What would your 8 - 11 year old’s perfect day at camp look like?

[MaddyMumsnet]

This is something that comes up quite a bit at MNHQ - lots of us have kids who have either been on school residentials or have them coming up, and it always sparks the same conversation about what actually makes them a great experience.

If your 8–11 year old could design their perfect day at camp, what would it look like? Is it all about the activities, or more about making friends, building confidence, trying something new and getting a taste of independence? 😄

And if your child has already done a camp or residential, what did they come home talking about most? Was there anything that surprised you about how they handled being away from home?

We’re really interested to hear what genuinely makes these experiences work (or not) for this age group - whether that’s adventurous activities, supportive staff, friendships, confidence-building or simply helping children feel comfortable away from home for the first time.

We’ll also be picking one Mumsnetter at random to receive a £200 VEX voucher as a thank you for taking part (T&C’s apply). To enter the prize draw, please post on the thread by Wednesday 15 July 2026.

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Both my kids really like to know what the plans are for the days ahead so issuing itineraries really works for them. My son loved doing more adventurous, adrenaline chasing activities but my daughter was less keen and would have preferred some alternative options, ideally something like horse riding or swimming.
They both agreed that every residential they have been on has provided terrible food 🙈 so I think that could potentially be improved!

Continued from above...I also think it should have den making my 9 year old says he really enjoyed that and toasting marshmallows in a bonfire. The outdoor forest play aspect i think is best in nature but with more home comforts for sleeping at night so children feel safe and cosy without parents.

I think the activities are only half of it. The things I'd want my child to come home talking about are the silly moments with new friends, the campfire, discovering they were braver than they thought. The ideal day would have a real mix of adventure (zip wire, climbing or kayaking), plenty of free time to chat and play, good food, and kind staff who know when to encourage a nervous child without pushing too hard.
I'd want them to come home saying, "I did something I didn't think I could do." Confidence and independence are probably the biggest wins. If they're already asking when they can go back next year, that's the sign it was a perfect camp

A practical tip alongside all the ideas for activities. Pack a roll of black bin bags, then when it's time to come home, they can sling their dirty, wet clothes in one of them instead of amongst any dry, clean clothes.

My child appreciated:
Time spent with friends
The freedom to have unaccompanied time and make decisions (e.g choosing to go to the play area or back to the room immediately after lunch)
The tuck shop and midnight feasts 😂
Trying new activities, but as much as they enjoyed the big stuff like abseiling, surfing etc., they equally loved learning new ‘wide’ games etc.

My 8 year old isn't so much fearless as self-confident and takes any activity in his stride. He also supports others who perhaps don't feel as confident, starting a conversation with them and encouraging them without pressuring. He loves days at camp, trying out the range of activities.

Both my children love a challenge so any activities that push them out of their comfort zone. My children have both camped from a young age, as well as involvement with scouting and guiding so had lots of opportunity to try new things.

Thank you for getting involved in this discussion.

The winner of the prize draw is @StickChildNumberTwo - congratulations!

Thank you!