.

Children rarely need to bring toys from home.

In fact, expensive toys, trading cards, games consoles or sentimental items can sometimes become lost, damaged or cause disagreements between children.

The best thing children bring to holiday club is their curiosity.

At Camp Glide, every day is packed with activities, opportunities to make friends and new experiences, so they'll have plenty to keep them busy.

Our Top Packing Tips

Before leaving home, take two minutes to:

✔ Label everything with your child's name.

✔ Check the weather forecast.

✔ Make sure medication has been discussed with the holiday club.

✔ Pack clothes and spares your child can comfortably play in.

✔ Leave valuable toys safely at home.

Those few minutes can make the morning drop-off much smoother.

Every Holiday Club Is Different

Every provider has slightly different requirements, so it's always worth checking their joining information before your child's first session.

At Camp Glide, we'll always let families know exactly what children need to bring before the holidays begin, so there are no last-minute surprises.

If you're ever unsure, just ask.

Our team is always happy to help.

Ready for a Summer Full of Adventures?

At Camp Glide, our holiday clubs are designed to give children more than just somewhere to spend the day.

From themed activities and creative challenges to outdoor adventures and new friendships, we want every child to head home with stories to tell and memories they've made.

If you're looking for a holiday club where children can have fun, build confidence and enjoy every school holiday, we'd love to welcome you.

Helpful Links

Holiday Club Bookings

Contact the Camp Glide Team

Policies, Ts and Cs