The school holidays are a time of excitement and freedom for children, as they get to sit back, relax and enjoy a well-deserved break from their studies. But for parents and guardians, keeping kids entertained (and active instead of glued to screens) can be tricky.
If you’re looking for a way to make the school holidays both fun and meaningful, have you ever considered an adventure camp? These camps are a great way to explore the outdoors, learn new skills, and make friends while creating lifelong memories.
Today’s blog will explain what kids’ school holiday camps are and their benefits, with a list of reasons why you should book them early. Plus, we’ll provide some extra handy tips for booking your child’s school holiday adventure!
What are school holiday camps?
First, let’s break down what school holiday camps are all about. Designed for kids aged 8 to 16, they offer a mix of fun, structured activities that keep them active, boost their confidence, help them discover new interests, and build connections with other children during their time off school.
The main purpose of school holiday camps is to provide a safe and stimulating environment for children while their parents/guardians are working or want their children to enjoy new experiences. It can be a real lifesaver for busy families who might otherwise struggle to juggle work commitments with childcare during the holidays.
What makes specialist holiday camps different?
As well as general kids’ camps that offer a mix of activities, specialist camps are an ideal option offering outdoor activities with a focus on a particular skill, interest, or theme. Whether it’s watersports, netball, or baking, there is a camp programme to suit every child’s personality and passions!
By attending a summer holiday specialist camp, kids not only have fun but also gain valuable skills, build confidence, and deepen their knowledge in a way that could inspire future hobbies or even career paths. They also offer more advanced instruction, hands-on learning, and a chance to connect with like-minded peers who share similar interests.
The benefits of kids’ school holiday camps
School holiday camps for kids offer much more than just a fun way to pass the time; they come with a whole host of benefits that can support a child’s development and growth, from trying something new to learning to work as part of a team! Here are just a few of them:
Learn new skills
School holiday camps are fantastic for children to develop new skills. Activities such as Archery, climbing, or pony riding, offer kids the chance to challenge themselves in ways they might not have experienced before. As a result, they learn important teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving skills that will benefit them both in and out of the classroom.
Improves social skills
Additionally, children can improve their social skills through a variety of group activities and challenges at school holiday camps. These experiences teach them how to work as part of a team, actively listen, share ideas, express themselves and communicate effectively to achieve a common goal. By the end of their adventure, they’ll have built meaningful relationships with their peers and instructors.
Keeps kids active
In an age where screen time often dominates, school holiday camps for kids offer a breath of fresh air (literally!). Physical activities like hiking, for example, engage the legs and core while improving cardiovascular health, whereas canoeing boosts upper body strength and balance. This also helps instil healthy lifestyle habits from a young age, encouraging kids to stay active and develop a positive attitude towards fitness.
Boosts confidence
One of the greatest benefits of kids’ school holiday camps is helping your child overcome obstacles, ultimately boosting their self-esteem. Whether it’s conquering their fear of heights by abseiling down a 10-meter tower or taking a leap of faith on the trapeze, these experiences show kids that they are capable of more than they realise, giving them a powerful sense of achievement.
Why book a school holiday camp early?
With school holiday camps offering so many exciting opportunities for fun and learning, you’re probably already thinking about booking one for your child! But before you add it to your to-do list, here’s why securing a spot early is a smart move.
1. Secure your child’s spot in their preferred camp
Firstly, kids’ holiday camps tend to book out quickly, especially those with specialist activities such as Learner Driver. By reserving early, you ensure your child gets a spot in their preferred camp instead of being left with limited options.
To maintain a safe and enjoyable experience, many childcare providers like us here at PGL ensure appropriate staff-to-child ratios. This means the number of children at any given camp will be managed based on the capacity of the facilities and available staff, so waiting too long could mean missing out entirely!
2. Get access to discounted rates
Second, many holiday camps occasionally provide extra discounts and special offers for parents/guardians who book in advance. These can help you save money instead of paying full price or even higher, while still giving your child an amazing camp experience, with:
- An action-packed daily programme of activities led by professional instructors
- Use of safety-approved equipment
- Full board accommodation
- Evening entertainment, plus much more!
Right now, you can save 10% on ALL Kids’ Adventure Camps with the code CAMPS10 when you book online or over the phone. Let your young adventurers join the fun during the school holidays for less!
