01
Character Development
Improvised scenes and hot-seating building toward a showcase piece.
Bedford HAF · Summer 2026 · Free Place
Summer Adventure Academy
A free, fully-funded summer holiday programme for young people aged 11–16 — built around daily quests, a 90-minute park expedition, a hot meal, and a pace that genuinely works for SEND and additional needs.
Church Lane Centre
21 Jul – 21 Aug
Weekdays · 10:00–14:00
- When
- Weekdays · 21 Jul – 21 Aug 2026
- Where
- Church Lane Centre, Bedford
- Who
- Ages 11–16
- Cost
- Free — Bedford HAF funded
- Included
- Hot meal every day
A Day on the Trail
Every session follows the same route.
The same eight waypoints, every day, so young people always know what's coming next — including a proper walk either side of Park Time, not just a gap between activities.
- 1
Welcome & Morning Check-In
Register, a colour-chart mood check-in, and a settle-in moment in base camp.
- 2
Quest Session 1
The day's main themed activity, led by that day's specialist.
- 3
Walk to the Park
A supervised 15-minute walk — headcount, register, and walking buddies.
- 4
Park Time
90 minutes of structured and free outdoor play.
- 5
Walk Back
Headcount, the return route, and hand-washing on arrival.
- 6
Explorer Fuel Break
A hot meal, checked against every child's dietary record.
- 7
Quest Session 2
Creative wind-down, a passport stamp, and an afternoon mood check-in.
- 8
Departure
Belongings check and handover to parents or carers.
What's in the Pack
The activities that fill the quests.
Every activity is built to flex — for confident explorers and for anyone who needs a quieter way in.
02
Treasure Hunt Cards
Clue-led searches — picture clues for early readers, text riddles for older explorers.
03
Parachute Games
Fully inclusive group play — calming, rhythmic, and built for every ability.
04
7-Circuit Activity
Seven stations of movement, ending in a deliberate stretch-and-breathe wind-down.
05
Yoga Bands
Slow, controlled stretches with resistance bands and calm breathing cues.
06
Daily Park Expedition
90 minutes outdoors, every single day, rain or sun.
The Skills Passport
Stamps that build toward something.
Every completed mission earns a stamp in an explorer's own Skills Passport — working up to three awards, presented at the Grand Showcase on the final Friday.
Stage 01
Bronze
Bronze Explorer
First missions completed across the activity areas.
Stage 02
Silver
Silver Adventurer
A full week of missions and a weekly challenge passed.
Stage 03
Gold
Gold Champion
The full passport completed by the final week.
Three Ways In
Joining the Academy.
For Families
A free place for your child
If your child is aged 11–16 and based in Bedford, a place is free of charge — including the daily meal.
No cost to families — funded entirely by Bedford HAF
Priority for Free School Meal-eligible and SEND children
Open weekdays, 21 July – 21 August 2026
For Private Payers
Book a private place
Not eligible for a funded HAF place, or would rather pay directly? You can book the same Academy for your child — same activities, same daily meal, same team.
Open to families outside HAF funding eligibility
Identical programme, meals, and staffing to funded places
Secure your place online in a couple of minutes
For Professionals
Refer a young person
Social workers, school staff, and other professionals can refer a child directly using our short referral form.
Five-minute form covering eligibility, needs, and consent
Safeguarding details go straight to our Designated Safeguarding Lead
We confirm a place within five working days
Field Office
Practical details.
- Venue
- Church Lane Community Centre, Bedford
- Dates
- Weekdays (Mon–Fri), 21 July – 21 August 2026
- Hours
- 10:00 – 14:00 each day
- Safeguarding Lead
- Charmaine Watson (DSL)
Run by Kings Centre of Learning, part of Care Consort Ltd, in partnership with Bedford Borough Council's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
Care Consort Ltd · Company No. 13943143 — Funded under Bedford Borough Council HAF contract ref BBC CH04141
Summer 2026
Save your place on the trail.
Places are free, funded by Bedford HAF, and limited. Refer a young person and we'll confirm within five working days.
or call us directly01895 722 304