The school holidays are here! Searching for a meaningful holiday programme for your preschooler, tween or teen?

Whether it is experiencing the wonder of creation or exploring the Word of God through action-packed games, Living Room by Salt&Light has curated this list specially for you. 

From one-day activities to five-day camps, there is something for every family (and schedule)!

Vacation Bible School (VBS)

A sports-themed VBS held at Foochow Methodist in 2018. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Cheng.

Hailing from the US, this popular children’s programme is usually organised by various churches in Singapore during June or December.

In this year’s game-themed edition, kids will discover how Jesus guides them through all the twists and turns of their lives.

With the help of upbeat songs and skits, they will also learn that even when they mess up, it is never “game over”.

The camp verse is from Psalm 25:4 – “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.” 

Haven’t experienced VBS before? Foochow Methodist Church is still accepting registrations for children aged 5–12 (K1–P6).

Run by a huge team of volunteers (including youths who pour their time and effort into everything from the creative meals to captivating decor), this VBS is ideal for those who have yet to hear the Gospel, so invite away! 

Where: Foochow Methodist Church, 90 Race Course Road Singapore 218577

When: November 30 to December 1 (9am–6pm) and December 2 (9am–2pm)

Cost: $50 each, which includes two lunches, six snacks and five crafts. Do note that they are out of camp tees though.

Details: bit.ly/fmcvbs2023

Larkhill Camps

Tweens and teens will get plenty of outdoor time at this activity-based stay-in camp. Photo courtesy of Larkhill.

Would your older child enjoy chilling out at a seaside chalet for four to five days and spending time on activities such as frisbee, cycling and board games?

If you are looking for a longer holiday programme for your tween (aged 10-13) or teen (aged 14-18), consider checking out these stay-in camps by Larkhill.

The Christian organisation runs revision camps in June where students can come and study for their ‘O’, ‘N’ and ‘A’ Levels, but the December camps focus on fun and food. 

The ratio of leaders to campers is deliberately kept small (about 1:3), and most of the volunteers are teachers from different schools and churches who come together twice a year to serve because of their love for Jesus and young people.

Every year, games are usually centred on a theme (e.g. Avengers, Star Wars, fairy tales). This year’s is Super Mario. Photo courtesy of Larkhill.

Both the Junior and Senior camps will have an outing to Pulau Ubin, indoor and outdoor games, 15-minute Gospel presentations and short Bible studies. 

Open to everyone, Larkhill camps aim to be a friendly environment to explore the Christian faith and its practical relevance for today, so that even those without church backgrounds will feel comfortable.

When:
30 November–3 December (Larkhill Junior Camp) 
4 December–8 December (Larkhill Senior Camp)

Where: Changi 

Cost: $250 for full room and board, but a limited number of bursaries are available for those who need help

Details: larkhillcamps.com/register

Date with Dad

A great chance for some daddy-daughter bonding over a hotel high tea. Photo courtesy of Focus on the Family.

Fathers, be the first to take your daughter on a date she will remember for years to come!

Crafted to be an unforgettable experience for fathers and daughters (aged 11 and above), Focus on the Family‘s signature event gives dads an opportunity to celebrate their child’s transition to teenhood and connect on a deeper level. 

Enjoy honest conversations over a three-course high tea as you discover more about one another, and have fun together through meaningful activities and games.

Finally, create memories through special rite-of-passage moments, such as the presentation of handwritten letters.

The last date for sign-ups has been extended to 6 November.

Where: Hilton Singapore Orchard

When: 11 November (2–5pm)

Cost: $240 per pair. Bonus! Living Room by Salt&Light readers can use promo code LIVINGROOM30 to get $30 off the regular price.

Details: family.org.sg/DateWithDad

BRAVE 2023

Expect your child to have an intimate experience with God at this kid-friendly conference. Photo courtesy of BRAVE.

 This three-day conference seeks to bring children to a place of encounter with Jesus through anointed worship, and activate them to move in the power of God and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 

This year, kids will learn from and be inspired by international ministers such as Will Hart (Iris Global) and The Clancys (Overflow Kids), as well as local speakers such as artist Patrick Bezalel and Pastor Sharon Chong (Cornerstone Community Church). 

Intended for ages 7–12, BRAVE promises a lively atmosphere – all under the supervision of dedicated teachers and volunteers (you can sign up to be a volunteer too!).

Games are held in the afternoons. Photo courtesy of BRAVE.

In previous years, BRAVE was organised under the banner of Kingdom Invasion Conferences. But this year, the Alliance of Pentecostal & Charismatic Churches of Singapore has taken over as the main supporter of the event.

Registration ends 8 November.

When: 5–7 December (9am–4pm)

Where: Cornerstone Community Church, 11 East Coast Road, The Odeon Katong #03-01 Singapore 428722

Cost: $115 for groups; $130 for individuals. Meals are provided.

Details: brave.apccs.org

Let Your Light Shine!

All Saints Presbyterian’s kids’ camp will have a family component that takes parents and children on a Christian heritage trail. Photo courtesy of The Treasure Box SG.

A two-day kids’ camp with a twist.

All Saints Presbyterian Church (ASPC) has invited The Treasure Box SG to run its camp, which includes exciting games, energetic praise and worship, and enthusiastic sharing from Scripture.

Anchored on the key verses from Matthew 5:14-16, children will learn what it means to be the light of the world.

But that is not all. Parents are encouraged to join in on Day 2 for a family programme, which will feature a Christian heritage trail.

The two-hour walk covers historical landmarks including Mount Sophia and the Armenian Church, and families will be led to discuss how they can continue the legacy of faith and shine for Jesus. 

Catered for children 7–12 years old, Let Your Light Shine! is also open to participants who are not from ASPC. Registration closes 10 November.

When: 8 December (9am–3pm) and 9 December (9am–12pm)

Where: All Saints Presbyterian Church, Bible House, 7 Armenian Street, Singapore 179932

Cost: $25 per child (Day 1 and 2); $10 per adult (Day 2). Lunch is included for both days.

Details: forms.gle/wVHT8iYYR8fL1RFJA

Gentle Seeds 

The founders of Gentle Seeds believe that nature walks create teaching moments to share from the Bible and point children to God. Photo courtesy of Gentle Seeds.

Let your little one explore God’s creation in any of these four parks planned for the holidays – each brimming with beauty and biodiversity!

These guided outdoor adventures are led by Gentle Seeds‘ teachers, which skilfully combine nature and literature in their curriculum.

Held at different locations across Singapore, their thoughtfully designed timetable features a unique green spot every week.

The drop-off programme runs from Monday to Wednesday, while the parent-accompanied sessions take place on Friday and Saturday.

All are suitable for children aged 2+ (walker) to 9 years old. 

When:
November 20–22, November 27–29, December 4–6, December 11–13 (9am–1130am)
November 25, December 8, December  15, December 16 (9am–1130am)

Where: Botanic Gardens, Coney Island, Pasir Ris Beach, Sembawang Park

Cost: $210 for 3 drop-off sessions or $75 for 1 drop-off session; $110 for 1 parent-accompanied session

Details: online.forms.app/gentleseeds/gsnovdecholidays

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