Tropical Isles delivered its Easter Camp 2026 in partnership with the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme, providing four days of structured, enriching activity for children aged 5–13 across the Hackney community. The camp welcomed 39 registered children, 90% of whom were eligible for free school meals, offering a safe, inclusive, and high-quality holiday provision at The Rose Lipman Building, Studio 11, 43 De Beauvoir Road, London N1 5SF.
The Challenge
Holiday periods present a significant challenge for families in under-resourced communities. Without access to structured activity and nutritious food, children eligible for free school meals face increased risk of holiday hunger, social isolation, and regression in learning and development. Tropical Isles Easter Camp was designed to directly address these gaps.
Our Approach
The programme was built around three core pillars: physical and emotional wellbeing, creative and cultural development, and inclusive community provision.
A structured daily schedule ensured children had access to a broad and balanced range of activities, including yoga, football, outdoor games, Easter arts and crafts, painting, role play, storytelling, and dance. A “Star of the Day” recognition system was embedded throughout to encourage positive behaviour, motivation, and engagement.
All meals were prepared and served in line with School Food Standards, offering daily hot nutritious food alongside healthy snacks and fruit. Mealtimes were used as an active opportunity to promote nutrition education, encouraging children to explore new foods in a relaxed and supportive social environment.
Equality, diversity, and inclusion were central to the programme’s design. Children from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, faiths, and abilities attended, with activities carefully planned to ensure all children felt valued, respected, and fully included. Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) were supported through enhanced staffing ratios, ensuring appropriate provision for children presenting with Autism, ADHD, Speech and Language needs, and Attachment Disorder.
Outcomes & Impact
39 children registered for the programme, with 36 in consistent attendance across all four days. Of those registered, 35 (90%) met the HAF eligibility criteria. The gender split was 59% female and 41% male, with the largest age group being 6–7 year olds (48% combined).
Children demonstrated measurable progress across key developmental areas including physical health, social interaction, confidence, and teamwork. Many formed new friendships and engaged positively with peers and staff throughout. Yoga sessions were a particular highlight, supporting both physical development and emotional wellbeing.
Feedback from parents and carers was strongly positive, with many reporting that their children – including typically selective eaters — ate well and tried new foods during the programme. The combination of structured activity, quality food provision, and inclusive practice resulted in high levels of engagement and enjoyment throughout.
Cultural Provision
Tropical Isles acted as the lead arts and cultural delivery organisation for the Spring HAF period, designing and delivering all creative programming in-house. Provision included Easter-themed arts and crafts workshops, music and movement sessions, dance, role play, and storytelling – all connected to broader themes of cultural celebration, seasonal events, and creative self-expression.
Interested in partnering with Tropical Isles or supporting our community programmes? Get in touch at info@tropicalislescarnival.org.uk