HKIL EduAdvisor: Summer Camps
Summer is an excellent time for children to broaden their horizons with new opportunities and experiences that their busy school schedule does not allow during term time.
It is also an ideal time for them to take their studies outside of the classroom, enjoy the glories of nature, fresh air, and physical activity while also keeping their minds active and engaged.
A summer camp, which offers all the above and more, is undoubtedly the best option for children.
Parents often wonder the best age to send a child on a summer camp.
One common myth that many parents have about summer camps is that their child is too young to attend such a camp. Experience shows that younger children are often the ones who benefit the most.
The truth is that homesickness is less of a problem for very young children. Younger children are very adaptable. As long as they are kept busy and can enjoy exciting, stimulating activities with friends, they will be happy and thrive. They also have this amazing ability to absorb language naturally and effortlessly and to come back having learnt an incredible amount.
Teenagers, especially when going away on their own for the first time, are usually the ones who tend to be more apprehensive and find it more difficult to adapt. They tend to be more self-conscious, less ready to adjust to new environments and wary of showing enthusiasm. They often need more time to fit in. Younger children, on the contrary, are quick to form new bonds with their counsellors and to feel comfortable.
The most important factor in deciding if your child is ready or not to join a summer camp is for him/her to be motivated and show interest: often the child is ready but it is the parents who are not ready to let go.
Another common myth is that many parents also have is that a summer camp is merely meant to help their child develop language skills. Though this is undoubtedly one of the major advantages, it is certainly not the only one as the benefits are much more wide ranging.
When joining a summer camp your child will:
- Become more proficient in the language
- Discover new places
- Broaden his/her horizons
- Learn about different people and cultures
- Discover new interests and hobbies
- Learn / increase competence in sports
- Develop social and interpersonal skills
- Develop team building skills
- Become more confident and independent
- Enjoy the benefits of nature, fresh air and physical activity
- Have a fun and relaxing summer while keeping his/her mind active and engaged
- Make new friends from around the world
Tips on choosing the best summer camp for your child
- Check the level of supervision at the camp; younger children need more care
- Be sure to select a recognised, experienced camp organiser
- Always ask thorough questions about the camp and the programme
- Homestay is usually a cheaper option but the quality is unpredictable, children often benefit more when they stay in a residential camp
- Find out how the number of students per class, the teacher student ratio and the qualifications of the teachers
- Make sure there is a good mix of children so your child will not just meet children from his/her own culture and language group
- Ensure there is a good balance of sporting and recreational activities outside of the classes
- Ask what is included in the price; it could turn out that you are paying a lot more than you were originally led to believe
- Speak to other parents who have used the camp, if you can
- You get what you pay for; if it looks cheap its probably not the safest option
