Residential summer camps.

[chillibuns]

Has anyone send their kids to residential summer camps in the UK? I have a 13 and 9 year old.
I love the idea of it but it does feel weird the thought of them being away for a whole week without us. I'm sure the peace would be nice thought!

I used to go to PGL as a kid. I hated it because it was obvious they wanted me out of the way and I didn't know anyone at the camp.

Did you make friends when you were there? Did you settle as the week went on? Or did you just hate all of it?
We would discuss it beforehand of course and if they didn't want to go I wouldn't send them.
My oldest did a couple of days last year and enjoyed it but that was with his class so he knew everyone. Big difference.

The activities were good and but it's hard to make friends just for a week. I was 13 and they put me in a room with an 8 and 9 year old because the holiday I was on was aged 8-13.

I should add, they are sociable kids.

I can understand why you wouldn't like that.
I could ask beforehand if they would share with kids around their own age.
I'll chat to them, see if it's something they might like.

Both mine have been (11and 12) in the UK and loved it. Both were hobby specific which helped as they were pushing to go, rather than it being child care ifkwim. Will do the same again this year.

Mine did PGL at that age and enjoyed it. You can use childcare vouchers too. They liked the Monday to Friday holidays more than the Saturday to Saturday as some of the activities were repeated. It broke up the school holidays and they increased their independence.

I come from the US where sleepaway summer camps are much more common. From when I was 10 to when I was 15 I spent 7 weeks per summer at a camp about 6 hours' drive from home, and I absolutely loved it! One of the experiences that I can honestly say changed my life and made me who I am.

Obviously the culture is a bit different here in the UK, but if you think your kids will enjoy it, don't feel guilty!

My DD did the same one every year from the age of 8 until she was 15. She's absolutely gutted that she's now too old to go and fully plans to go back and work there for the summer in the future!

@boxofbadgers - that sounds like the wonderful summer camp my eldest went to and where she worked last summer.

OP - I think some are much better than others. I'm very happy to give you the details of the one we've used if you want to PM me.

Friend's DD went to PGL. She went with the school and wanted to go again in Summer. I think she went with a friend though, it depends how your DCs are in unfamiliar circumstances.

DD went with the Scouts/Explorers several times. I think it definitely helped with confidence and she also tried out new things so if your two want to go, I would do it.

Thank you! I think I would've liked this as a kid. The thought of them coming back home full of chat about it is lovely.

I'm just about to go to bed but will come back to this tomorrow.
@GU24Mum I'll do that. Many thanks.

Have a look at the Summer Camps Trust. My two went and have trained to be young leaders with them. Lovely and really pasionate about what they do

@GU24Mum is it Ok if I PM you for info too?

@SorrelForbes - no problem, please do!

Yes been sending mine to PGL summer camp every year from age 9. Absolutely loves it.

Yep mine used to go to various ones and loved them. Made some great friends while there, did stuff he wouldn’t normally do at PGL and a watersports company.

Summer Camps Trust is a good start! Our girls have been to XUK Camps! They love it and have made friends from all over the world!