As the leaves turn gold and the air gets crisp, autumn is the perfect time for children to dive into a world of adventure. One of the best ways to do this is by sending your child to an October half-term camp!
These aren’t just about keeping the kids busy during the school break — far from it! It’s a chance for them to discover, learn, and grow, while having endless fun and making lots of new memories and friends along the way.
In this guide, we’ll discuss what makes October so special, the range of benefits an adventure camp in October offers, and even how to choose the right one for a spook-tacular autumn experience!
What makes October so special?
In the UK, October is a month full of colour, changes, and excitement! It’s the season of Halloween, harvest celebrations and autumnal events — ideal for outdoor adventures! Beyond the fun and festivities, there are plenty of reasons why October is such a special time of the year:
- The crisp autumn weather: All the green leaves from trees start to turn incredible shades of red, yellow, and orange. On top of that, the cool, crisp air makes it optimal weather for activities like nature walks, leaf-collecting, scavenger hunting and of course, getting outdoors!
- Cosy days indoors: The shorter days and colder evenings invite us to make the most of cosy days indoors. Think snuggling up with a good book, sipping hot chocolate, or lounging by the fire. It’s simple pleasures like these that make October even more enjoyable.
- A chance to recharge: For both students and teachers, October offers a very welcome and deserved break. October half-term holiday gives kids a valuable chance to decompress, unwind, and recharge their batteries, ready to tackle the next school term.
- Halloween: Let’s not forget one of October’s biggest highlights — Halloween! It’s a magical time for pumpkin carving, dressing up in costumes, sharing spooky stories, and going trick-or-treating with friends.
The benefits of an October half-term camp
If you’re one of the many parents who are looking to keep your child active and entertained this half-term, an October holiday camp is an excellent choice! Our October adventure camps offer a varied programme of age-appropriate experiences on land, in the water, and even high up in the air, from climbing trees and kayaking to zip-lining through the treetops.
Blending exploration, learning, and fun, kids camps help children return to school feeling refreshed and motivated, offering valuable experiences that boost overall growth and wellbeing, plus lots of great stories to share with their classmates. Let’s explore key reasons why booking an October half-term camp could be the best decision you make this season!
1. Hands-on learning
One of the greatest benefits of going to camp is the chance to learn by doing. Rather than sitting at a desk in class, kids can participate in practical activities that teach important skills such as problem-solving and teamwork.
For example, a child might study contours in a geography lesson, but on an adventurous orienteering course, they’ll use a map and compass to navigate the terrain to find various control points. Similarly, a science lesson on friction and heat is brought to life when kids learn to light a campfire using matches and natural resources like dry twigs and sticks.
This type of experiential learning is incredibly powerful, enabling children to build practical life skills, boost their confidence in unfamiliar situations, and understand how the world works far beyond a textbook.
2. Sparks creativity
In an increasingly digital world, October half-term camps give children the space and freedom to unleash their creativity. Away from video games, TVs, and social media, they are encouraged to use their imagination in a natural setting.
Using materials like branches, ferns, mud and a few pieces of rope or cord, kids can build a shelter together, requiring them to collaborate on design and structure. Nature art is another activity that invites children to explore their surroundings by gathering leaves and pinecones to craft beautiful collages or sculptures.
Seasonal themes like Halloween also add an extra layer of thrills and chills! Kids can carve pumpkins, tell spooky stories around the campfire, or go on a treasure hunt! In short, October camps are highly beneficial for a child’s cognitive development, helping them to think outside of the box and solve problems in innovative ways.
3. Builds social skills
Life at an October half-term holiday camp is all about teamwork, communication, and cooperation. Whether your child is naturally outgoing or a little shy, spending time with peers of a similar age, often from different schools and backgrounds, helps children form friendships that last well beyond the holiday.
For instance, an activity like raft building encourages participants to construct a raft that will float with a number of components, including large plastic barrels, ropes and poles. To succeed, they must work as a cohesive unit, listening carefully, negotiating ideas, and delegating tasks based on each person’s strengths.
Playing board games such as Cluedo, relaxing together in chill-out zones, and living alongside others in residential accommodation also provide valuable opportunities for children to strengthen their bonds, while teaching them important life skills, such as empathy, conflict resolution, and trust.
