Summer Camps for teenagers

[laliponio]

I would like to send my 15 year old beautiful DS1 to a residential summer camp - either UK or abroad. He is driving me nuts - I can see he doesn't feel comfortable in his own skin - and he is doing the minimun amount possible at school - I want to send him to a camp that will help him to feel fantastic - confident and enthusiastic - ready to grab next years challenges by the horns!!! Maybe I ask too much - maybe all teenagers are disaffected and wander around in a grump!! any advice would be great!! Obv don't want to spend huge ££££

Does your DS like outdoor activities? If so Plas y Brenin (North Wales) run youth courses in the summer holidays. My DS had a great time when he went and he was the same age as your DS at the time. The Centre meet the trains etc so there is no need to drive him there. www.pyb.co.uk/courses-teenagers.php

try here but it does fill up fast
www.yha.org.uk/activities/for-young-people/index.aspx
My friend's son did it 2 years ago and really enjoyed it.

When one of my DS was 15, I sent him to Do It for Real run by the YHA - link in a previous post. Wonderful and excellent value for money. Two years later he went to a YHA young leaders' camp and trained to be just that, a young leader. Came back with a Young Leader's Certificate and a John Muir Foundation certificate. Of course, will need additional training if he wants to take this further but it's a good start and potential source of income in holidays. Also myriad volunteering opportunities.

I could have written the OP! My youngest DS, now 15, is also driving me nuts for much the same reasons as OP's. So all ideas gratefully received.

Thanks for all the very helpful advice. I will certainly look into the suggestions given. We don't seem to do the summer camp 'thing' they do in USA for several weeks - which for my children would be fantastic - I know that they would benefit from a few weeks away - where they can be with their peers and grow in independence - probably molly-coddled them too much in the past! doees anyone know of a summer camp abroad - my two are sporty but lazy ( if that makes sense)

PGL do teen holidays in France, and maybe Spain.

There is an international summer camp in switzerland in Crans Montana. It has been going for years and years (I went in the 1970s). It used to run in 3 week blocks. Some kids had been sent for the whole 9 week summer.
Comtempoaries of my kids have been, so I know it still operates.

Summer Camp in Crans Montana is FANTASTIC. expensive but well worth it. my 2 nephews went and had the time of their life. If he wants to go to America, 3 good ones are, Camp Cody, Maine Teen Camp, and Julian Krinsky Camp. Although one is spending more than one would in England for a camp, the quality is of a higher standard and I promise you, you will not regret it

My son is now 14 years old and he really loved his summer camps in Switzerland. I sent him the first year in Montana but for the last 2 years he goes to Les Elfes Camps in Verbier! He really loves this place and had real great fun with them. They organize very nice field trips during their summer camps and he always tried out many different sports! For him definitly the best! Accomodation, Sports, People, Location, Staff, Activities, he loves everything and can't wait to come back this July

I looked into sending my DD to a centre in North Devon, Skern Lodge. www.skernlodge.co.uk DD only doing one week, but they had availability for individuals to stay for two weeks. Like the american summercamp idea. They have a great offer on this year £300 per week per person, as it's their 35th birthday or something, and they said the price will be back to nearly double next year.
They have a wide range of adventurous activities on offer, and unlike some of the other centres I looked at, they do a lot of activities away from the grounds of the centre. DD is really excited and looking forward to the summer. When I visited them they were very friendly and professional, and the staff I met were so enthusiastic. I came away with all my concerns answered.

Just went onto the Montana camp website it looks exactly the same as in 1974! And they still operate with 3 weekly blocks. I remember learning to sail on that lake. But the price is exorbitant. Anyhow, I found my first boyfriend there, he was Venezuelan from Caracas. Not that this trip down memory lane is at all helpful to the OP.

PGL watersports on the Med holiday was a huge hit with my teenage twins. They went at 14 and again at 15 and loved every minute. Reasonable prices too and plenty kids there alone.

I posted on here last year but again want to really really Big Up the fun, the joys, the excitement, the uniqueness and the whole caring, confidence-building, friends-for-life-making, childhood-having (tree climbing, den making, storytelling, marshmallow cooking over a camp fire, singing and PLAYING games you've never played before), creative and non USB-and all-things-wired living that is the basis of ATE "Superweeks". These are week-long UK hols for ALL children aged 8-16 through the summer hols that have been happening for 50+ years (so well tried and tested). 24/7 happiness, Lifelong memories. Cost all inclusive with accompanied travel from a town near you.
Don't be in doubt about how to occupy your child or teenager through the long holidays - check out the "ATE Superweeks" website, ring the office for frindly advice and BOOK THEM (and a friend or sibling if you wish) ON.

You, and they, will NOT be disappointed, I promise you.
(PS Yes, I am the gushing mother of passionate Superweekers - a great find and so beneficial to them - and me!!)

My shy daughter has been going to www.ate.org.uk since she was 8 (now 14). She adores it. The kids all stay for seven to ten days, sleeping in dorms at boarding schools etc. All UK based, but they come and meet you at your nearest train station and escort them to wherever they are going. Tis a charity and considerably cheaper than PGL etc.

Ooh, didn't notice your post syb3r - totally with you though!!!

I would third the recommendation of ATE....just brilliant!! Have a search on the forums there are more discussions on here which go into more detail about the holidays available...

I would recommend a French language camp in south of France, close to Spain border, only for teens from 12 to 17. www.fil-ado.com I know they are professional and kids have fun / kids need to have minimum level in French I guess..but my daughter loved it !!

I think this will help you a lot. Student Exchange in Spain

www.languageopportunity.co.uk/en/english-student-exchange/

And Student summer camp in Spain

www.languageopportunity.co.uk/en/english-summer-camp/junior-courses-summer-camp-in-spain-junior-programme/

Regards,
Ali

My dd went to a Camp Beaumont residential holiday last summer. We have booked in again for this summer. (she is 15 in July)

She loved it, took part in all the activities and made new friends. Once you joined their mailing list you get sent some great deals.

We've booked both dc on a 7 day camp for £460 all in.