American Style Summer Camps

[Bettyonholiday]

Hi Mumsnetters,
Has anybody sent their child to an American Style summer camp? My DD (11) who is quite shy and lacks confidence has decided that she would really like to go to one this summer (COVID permitting). I'm all for it if it helps boost her confidence and helps her feel more independent. However, I'm worried about it from a safeguarding point of view, and wondered if anyone has tried one, and what it was like. They are expensive so I wanted to be sure about it before committing.
Many thanks!

The American ones tend to be for weeks at a time. Are you looking for that or one for just a week?
We've used Cobnor for week long ones, but I don't know if longer ones operate in the U.K.

Also doubtful they will be running!

@imonyourway

I'm not sure what we are looking for yet, but a week long one might be better. I'm also not sure that they will be running but the one we looked at is, but offering full refunds if they need to cancel, which they probably will!

I'll look into Cobnor. Thank you!

I went to one as a kid - actually at exactly 11 and I was so excited but I have to say I hated it. Was Camp Beaumont but this was over 30 years ago so could be very very different now.

I would try something shorter initially if that’s an option at all.

A week was a long time stuck in a boarding school dorm. A lot of the promised activities didn’t happen or weren’t good. There were a few bullies and the adults didn’t really show any interest in us. In the evening we sat in a common room watching unsuitable tv, roamed the grounds and played ping pong for hours. Pretty much Unsupervised!

Tread with care!

PGL are great, my daughter has been going on the one week residential breaks since she was 7.

@IdesMarchof

That's what I'm worried about! The websites make it all look like so much fun but a week is a long time if its not as advertised!

@pooptastic

I'll have a look at PGL - thanks for that!

@Bettyonholiday
In normal times, they offer a first timers option where there is more support/increased supervision. If you can hold your nerve they also offer up to 40% discounts for late (about one month to go) bookings. We have only paid full price once.

@pooptastic

nerves of steel over here! Thanks for the tip!

My DD went to a week long PGL and loved it.

My two also did PGL when they were younger, both loved it.

Camp Beaumont and PGL are great.

I went on a PGL when I was 11...absolutely amazing! Was there for a week and did different activities every day!

My ds has done PGL a few times - the first was a short first timers one, then he did the full weeks, and loved it

Another vote for PGL.
My two loved it and really helps with confidence, independence, etc.
They made new friends and tried loads of exciting activities.

My DD does PGL regularly and loves it. As others have said, you can get it as cheap as chips if you book last minute. However, she's very, very sociable, makes friends easily and gets stuck in to the activities. My DS2 who is quieter and less sociable was less keen.

However, the camp where my DD usually goes is not "middle class" by any means so if you are looking for the Centre Park equivalent of a childrens' camp as opposed to the Haven equivalent, I wouldn't recommend..

This sounds very interesting! Goes off to google....

Thank you everyone for all your recommendations and taking the time to respond!