Camp fire
Samantha Laurie suggests some holiday play schemes and camps for which you can book up now
Multi-activity day camps (for the sporty child)
First, and easiest to spot, are the multi-activity day camps provided by large mainstream operators, such as Camp Beaumont, ActivCamps and Barracudas. Most providers offer a full-on programme of sport and arts and craft, usually in the grounds of a local private school and with access to its pool and sports facilities. Many bring in specialized equipment – climbing frames and go-kart tracks – or include activities such as horseriding (usually for a supplement).
Generally, these are pitched at 4-14 year olds and cost between £140 and £230 a week – not cheap, but more exciting than granny’s house.
Multi-activity day camps (for the non-sporty child)
For the non-sporty child, options include SuperCamps, which runs multi-activity day courses and week-long specialist camps in Guildford, Haslemere, Sutton and Kingston offering cookery, craft and outdoor adventure, plus dance and drama. There’s even an Invention Camp for the child that wants to dream up ways of catching criminals or design a new planet.
These are busy, bustling operations run by enthusiastic young staff. For an extra fee, most have extended drop-offs and collections (usually 8am – 6pm), and many include the use of a pool – a top priority for many parents. You can choose one or more days (except on the week-long course) and there are often substantial discounts for bringing a friend.
Experience the great outdoors
Big this year are outdoor based camps teaching bushcraft and den-building. At Painshill Park, the Cobham site’s education centre runs three weeks of Wild Summer Camps for 8-13 year olds (9am – 4.30pm, £150 a week, £35 a day).
Other such initiatives rely on specialist operators like Wild Learning, which runs camps at venues including Winkworth Arboretum near Godalming, and Alice Holt Forest near Farnham.
School run activity camps
Some schools run their own multi-activity camps: Barfield School operates one of Surrey’s largest outdoor pursuits centres from its 16-acre site in Farnham.
Three Peaks Outdoor Pursuits is open to all children aged 4-13, with high-wires, zip-lines, quad biking and 4×4 driving among more than 40 activities. It also boasts a shooting range, indoor pool and assault course. Summer camps run from mid-July to the end of August and cost £32 a day; £132 a week.
Specialist camps ( for the more adventurous child)
Another option is to look for specialist camps run by regular clubs. Now at Laleham, near Staines, Surrey Canoe Club has invested in new mini kayaks for kids as young as six. The two-day beginner course (advanced course available too) costs £20 a day (10am – 4pm).
Downstream at Kingston, Albany Canoe and Sailing Centre offers structured RYA (Royal Yachting Association) sailing courses that are often full by mid-June. The courses start in mid-July and take children aged eight and above (9am – 5pm, £240). Courses on canoeing, powerboating and more also available.
And council-owned SOLD – Surrey Outdoor Learning Department – runs its own water-based courses at Thames Young Mariners in Ham, plus activity camps at High Ashurst in Dorking and Henley Fort, Guildford. This year sees the addition of new, more adventurous activities, such as mountain biking and canoeing, for that most tricky of childcare groups, the 13-16s.
Local theatres (for budding actors and musicians)
Most local theatres run summer schools, including the Leatherhead Theatre Company and The Electric Theatre in Guildford.
Musical theatre is also in demand: in Cranleigh, three professionals run an annual week-long course (£100) for 6-14 year olds called The Musical Theatre Workshop (musical theatreworkshop.co.uk). The shows are written by the group’s composer and tailored to ensure the right mix of parts for the 30 children. Jul 29 – Aug 2 only, so places go fast.
On an edgier note, the Summer School Of Rock at Powerhouse Studios in New Haw is a professional recording studio that runs a four-day course of coaching in vocals, guitar, bass and drums for 10-16 year olds. Participants are mentored through the process of forming a band and prepare for a Battle of the Bands at the Boiler Room, Guildford, for a prize of free recording time in the studios. Courses run from Aug 6-23 (10am – 4pm), £150.
Finally, Big Top Adventures, in Barnes, takes groups of 8-12s on London day trips to museums, football stadia and other venues. £185 a week.
