Apply to run a HAPpy Camp

Hertfordshire County Council has joined forces with the Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership and the Hertfordshire Community Foundation, to organise a programme for the school holidays every Spring, Summer and Winter until 2024, aimed at countering the triple inequalities facing Hertfordshire’s most disadvantaged young people – holiday hunger, physical inactivity and social isolation.

This holiday provision is for school-aged children from Reception to Year 11 (inclusive) who receive benefits-related free school meals. Benefits-related free school meals (FSM) are available to pupils if their parents are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits, and have a claim verified by their school or local authority. If you feel that you could be eligible to receive free school meals, you can apply through this form.

In June 2022, former Minister Will Quince wrote to all schools, explaining the importance of the Holiday Activity and Food programme, and how schools can support children and families to get involved and access opportunities.

Letter from former Minister Will Quince

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Applications for HAPpy Camps 2023

Groups who have never delivered a HAPpy camp in Hertfordshire, or those who last delivered before 10th January 2022 (Winter 2021 programme), are now required to fill in an Expression of Interest form. This will be assessed and those successful will be invited to make a full application.

Please note: existing providers will receive an invite to reapply.

HAF Winter 2023 Criteria and Guidance

There is an expectation that applicants are fully aware of the areas which are most in need of provision and that your camps are mapped against the areas of the county with the highest number of children in receipt of free school meals. Please use the below document for insight:

FSM Heat Maps of Hertfordshire Districts – Mar 2022

Timeline

The timeline for the 2024 HAF programme (Spring) is as follows:

Activity	2024 schedule
Spring provider applications are open	Monday 4th December
Deadline for expressions of interest from new providers	Monday 20th December 2024
Deadline for full applications	Monday 8th January 2024, at midnight
Applicants are to have all venues confirmed in writing	Wednesday 24th January 2024, at midnight
Providers informed of the decision	Friday 16th February 2024
Mandatory Spring Induction	TBC
Optional Playwaze Q&A session	TBC
Deadline for camp information to be uploaded to Playwaze	Monday 26th February 2024
Playwaze Open for bookings	Tuesday 5th March 2024, at 12 noon
Camp Delivery	2-5th April & 8th - 12th April