There’s so much to look forward to at Easter: warmer weather, chocolate eggs, and memorable days out. Here at PGL, we are eager to welcome children to our Easter camps for a world of adventure and discovery!
If this is your child’s first time at camp, it’s completely natural for both of you to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. To help ease any worries, we’ve put together this useful guide for parents on how to prepare your kids for their Easter holiday camp experience, ensuring they have the best time possible.
What is an Easter holiday camp?
For those who don’t know, an Easter holiday camp is the ideal place for kids to learn new skills, boost their confidence, and socialise with peers their age during the school break in March or April. At PGL, we offer a structured schedule of adventure activities designed specifically for children aged 8–16, including canoeing, archery, orienteering, and much more, all held at dedicated activity centres across the UK.
Four benefits of attending an Easter camp
Easter camps are all about personal growth and development, helping kids realise their full potential in a safe and supportive environment, while giving parents a flexible childcare solution. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the benefits of Easter camps:
Develops key skills
Children develop teamwork, communication, problem-solving and leadership skills through a range of daytime and evening activities. For example, raft building challenges children to plan together, share ideas and adapt to succeed. Meanwhile, gathering around the campfire in the evening and toasting marshmallows together encourages conversation and storytelling.
Improves physical and mental health
Easter camps are a fantastic way for kids to move, play and breathe in the fresh air after staying inside during winter. Whether it’s walking in the forest, tackling an obstacle course, or zip-wiring through the sky, these active experiences boost fitness and coordination, while lifting our mood, reducing stress, and supporting positive mental wellbeing through exposure to nature.
Builds social confidence
Adventure camps bring children together in a welcoming, inclusive setting. By working in groups and with lots of gentle encouragement from trained leaders, kids learn to speak up, express themselves, try new things, and develop confidence that carries into school, friendships and everyday social situations.
Cost-efficient and flexible
With flexible booking options, parents can choose between 2, 3, 4, or a full 7-night stay. Activities are bundled into one affordable price, delivering variety, supervision, and educational enrichment without the high costs of multiple clubs or last-minute care. Plus, many UK providers, including us at PGL, accept Tax-Free Childcare and Childcare Vouchers, making them a more cost-effective option.
How to prepare for an Easter camp in 7 steps
Preparing for Easter camp is a great way to spend time with your child, and with a little planning, you can help them feel confident and ready to enjoy every moment! Here are seven steps to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible:
1. Make sure they are ready
Before camp begins, take a moment to assess whether your child is emotionally and physically ready for a few days away from home. Every child is different; while one eight-year-old might be eager for a full week, another might prefer just a couple of nights of adventure. It’s not about how old they are, but rather their readiness to cope with new surroundings and people.
Talk openly about their feelings, addressing any pre-camp worries or excitement. It’s also wise to check their physical readiness for activities like walking, climbing or sports. Mentally, remind them that overcoming challenges is a fun and achievable part of the experience. By taking this first step, parents can set the stage for an all-around, positive Easter camp experience.
2. Set expectations
To follow, discuss what the camp will be like so your child knows exactly what to expect. Spend an evening looking at the camp’s website or the essential information guide together, including images or videos online to see the site, staff and other campers in action. It’s also important to read through the camp’s itinerary, rules, guidelines, and what types of activities they might encounter.
Helping your child visualise the centre and understand what is expected can massively ease any worries they might have. This familiarity reduces the “fear of the unknown,” which in turn lowers their stress levels (cortisol) and helps them settle in and connect with other children faster. For information on arrivals, safety measures, food options, staying in touch, and night support, please visit our Travel and Stay page.
3. Encourage good camp etiquette and behaviour
It is also essential that you prepare your child for Easter camp by teaching them good etiquette and behaviour. Simple gestures like greeting instructors, saying “thank you,” sharing equipment, and encouraging peers during challenging activities can help them settle into routines more easily while building positive relationships with staff and other children.
You could also role-play different scenarios, such as asking for help or introducing yourself. Explain the importance of teamwork and compromise, especially during group tasks or creative projects, allowing everyone to be the best version of themselves. Overall, when kids practice empathy and respect, they develop an emotional intelligence that will serve them well back in the classroom and in later life.
4. Practice independence
Building their confidence at home helps children to feel secure, capable, and excited to try new experiences, without parental guidance. In the days leading up to camp, encourage them to manage small tasks themselves, like dressing, organising belongings, or preparing snacks. If they have trouble with homesickness, then arrange a sleepover at a friend’s or grandparent’s house to get used to the idea of being away from home.
This reinforces a “can-do” attitude and gives kids the self-assurance they need to take part in activities and handle everyday challenges. It’s a proud moment for any parent knowing their child has the tools and capability to look after themselves. Moreover, teaching children that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, ensures they feel comfortable reaching out during their time at camp.
5. Pack an overnight bag together
Similarly, encouraging your child to pack their own overnight bag is a big step towards building independence. By undertaking this responsibility, they gain a sense of ownership while making sure nothing essential is forgotten. Check items off a list together, including clothing, toiletries, snacks, a water bottle, as well as any necessary medication (e.g., inhaler, EpiPen). Involve them in choosing what to bring, and label everything clearly to prevent lost belongings.
If they know which bag holds their spare socks or where their toothbrush is, it’ll save them a lot of time and ease their mind when they arrive. Packing together also allows parents to check that clothes are suitable for the weather and activities, like waterproofs or trainers. For first-time campers, including a small photo, note, or cuddly toy from home can further ease separation.
See our ‘What to Bring‘ page for additional guidance.
6. Build anticipation
Be positive! In the final countdown to camp, focus on the “best-case scenarios” to transform your child’s nerves into excitement. Physiologically, these two emotions feel very similar, and focusing on fun teaches kids to approach unfamiliar situations with an optimistic mindset — a vital skill for resilience.
Chat through the activities they’re most looking forward to trying. Discuss all the new friendships they could make, or the skills they’ll learn. Create a colourful calendar or chart to mark off days until camp. Reading stories or sharing your own happy memories of residential trips makes all the difference.
7. Celebrate their first day!
The first day of camp is a milestone worth celebrating. Start the morning right with gentle reminders of all the fun they’ll be having. You could even take a photo to mark the occasion. Avoid long goodbyes or saying how much you’ll miss them, as this can increase their anxiety levels. Instead, reassure them that you’ll be back to hear all about their adventures.
When the time comes to pick them up, make a big deal of it. Avoid asking “Was it okay?” and try, “What was the best thing that happened?” or “What’s one thing you did that you’ve never done before?” These types of questions not only validate their courage but also help them relive the joy of camp.
Why choose PGL for your child’s Easter camp?
Looking for a break that offers the ideal blend of adventure, learning, and fun? PGL’s Easter holiday camps are exactly what you need! They provide a fantastic chance for your children to make the most of their time off by developing new skills, trying exciting activities, and building lasting friendships—all while gaining confidence.
Our activity centres are spread throughout the UK, so you can be sure there’s a camp near you, with both shorter and longer stays available. Take a look below:
North Yorkshire, Newby Wiske Hall
Book now for an unforgettable adventure! Or, get in touch with our friendly team for more details on our exciting holiday offerings!
