Cool ways to keep school holiday boredom at bay

Jake Helsby, 12, from Belmont, tries out his moves at the Auckland School of Rock. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

School holidays begin today and with the weather forecast predicting wet and cold, it is important to find some interesting activities for the kids.

It's too cold for the beach and often too wet for backyard sports, so the Weekend Herald checked out some of the slightly different holiday programmes on offer for winter, guaranteed to beat the boredom and keep parents sane.

For those who'd rather not pay hundreds of dollars, we've included some of Auckland's more down-to-earth activities as well.

AUCKLAND SCHOOL OF ROCK

Budding musicians need look no further than the Auckland School of Rock where kids form their own rock bands in four days.

After enrolling, they audition and are placed into three or four bands which then write and record a song under the eye of mentors from New Zealand groups (such as Geordie McCallum from Motorcade and Paul Reid from Rubicon).

Managing director Gareth Moore says the programme is designed to push kids out of their musical comfort zone, while building on existing talents and skills.

At the end of the four days the bands perform a concert for friends and family.

Most equipment is provided, as is morning tea.

Age: 12-19
Cost: Ranges from $125-$249
When: First week of the holidays from Tuesday to Friday
Where: Hobson St and Auckland Domain
Website: www.aucklandrock.com
To register: classes@aucklandrock.com
Phone: 0800 ROCK ON

KIDACTIVE MODELLING FOR TWEENS

This three-day course is run by industry professionals and teaches the basics in grooming, haircare, catwalk, modelling and dance.

It culminates in a catwalk show put on for friends and family.

Spokeswoman Lucy Mackenzie says the course is designed to boost confidence and self-esteem.

Each girl gets a certificate at the end, and there are level-two courses if they want to progress.

Age: 7-11
Cost: $199
When: July 8-10 from 9pm to 3pm
Where: Western Springs Garden Community Hall
To register: www.kidactive.co.nz
Phone: 0800 KID ACTIVE

'MEAN AS' BOYS' CAMP

No girls allowed on this week-long camp designed for boys, by boys.

Owner and manager Mike Bennett says every boy wants to ride motorbikes - and that's what boys do at this camp as well as bush-crashing, horse-riding, paintballing, milking cows, a spot of cooking and generally living the rural life.

Boys are taught dirt-bike skills including maintenance and riding skills and receive certificates for what they learn.

Camp can be scary for first-timers so kids are encouraged to bring friends - bringing up to three friends can get you half-price discounts. Prices include food and equipment.

Age: 10-16
Cost: $600 a boy or $300 each for four boys. See the website for further discounts
When: July 13- 17
Where: Whangaruru, Northland
Website: www.thefarm.co.nz
Phone: 09 433 6894

KID ACTIVE JUNIOR FASHION DESIGN

Budding fashion designers are given the opportunity to design their own fashion lines in this two-day course.

Kids are encouraged to use their imaginations to form a concept and theme and work to develop their ideas into a collection.

They can take away a portfolio of their collections in the form of a design book.

Similar courses can be taken where the collections are made.

Age: 6-9
Cost: $100
When: July 2-3, July 6-7, July 29-30,1pm-4pm
Where: Upland Rd, Remuera
To register: www.kidactive.co.nz
Phone: 0800 KID ACTIVE