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Original poster

Has anyone sent their kids away for a summer camp? (pgl etc) - can you tell me about it?

66 replies

nearlytoolate · 13/06/2010 21:47

I've been looking at residential summer camps for my dcs - including PGL, ATE superweeks, Camp Beaumont, forest school camps - but I don't know anyone who has sent their kids on one and would be interested to hear experiences, recommendations etc.
Many thanks!

OP posts:
jomaguire · 16/06/2010 11:22

Oops I just remembered it was Baraccudas not Camp Beaumont that the kids did about 3 years ago.

Original poster
nearlytoolate · 16/06/2010 12:03

thanks again - I haven't come across any music holidays, is this something anyone can access or is it through a youth orchestra or similar?

OP posts:
mummymeister · 16/06/2010 22:30

My 3 have all been/are going to PGL. Top marks for safety and adult to child ratio. We have sent them from aged 8 - they do take them from 7 but my eldest aged 12 tells me that every year there is at least one 7yr old who has to go home early. Before this they have all been on the brownie/guide/scout weekend away just to make sure they werent the homesick types. I think it is good for them to go off by themselves and manage. I worry about booting them out at 18 to uni or work and want them to feel they can sort themselves out when I am not around.
None of my 3 are what you call sporty but there is something during the week at PGL for everyone including treasure hunts and quieter tasks. Mine are off to a new one this summer - Boreatton Park last time was a bit unimpressive in terms of the living accom. Showers apparently didnt work or were too few so hope that a newer complex will be better.

gillybean2 · 19/06/2010 05:13

My ds went on a DoIt4Real holiday last year and is going again this year.
www.doit4real.co.uk/

DoIt4Real is a joint venture with the YHA and the government department for children schools and families.

They have three price levels depending on your circumstances; they offer discounted places for familes on benefits and/or low incomes.

My ds went on an action adventure holiday and is going on a similar one this year which includes a trip to Alton Towers. I have specifically choosen a camp which has younger children (10-14) again.

They do offer a wide range of different camps, including football, street dance, Xtreme, action adventure... etc.

It does get booked up very fast though, especially for the discounted places.

Last year we went on a family PGL holiday, that was great fun too, not sure how different it is to their kids camps though.

jomaguire · 21/06/2010 14:05

This was the music summer camp that was recommended to me by the music teacher www.fantasiamusicschool.co.uk/. I've also seen a leaflet for this one:
www.musicale.co.uk/musicholidays.html.

JenaiMarrHePlaysGuitar · 22/06/2010 14:45

Marking my place, as watching with interest.

I have a petrolhead DS, 9, who very much wants to go on a motorsports holiday (or at least go somewhere with karting). I'm leaning towards PGL tbh, although the ATE hols sound great too (if I can persuade him that there is life beyond Top Gear)

curryfreak · 25/06/2010 21:57

Do they actually want to go, or is it you who wants them to go?

syb3r · 29/06/2010 14:48

ATE Superweeks are most definitely your answer.
They manage to cater activity wise for every child from the non-stop-games-fan to those who love art and craft,to the enthusiastic singer (often with little or no skill whatsoever!!!), to the budding code-breakers and even for those whose real love might be maths!
They are imaginative and wholesome holidays where children thrive and are treated as individuals whilst enjoying being part of a group (age related) and of the whole holiday. Accompanied travel is included in the very reasonable price. No tuck shops on site. Too busy having fun.
My dcs have ATEd at least once a year since they were all 9. Oldest, 18, has now trained to work on them this summer. The fact that the staff have to undergo an intensive, comprehensive and compulsory 7day training course speaks volumes for quality of organisation. Could go on for pages - easier if you check them out online. Go on, send DCs,encourage them to take a friend each. Have a whole 7 days (including 7 evenings AND a whole weekend to yourself - bliss!) It's a win-win situation.

jomaguire · 08/07/2010 20:05

Just heard 9 year old nephew is going on Superweek again (with DD - third time). He's going to have to do without his X-box etc etc for a whole week. Just like last time. But he came back last time having had a brilliant time and really really desperate to go again. ATE is the best ever way for kids to spend time away from Grand auto theft or whatever its called he seems to be playing, and have real real fun. I'm sorry but I am a total total fan of ATE Superweeks.

As for petrolheads....my DDs had mad wild fun driving a car on the beach in Ireland. Well, sitting on cousin's lap, steering. Not sure I should be recommending this. Actually I'm absolutely sure I shouldn't. It spoils the beach for others(but beaches also really good for sand yachting because they are so empty compared to UK).

triplets · 22/07/2010 22:45

Just been directed here glad its all positve as I have just booked my 12yr old trio on a PGL 4 night break in Sussex at Windmill Hill. Looks impressive as it has just had a £7,000000 makeover! My only reservation is the 2 boys will share but Becca will have to share with strangers........sure she`ll cope!

mebaasmum · 23/07/2010 14:56

Just booked DS2 onto Ate Superweeks. Hope it works out

syb3r · 24/07/2010 17:05

I am sure it will, mebaasmum. I, like jomaguire, am a total fan of Superweeks with all that they stand for and all that they provide. Please pass the ATE Superweeks word around. I see on the website that they have heavily discounted some of their holidays very recently and the whole 7-day all-inclusive excitement and adventure package can be had now for as little as £235. Wow! Big savings. Bigger fun.

racingheart · 25/07/2010 18:39

I went on a Colony holiday as a kid and absolutely hated every minute. Felt totally out of place and shy and miserable as sin. But went to National Youth Theatre as soon as I was old enough to go and spent every summer there ever after, as far as I remember. My family all went off on holiday to France together and I went off to London alone to be in NYT shows. So long as the camp fits the child, I think they are brilliant. Teens really don't want to hang out with their parents all summer. It's a time for having space, trying out new things and getting used to increasing independence.

