Berkshire is saturated with fun-packed summer camps and courses, perfect for boosting the confidence of even the most reclusive child. Walk a tightrope, try zorbing, learn to code: the choice is yours
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Alex Harvey-Brown
Summer circus week
Best for: class clowns
A friend of mine recently moved to France to study ‘the art of clowning’ at a prestigious clown college(!). My initial reaction, I must admit, was incredulity. But with the runaway success of The Greatest Showman, it’s official: circus is cool now. It’s all about athleticism, teamwork, creative play and quirky self-expression – brilliant lessons for children to absorb while having fun.
This course at Norden Farm is a thorough and exciting introduction. There’s something for everyone – I can’t imagine the child who wouldn’t want to walk the tightrope, learn to juggle or ride a unicycle. At the end of the week, everyone gets the chance to show off their skills in a presentation to family and friends.
Suitable for ages 7-13. Runs July 30 –Aug 3, 10am – 4pm. £115 for the week
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FunTech summer camps
Best for: computer whizzes
We’re getting to the stage at which ‘not trusting computers’ is no longer a viable standpoint. Technology is here to stay, and even if we adults manage to get by with limited knowledge, our children are expected to be tech savvy mini-Zuckerbergs by schools and employers alike.
That’s what makes Fun Tech Summer Camps such a great idea. There are all kinds of daytime courses on offer, many of which sound pretty irresistible. Your child can learn Lego robotics, 3D game design and Minecraft with mods, as well as more sober options like touch typing and Java Coder. There’s also an option to take part in a residential camp (although this is held at Tonbridge, over in Kent).
The main drawback is that these courses are rather pricey. But just think about all those employability skills…
Suitable for ages 7-17. Dates and prices vary: the Mobile Games course, to pick one at random, runs from August 6-10 and costs £545
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Ultimate Activity Camp
Best for: sporty siblings
The Ultimate Activity Camp at LVS is calculated to win over even the most sceptical camp-goer. Its programme is packed with options, from the fairly standard (swimming, tennis) to the thrilling (zorbing, fencing). Just in case you weren’t sure, zorbing involves climbing into a giant plastic ball and rolling around – the kind of thing children (and some adults) love.
There’s plenty to impress parents, too. The camp is highly flexible – your child can attend anything from multiple weeks to the odd day. It’s also a great option for parents of siblings – children are organised into four age groups, so siblings can be dropped at camp together before splitting off to socialize with their peers.
The extensive choice means there’ll be something for everyone. There’s even an international option for children seeking to improve their English speaking skills. They’ll enjoy all the activities of the regular camp, plus two hours of English tuition.
Suitable for ages 4-14. Runs July 16 – August 24, drop-off from 8.30am, collections until 5.15pm. £45 per day, £204 per week or £395 per week for the international option. Childcare vouchers accepted
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South Hill Park Arts Centre summer camp
Best for: theatre buffs
Yes, I know, another drama based camp. What about all the spotlight-shy children who’d rather not sing and dance their way across a stage? Well, this course at South Hill Park Arts Centre is different: children can get involved at all levels of the production, choosing whether to work as a performer, a technician or a musician.
This year, the summer school is to stage The Jungle Book. Budding thespians can take leading roles, while tech wizards learn how to add sound and light effects, as well as how to stage-manage a production. Musicians, meanwhile, can brush up on their skills and provide glorious accompaniment. It’s a great opportunity for teamwork.
The only drawback is a lack of flexibility. This isn’t a course for dropping in and out – your child would need to commit to the full nine days to get the most out of the experience.
Suitable for musicians Grade 3+ or equivalent, performers aged 6-17, technicians aged 11-17. Runs July 25 – August 3 (excluding July 29) for technicians and performers, July 30 – August 3 for musicians. 9am – 5pm. £270 for the course, £230 for siblings (Performers and Technicians Courses); £170, £130 for siblings (Musicians Course)
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Eton rowing courses
Best for: ambitious rowers
This is an immersive residential course that offers top-of-the-range facilities. During their nine-day stay, teens will try both sculling and rowing. Beginners are welcome (as long as they can swim, for obvious reasons).
As well as plenty of time on the water, the course also includes practice on state-of-the-art rowing ergometers and performance assessment via video footage. And if all that sounds a little intimidating, there’s plenty of time to relax and have fun. Rowing activities only take up about four or five hours a day, while the rest of the time is spent swimming, playing team games, going on outings and watching movies.
The real selling point here is the facilities. Based at Eton College, the camp will make the most of the school’s internationally renowned equipment. Activities take place on Dorney Lake: purpose-built for rowing and a venue for the 2012 Olympic Games.
The drawback, of course, is the cost: this is the most expensive course on the list. Still, there’s no better option for teens who are serious about rowing.
Suitable for ages 12-16. Three sessions available: July 15-21, July 22-28, and July 29 – August 4. Course cost £800
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Bray Lake Activities
Best for: watersports
Younger children can get their watersports fix at one of the Bray Lake Multi-Activity weeks.
Here at the 50-acre centre, the youngsters will spend their days out on the lake, learning sailing, windsurfing, dinghy sailing and paddle sports.
Suitable for ages 8-10. Various dates available. Cost: £260 for the week or £65 per day
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Animal Rangers
Best for: animal lovers
If your child has always longed to groom a goat, befriend a lizard or feed an alpaca, this could be the course for them!
Children will learn how to care for animals big and small, getting involved with the day-to-day running of the farm: feeding, cleaning, exercising and petting.
It’s one of the more inexpensive options on offer and should go down a treat with outdoorsy animal lovers.
Suitable for ages 6-17; 10.30am – 3pm, Tuesday – Friday throughout summer holidays. £28 per child per day
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SportsAble
Best for: budding Paralympians
Maidenhead based SportsAble specializes in disability sport. It offers archery, watersports, wheelchair table tennis, boccia, canoeing and more. The sessions are open to everyone, both disabled and able-bodied.
Junior sessions run from 2-4pm every Sunday. Get in touch for more information and to ensure that the programme is right for you
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Busy Buttons
Best for: crafty creatives
This hands-on, crafty course is located right in the centre of Windsor. Children will try filmmaking, animating, prop-making and cooking. They’ll also work on an animated film, The Wind in the Willows, guided by visiting industry professionals.
Suitable for ages 3-14; July 9 –August 10. £21 per day for 3 year olds, £42 per day for 4-8, £49 per day for 9-14 year olds. Weekly rates available. 7% off for days when two or more siblings attend. Childcare vouchers accepted
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