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How to Choose the Best Summer Camp in England for Kids
- Feb 21, 2025
- 9 min read
Updated: Jun 10
What's the best way to keep children busy during the holidays? Summer camps for kids in England are a great way to give children a mix of adventure and personal development, and choosing the right camp for your kids can have a lasting impact on confidence, skills and lifelong memories.
Summary
Choose a summer camp that matches your child's age, interests, confidence level, and preferred style of adventure, whether that's a day camp, residential camp, multi-activity camp, or specialist programme.
Look for qualified staff, strong safeguarding policies, appropriate supervision ratios, and positive reviews to ensure your child enjoys a safe and supportive experience.
Summer camps like Mendip's Kids Adventure Camps help children build confidence, independence, resilience, teamwork, and social skills while enjoying outdoor activities and making new friends.
The best summer camps combine fun, personal growth, and memorable experiences that leave children with lasting friendships, new skills, and increased self-belief.
Table of Contents
Why Summer Camps Are Great for Kids
Kids' camps provide thrilling experiences, fun challenges, and the chance to meet new people and bond over shared experiences. Empower your child to discover new strengths and unlock their true potential!
An Experience Like No Other
Summer camps offer children a unique chance to step away from home routines and fully immerse themselves in new experiences. Some of the key benefits include:
Hands-on experiences: Kids can try a wide variety of engaging, exciting activities they might not get at home.
Discover new passions: With a wide variety of available experiences, camps help children uncover hidden talents.
Screen-free interaction: Camp life encourages socialising and teamwork, allowing kids to reconnect with peers in real life.
Memorable experiences: Exploring ancient woodlands, participating in group challenges, and attending fun workshops create lasting memories.
Thrilling activities: Outdoor adventures such as Rock Climbing and Archery provide excitement and confidence-building opportunities.
After camp, children return full of stories about new friends, adventures in nature, and unforgettable activities.
Kids Gain Life Skills Through New Challenges at Summer Camp
Summer camps provide children with a safe and supportive environment to grow while enjoying fun activities. Key benefits include:
Resilience and confidence: Children are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones in a supervised setting.
Independence: Managing small challenges and responsibilities fosters self-reliance.
Teamwork and collaboration: Activities like kayaking, bushcraft, and group challenges help kids work together to achieve shared goals.
Problem-solving and leadership: Overcoming obstacles promotes creative thinking and leadership skills.
Safe adventure: Qualified staff and instructors ensure that children can push themselves safely while learning new skills.
Through these experiences, children not only have fun but also develop lifelong skills they can carry into school, hobbies, and everyday life.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Kids' Summer Camp in England
Your criteria may emphasise some things more than others, but key areas to consider include your child’s age, interests, parental peace of mind and social opportunities.
Interests and Age-Appropriateness
Look for camps with activities suitable to your child’s age and interests. There are camps for all ages, from young children to teenagers, with different themes from the arts to the outdoors. Mendip Activity Centre's Kids Adventure Camps are perfect for children aged 8 to 15!
You know your child best, so look for specialised programs that match their passions and spark future interests.
Safety and Supervision: Parental Peace of Mind
When choosing a summer camp, it's important to ensure the provider offers a safe, supportive environment where children can thrive. Before booking, look for:
Qualified staff and instructors with relevant training, certifications and experience working with children.
Appropriate staff-to-child ratios to ensure children receive adequate supervision throughout their stay.
Clear safeguarding policies that prioritise children's wellbeing and safety.
Comprehensive risk assessments for activities, accommodation and shared spaces.
Emergency procedures and first-aid provision in case of accidents or unexpected situations.
Well-maintained equipment and facilities that meet recognised safety standards.
Knowing your child is being cared for by experienced staff in a secure environment gives valuable peace of mind, allowing them to try new experiences, make friends and build confidence safely.
Social Opportunities and Friendship
Summer camp is a wonderful place to join forces with new friends in epic adventures that bring out the best in everyone. Kids can bond over shared experiences and challenges and support each other throughout the camp. Building new relationships boosts social skills, fosters empathy and expands their social circle beyond school.