I've heard of music camps but can't remember where. Will post if I find them.

jomaguire · 03/08/2010 23:04

ATE summer camp tomorrow. Little one (8) is crying (for second night in a row) because she is worried about saying good bye to me; and about the journey on her own. 10 year old sister can't stop talking about how excited she is to go back on 3rd Superweek so I think some of that is rubbing off on little one. But its still really really hard. Big sister is so confident, little sister so scared. I just hope it will be OK at the station. I really really hope there will be someone friendly on the train with her. Can't deny I'm worried. And hope that I'm doing the right thing....even though I'm (one of)ATE's biggest biggest fan(s). Just got to get past this hurdle at the beginning.

mebaasmum · 05/08/2010 17:58

Hope your dd2 is Ok Jo. DS2(10) set off fotr the train without a backwards glance so I hope it is as good as he is hoping it will be!!

abr1de · 05/08/2010 18:08

'i think it's kind of nice to spend that time with your teenager, it goes so fast'

Some people have to work! My son h

abr1de · 05/08/2010 18:09

...has nine weeks' holiday this year.

mumblechum · 05/08/2010 18:14

DS went most years from age 7 to 14, with PGL. He always had a good time except for the last time as he was by himself. Much more fun if they go with a friend.

Once dh and I were in a hol cottage in Devon about 30 miles from DS in the Devon PGL which worked well as he used to get really bored being with us all day for a fortnight.

This year he's 15 and is going ALONE TO AMERICA ALL BY HIMSELF ALONE. ALONE DO YOU HEAR ME.Well, he's meeting a friend over there and they're going camping in the mountains. With bears.

I kind of wish he was going to PGL again

cumbria81 · 05/08/2010 19:38

I loved, loved, loved PGL as a child. I would not hesitate to send my own there.

jomaguire · 05/08/2010 20:42

Well dd2 seemed very happy on train. Barely a glance at anxious mum. Too busy trying to impress 11 year old boy with her pink nintendo DS (not yours mebaasmum???). Phoned home and spoke for about 30 seconds saying she had really good journey but didn't have time to talk. The monitors at the station were friendly so I felt OK. Its just the bustle of the train I don't like. In my day we all went by coach, but there were lots more of us.
As for dd1,I can't believe she has whole castle all to herself (well with 23 other children). Just 24 children, and a director, assistant director, matron and at least 4 monitors that I know of. Thats way less than one class of kids. And just to have loads of fun. I love ATE.
Its been lovely at home - so good to have time with husband in a different kind of space. And to get out without babysitters. Maybe most people get to do this alot, but not us. I love my kids to bits but its full on all year, and I think this one-week break is really good for all of us.

triplets · 05/08/2010 23:24

My trio and their friend came back from PGL in Sussex last Sat, they all had a ball, were filthy and all seemed to have grown up in those 4 days, esp my DD who I have been told "had a boyfriend for a day" !!

jomaguire · 12/08/2010 22:06

Both dd1 and dd2 had brilliant excellent fantastic time at their Superweeks. They couldn't stop talking about it, still can't. Insisting that they have to go back next year.

I'm so glad I went through with it with my 8 year old - she cried at night for the few days before she went, worried about the journey, and about being alone. I'm so so very glad I didn't say 'oh well don't go then'. My friend thought I was mad not to offer her the option of not going. It would have been easier in a way to give in and keep her at home. Even I was having doubts...

But it was a thousand times worth it. She cried when I went to pick her up but she said she was crying because she had wanted to stay!

Now I've got 2 kids on my hands who are just that little bit more grown up.

I really urge you to think about summer camps. It might not be right for your children, but I only have to see my children when they come back to know just how valuable it is for them.

syb3r · 17/08/2010 21:29

So glad it was a success, jo. I have DD2 (13) away on Superweek at present and DS1 also on one as a first-time monitor. Brilliant aren't they? Do pass the good news on and see if your DDs can encourage pals to consider it next year.
Wonder how mebaasmum DS2 got on.......

mebaasmum · 18/08/2010 17:04

Hi

Ds2 had a ball, was very sad to leave and come home! He is very keen to go next year

upahill · 18/08/2010 17:22

My two boys have been going to PGL since they were 7.(14 and 11 now)
DS1 has given it a miss this year but both have always enjoyed it very much.

Both have done the do it 4 real weeks.

DS1 did the survival week at Patterdale when he was 11, I think, and enjoyed it but the following year hated it. He hated the kids. He said they were rough, constantly swearing, wouldn't listen to the instructors and so on. He has asked not to go again.

I sent Ds2 on a Do it for real this year. He said he made two friends but a lot of the kids were thieves and his friend had a lot of his stuff stolen. He said the kids were saying the c **t word constantly. He says he knows people swear but all the time was too much!

Southeast..... Yeah of course it is great to spend time with your teenagers, that is why we cave, ski, snowboard, bike together and go to the cinema and are out to the Chinese Buffett tonight but they also like doing stuff with out me.
They are hanging round at home (and in the park and at RampCity with their mates) I don't send them off on the 17th July and get them back on the 6th September ready for school on the 7th you know!!!

Besides I loved going on PGL holidays when I was a teenager as well.
He too has asked not to go back. He said he liked the instructors, the place and the activities but not a lot of the other kids.