Heading on a kids’ multi-activity camp for the first time is a big adventure, and it’s completely normal to feel excited and a little nervous! Whether it’s a whole week of adventure or a shorter, fun duration, there’s a lot to consider in terms of what to expect.
Luckily, we’ve created a step-by-step guide packed with first-time camping tips to help your kids feel ready, confident, and excited for what’s to come — from choosing the right camp and acknowledging any fears or worries, to making friends and enjoying the great outdoors.
Plus, we’ll share how to make the most of those special memories long after camp has ended, so your child can look forward to their next school holiday adventure!
Why go to a kids’ multi-activity camp?
A multi-activity camp is an adventure that gives kids the skills, knowledge, and experiences they can’t always get at school or home. Imagine paddling a canoe across a lake, roasting marshmallows by the campfire, or teaming up to build a wilderness survival shelter. You don’t just have fun — you learn, grow, and discover something new each day! Multi-activity kids camps are available during the school holidays, so if you’re interested in adding some adventure into Easter, May Half Term, the Summer holidays or October Half Term, there’s a school holiday camp for everyone. Your kid can achieve all of the following at a kids’ camp:
Build confidence
Camp is a fantastic place for children to build their confidence in a safe and supportive environment. Away from the familiarity of home and school, they get the chance to make their own choices and take part in a variety of thrilling activities designed to inspire and challenge them.
For instance, a child might initially struggle with socialising and meeting new people. Throughout their stay, they’ll have met lots of new friends, bonded over shared experiences and come away feeling proud of themselves for trying new things.
Learn new skills
From archery and climbing to watersports like kayaking, and even creative sessions such as painting, many multi-activity holiday camps give children the opportunity to try things they simply can’t do in a typical school week or encounter in their daily lives.
Kids might learn how to read a map for an orienteering challenge, work as a team to complete a high-ropes course, or master the art of building a campfire safely. These skills help them to develop essential problem-solving, coordination, and resilience, all of which are valuable for personal development and future success.
Time to socialise
On a multi-activity camp, kids are placed in activity groups with peers of a similar age from various backgrounds, schools, and towns. This encourages them to engage and build friendships outside of their usual social circles. As a result, they learn to listen, work together, and appreciate different perspectives.
Outdoor activities like Jacob’s Ladder, for example, require cooperation and trust to encourage fellow group members to succeed and reach the top! Even quieter moments and everyday interactions, such as eating meals together or chatting in the room before bedtime, help children develop important social skills.
Improve physical and mental wellbeing
What better way to stay active and unwind than on a multi-activity camp? Whether it’s hiking in the forest, swimming in the pool, or connecting with nature, kids are constantly moving and using their bodies in healthy ways.
Physical activity boosts our mood and energy by releasing endorphins and increasing blood flow, while spending time outdoors is proven to reduce stress and improve focus through exposure to natural light and calming surroundings. In short, the combination of physical exertion, fresh air, and social interaction helps kids feel happier and more refreshed.
6 first-time camping tips
With a little preparation and the right mindset, your child’s first kids camp experience can be one of the most memorable and fun adventures they’ve ever had. To help make sure everything goes smoothly, here are six first-time camping tips for first-time adventurers that will boost confidence, ease any nerves, and set them up for a fantastic holiday!
Before camp:
1. Choose a camp that suits their interests
Not all summer holiday camps are the same. Some are all about watersports like swimming or sailing. Others focus on cooking or theme parks. That’s why it’s so important to choose one that matches your child’s interests.
From day one, they’ll be eager to join in and less likely to dwell on any nerves or homesickness. It also means they’ll connect with others who share their passions, making it easier to form friendships.
Top tip: Before booking, you should sit down with your child and browse the camp’s activity list together. Read through the descriptions and look at photos or videos online. When kids feel like they have a say in the decision, they’ll feel a stronger sense of ownership about the experience.
2. Encourage independence
Going on a multi-activity camp will be much easier if your child has already practised being independent. In the lead-up to camp, give your child the chance to look after themselves without parental guidance.
This could be a sleepover at a friend’s or grandparent’s house, so they get used to sleeping away from home in a familiar, low-stress setting. Or, encourage your children to follow routines by getting them involved in simple chores like tidying their room or cleaning the dishes.
