HAF Summer Camp 2026

Tracked robot built during STEM Explorers

STEM Explorers Holiday Camp

A hands-on robotics holiday camp for ages 8-16 in Ilford. Children build a real robot, explore beginner-friendly coding, take part in teamwork challenges, and receive lunch and refreshments.

Book Free HAF Place Private Registration

Booking links are currently paused. The programme details remain available below while we prepare the next STEM Explorers holiday camp.

£0Eligible HAF place

£48Paid private place

9:30AM start

8-16Age range

Programme Overview

Robotics, Coding and Teamwork During the Summer Holidays

Build a real robotChildren work in small teams to assemble a robot, make it move and guide it through obstacle courses.

Beginner-friendly codingScratch-style blocks, simple Python concepts and Arduino-based commands introduce real programming ideas.

Supportive small groupsNo experience is needed. Children are encouraged to share ideas, try new things and learn by doing.

Refreshments includedDrinks, snacks, lunch, equipment and activity materials are provided.

Welcome to STEM Explorers

STEM Explorers introduces children to robotics and coding through practical, interactive challenges. They build a real robot, test it through movement tasks and obstacle courses, and learn how machines follow instructions.

Free HAF places are available for eligible children receiving benefits-related Free School Meals. These eligible places are funded by Redbridge London Borough Council. Paid private places are also available for non-FSM families.

Redbridge-funded HAF places for eligible children only
Paid private places open to non-FSM families
Suitable for ages 8-16
Based at Unit 2, 388 High Road, Ilford, IG1 1TL

Booking Update

Next STEM Explorers Camp Coming Soon

Booking links are currently paused. The programme details remain available below while we prepare the next STEM Explorers holiday camp.

020 3441 7272 Contact Us

Camp Details

Everything Parents Need to Know

Dates

Monday 10 August 2026

Time

9:30am - 1:45pm

Location

Unit 2, 388 High Road, Ilford, IG1 1TL

Provided

Drinks, snacks, lunch, equipment

Ages

8 - 16 years

Funding

Redbridge funded for eligible HAF children only

Booking Options

Free HAF Places and Paid Places Available

Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply early to secure your child's place.

Booking links are currently paused. The programme details remain available below while we prepare the next STEM Explorers holiday camp.

Eligible HAF

Free HAF Place

For eligible benefits-related Free School Meals families

£0/session

Funded by Redbridge London Borough Council for eligible children only

Robotics and coding activities included
Drinks, snacks and lunch provided
Equipment and activity materials included
Limited funded places available

Book Free HAF Place

Paid Place

For non-FSM families who want to join the camp

£48/session

Private paid place · not council-funded

Same full STEM Explorers programme
Drinks, snacks and lunch provided
Safe, supervised environment
Childcare vouchers accepted
Easy online registration

Private Registration

Learning Aims

A Robotics Programme Built Around Confidence

Robotics Principles

Understand the basic principles of robotics and how machines follow instructions.

Coding Concepts

Learn simple programming concepts using child-friendly coding tools and real-world examples.

Small-Team Confidence

Build confidence by working collaboratively in small teams and sharing ideas.

Future Pathways

Inspire curiosity about engineering, technology and future career pathways.

Previous Sessions

STEM Explorers in Action

Photos from recent ARK STEM sessions, showing the robotics, coding, teamwork and activity time children take part in.

Video Highlight

STEM Explorers Are Back This Summer

Watch a short clip from ARK Education showing the robotics and STEM activities children can expect.

Watch on TikTok

Robot builds Block coding Team challenges VR activities Lunch provided

Students working together to build a robot during a STEM Explorers session — Robot build

Students taking part in group STEM activities at ARK Education Centre — Team activities

Children working in small groups during a holiday camp session — Small groups

Tutor supporting children with coding activities on laptops — Guided coding

Students using laptops to learn Arduino and coding concepts — Arduino coding

Tracked robot built for a coding and engineering activity — Robot testing

Close-up of a robot with lights and sensors — Sensors

Close-up of block coding software on a laptop — Block coding

Hands assembling robot parts during a STEM activity — Hands-on build

Children working on coding tasks using laptops — Paired coding

Children trying a VR activity during a technology session — VR activity

Children having lunch during the holiday camp programme — Lunch break

Close-up of a robotics build activity with tools and wiring — Robotics build

Safety & SEND

Supportive, Safe and Inclusive

Parents and carers should share relevant SEND, medical, accessibility or care needs before the child attends so staff can confirm whether the setting and support are suitable.

Safety Measures

Enhanced DBS, public liability insurance, risk assessment, safeguarding training, first aid training, first aid kit and smoke detector.

SEND Information

More information is available on request. Contact us before booking if your child may need personal care, accessibility support, quiet space or other adjustments.

Cancellation Policy

No refunds are given except in the case of a cancellation by the mentor/provider.

FAQs

Common Questions

Free HAF places are for children who are eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals. These eligible places are funded by Redbridge London Borough Council for eligible children only and should be booked through Eequ.

Yes. Paid private places are available for families who are not eligible for a free HAF place, subject to availability. Paid private places are not council-funded.

Drinks, snacks, lunch, equipment and all STEM activity materials are provided as part of the programme.

Children will work in small teams to build and bring a real robot to life, guide it through obstacle courses, and learn beginner-friendly coding concepts using Scratch-style blocks, simple Python ideas and Arduino-based commands.

Apply for STEM Explorers Summer Camp

Choose the correct booking route for your family. Eligible free HAF places use Eequ and are Redbridge-funded for eligible children only. Paid private places use our registration form.

Booking links are currently paused. The programme details remain available below while we prepare the next STEM Explorers holiday camp.

Book Free HAF Place Private Registration 020 3441 7272

020 3441 7272