Help is at hand for families in Hackney who are struggling to find the money to take their children on a summer holiday.

Hackney Gazette: The team at Summer Hype want to provide Hackney schoolchildren who would not normally have a summer holiday with a week-long vacation.The team at Summer Hype want to provide Hackney schoolchildren who would not normally have a summer holiday with a week-long vacation. (Image: Archant)

The normal price for the summer camp – taking place at Grosvenor Hall in Kent in August – is £30, but free places are available for children who are on free school meals due to financial circumstances and those who are recommended by the school’s special educational needs co-ordinator.

There are also free places available for parents who are finding it difficult to provide their children with a trip away.

Last year students from schools such as St John of Jerusalem, Mandeville, Gayhurst and Berger signed up, and the crew is hoping even more youngsters jump aboard in 2017.

Manya Eversley, who founded the not-for-profit organisation three years ago with her colleague Emma Mittelman, said: “Many of us take for granted the trips away we enjoy and memories we make as kids. Not everyone has that opportunity.

“Every child needs a fun week away to learn, to grow and to make new friends. Summer Hype gives that to those who wouldn’t otherwise have the means to do so.

“It is not only a welcome break for parents but also a memorable experience for participants.”

Those attending the summer camp will be able to take advantage of a variety of adventure and recreational facilities on offer at the former manor house, including a climbing wall, a zip-wire and a swimming pool.

Emma added: “Each day is filled with exciting activities ranging from sport and music to creatively engaging with social and political issues.

“We believe that these activities have educational value and use them as tools to empower children to develop responsibility and make a change.

“The camp facilitates personal development and we get to witness the children grow in confidence, fostering a sense of community, and making lasting friendships.”

Participants typically apply through their primary or secondary school, but parents who are interested are encouraged to get in touch.

To find out more or to book your place on the summer camp – which runs between August 21 and August 27 – e-mail summerhypeteam@gmail.com.