Plenty of school holidays, adventurous children, and working parents: everything points to parents looking for childcare options during the Bremen school break. But are my children really reliably cared for? Isn't it incredibly expensive? Is there anything suitable available? Is there anything near us?
Because all these questions exist, there's also the Bremen Holiday Compass! The Bremen Family Network compiles supervised holiday programs for children aged six and up in and around Bremen via bremer-ferienkompass.de . The project has been funded by the Senator for Labor, Social Affairs, Youth and Integration since 2018. Now, here are our good reasons (and tips):
1. Every year there are many school holidays, or around 13 weeks of vacation, in the state of Bremen!
Yes, it's true, with school holidays, public holidays, and so-called "bridge days," there are quite a few days off from school . Working parents usually have a childcare gap, especially if their children are still in primary school. But even stay-at-home parents need a break and some child-free time during the long holidays. Because caregiving and family pressures can quickly drain parents' batteries. Find your own little oases of calm during the holidays to achieve a good balance in your family's daily life!
2. Children need variety!
"What can I do now?" Most parents are familiar with this question. "I'm boooored!" usually follows right after. Many children crave action and look forward to adventures. Boredom isn't bad at all, but sometimes it's time for new ideas and stimulation. Give your child the opportunity!
3. Try it out and experience it: Children learn quickly and are incredibly curious
Put your smartphone away! Finally, time to get outside and experience something new. Especially after the long Corona lockdown, many children and teenagers are looking forward to just that. And every child is different: there are so many different interests and talents. Only by trying something out can you say whether you like it. Whether it's camping, sewing, horseback riding, or longboarding, whether it's filming, working in an art studio, doing yoga, or programming. That's why the Bremen Holiday Compass has four categories – Creativity, Movement, Knowledge, and Travel – for you to search in. There's tons of things to try!
4. Great experiences create a new sense of togetherness
Schoolchildren often have friends with whom they spend their time. But who doesn't remember summer camp and newly made best friends, campfire bread, forgotten towels, and countless mosquitoes – those first adventures without Mom and Dad help children grow. And shared experiences with others also help them grow. That's why the Bremen Holiday Compass also includes an overview of inclusive activities aimed at children with and without disabilities – to perhaps (re)discover the joy of being together.
5. Many affordable and free offers for those on a budget
Holiday programs aren't affordable for all parents. But even with limited funds, children can have fantastic holidays. The Bremen Holiday Compass provides an overview of inexpensive and free childcare options for children and teenagers. Parents can also apply for financial support for children's and youth trips through the Daniel Schnakenberg Foundation . Discounts and subsidies are also available through the Education and Participation Package . Take advantage of these opportunities!
6. You don't have to look far afield…
Holidays at Lake Unisee? Why not? It's not always about hearing a foreign language or swimming in an ocean; often it's the little things that are fun and make living together truly special. The AWO Bremen district youth organization seems to have thought the same thing, "Holidays Without Suitcases" for primary school children in Bremen's west end. This is one of countless fantastic holiday programs in Bremen, but its title conveys something very simple: holidays can happen right on your doorstep – and still be something truly special!
7. … but you can also get out of Bremen sometimes!
Of course, children of all ages want to explore the world and see new things. Older children, in particular, often develop a desire to discover their surroundings, their country, or even the world. Youth camps, school trips, summer camps, and tent camps offer these opportunities . There are trips for children and young people to the countryside around Lower Saxony, as well as to Denmark or Norway, the Baltic Sea coast, or the Black Forest. Youth Information Service Bureau overview of trips for children and young people offered by organizations based in Bremen .