Are you dreading the thought of having to entertain your children for the three weeks of the winter school holiday? Chances are they’re probably feeling the same way about you. But fear not, Benn van der Westhuizen has put together a list of some of the best workshops, holiday programmes and mini-stops to keep the little (and not so little) ones busy during their break… so that you don’t have to!
CODING HOLIDAY TECH CAMPS AT THINK AHEAD, FUTURE SPACE
Get your children ready for the future by signing them up Think Ahead’s coding holiday tech camps this winter break. In a technology-driven world, learning the language of computers is becoming critical knowledge for students to learn, developing skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and computational thinking.
With tech camps available for all ages and levels, students choose from one or more of Think Ahead’s exciting FutureSpace experiences, including beginner sessions for first time coders, exploring Apple’s coding language SWIFT, and programming robots. For students dreaming of being in the spotlight, there is a YouTube Academy programme, in which they unpack what it takes to create the ultimate channel and how to keep thriving on the platform.
Tech Camps Schedule:
Address: Think Ahead FutureSpace, iStore, 1 Sandton Dr, Sandton, Johannesburg
Times: Each one-day Tech Camps 9am to 1pm (Camps run June, July & August)
Cost: One-day Tech Camps R350 | Two-day Tech Camp R700 (cost includes a light snack & certificate of attendance)
Tel: 011 535 9000 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.thinkahead.co.za
AFRICAN DRUMMING CLASSES AT JEMBE STUDIO
If your kids are budding musicians in the making, Jembe Studio offers African Drumming classes and sessions for various ages, with all classes containing an underlying therapeutic tone to help bring balance and calmness.
Operating since 2015, Jembe Studio is a fun experience which caters for people with developmental challenges using a therapeutic approach, as well as incorporating principles from international sound and rhythm therapy programmes. They specialise in individual classes, group classes, workshops and therapy focused drumming for both children, teens and adults. Sessions are arranged according to the age group and can be aligned to meet client-specific needs.
Address: 37 Suikerbos Dr, Lydiana, Pretoria
Times: Available on request
Cost: R60 – R120 / session
Tel: 083 301 9549 | Email: [email protected] | Website: musicare.biz
SKI & SNOWBOARD LESSONS AT AVALANCHE
Get your kids into the winter season with skiing and snowboarding sessions at Avalanche. They cater for any level of experience, with ski jumps for the more advanced skiers and trained ski instructors available for ski and snowboard lessons by arrangement. Lessons include an instructor, boots and boards / skis, and time on the slope.
If your kids are more experienced than the average beginner, Open Sessions are available to get in some practice (R200 / session). For those skiers and boarders who know how to ski and snowboard, Boarders Night are hosted every Friday from 8pm until late (R200) – only those who are experienced will be allowed on the slopes.
Address: No.1 Mezzanine Level, Cedar Square Shopping Centre, Cedar Rd, Fourways, Johannesburg South
Times: Daily between 9am and 5pm (lessons are a hour long; booking is essential) | Sat & Sun between 8am and 10am
Cost: R450 / lesson | 4 lessons R1 600 | 6 lessons R2 300
Tel: 011 467 2426 | Email: [email protected] | Website: avalanche.co.za
HOLIDAY CARE AT SHERPA KIDS
Just because the kids are on holiday, doesn’t mean you are. If you’re looking for holiday care solutions across Johannesburg, Sherpa Kids has over 30 centres across the country that provides fun-filled, full days of holiday care where a new theme is run every day.
Each day at Sherpa Kids includes a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, music and drama, sports and games, fun food and experiments. So if you’re in need of a fun, safe, reliable place to drop your kids off during the day, Sherpa Kids is the answer to your problems – an internationally respected and trusted aftercare organisation that puts the ‘care’ in holiday care.
Address: Various locations all around Pretoria and Johannesburg. Please visit our locations or find a school page here
Times: Open daily 7am to 6pm during the public and private school holidays
Cost: Available on inquiry
Tel: 011 792 4679 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.sherpakids.co.za
MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING AT KIME KARATE
Keep the kids active and sharp this winter break with martial arts training at Kime Karate. Their aim is to educate, inspire, encourage and honour their students while promoting excellence in all aspects of traditional karate.
It’s not just about the punching and kicking, children also learn to develop laser focus for school, self-control to manage impulsive behaviour, unshakable confidence to believe in themselves and make smart choices, self-discipline, responsibility (completing homework and chores), and respect for others. If you’re not completely sold, contact Kime Karate for a free lesson in a fun, safe and controlled environment before signing up.
Address: 120 Edison Cres, Hennopspark, Centurion
Times: Tues & Thurs 5.30pm – 6.15pm (U14s); 6.15pm – 7pm (14 years and older)
Cost: Available on inquiry
Tel: 082 786 2603 | Email: [email protected] | Website: kimekarate.co.za
