Balancing study with work and childcare is no easy feat. For Chamika, school holidays became that little bit easier with Carnaby Kids. | Reading time: 2 min
While completing her Master of Professional Accounting, Chamika discovered Carnaby Kids, a sports-based school holiday program right here on campus, designed for children aged 5 to 13 years old.
Chamika first heard about Carnaby Kids through another parent from school before learning more through Curtin Sport and Recreation. What started as a practical childcare solution for school holidays quickly became something much more valuable for both her and her son.
“My son is very active and loves sports, and Carnaby Kids has provided a great environment for him to play, stay engaged, and develop his confidence.”
Held at Curtin Stadium, Carnaby Kids offers a full day of sport and recreational activities for children of all interests and energy levels, focusing on confidence-building and fun in a safe and supportive environment.
The active nature of the program was exactly what Chamika’s son needed. The structure of different sports being on different days kept him excited to come back each day.
“I think it is the perfect place for him rather than a normal daycare, and that’s why we keep coming back to Carnaby Kids. When kids go to normal daycare, they do some study-related activities, but I believe holidays should be fun! And my son just wants to sleep when we go home. That makes parenting easy.”
The convenience and affordability of the program also helped make balancing uni, work and parenting more manageable. Located on campus, Carnaby Kids allows parents to stay close by throughout the day – at an affordable price.
“Carnaby Kids has been a huge support during my studies, giving me peace of mind knowing my child is in a safe and caring environment, doing what he loves to do. With the extended timing of 8:30am to 4:30pm, I had time before and after work for drop off and pick up, which made everything much more comfortable.”
Chamika’s biggest piece of advice to other parents is about learning to balance competing priorities.
“There are quite a lot of commitments in life – family, study, work. You have to prioritise your time and prioritise your tasks. Planning ahead is something that I need to do as a student and a worker and a mum.”
Are you looking for an engaging school holiday option for your kids? Register for the upcoming Makuru program, running Monday 6 July – Friday 17 July 2026.
