Today the Telegraph has produced a really useful list of six of the best activity centres for children and teenagers.
What the newspaper calls “Residential activity weeks” I call “Holiday Camp”, but whatever the name, they can be a great form of entertainment for the kids during half-term and the school holidays. Not only will they learn new skills but also they will make friends and generally discover a bit of independence.
These activity weeks do not come cheap with prices ranging from £350 and £600 per week, which includes full board and activities (but not necessarily insurance). However, for working parents or those with very energetic children these camps are fantastic.
The most important thing to do when choosing which camp to sent your child to is to choose a centre that offers activities that interest your son/daughter. It is also key that there will be other children of the same age so try to find this out before you make your booking.
Not all centres have to be licensed but members of the British Activity Holiday Association (www.baha.org.uk) must adhere to a code of practice. Companies providing certain adventurous activities, however, have to be licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority.
So, the Telegraph name the best Summer Camps for Kids as:
Best family-run centre: Mill on the Brue Outdoor Centre
(01749 812307; www.millonthebrue.co.uk)
Set in 20 acres of Somerset countryside, offering more than 40 activities for children from eight to 15 years of age.
Best for range of activities: PGL
(08700 50750; www.pgl.co.uk)
13 centres around the UK for seven to 17 year-olds, offering competitively priced half term and summer camps.
Best for watersports:Rockley Point
(01202 677272; www.rockleywatersports.com)
Well-run centre in Poole Harbour with five-day courses for children aged eight years old and over.
Best for shorter breaks: Adventure & Computer Holidays
(01306 711005; www.holiday-adventure.com)
Based in Surrey this centre offers technical, riding and outdoor holidays to children of six and over. Three-day breaks in May half-term also available.
Best for sports:Exsportise Limited
(01444 444777; www.exsportise.co.uk)
Sports coaching using public school facilities in Sussex, Dorset and Northamptonshire offering eight activities including football, tennis, golf and rugby for 10 to 16 year-olds.
Best for seaside fun: Wickedly Wonderful Holidays for Children
(0794 123 1168; www.wickedlywonderful.com)
Coastal centre in Sussex offering multi-activity, sailing or pony camps for children aged six to 13 years old.
