Children were given the opportunity to try singing, dancing and acting, as well as fashion shows, arts and crafts, nutrition workshops and outdoor activities.
Organisers said the programme was designed to provide a mixture of activities, including quieter creative sessions for children who did not want to perform.
Youngsters painted mugs and water bottles, made keyrings and designed fans during the clubs.
Activities were also adapted during periods of hot weather to ensure children could continue taking part safely.
RPA founder Fi Da Silva-Adams said some of the most rewarding moments involved watching nervous children grow in confidence.
She said:
“We want the children to have loads of fun, but it’s also lovely to see what happens as they become more comfortable.
“We had children who were very unsure when they first arrived and, by the end, they were joining in, performing in front of other people and making new friends.
“Those might seem like little things, but for some children they are huge achievements, and seeing how proud they are of themselves is really special.”
RPA said communities also formed around individual holiday clubs, with parents communicating through WhatsApp groups.
Fi said:
“If a child couldn’t attend, parents would pop a message into the group and other families would ask if they could take the space.
“I didn’t need to manage it. The parents were talking to each other and making sure places weren’t going to waste. That sense of community was really lovely to see.
“I’m also incredibly proud of our team. They worked so hard throughout the summer, particularly in the heat, to make sure the children were safe, happy and having a brilliant time.”
The organisation said feedback from families suggested many children were already looking forward to returning.
One parent said her daughter had previously struggled to find somewhere she felt comfortable attending regularly, but was now “counting down” to her next RPA session.
A father whose four children attended the Croft holiday club said:
“All four of my children have absolutely loved their time at Croft this summer.
“As a dad, it means so much to know that they are happy, safe and so well cared for. We’re so grateful for all the love, kindness and fun you’ve given our children.”
RPA is now preparing to run its winter holiday clubs, with funded and privately booked places expected to be available.
The Swindon-based organisation delivers more than 1,200 performing arts sessions every year across Swindon, North Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire.
It also runs regular weekly classes and school holiday clubs offering singing, dancing, drama and other creative activities for children and young people.
