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What is a Summer Camp?
- May 28, 2025
- 5 min read
Summer camps are often associated with North American school holidays, but they are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. If you are wondering "what is a summer camp?", this guide explains what it means in the UK, what children do, the types of camps available and what to expect from Mendip’s Kids Adventure Camps.
Summary
Summer camps are a great way for kids to spend time with their peers during the summer.
Adventure activity camps are fun, exciting, challenging, and provide children with a host of benefits.
Mendip's Kids Adventure Camps are the perfect summer experience for children ages 8 to 15.
Table of Contents
The Proper Definition of Summer Camp
A summer camp is a structured holiday experience for children that combines activities, learning, independence and social development. In the UK, summer camps are usually shorter than in America, and focus on adventure, teamwork and confidence-building. Camps can be day camps or residential camps depending on the provider.
What Do Kids Do at Summer Camps in the UK?
Children take part in a wide range of activities designed to be fun, safe and challenging. These activities help them learn new skills, make friends and enjoy time outdoors. Residential camps also include evening entertainment and supervised free time.
Typical activities on Mendip's Kids Adventure Camps include Rock Climbing, Paddling, Target Sports, Frisbee Golf and team challenges.
Types of Summer Camp
There is so much to choose from, so here are the most common types of summer camps available to your children in the UK:
Day Camps
Children attend during the day and return home in the evening. These are ideal for younger children or families who prefer not to stay overnight.
Residential Camps
Children stay overnight in bunk rooms or tents. These camps offer a deeper sense of independence and community.
Specialist Camps
Some camps focus on Special Educational Needs or specific interests, such as sports, academic subjects, computer technology, visual arts, music or theatre.
Multi-Activity Camps
These camps offer a broad mix of activities so children can try new things and discover what they enjoy most.
What’s the Purpose of a Children’s Summer Camp?
The primary goal of a summer camp should be for everyone to have fun, but they also help children grow in confidence, independence and resilience. They learn to work with others, solve problems and try new experiences in a safe environment.
Camps also give children a break from screens and routines, allowing them to enjoy nature and physical activity.
Why Summer Camp Benefits Children
Builds confidence
Encourages independence
Improves teamwork
Reduces screen time
Supports physical activity
Creates lasting memories
Accommodation at Residential Summer Camps
Residential camps usually offer simple, comfortable accommodation. Children stay in shared bunk rooms or pre-pitched tents depending on the camp. Rooms are supervised, secure and designed to help children settle quickly. Bedding is often provided, but families should check what to bring.
Activity camps typically offer tents, bunkhouses or lodges, whereas academic camps are often located at or near educational institutions with dedicated student accommodations.
Food and Catering at Summer Camps
Food is an important part of the summer camp experience. Camps typically provide breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with snacks and drinks. Meals are child-friendly, nutritious and designed to keep energy levels high throughout busy activity days. Dietary requirements can usually be accommodated.
What Do Kids Like About Summer Camp?
It’s safe to say that children have a blast at summer camp. New friends, new adventures and new capabilities get them fired up for next year! Some things kids like about summer camps include:
The variety of activities
Hanging out with a bunch of new kids of a similar age
Being a bit more independent
What Parents Like About Summer Camp
Parents also like summer camps, and not just because they get a bit of time to themselves! Parents appreciate the structured environment, professional supervision and clear communication. Summer camps give children opportunities to grow, learn and build confidence.
Some reasons that we’ve heard include:
It’s often the first time kids spend time away from home, which encourages independence and self-reliance
Parents love hearing how their children discovered new friends and activities
The kids come back stuffed with happy memories and worn out from all the activities
Mendip’s Kids Adventure Summer Camps at Mendip Activity Centre
Mendip’s Kids Adventure Summer Camps are 5 days of action-packed adventure for children and teenagers aged 8-15 years. Children stay in comfortable bunk rooms, eat freshly prepared meals, and try a wide range of adventure activities.
Our kids' summer camps are run by experienced instructors who focus on safety, fun and personal development. Located only 30 minutes' drive from Bristol, with easy access to the M5, Mendip's Kids Adventure Camps are the perfect treat for your child's summer holidays.
Great facilities
Exclusive Lodge accommodation with comfortable bunk rooms and hot showers
Full catering
Awesome activities
Rock Climbing, Paddling, Target Sports, Bushcraft, Disc Golf and ArcheryActive
Night hikes
Team games
Relaxed social time in nature with new friends
Amazing staff
Supportive, friendly and fun team that provides magical experiences
Fully qualified professional activity instructors
Excellent location
Close to the M5, only 30 minutes drive from Bristol, in Churchill, Somerset
Only a couple of hours from London
Book a Place on Mendip’s Kids Adventure Summer Camp
Spaces are limited, so make sure to book your child's place soon!
Sibling discounts are also available, so please email hello@mendip.co.uk to find out more. If you’d like to find out how to choose a summer camp for your child, check out our blog post on how to choose a summer camp.
Try a Family Summer Camp
Check out Mendip Basecamp and craft a magical family summer camp at a unique, award-winning campsite near Bristol and Bath. Children under 8 can come along, and you can fill up your adventure itinerary with adrenaline-pumping activities, glorious natural environments, great food and free entertainment. Pick your own pitch, check out when you want, and set the kids loose in the gorgeous camping field at the top of the hill with wide-ranging views of the Mendip Hills.
Summer Camp FAQs
What is summer camp in the UK?
UK Summer camps are structured holiday experiences for young people; they can be residential or day camps, and often have a theme, like outdoor activities or creative arts.
What activities do children do at summer camp?
It depends on the camp, but as an example, our Kids Adventure Camps include activities like Rock Climbing, Paddling, Target Sports, Frisbee Golf and team challenges.
What types of summer camps are available?
You'll find a variety of camps available, including day camps, residential camps, specialist camps and multi‑activity camps.
Do residential summer camps include food?
Yes. Residential summer camps provide breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
What makes Mendip’s Kids Adventure Camps different?
With decades of experience delivering activity residentials to local schools, Mendip's Kids Adventure Camps offer a wide range of activities, comfortable accommodation, experienced instructors and a focus on confidence and independence.