The holidays can often be a sedentary time, but kids can get moving at the Active Sports Academy Winter Holiday Camp to cap the year.

Held in two week stretches from December 21-24 and December 28-31, the winter camp is a perfect opportunity for kids aged four to 14 to have some fun physical activity during the midterm school break. The two venues for the camp are the Regent International School, Greens, and Ontario International Canadian School, Mirdif.

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A number of sports will be available, including basketball, soccer, tennis, dodgeball, as well as other team sports and children favourites – administered by coaches who are qualified in their respective sports.

“All the camps we do are multi-activity, sports-based camps,” said Carole Worrall, marketing for Active Sports Academy. “We do a lot of team games and activities to get all the children involved. We’re very inclusive in the way we teach, so that everyone’s involved, encouraged to participate and be part of the group, which is a very important social skill for children.

“There are a lots of team games, lots of running around, it’s a great environment in which kids can just let off some steam. We want everyone to get off the sofa, get away from the PlayStation and come and be active.”

Of course, balance is always important which is why children will also be able to make arts and crafts and take a field trip, which is included as part of the camp. Though the camp is split into two four-day segments, kids taking part for the entire eight days won’t get bored.

“Activities will change and there will be a rotation, so kids aren’t going to come in and have it the exact same thing every day,” said Worrall. “It’s all along similar lines and the children know what to expect, but there’s never a dull moment.”

Naturally, the camp will also have some holiday themes to incorporate the time of the year. “We will definitely try to build in some holiday themes that are appropriate,” said Worrall.

“You might find our arts and crafts have a Santa Claus theme. But that’s not the key thing because we’re very multicultural in our demographic.”

Overall, the camp aims to not only get children active, but build on necessary social skills for development.

“A lot of kids need to move,” said Worrall.

“Children sleep better and are better tempered if they actually have some physical activity and get the blood flowing. Also, it gives the parents a break, whether they’re working or preparing to travel for the festive season.

“I think it’s also great to get children out and socialising so they develop leadership skills, participation skills and social skills that go with inclusion and being accepting of others.”

Kids are recommended to bring a swimming costume and towel, a healthy packed lunch, additional snacks and a water bottle.

The fee for the camp is Dh150 for one day, Dh550 for four days and Dh1,000 for the full eight days with a sibling discount available.

So, what are you waiting for?

What: Active Sports Academy Winter Holiday Camp
Where: Regent International School, Greens, and Ontario International Canadian School, Mirdif
When: Sunday, December 21 to Wednesday, December 24 and Sunday, December 28 to Wednesday, December 31 from 08:30 to 14:00 daily Contact: Visit www.activeuae.com/holiday-activity-camps for more information and registration