Summer Holidays with Emerge – 2026!
On this cold October day – we’re taking a look back at what we did in the sunny Summer holidays!
Youth work in the holidays looks different to our term time programme. We have time for longer sessions, with broader focus in a relaxed atmosphere. Despite the distinctly different vibe, the aim remains the same: Inspiring young people to improve their lives. That might involve fresh experiences, like trips outside of BD4, new sports or challenges, and opportunities to make new friends. As always, we are grateful to all our volunteers and supporters who help us enrich our offer to young people. A big thank you too to Bradford Council for the HAF funding that we received towards running these activities. Here’s a quick summary of what we got up to!
4 Community Summer Celebrations in Holme Wood, Bierley, Sutton and East Bowling. It was great that families of young people who attend term time sessions could join us too. Food, fun and games – and, of course, the glorious sunshine – contributed to a memorable week.
An Emerge Talent Showcase – young people spent the afternoon ‘showcasing their talents’ – and what a talented group we have! Bands, solo singers, art, poetry and even some of our staff took part.
Sanctuary – A two-day event for everyone who attends Get Real. Day 1 was held in Howarth, with a walk to explore local beauty, a BBQ, kite flying, a Labyrinth, group games and more. Day 2 started with a cooked breakfast, followed by a local walk, water games, arts and crafts, and group work. Both days were planned to our 2026 theme: ‘Belong, Known, Seen’.
‘Parklife’ – Young people could participate in an array of activities in Bowling Park: daily Zumba, table games, rounders, tennis, crafts, forest fun, daily lunches, a BBQ, and even an Emerge version of Park Run – with young people running or walking at least one full lap of the park! The team ‘motivation’ event each day was definitely energetic, raucous fun!
Xsport – Young people took part in a variety of sports ranging from sports they know and play regularly (like football and basketball) to gymnastics, cycling, boxing, fencing and more to try, often for the first time. While formal coaching is offered to every participant in a sport of their choice, as a member of a team they are also involved in the Xsport Team Challenge, a daily mini-sports competition, competing for Team of the Week medals. Healthy competition, team chants and songs, team flags and colours all contribute to an energising and infectious atmosphere.
What a fantastic summer we had!
