First Steps Count’s Summer 2025‑2026 School‑Holiday Program: Creativity, Play and Community
As our school age family members get ready for the week ahead, we’re reflecting on our vibrant school holiday program. The program was held over two weeks from January 12 - 22, after our Centre closed for a much deserved break.
We’re so grateful to the service providers who came and shared their inspiration and enthusiasm for creativity, supporting our incredible team in delivering a great range of activities.
Week 1
Monday 12 January – Make‑Your‑Own‑Bag Craft
Toni Carson and Victoria Schumann led a colourful workshop where children transformed plain canvas bags into personalised treasures. Using fabric paints, stamps and glitter, the youngsters walked away with a practical keepsake they could proudly carry home.
Tuesday 13 January – Pirate‑Themed Craft & Play
Jarred from Coast Kids Occupational Therapy steered a swash‑buckling adventure. Kids fashioned pirate hats, eye‑patches and treasure maps before setting sail in a dramatic pretend‑play area, honing fine‑motor skills and imaginative storytelling.
Wednesday 14 January – Polymer‑Clay Creations
The centre’s art corner buzzed with excitement as children rolled, sculpted and baked polymer clay. The activity encouraged dexterity and colour‑mixing experimentation.
Thursday 15 January – Gardening, Nature Play & Magic‑Wand Making
Alicia guided a hands‑on gardening session where little hands crafted magical wands using twigs, leaves, ribbons and more!
Week 2
Monday 19 January – Paper‑Plate Character Workshop
Elaine sparked imagination with a paper‑plate character activity. Children cut, paint and assembled, with Baby Shark being a group favourite.
Tuesday 20 January – Sing‑Along Sessions
Alicia returned, this time joined by Kate from Karitane, to lead a lively sing‑along. Classic nursery rhymes and contemporary children’s songs filled the air, encouraging vocal expression and rhythmic movement.
Wednesday 21 January – Yoga for Kids
Fran from the Wellbeing For Kids program introduced gentle yoga poses tailored for young bodies. Through breathing exercises and simple stretches, children learned relaxation techniques that support emotional regulation and body awareness.
Thursday 22 January – Second Round of Gardening & Nature Play
Alicia revisited the garden, deepening children’s connection with the natural world. Another fantastic opportunity to enjoy our stunning outdoor space in a guided and mindful way, exploring and learning together.
First Steps Count remains committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where children can explore, learn and belong. The positive feedback from families and the joyful energy of the participants reaffirm the value of these holiday programmes. We look forward to expanding our offerings in the coming months, continuing to weave creativity, culture and community into every activity.
Media Enquiries:
Clare Brennan, Centre Director
clare.brennan@firststepscount.org
Links:
Follow First Steps Count on Facebook to get updates on School Holiday programs as they become available
More about Coast Kids Occupational Therapy
