September Holiday Program
What is it?
The Encounter Catholic Kids September Holiday Program are fun days for primary school aged children (Prep - Grade 6). These days are filled with fun, games, activities and engaging messages and prayers designed to give children a positive and powerful experience of the Catholic faith.
Facilitated by vibrant leaders, this year’s holiday program provides high-quality Catholic children’s ministry with games and music, engaging presentations and activities, small groups and interactive prayer experiences through which children encounter God and build connections with the Church community.
2025 Theme
Ready Set Go!
In the September school holidays, the Children and Families team will be collaborating with 2 parishes for a 1 day program. Choose one location and journey through the theme, ‘Ready, Set, Go’ encouraging kids to run towards their faith with courage and joy!
When and Where?
This year we are offering two options for the ECK September Holiday Program. Find the date in the second week of the school holidays that is in your surrounding area.
ECK BIRKDALE
When: Thursday 2nd October
Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm
with supervision from 8:00am - 3:30pm
Where: St Mary MacKillop Parish Centre, Birkdale
12 Hardy Rd, Birkdale
ECK COOMERA
Safeguarding Commitment
Archdiocesan Ministries is actively committed to upholding the dignity of all human life by providing and facilitating spaces that are emotionally, physically, and spiritually safe in our work of supporting parishes and communities in the Archdiocese. We commit to maintaining policies and practices that promote a culture that values strong safeguarding principles and present a sense of sanctuary for the vulnerable. As an organisation, we commit to listening, walking alongside, and sharing the appropriate avenues for support for those who make disclosures of personal sensitive information.
When: Friday 3rd October
Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm
with supervision from 8:00am - 5:00pm
Where: St Mary’s Parish (Old Chapel), Coomera
185 Billinghurst Cres, Upper Coomera
For more information around our safeguarding policy head to the link below
What to Bring
The ECK Team have developed a program that is full of fun engaging games, activities, crafts and prayer experiences. See list below for what we ask your children to bring on the day:
Children to bring:
Packed morning tea and lunch (no nuts or eggs)
Water bottle
Hat & Sunscreen
Any medication with the name clearly labelled (indicate to ECK staff through parent consent form)
Closed in shoes and sun smart clothing
Clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty
How much?
Register your children for either Birkdale and Coomera day.
Single Child -$20
Family (3 or more) - $50
FAQ’s
What age do my children need to be to attend the ECK July Holiday Program?
This program is designed from children who are primary school aged (from Prep to Grade 6). The program uses structures and processes that come from being at school.
What happens during the supervision time?
The formal program each day runs from 9:00am-3:00pm but to accommodate working parents we have supervision time from 8:30am - 5:00pm (until 3:30pm for Birkdale). Between 8:30 and 9:00 children will be supervised with games and activities inside. After the completion of the program at 3:00pm, supervision will include afternoon tea and a movie.
Are there differences at each location or is the program the same?
The ECK September Holiday Program is running in 2 different locations in 2025. Birkdale and Coomera. At each location the program will be the same. Choose the best location or date for you and your family.
What do I pack my child for lunch?
Children will have two large break times throughout the day. For morning tea we suggest packing some fruit, biscuits and a muesli bar and for lunch a sandwich or something substantial. Please be allergy aware so no nuts, fish, or eggs.
What are the sign in and pick up processes?
All children must be signed in and out of ECK by an adult (18 years or older). On sign in we ask for the best contact number for that day so if any issues arise we can make contact with ease. If your child is staying for the supervision we ask that you pick up your child by 5:00pm. Supervision ends at 5:00 so we will send a reminder message or call parents 15 minutes before supervision ends. If you are running late please let us know via the contact numbers sent to you after registration.
What do I have to do to register my child/children?
To register head to the links above and choose the date you would like your child to attend. Fill in the form and complete payment. Once registered you will be sent a confirmation email and a link to fill out the parent consent form. This form is very important as it provides the team with important information. You must fill out the form for your child to join the program.
What do if my child is sick or absent from the program or can’t attend a day?
When you register your children for the program you will be sent the contact information of the team facilitating the day. We ask that you call us or send a text to let us know your child will no longer be attending.
What happens if my child gets sick or doesn’t engage during the program?
Our Team has a first aid officer on site and will be able to administer first aid when necessary. If your child becomes sick during the day we will call parents and ask them to pick their child up.
If a child does not engage in the program, is not behaving well or disrupting the program we will also call parents and ask them to pick up their child. More information is provided to parents around this through the registration process.
Who facilitates the program?
This program is facilitated by The Children and Families Team at Archdiocesan Ministries alongside a group of volunteers from the hosting parish. There are also opportunities for student teachers to volunteer to gain experience in ministry with children. If this is something you are interested in fill in the volunteer form below and a member of our team will be in contact.