Top tip: Give them a checklist and let them choose and organise their clothes, toiletries, and favourite items to pack for camp. Not only does this teach them responsibility for their own things, but by the time they arrive, they’ll also feel confident knowing exactly where everything is.
3. Talk through the “What ifs”
Even the bravest campers sometimes feel nervous before they go. Having an open and honest conversation about any worries they might have validates their feelings.
Homesickness is a common issue, so reassure them that it’s okay to feel sad or miss home. Talk about specific fears, such as being scared of the dark or heights, when trying a new activity like climbing. You can explain that they will be with a group of kids their own age and experienced staff members who will keep them happy and safe.
Top tip: Remind them that camp leaders are there to support them every step of the way, and focus on the positives, including all the thrilling activities and new friends they will make, so they go to camp with an optimistic mindset.
During camp:
4. Embrace the activities and outdoors
For a child’s first camp experience to be a success, it is highly recommended that they try to embrace all the activities available. It might seem a little scary at first, but with plenty of support from peers and camp leaders, your child might discover they’re braver and more capable than they ever imagined.
Whether it’s taking on the high ropes course or learning how to bake a cake, participation is key! This is also the perfect time to develop a deeper appreciation for the outdoors. Being away from screens and surrounded by nature is incredibly beneficial for their overall wellbeing, helping to lower cortisol levels to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and increase focus.
Top tip: Go over a sample schedule at camp together so they understand when mealtimes, activities, and free time happen. Knowing what to expect helps them feel more relaxed and ready to tackle new challenges head-on.
5. Make new friends
One of the best things about going on a kids’ summer holiday camp is the people you meet. As we’ve mentioned before, it is a neutral space where children from all walks of life come together and have fun, allowing them to make new friends too!
By focusing on shared experiences and teamwork, children naturally form bonds that can last a lifetime. Trust-building exercises like Trapeze or collaborative activities like Raft Building are an easy and natural way for them to connect, creating a supportive network of new friends who are all in the same boat (literally!).
Top tip: Suggest a few simple things to break the ice. For example, encourage them to be the first one to say hello, or look for opportunities to help others, such as offering to share a snack or cheering on a teammate during a difficult challenge.
6. Practice good camp etiquette and safety
Safety is always the top priority at camp. While staff will have clear rules and expectations, reinforcing these principles at home helps ensure your child is prepared to follow them.
Some examples of good etiquette include respecting others’ personal space and belongings, especially in shared living spaces like lodges or cabins. Be a considerate member of their group by tidying up after themselves and taking turns. Talk to them about listening carefully to instructors, such as always wearing the correct safety gear for activities. Understanding the reasons behind these rules helps them take safety seriously and enjoy each activity.
Top tip: Before leaving for camp, sit down and attend the briefing with your group leader. You can also create a simple, handwritten list of things like “Listen to my instructors,” “Tidy up my things,” and “Be a good friend.”
After camp (bonus tips):
The adventure might be over, but your kids will return filled with stories, new skills, and unforgettable memories! To keep that camp spirit alive, here are a few simple tips for what to do once they’re back home:
- Ask open-ended questions: Instead of asking “Did you have fun?”, try “What was your funniest moment?”, “What did you learn?”, or “Did you overcome a challenging activity?”. This allows your child to reflect on their time away and share what they liked, which can be useful for future activities.
- Celebrate their achievements: Whether they climbed to the top of the tower or made a new friend, every milestone (both big and small) is worth celebrating. A simple, “I’m so proud of you for staying away from home all week and trying all those new things!” can mean the world.
- Make a memory book: There are many ways to document your child’s first time at camp to solidify all the amazing things they’ve done or experienced. You could create a scrapbook, journal their favourite moments, display any artwork they’ve created, or bring back keepsakes like friendship bracelets.
Ready to book your kid’s first multi-activity camp?
With centres across the UK, an exciting mix of activities, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, your kids are sure to have an unforgettable adventure! PGL Kids Camps are available for 8 to 16-year-olds throughout the school holidays, including Easter, May Half Term, Summer and October Half Term.
We offer flexible options with short 2- or 3-night camps, as well as longer 4- or 7-night stays, so you can choose the perfect fit for your child’s first adventure. Our specialist kids’ camps are also a fantastic way to dive deeper into a hobby or interest, all while enjoying some of the very best activities PGL has to offer.
For more information, get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today.
