School holidays mean something special at YWCA Canberra. Yes, there are often excursions… but what happens on the days we stay on-site? Spoiler: just as much fun.
We’ve put a lot of thought into making sure that every single day of our School Holiday Programs feels like an adventure, whether we’re heading out or staying in. That’s where our In-House Events come in.
It’s more than just a ‘rainy day’ activity
Our In-House Events aren’t a backup plan; they’re the highlight! We work with a carefully selected group of external providers and professional companies to bring high-quality, exciting experiences directly to our children. From sports to music to cultural celebrations, these sessions are designed to engage, stimulate, and — most importantly – be a whole lot of fun! Think of it like an excursion, just without the bus ride.
We’re intentional about which events we bring in, too. Each one is chosen to reflect what children are genuinely interested in and what’s happening in the wider world around them.
Familiar faces, fresh experiences
Over time, we’ve built genuine, ongoing relationships with some fantastic partners including Gecko Sports, Footsteps, Ronnie Jordan from Culture on The Move, and DJ Dennis, to name just a few. These aren’t one-off visits. Our providers return regularly which makes a real difference as children get to see familiar faces. There’s a sense of comfort and trust that comes from knowing who’s walking through the door and that safety and security allows kids to throw themselves into the experience wholeheartedly.
Our educators
These events don’t just benefit children; they’re also a genuine opportunity for our educators to learn and grow. Collaborating with specialists from the broader community brings fresh perspectives, new techniques, and innovative approaches into our programs. It’s a two-way street! Our educators bring their knowledge of the children, and our partners bring their expertise, and together they create something pretty special.
Here’s why we say ‘In-House Events’ (and not incursions)
You might notice we don’t use the word ‘incursions’ and that’s a deliberate choice. As part of YWCA Canberra’s Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), we’ve moved away from language that carries connotations of “unwelcome entry.” The term In-House Events reflects our commitment to ensuring that everyone (children, families, educators, and guests alike) feels genuinely welcome and respected on this land.
It’s a small linguistic shift, but it speaks to something much bigger: our ongoing commitment to acknowledging and respecting the Traditional Owners of the land on which we operate.