THE ONLY SUMMER CAMP AND TEEN SUMMER PROGRAMME ADVISORY SERVICE BASED IN THE UK.

Why go to camp?

Isn't that just something American kids do because they have longer summer holidays than we do here in the UK?

It is true that the concept of organised sleepaway camping originated in the United States. The first organised camp was 150 years ago in 1861 when a headmaster called Frederick W. Gunn and his wife Abigail took the school on a two week camping trip. Summer camps grew quickly in popularity in the late 19th century as parents wanted their children to experience the beauty of nature as an antidote to the increasing urbanization. Improved physicality and character building were integral parts of the appeal of the early summer camps. By the early 1900's there were hundreds of camps operating in the upper Mdwest and Northeast of the United States. The American Camping Association was formed in 1910. Post WWII summer camps took off with enrolment rocketing.

Today summer camps have changed to reflect demographic and social changes. Specialty, Day, Academic Enrichment & Special Needs camps are all now available. To broaden the demographic and respond to economics, camps now offer different session lengths. And while American summer camps now have campers of many nationalities attending their sessions, the concept of "summer camp" has also spread worldwide.

Summer camps have a global appeal because all parents want the same things for their children that a great camp delivers - fun, improved skills whether they be artistic, athletic or academic, independence, a stronger sense of self and new social skills. Summer camps can be empowering for young people. They learn to be more extrovert and interested in doing things on their own without parents or old friends. In fact by not having old friends nearby, kids can start anew, be themselves. They learn how to live and work with strangers and how to deal with social challenges and problems on their own. All these things are essential skills for children and teens to develop, a critical part of growing into mature, well adjusted adults. And in today's world of email and social networking they will make and keep lifelong friends.
 
Summer camp will give your child a great experience that they will value forever. They will have unbelievable fun but will also grow in ways parents will not believe. Giving them that opportunity is one of the best gifts a parent can give.