Children’s Holiday Venture is a student-run charity established in 1963, based in Edinburgh. We work with approximately 140 children who have been referred to us by social workers, schools and GPs. Our mission is to improve the children’s emotional well-being, confidence and social skills through free fortnightly activity evenings, day trips and residential camps. We rely solely on charitable donations from grants and fundraisers to do this.

Our child-to-volunteer ratio of 3:1 provides individualised attention and support, whilst regular long-term contact builds meaningful relationships and trust. 

Through our fortnightly activity evenings the children have the opportunity to participate in activities that they would not be able to partake in otherwise. These range from trampolining, to swimming, games nights and scavenger hunts. These activities allow them to be challenged within a safe and fun space, enabling them to discover their strengths and grow in confidence. 

Day trips give the children an opportunity to spend a longer period of time with their regular groups and allows us to take the children further afield. Past trips have included going to Edinburgh Zoo, Drummond Safari park, Glasgow Science Centre, Time Capsule Waterpark and Dynamic Earth. The day trip often has an educational element, and older children are also empowered to improve their leadership skills. 

We also operate 3-day residential activity camps. For many of the children we work with, this camp will be their first time leaving Edinburgh and being away from their parents/ guardians. This allows them to be challenged in a safe and secure environment, whilst discovering skills that they never thought they had. The activities range from capture the flag, to abseiling, zip lining and raft building.

Edinburgh University Children's Holiday Venture is a registered charity in Scotland (SC007496)

Children's Holiday Venture

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