DOES your child want to dance, play or learn a new sport this summer? School holidays are fast approaching, which means everyone is looking for something to do over the break.

Across the county, parents have a wide range of choice of camps and opportunities to choose from - here are some ideas.

Starting on July 29 is Sloggerz cricket camp, which is run by Wiltshire Council.

This camp runs until July 31 and takes place at Malmesbury Cricket Club.

Sloggerz is for all children between the ages of six and 12 and gives them the chance to develop their cricket skills and experience playing it.

The camp will also take place at Marlborough Cricket Club between August 12 and August 14.

For more information, go to wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-sloggerz-cricket-camps

in2sport coaching will provide day camps for children at Corsham Primary, Rivermead Primary, Melksham and Atworth’s Churchfields school.

In2sport offer a large range of sports, including football, hockey, basketball and tennis.

The camps are for children between the ages of five and 14 and runs on many days during the school break.

As well as sport camps, in2sport also offer in2dance, in2playtherapy and in2yoga so there are a lot of options for the little ones.

For more information and booking, go to in2sportcoaching.co.uk.

Another Wiltshire Council initiative is dance camps at the Vale Community Campus, Pewsey and the Springfield Community Campus, Corsham over the summer.

The programme is run in association with The Dance Lady, who has run dance lessons for over 20 years.

Children can experience a large range of dance genres and this is for young ones aged between five and 14. The camp takes place in Pewsey between August 5 and August 7 and is in Corsham between August 8 and August 9.

For more information, go to wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-dance-camps

For children who want to stretch their legs on their summer break, Startrack Athletics camps are being set up in multiple venues across the county.

The programme aims to give all children aged between six and 14 a chance to experience track and field events under expert teachers.

The camps take place at Dauntsey’s School in West Lavington, August 5 to August 9, Hardenhuish School in Chippenham, August 12 to August 16, and Marlborough College, August 19 to August 21.

Details at http://wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-startrack-athletics-camps

Camp Xtra, aimed at children between eight and 15, is back again after the success of the 2018 edition.

The programme consists of a wide range of activities, including kayaking, cookery, trampolining, portraiture and photography.

Organisers say they have ensured that costs are kept affordable to ensure families get good value for money.

The programme runs between August 12 and August 16 at Devizes School. Book at intranet.devizes.wilts.sch.uk/campxtra

British Youth Music Theatre will also be holding a six day musical workshop at Warminster School from July 29, working on The Witches. This unique course involves the production of a musical version of Roald Dahl’s Witches, while also developing children’s skills.

Children will work with a professional artistic team, have the opportunity to earn a grade six certificate in musical theatre, stay in residential accommodation, equipped with 24 hour care.The course is designed for children between the ages of 11-17 and will take place between July 29 and August 3.

For more information, go to britishyouthmusictheatre.org/take-part/courses/wiltshire-summer-camp-2019-witches

How to fund your children’s school break

This year, it will be easier for parents to pay for their children’s summer activities after the government has introduced a tax-free childcare scheme.

Working parents are able to claim up to £2,000 per child, per year to help fund any of the 68,000 registered playschemes, childminders, nurseries or clubs over the school holidays.

The scheme is open to working parents, including self-employed, who earn up to £100,000 a year and have kids aged 0-11.

Liz Truss, chief secretary to the Treasury said: “We understand making arrangements for summer childcare at this time of year is important and can be a stressful time for parents.

“Tax-Free Childcare makes things easier, putting more money in the pockets of parents and supporting as many families as possible to secure high-quality, affordable childcare.

“Parents should visit the Childcare Choices website and take advantage of the range of offers to help balance their work and family lives while saving money.”

For every £8 that families pay in, the government will make a top-up payment of an additional £2, and any money saved can be used for other childcare options when school starts again in September.

For more information on this new scheme, go to: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk and find out how you can save money this summer.