Comparing Summer Camps: Different Types of Camps for Kids
There are as many different types of camps as there are children in this world! From day camps to residential stays, your child’s preferences will dictate the type of summer adventure they prefer, such as multi-activity camps or specialised camps that immerse participants in a single subject.
Regardless of their preference, summer camps give children the chance to push boundaries, conquer challenges and celebrate victories in a fun-filled environment.
Multi-Activity Adventure Camps
Adventure camps are ideal for children who love being active, exploring the outdoors and trying new challenges. Benefits often include:
A connection with nature through outdoor activities and woodland environments.
A variety of outdoor adventure experiences, including Caving and nature walks.
Confidence building as children tackle new challenges and step outside their comfort zones.
Social development through teamwork, communication and shared adventures.
Personal growth that helps children become more resilient, independent and self-assured.
Specialist Activity Camps
Specialist camps focus on a particular interest or skill, allowing children to immerse themselves in an activity they already love. Examples include football camps, drama camps, dance camps and coding camps.
Key benefits include:
Developing expertise through focused coaching and instruction.
Building confidence in a specific skill or hobby.
Learning from experienced instructors with specialist knowledge.
Meeting like-minded peers who share similar interests and passions.
Making progress faster through dedicated practice and structured learning.
The best choice depends on your child's interests. Some children thrive on the variety and adventure of a multi-activity camp, while others prefer the opportunity to deepen their skills in a specialist subject.
Choosing Between Day Camps and Residential Camps
When deciding on a summer camp, consider your child’s age, personality, and comfort level:
Day camps for younger children
Keep children close to home while providing the benefits of camp activities.
Maintain familiar routines, reduce anxiety and help them adjust gradually.
Offer opportunities to socialise with peers without the pressure of overnight stays.
Residential camps for older or adventurous children
Provide a fully immersive experience, often for a week or more.
Encourage independence, resilience, and self-confidence.
Offer a wider range of activities and adventure opportunities.
Practical considerations for residential camps
Review accommodation and sleeping arrangements to ensure your child's comfort.
Check catering options, especially for dietary requirements or picky eaters.
Consider whether the camp environment matches your child’s needs and personality.
Choosing the right type of camp ensures your child has a positive, enjoyable experience while making the most of the summer break.
Kids Summer Adventure Camps at Mendip Activity Centre
Join a community that parents trust, where children grow, learn and make lasting memories!
With decades of experience delivering Activity Residentials to schools and Duke of Edinburgh participants, we’re perfectly placed to deliver the ultimate Kids Adventure Camps. Rest assured, we’ve created an experience your child will love and cherish - the kind of adventure they’ll talk about for years to come!
Benefits of Summer Camp
Children benefit mentally and physically from summer camps in many ways. In a secure environment that encourages exploration, growth, and fun, they can develop confidence and independence while connecting with each other away from screens and technology.
Build Independence and Responsibility
Summer camps provide children with opportunities to grow in confidence and develop important life skills in a supportive environment. With guidance from qualified staff, children can learn to:
Take on new challenges by stepping outside their comfort zone and trying unfamiliar activities.
Make independent decisions while learning how to assess situations and manage risk safely.
Develop responsibility by keeping track of personal belongings and managing daily routines away from home.
Strengthen social skills by interacting with children from different backgrounds and forming new friendships.
Explore their individuality outside of their usual friendship groups, helping them develop a stronger sense of self.
Navigate group dynamics by practising communication, teamwork and conflict resolution in a supportive setting.
These experiences help children become more independent, resilient and self-assured; skills that continue to benefit them long after camp has ended.
Outdoor Group Activities and Child Well-being
Participating in group activities, especially those outdoors, supports children’s mental, physical, and social development.
Spending time in nature can improve mood and well-being
Physical activity helps children stay active while building confidence and resilience
Group challenges encourage teamwork, communication and new friendships
Engaging in outdoor group activities allows children to grow holistically, combining fun with long-lasting benefits for their minds, bodies, and social skills.
Memories and Relationships
Summer camps offer more than just fun activities; they provide children with experiences that stay with them long after camp ends. Benefits include:
New friendships: Meeting peers in a supportive environment fosters social connections that can last a lifetime.