3. Pay with deposits, Klarna, Childcare Vouchers & Tax-Free Childcare
Great news! Kids’ school holiday camps like PGL accept a £65 deposit towards kids camp bookings (with the remaining balance payable 12 weeks before the adventure commences) or choose how to pay with Klarna* available at checkout. Want to know more? Find PGL’s Klarna FAQs here.
Childcare Vouchers (allows parents/guardians to pay for childcare with pre-tax salary) and full or partial payments from the Tax-Free Childcare Scheme (provides parents with a government contribution of £2 for every £8 they pay into their childcare account) are also accepted at our English centres registered with OFSTED.
Please note that these schemes may have their own deadlines and processing times, so let us know if you plan to use Childcare Vouchers or your Tax-Free Childcare account to make your payment at the time of booking.
Overall, this makes paying for your kid’s school holiday camp experience even more affordable and convenient!
4. Flexible booking cover with AdventureFlex**
Have your holiday plans changed? Or perhaps you’re unsure about your schedule? Well, booking school holiday camps for kids early gives you more access to flexible options, such as the ability to change dates or even get a refund if something unexpected comes up.
At PGL, we offer AdventureFlex cover as an optional extra for all customers. This provides greater flexibility for making unplanned amendments or cancellations to your booking, with no penalty until 4 weeks before your travel date. It’s just £25 for up to 5 children.
If you need to make changes within 4-28 days, rest assured you’ll still benefit from reduced fees and our best cancellation options available.
5. More time to prepare your child
Plus, booking early gives you and your child plenty of time to prepare for camp, both mentally and practically. Some kids may feel nervous about attending, especially if it’s their first time away from home.
Having that bit of extra time allows you to talk through any concerns, visit the camp if possible, and get them excited about what’s to come. It also gives you time to shop for any required gear and make sure they are properly packed for a seamless holiday adventure!
6. Peace of mind
And finally, perhaps the biggest reason to book kids’ school holiday camps early is simply peace of mind. If you wait too long, you might end up scrambling to make arrangements at the last minute.
However, knowing your child is in a safe, supportive environment, enjoying loads of thrilling activities while you’re at work or busy elsewhere is a huge relief, giving you one less thing to worry about!
Other tips for booking school holiday camps
Booking a kids’ holiday camp is an exciting step, but there’s more to consider beyond just securing a spot early. Here are some extra tips to help you book with confidence and ensure your child has a fantastic time!
- Research camp options: Take the time to research the different types of camps available, whether they focus on specific hobbies and interests, offer a short 1-3 night stay, or are tailored to different age groups (8-11, 11-13, 13-16).
- Consider the camp’s location: Location matters when selecting a holiday camp. Look for one that’s easy to get to, especially if it’s a day camp, to avoid long commutes from home or work.
- Check for OFSTED registration: Make sure the camp is registered with OFSTED, which means it meets essential safety and quality standards. This gives parents peace of mind knowing their children will be in a regulated and safe environment.
- Pack appropriately: Each kids’ camp may have different requirements for what to pack. Check the packing list in advance to ensure your child has everything they need, from clothing to personal items. For more details, see our Key Information and FAQs.
- Speak with other parents or read reviews: Before committing, try reaching out to other parents or reading online reviews. Getting feedback from others who’ve had experiences at a kids’ camp can provide valuable insights into its quality and reputation.
- Understand the camp’s safety measures: Review the camp’s Code of Practice, including emergency procedures, first aid training for staff, safeguarding and supervision levels.
Book your kid’s school holiday adventure now!
Popular camps fill up fast, and early booking ensures your child gets a place in their preferred activities while giving you peace of mind. So, don’t wait until the last minute to arrange an unforgettable holiday experience!
With early booking discounts, flexible payment options, and a plethora of exciting multi-activities alongside our Specialist Adventures, including, Cool Science, Watersports, and Bushcraft, there’s every reason to secure your spot now!
We run outdoor adventure camps during Easter, May Half Term, Summer and October Half Term. Book online today and give your child an adventure they’ll cherish forever! Alternatively, get in touch with our friendly and experienced team for more information and understand what to expect when making a booking with PGL Kids Camps
*T&Cs Apply: Klarna’s Pay in 3 / Pay in 30 days are unregulated credit agreements. Borrowing more than you can afford or paying late may negatively impact your financial status and ability to obtain credit. 18+, UK residents only. Subject to status. T&Cs and late fees apply.
**Terms and conditions apply.
