Join the University of Kent holiday camps for a mix of sports, creative activities and reliable supervision for children aged 5 to 13
The University of Kent runs seasonal holiday camps for children aged 5 to 13 at The Pavilion on the Canterbury campus. These programmes are aimed at families who want a structured, enjoyable option during school breaks. Each day combines physical games, coached sessions and quieter activities so participants can try several sports and pastimes in a single week.
All staff are DBS-checked and trained to provide a safe environment, and the campus setting gives exclusive use of both outdoor pitches and indoor courts to keep the programme reliable regardless of weather.
How each camp day is organised
Typical camp hours run from 9am to 3pm with supervised drop-off available from 8.30am. There is an optional late pick-up between 3pm and 5pm — marketed on site as the Late Club — designed for parents who need extra flexibility.
Every day includes two short breaks and a lunch break; parents should provide a packed lunch and remember we operate a strict nut-free policy. Sessions are intentionally mixed so children experience a variety of activities rather than intensive single-sport training, allowing coaches to adapt games for different ages and abilities and keeping the emphasis on fun and social play.
Facilities and weather-proofing
Camps make use of three artificial pitches and a four-court indoor tennis centre, so rainy days do not disrupt plans. The programme benefits from exclusive access to campus indoor areas, meaning sessions can move inside at short notice. Equipment and space are selected to suit the age range, and qualified coaches manage small-group rotations. The combination of outdoor turf and indoor courts gives organisers flexibility to run traditional team sports alongside alternative activities that are better suited to indoor spaces.
Activities, coaching and specialist support
Children will try a broad menu of options including minigolf, dodgeball, football, cricket, tennis, Street Dance and other games that change from day to day. A qualified staff member delivers formal coaching sessions so participants learn skills within playful formats. The approach favours inclusive games and social play rather than intensive technical training, and coaches are experienced at adapting sessions for mixed-ability groups. Parents of children with additional needs report positive experiences thanks to the staff’s thoughtful support and attention to wellbeing.
Dates, pricing and booking details
The EasterZone programme runs from Tuesday 7 to Friday 10 April 2026, with each day starting at 9am (drop off from 8.30am) and finishing at 3pm, plus the Late Club option from 3pm to 5pm. You can book single days or multiple days as required; a discount is applied automatically if you book all four EasterZone days. Standard rates are: one day £40 per child, full week (four days) £130 per child, and Late Club at £13.50 per day. For SummerZone early bird savings, book before 1 July 2026 using the code SZ26EARLYBIRD15 to receive 15% off (early bird day price £34.00, early bird full week £148.75, early bird Late Club day price £11.48).
Discounts and payment notes
University of Kent staff can request an exclusive 15% staff discount by emailing [email protected] to receive a code for checkout. The camps do not accept childcare vouchers and there is no sibling discount available. Bookings are flexible within availability but changes should be notified as soon as possible; failure to turn up for a reserved place may still incur charges at the discretion of Kent Sport. A tiered refund policy applies: full refund within 48 hours of booking, 75% refund for cancellations made more than 31 days before camp, 50% refund for cancellations between 7 and 31 days, and no refund within 7 days (credit for alternate dates may be available).
Location, policies and contact information
All camps take place at The Pavilion, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7SR. The programme is not OFSTED registered but operates under Kent Sport’s safeguarding, equal opportunities and participant behaviour policies; safeguarding and child welfare are treated as top priorities. Parents must supply health and contact information during booking because the camp requires these details for health and safety reasons. Data supplied is used by authorised staff and for camp administration; parents can request details about stored data by contacting [email protected]. For general enquiries or to discuss specific needs, email [email protected] or call 01227 824 549.
Additional services and terms
Children under 16 can be registered for a Pay to Play account with parental consent at reception to use Kent Sport facilities outside camp; under 16s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and will be charged £4.50 per booking. Late pick-ups must be booked in advance. Refunds for illness or injury are considered with appropriate evidence and are handled case by case. All bookings receive email confirmation and the camp timetable should be considered provisional and subject to change to ensure safety and quality of provision.