Pride and accomplishment: Children gain a sense of achievement from trying new activities and overcoming challenges.
Unforgettable memories: Adventures, shared experiences, and camp traditions create stories children love to share with family and friends.
Summer camp is not just a break from routine: it’s an opportunity for children to grow, connect, and create memories that will support their development well into the future.
Tips for Booking a Summer Camp Stress-Free
The sheer number of options can be overwhelming, so do some research, talk to your child about their expectations, and check out reviews and recommendations for summer camps near you.
How to Research Summer Camp Providers
When choosing a summer camp, it’s important to do some research to find the right fit for your child.
Look for camps that offer activities your child will engage with
Read online reviews on platforms like Google Reviews and TripAdvisor
Check that accommodation and catering options meet your child’s needs and preferences.
Speak to friends, family, or other parents who may have experience with local summer camps.
Review camp details, activities, schedules, and safety information.
Contact providers directly
Ask any questions about programmes, supervision, or suitability for your child.
Taking the time to research ensures you choose a camp that is safe, enjoyable, and the right fit for your child’s interests and needs.
Ask Your Child
Involve the children in the decision-making process, consider their interests and preferences, and talk to them about their ideal camp experiences to help ensure they meet their level of excitement, expectations and goals.
Trust Yourself!
If it feels right, it probably is! You know your children better than anyone, so whatever you decide will be great. The best camps balance safety, fun and personal growth, the perfect ingredients for an unforgettable summer.
Go For It
Summer camp is one of the best gifts you could give your child. Look for a camp that provides fun, excitement and personal growth, and meets your safety and service expectations. Trust your decision-making process and give your child the chance to ditch the screens and immerse themselves in a new environment.
The Kind of Adventure They’ll Talk About for Years to Come
Let your child reconnect with nature and explore the great outdoors in an inspiring, adventurous way at Mendip’s Kids Adventure Camps!
Encourage a love for nature while they explore the ancient woodland and take on exciting challenges like Rock Climbing, Paddling, Target Sports, Bushcraft, Disc Golf and ArcheryActive.
With full catering and accommodation included and expert staff guiding your youngsters through action-packed adventures, it’s an unforgettable week of excitement, laughter and new friendships.
Kids Summer Camp FAQ
What age is best for a summer camp?
Most summer camps cater to children aged 5-16, but the right age depends on your child's confidence, interests and readiness. Younger children often enjoy day camps, while older children may be ready for residential camps.
Are summer camps safe?
Reputable summer camps have qualified staff, safeguarding policies, risk assessments and appropriate staff-to-child ratios. Always check a provider's safety procedures and reviews before booking.
What are the benefits of summer camps for children?
Summer camps help children build confidence, independence, resilience and social skills while making new friends and trying new activities in a supportive environment.
Should I choose a specialist camp or a multi-activity camp?
Multi-activity camps are ideal for children who enjoy variety and outdoor adventure, while specialist camps allow children to develop skills in a particular interest such as football, drama or dance.
How do I choose the right summer camp?
Consider your child's age, interests, confidence level and preferred activities. Research providers, read reviews, check safety standards and look at accommodation and catering options if you're considering a residential camp.
Group Getaways and Holidays Your Way
Basecamp is our family-friendly campsite with festival vibes and fabulous facilities. With free activities on-site and bookable adventure activities just down the hill, come and see our outdoor playground filled with endless opportunities to explore, discover and have fun!
Situated at Mendip Activity Centre, the Lodge is the perfect base for groups. Sleeping 86 people across 15 bedrooms, the Lodge looks over the all-weather ski slope and allows quick access to all sorts of adventure activities.
During term time, it’s exclusively available to school groups for activity residentials, and on weekends and school holidays, it’s available for private bookings, family groups and youth groups.
Owned and operated by Mendip Activity Centre, the YHA Cheddar is now a partner hostel available for private hire to schools and groups for their activity trips. Sleeping up to 57 people, the YHA is located in beautiful Cheddar, within walking distance of the Gorge and is the perfect base to explore the Mendip Hills.
