Like winter, the school holidays are coming. You might have noticed parents huddling in groups, desperately clutching iPhones as they attempt to stitch together enough care options, activities and annual leave to get through to the end of January.

I was researching reading events and writing competitions for my primary school’s creative writing club, when another mum (thanks Bianca) introduced me to Story Squad.

Story Squad

The Story Squad team run primary school creative writing extravaganzas – I was going to say workshops but honestly, spending a day writing potions and spells sounds about as far from ‘work’ as this Harry Potter fan can imagine.

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It’s not just for fantasy fans either; there are mysteries to solve, codes to crack, superheros to create and worlds to save.

‘Our ultimate aim is to inspire creativity and stimulate imagination. The art of storytelling goes far beyond the mechanics of language. We create a safe and fun environment designed to encourage children to have big ideas and to be immersed in the joy of creating and sharing them.’ Tiffany Hunter, Story Squad Founder.

Story Squad is the brainchild of Tiffany Hunter, a writer with a background in advertising and two kids of her own. After a successfully running school programs across Sydney’s East, the squad is now heading to my own neck of the woods, the Inner West. In fact, you might just see me pitching in on a workshop or two in 2018. Stay tuned.

The holiday program includes fully supervised half day sessions (for six to eight year old children) and full days for older children (eight to twelve) and as you would expect, all tutors have working with children checks.

Bookings are now open and more information regarding school programs and multi-event discounts can be found on the Story Squad site.

2018 Story Squad Inner West Holiday Program

Age 8-12 years from 9am till 3pm

  • Wednesday, 17 January – Crafty Story Creations, Balmain
    Become an author! Handcraft your very own book with Tina Matthews.
  • Thursday, 18 January – Mystery at Glessner Grammar, Drummoyne
    You have a mystery to solve. Examine evidence, crack codes and find clues to solve the crime – then create your own.
  • Monday, 22 January – Magical beings and fantastical lands, Balmain
    Are you ready to be the next Percy Jackson or Hermione Granger? Enter a portal into another universe and create your own epic fantasy story.
  • Tuesday, 23 January – Story Squad Spy School, Balmain
    Get ready to build your own spy kit, crack codes and create your own action packed spy story.
  • Wednesday, 24 January – Protect the Planet with Reverse Garbage, Marrickville
    Calling all eco-warriors! Use up-cycled materials to create your own inventions and let your imagination run wild saving the planet.SSSecretMissionAges 6-8 years from 9am till 12pm
  • Friday, 19 January – Superheros, Drummoyne
    Create your own super hero, defeat evil villains and save the world.
  • Thursday, 25 January – Magic and Mayhem, Balmain
    Wands at the ready witches and wizards! It’s time to create your very own spell books.

Other holiday ideas

A quick Google search of your area should bring up holiday programs run by your local council, after school care provider or sports centre.

Libraries and bookstores also run holiday activities and there are always new books to discover. Borrowing from your library won’t cost you a penny:-)

Happy holidays!