School Holiday Fun

School's out for a fortnight and for parents, this means finding activities to help keep their children's boredom at bay.But do not despair. From movies to cooking, dancing and theatre, Genevieve Helliwell finds there's plenty happening in the Bay these school holidays

TREASURE HUNT
Bayfair Shopping Centre invites children to participate in a treasure hunt, for which entry forms can be collected from the Bayfair Information Desk, outside Kmart. By following the clues provided, kids will be tasked with matching photographic images to various locations within Bayfair.
The hunt will lead back to the information desk and once the corresponding locations are marked against the photos, the participants will go into the draw to win one of five $100 Bayfair gift cards.
While at Bayfair Shopping Centre, parents who spend $15 or more on themselves and at least one child, in a single transaction, are eligible to claim a gift from the information desk. From today to Thursday the offer is a Baywave child swim voucher and from 1pm Monday April 25 to Friday April 29 the offer is the choice of one of three DVD titles.
TAURANGA ART GALLERY
Tauranga Art Gallery offers art workshops throughout the school term and school holidays for a variety of age groups as part of their Education programme, that teaches art-making techniques and skills.
Week one programme will be led by tutor Ash Bailey and week two will be led by tutor Grant Thompson. Week one will focus on working in three dimensions with mixed media abstract sculpture, and week two will focus on abstract art in mixed media. For full programme details, visit www.artgallery.org.nz and click on the Schools link. Or phone 578 7933 to make a booking.
TAURANGA CITY LIBRARIES
Tauranga City Libraries are offering activities these school holidays to keep your children entertained and amused.
The libraries in Tauranga, Papamoa, Greerton and Mount Maunganui have a range of events for children of all ages.
On April 19, 20 and 21, all four libraries will host Hats Off To You, where children aged 2-6 years can have fun making their own designer hats and wearing them. A parent or caregiver must supervise children at this event.
On April 26 and 27, Tauranga and Papamoa libraries will host storyteller and artist Stu Duval. This is open to children aged 6 and older.
If you want to become an overnight cartoonist, come along to Duval's Cartoon Workshop, suitable for children aged 7-12 years.
Held at Tauranga library on April 26, Papamoa library on April 27, Mount Maunganui library on April 28 and Greerton Library on April 28.
All these events are free with materials supplied, but interested children need to book in for the cartooning workshops. To register for any of these events, phone 577 7177.
For further holiday programme times and venues, visit www.library.tauranga.govt.nz.
FUN AT THE CIRCUS
Circus Kumarani will run their next free community circus workshops for 11-17 year olds at the Welcome Bay Scout Hall during the Easter school holidays, April 18- 21 and April 26-29.
Three tutors facilitate the programme and teach skills such as juggling, balance, acrobatics, diabolo, strength and flexibility, clowning and physical theatre.
The course is designed to increase trust and confidence, and provides valuable team-building opportunities.
The course is fully funded through the Ministry of Social Development, Family and Community Services, Break-Away School Holiday Programmes.
Book early as this holiday programme is popular.
There are 25 places available each week - 12 places for 11-13 year olds and 13 places for 14-17 year olds. For registration or inquiries phone Dan on 0226972745 or email success.daniel@gmail.com.
YMCA AUTUMN HOLIDAY PROGRAMME
Between April 18 and April 29, Tauranga YMCA is offering a variety of school holiday programmes to entertain children of all ages in Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Gate Pa and Memorial Hall. The programmes are affordable and offer fun activities for a low cost. Week one is open to children aged 5-8 years and week two is open to children aged 9-13 years.
Week one activities include excursions to Bay City Cinemas, TECT All Terrain Park, Fernland Spa Hot Pools, a trip to Hot Water Beach and more. Week two activities include an orienteering adventure, scuba diving activity, tramping at Karangahake Gorge, a trip to Ferland Spa Hot Pools and a survival day and overnight camp at TECT All Terrain Park.
Papamoa and Gate Pa programmes cost $35 a day. Mount Maunganui and Memorial Hall programmes cost $41 a day.
MOUNT ACTION CENTRE
From April 21-29, come along to the Mount Action Centre on Triton Ave, Mount Maunganui and run wild at the centre's Blast of Sports event.
From 10am-12.30pm, children are invited to take part in a variety of structured games under the guidance of our trained staff. Sports will include unihockey, miniball, soccer, dodgeball and team relays to cap it off. Grab a friend and come along. Spaces are limited so registrations are essential. Programme costs $6 per child and is suitable for children aged 5-13 years. For inquiries phone the Mount Action Centre on 574 9862.
BAY OF PLENTY RUGBY SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME
The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is offering rugby-mad youngsters a chance to improve their rugby skills while having a heap of fun.
Held at Blake Park, Mount Maunganui on April 19 and 20, open to children aged 7-12 years. Cost $30 per child per day.
The programme is designed by the BoP Rugby Union to teach youngsters fundamental skills of rugby, with an emphasis placed on tackling and defence.
If interested, you can enter online at www.boprugby.co.nz or for further questions, phone Kane Hames on 029 471 2696.
WAIKATO BAY OF PLENTY FOOTBALL COACHING CLINIC
Come along to the Mount Action Centre on Triton Ave, Mount Maunganui, and take part in a football coaching clinic. Held on April 26, 27 and 28, cost $30 per day, Winz approved. From 9.30am-3pm, suitable for children aged 5-13 years. Participants will be divided into groups of similar age and ability. The structured programme will run by Peter Smith, from the Waikato Bay of Plenty Football Federation and his team. To register or for further inquires phone the centre on 574 9862.
DANCE HOLIDAY PROGRAMME
Run by Rhythmz Dance Co from April 26-29, at their Mount Maunganui venue, 36d MacDonald St. This is a fun-based dance programme which will give children a chance to try out a wide range of dance and drama styles. Workshops will include Stomp, Acro-Dance (gymnastics based dance), Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Zumba, Ballet, mime/acting, theatre sports and body conditioning (stretch, strength and lengthen).
Also plenty of other fun activities, including an Easter egg hunt, art and crafts, creative cooking, games, xbox 360, dance central battles and more. The programme will run with two different age groups: 5-7 years and 8-12 years.
Children will need to bring their own lunch but we will provide morning and afternoon tea. A show will be put on for parents at the end of the last day. Cost $40 per day or $140 for all four days, from 9am-4.30pm. You can book for any number of days.
Before care (7.30-9am) is an extra $5 and after-care 4.30-6pm is an extra $5.
For full details, visit www.rdc.net.nz/easter-hol-prgme.html or phone 5788780.