31/07/2024
Benefits of school holiday activity camps
When school's out for summer, it's a celebration of an end of the academic year, but once the excitement dies down, comes the realisation of week's ahead of a lack of friendships and engagement.
As the school bells ring one final time before the summer break, parents often find themselves grappling with the age-old question: How do we keep our children entertained and active during the summer? While phones, tablets and video games may offer a temporary solution, this can lead to isolation and disconnection.
Summer camps are a great solution. Not just places of recreation; they're hubs of growth, fostering mental and physical well-being in ways that extend far beyond the summer months. Summer activity day camps play a pivotal role in supporting children's mental and physical health during the school holidays.
There a a whole heap of benefits to sending your child to a holiday club:
Keeping active
In a world where sedentary activities often dominate leisure time, summer activity day camps offer a breath of fresh air—literally. They provide a wide array of outdoor activities, from traditional sports like football, tennis and basketball to teambuilding and water activities.
By engaging in physical activities, children not only develop strength, coordination, and endurance but also release endorphins, the body's natural mood elevators. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression, making it a vital component of any child's mental health. Moreover, by instilling healthy habits early on, activity day camps lay the foundation for a lifetime of fitness and well-being.
Trying new things
The summer holiday is the perfect time for children to step out of their comfort zones and explore new interests. Activity day camps offer a whole range of opportunities for children to discover hidden talents and passions. Whether it's trying new activities such as archery, mastering a new dance move, or experimenting with arts and crafts, camps encourage children to embrace curiosity and creativity.
By trying new things, children develop a growth mindset, cultivating resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. On top of that, the sense of accomplishment that comes from mastering a new skill boosts self-esteem and nurtures a lifelong love of learning.
Meeting new friends
One of the greatest joys of summer camp is the opportunity to form lasting friendships with peers from diverse backgrounds. Away from the pressures of academics and social hierarchies, children are free to be themselves, forging bonds based on shared experiences and common interests.
These friendships not only provide companionship and support but also foster important social-emotional skills such as empathy, communication, and conflict resolution. Research has shown that having a strong social network is linked to better mental health outcomes, including reduced feelings of loneliness and increased feelings of belonging and connection.
Growing confidence
Summer activity day camps serve as incubators for self-confidence, nurturing children's belief in their own abilities and potential. Whether mastering motorsports, delivering a knockout performance in a talent show, or simply navigating the challenges of group dynamics, children are constantly presented with opportunities to stretch beyond their perceived limitations.
As they overcome obstacles and achieve goals, their confidence soars, empowering them to take on new challenges with courage and conviction. This newfound confidence is not confined to the camp but impacts every aspect of their lives, equipping them with the resilience and self-assurance needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Screen-free fun
In an age dominated by screens, summer activity day camps offer a refreshing respite from digital distractions. Instead of staring at pixels on a screen, children are encouraged to engage with the real world—to feel the sun on their faces, the grass beneath their feet, and the wind in their hair.
Whether it's building a fort, smashing Kin ball, or creating clay, these simple pleasures remind children of the joy of unplugged play. By disconnecting from technology, children develop essential life skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and resilience, setting the stage for a balanced and fulfilling relationship with technology in the future.
Barracudas supports children's mental and physical health
As the school year ends, summer activity day camps are the perfect option to keep kids active and entertained.
Barracudas has been delivering outstanding school holiday activities and childcare for over 30 years. We're committed to giving every child such an amazing experience they can't wait to come back and the proof is in the pudding with countless children returning to us again and again.
Our camps offer children a place for growth, discovery, and joy. From keeping active and trying new things to meeting new friends and growing confidence, we provide a holistic approach to supporting children's mental and physical health during the school holidays.
We love the summer season at camp, unlocking the potential within each child and nurturing a generation of resilient, compassionate, and empowered individuals.