4. Develops independence and resilience
For many, an October adventure camp might be their first time away from home for more than a day, and that experience alone builds independence. Children are encouraged to take responsibility for themselves by packing their own bags, following schedules, and looking after their personal belongings.
Furthermore, they also face challenges designed to push them outside of their comfort zone. These include overcoming a fear of heights on a high ropes course or developing focus and patience through archery. Overall, it teaches them they are more than capable and that it’s ok to fail and try again.
By the end, the sense of joy and accomplishment children feel after completing such a task is incredible, nurturing a positive ‘can-do’ attitude that will serve them well in all areas of life.
5. Keeps kids active
It’s no secret that many children spend more time indoors than ever before. According to an AXA Health poll, kids in the UK spend an average of five and a half hours watching TV and 20 minutes scrolling social media a week. This, and the colder weather, makes it easy for them to become sedentary during the school holidays.
On an October half-term holiday camp, children will spend their days ziplining through trees, paddling canoes or kayaks on a lake, or tackling a series of suspended obstacles on a vertical challenge. This constant movement is brilliant for their physical health, helping to build strength, improve coordination, and develop a love for the outdoors.
It also has a huge positive impact on their mental well-being, as physical exercise is proven to boost mood and reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels. So, instead of being cooped up indoors, they’ll be burning off energy and getting a healthy dose of vitamin D.
How to choose the right October half-term camp
Now that you’re aware of all the amazing benefits, it’s time to find the October camp that’s the perfect fit for your child. This means considering factors like location, age-appropriate activities, ideal date preferences, reviews, and camp credentials. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help narrow down your options:
1. Location
For peace of mind, select a camp that is easy to get to, whether it’s in your local area or a residential camp with good transport links to make drop-offs and pick-ups simple.
Checking the location and accessibility ensures a smooth start and finish to the adventure, and guarantees the setting is right for your child. At PGL, we have four fantastic activity centres across the UK open at October half term, each with its own unique accommodation options, facilities and activities. These are Boreatton Park in Shropshire, Liddington in Wiltshire, Marchants Hill in Surrey and Newby Wiske Hall in North Yorkshire.
2. Match activities to your child’s interests
Does your child love climbing? Do they like to play sports? Choosing a place that aligns with their passions and interests is key — sparking excitement before camp even starts, ensuring they’ll make the most of their time away.
Our October adventure camps offer a varied programme of age-appropriate experiences on land, in the water, and even high up in the air, from climbing trees and kayaking to zip-lining through the treetops.
3. Reviews and testimonials
Review sites such as Trustpilot, where we’re proud to hold an Excellent rating, offer you a well-rounded view of how guests have experienced kids camps, often outlining details about staff friendliness, the level of organisation and the amazing memories children come away from camp with. A track record of happy campers and positive feedback is usually a safe and reliable choice!
4. Flexibility
The October half-term break can be a busy time for families. Luckily, we offer flexible booking options. Whether it’s a short 2‑ or 3‑night stay or a longer 4‑ or 7‑night adventure, this allows you to tailor the camp to fit your family’s schedule.
It’s also wise to check cancellation and amendment policies for last-minute changes or refunds. With our flexible booking cover AdventureFlex, you can make unlimited amends or cancel your booking with no penalty until 4 weeks before your travel date.
5. Safety and credentials
At PGL, we are committed to providing a best-in-class operation that ensures the safety and protection of our guests at all times, so rest assured, your children are always in safe hands. Our centres are BAPA and Ofsted registered, our teams have undergone enhanced DBS checks and have first aid qualifications too. Call our team on 03333 212 114 or visit our website to find out more.
Have a spook-tastic October adventure at PGL!
If you’re ready to give your child the gift of a thrilling October break, PGL offers one of the best October half-term camps in the UK for children aged 8-11, 11-13 years and 13-16 year olds. With a mix of adrenaline-pumping activities, creative workshops, and Halloween-themed events, children are guaranteed a holiday they’ll never forget.
Plus, parents can relax knowing their children are in safe hands, with expert staff, robust safety measures, and a warm, welcoming environment! For more information, get in touch with our team today!
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