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Beyond the Break: Huddle Holidays Igniting New Passions This Summer

Xavier Smith

6 Feb 2026

Discover how 200 young people owned the summer.

Over 200 young people from across Melbourne and Wyndham came together this summer to learn new skills, build friendships, and grow their confidence.


Huddle Holidays Summer 2026 has officially wrapped up, leaving behind a trail of new experiences and strengthened community ties. Across seven vibrant activities, our Junior and Senior programs provided a safe, inclusive, and enriching space for young people to make the most of their school holidays.


From the quiet concentration of a movie day to the high-energy courts of the Australian Open, the program was designed to foster social connection, health and wellbeing, and personal growth for every participant.


Exploring and Creating: Junior Program (8–12 years old)


Our Junior program was all about exploration and skill-building. Across four targeted activities, young people were encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and try something new.



Melbourne Museum:

Participants became explorers for a day, navigating the museum's vast galleries to uncover the wonders of history and science. This excursion sparked curiosity and gave juniors the chance to learn in an immersive, world-class environment.



Softball Superclinic in Truganina: 

Delivered by our fantastic partners at Softball Victoria, this high-energy clinic focused on the fundamentals of the game. From picking up a bat for the first time to running the bases, participants built physical coordination and confidence on the pitch.



Crafternoon: 

Our "Crafternoon" transformed the room into a hub of color and imagination. Juniors engaged in hands-on creative projects, allowing them to express themselves artistically while developing fine motor skills and sharing ideas with peers.


Movie Day: 

After a busy summer of movement, our in-house Movie Day provided a much-needed space for relaxation. Young people enjoyed a shared cinematic experience in a welcoming environment, strengthening social bonds through low-pressure downtime.


Independence and Teamwork: Senior Program (13–18 years old)


The Senior program focused on empowering young people through independence and team-based challenges. By providing a supportive environment, the program helped participants build the confidence to tackle new physical and social hurdles.



Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP): 

Taking to the water offered a unique lesson in balance and resilience. Seniors worked together to navigate the waves, encouraging one another as they mastered the basics of SUP in a session that blended physical fitness with outdoor fun.



The Australian Open: 

Through the support of the Australian Tennis Foundation, our seniors experienced the electric atmosphere of elite professional sport. Witnessing world-class athletes in action at a major tournament inspired many to see the possibilities of where dedication and practice can lead.



Female-Only Volleyball Tournament: 

This tournament was more than just a competition; it was a space for young women to take the lead. Players demonstrated incredible teamwork and spirit, competing in a supportive environment that celebrated both athletic effort and community connection.


A Community Where Everyone Belongs


At the heart of Huddle Holidays is the desire to make every young person feel seen and valued. This summer, the feedback from our participants highlighted the inclusive culture that defines The Huddle.

"I like the supportive and welcoming community of The Huddle the most. They try to make you feel included and comfortable in every event and no one feels excluded." — Program Participant

Another participant noted that the program opened their eyes to new possibilities: "The program offers things I have never thought of doing and gives me new interests."


Looking Ahead

As we look back on a summer of growth and fun, we are reminded of the power of accessible, inclusive programming. We are proud to see our young people returning to school with new stories, new friends, and a greater sense of belonging.


A huge thank you to all our participants, families, activity providers, volunteers, and partners — we couldn’t have done it without you!


We can’t wait to do it all again. We'll see you for the next Huddle Holidays during the Easter break!

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY
The Huddle acknowledge the Traditional Owners upon whose ancestral lands we live, work, and play. We pay our respect to their Elders, past and present, and recognise their continued connection to Country and community. It is here where we learn, grow, and belong. We recognise the resilience, pride, and rich
cultural heritage of Australia’s First Peoples.

STATEMENT OF INCLUSION
The Huddle is dedicated to ensuring all young people feel like they belong in the places they learn, work and play. We strive to foster environments where all young people in our communities know they are welcome no matter their age, culture, ability, sex, gender identity, language, race, religious beliefs, and/or sexual
orientation. We are committed to continuous learning through storytelling, representation, amplifying young peoples’ voices, and celebrating diversity. We take great pride in our commitment to inclusion and creating a safe environment for all young people to thrive.

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 ©2024 by The Huddle.

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