Confidence-building activities for the summer holidays

Looking for fun, confidence-building activities to do during the holidays?

The school holidays can feel long, but they’re also the perfect opportunity to build your child’s confidence, inspire creativity and encourage curiousity about the natural world.

We’ve rounded up 9 free or low-cost activity ideas to help kids get creative, explore the outdoors and try something new.

Turn simple walks into an adventure

There are loads of ways you can turn a simple summer walk into a confidence-boosting adventure where children can take the lead.

1. Plan a mini-adventure – let your child take the lead and plan your route. You could hop on a bus to somewhere new, or simply head out on foot and let them decide which way they want to go. Left, right or straight-ahead - you might be surprised where you end up! It’s a great way for children to follow their instincts and encourage their curiousity.
   
   Take a look at our Brownies wayfinder interest badge and encourage your child to become a nature detective or map-maker.
2. Go on a colour walk – pick 1 or 2 colours before you set off and challenge your child to spot them along the way. Let the colours guide your route as you practice mindfulness and enjoy the beauty of nature. If you time it right, you could catch the sunset and chat about why the sky changes colour. Can your child spot their colour in the sky?
3. Texture scavenger hunt – look for interesting textures like tree bark, rocks or leaves while on a walk. Use crayons or pastels to take rubbings on paper or fabric. This activity is a great way for children to explore nature in a different way. Discover how textures feel and look and create a piece of art from all of the patterns you collect.

Support your local wildlife

We know that spending time in nature has a positive impact on girls' wellbeing, helping to build their confidence as they explore, learn about and take care of the world around them.

1. Make a bug hotel - use old crates, tin cans, or bamboo cane or logs to create a home for insects. Fill any gaps with dry grass or leaves, and watch as all manner of bugs find their home. Your child can learn about local wildlife and feel proud of their creation.
2. Plant wildflower seeds – brighten up your garden or windowsill while supporting bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Try planting native wildflower seeds in pots, window boxes or your own garden. It’s an easy way for children to care for nature and watch something grow over time.
3. Earn an interest badge at home – from the great outdoors and bee rescuer for Rainbows to birdwatching and animal helper for Brownies, there’s so much to learn about the outside world.

Our range of interest badges are brilliant because they're designed to encourage children to be independent and explore their interests. And they can be completed at home!

You can browse the list of badges on our website. 

Rainy day activities

Whatever the weather, you can get creative, try new things and build confidence through play.

1. Build a den – create a cosy den using blankets, sheets or whatever you have to hand. Drape them over chairs or furniture to build your structure, and add with cushions or peg fairy lights to the outside. Encourage your child to problem-solve and figure out how to build and decorate the den themselves. Then, grab some favourite snacks and a good book to enjoy your new space together.
   
   Rainbows can earn their construction interest badge and learn more about different materials and the strongest shapes. 
2. Create your own 'Guess Who' game - making your own games is a brilliant way to get children thinking creatively. Write down characters on square pieces of card – 1 character per square. You can use cartoon characters, people from books or tv show or even friends and family. In a group, each person picks a card at random and places it on their head, then asks yes or no questions to guess who they are. This is a fun way to build communication and speaking skills.
   
   Top fun tip: To make it extra funny, draw friends and family members so everyone has to describe each other!
3. Paint with outdoor objects - brave the rain to collect fallen leaves, flowers or twigs (being careful not to damage plans or wildlife). Then, create your own paintbrushes by tying your objects to a stick with an elastic band. Experiment with new textures and patterns from nature. Trying something new in a low-pressure environment can help children feel more confident expressing themselves.

Thanks to all of our amazing volunteers, hundreds of girls across the UK get to enjoy activities like these all year round. 

If you’d like to get involved you can find an opportunity near you, or ask your child’s unit about ways you can help.