Menu
The Sunfield July Program – A Joyful Break from the Everyday
At Sunfield Howick, we believe that rest, play, and new experiences are just as important as routine and structure. That’s why each year, our Sunfield July Program brings something truly special to the heart of winter — a two-week “holiday” for our residents that’s packed with fun, connection, and adventure.
During this time, we step away from our regular day-to-day schedule and enter a space of celebration, creativity, and relaxation. For our residents, it’s a chance to experience something fresh each day — and for our staff, it’s an opportunity to bring joy in new and imaginative ways.
The July Program features a thoughtfully planned schedule filled with exciting activities, both within the comfort of Sunfield and out in the community. From dress-up days, talent shows, and movie mornings to outings for milkshakes, picnics, and local adventures — every day holds something different for our residents to look forward to.
Whether it’s a morning of drumming, a surprise treat in the dining room, or a dance party in the hall, the joy is infectious. These moments of play and spontaneity build memories that last long after the winter chill has faded.
Behind the scenes, our staff pour their hearts into crafting experiences that our residents will love. Each activity is designed to be inclusive, engaging, and full of heart. It’s more than just keeping busy — it’s about giving our residents the chance to feel celebrated, to laugh freely, and to be part of something extraordinary.
While structure and routine are essential to our residents’ well-being, so too is the simple joy of play.
The July Program offers:
The Sunfield July Program began as a way to give our residents a well-deserved “holiday” — a chance to step away from their usual daily structure and enjoy something fun, different, and exciting.
Much like school holidays, this two-week break offers our residents a chance to rest, explore, and recharge — mentally, emotionally, and socially.
The July Program has been a much-loved tradition at Sunfield for many years, offering a wonderful mix of activities both within the Home and out in the wider community. From nearby visits to charming spots like Piggly Wiggly, to exciting adventures further afield at uShaka Marine World or Dragon Rock Reptile Park in the Drakensberg, every outing promises something special.
Many of these excursions are paired with a delicious lunch or refreshing drinks, giving our residents the joy of new tastes and a break from the familiar routine. More than just a day out, these experiences are a chance to explore, discover, and learn something new.
One of the highlights of the July Program is the freedom of choice it offers. Each resident selects two outings from a long list of options, ensuring their program is personally tailored to their interests. This element of choice fosters a sense of independence and autonomy – because there’s nothing quite like deciding for yourself where you want to go and what you want to experience.
Whether it’s meeting a snake up close, feeling the sea breeze at the aquarium, or enjoying the simple pleasure of a cappuccino in a new café, the July Program is all about creating happy memories, encouraging personal growth, and celebrating the individuality of each Sunfield resident
The July Program is one of the most anticipated times of the year at Sunfield. For our residents, it means:
It’s a time of pure joy — and the memories made during these two weeks often become the stories we hear retold with glowing smiles for months to come.
The July Program is made possible thanks to the support of our incredible Sunfield community — and there are so many ways to help make this two-week holiday extra special.
Every act of kindness helps create joyful, lasting memories — and shows our residents just how deeply they are loved and valued.
If you’d like to get involved in next year’s July Program, please contact us at https://sunfield.co.za/donate/
“For all the 21 years that I lived in my other home, I never ever experienced something so exciting as the Sunfield July programme. I have looked forward to it every year since I started nearly five years ago.
It was wonderful to go to the movies and have lunch at the Liberty Mall with my friends. Sometimes at the movies I cannot always hear everything but I understand the movie pictures, and I can also sometimes lip-read. Our trip down to Durban and uShaka was a wonderful experience. I have never been there before.
The dolphin show was amazing. I know dolphins are very intelligent mammals, but I did not realise that they could teach them to do all those tricks and jump through hoops. Wow. That was amazing. Even though our buses had a few problems, we all came home safely after a very happy outing.
I am already thinking about next year, and that is exciting for me. We are very lucky that Sunfield has this for us, Ressies. There are so many different choices and there is something special that everyone can do.
We are very lucky to have the staff who take us and make our July programme so special. When we were not on our outings, there were fun and games in the hall. I have had a very special July Holiday at Sunfield. I know that we have all had a wonderful holiday in our own home at Sunfield.”
Have any questions? Call or email our General Manager, Don Tully.