The summer holidays can feel endless when your child is restless, grumpy, and glued to their screen. If you’re juggling work commitments or simply need a well-deserved break, a holiday camp might seem like the ideal solution. But here’s the thing – not all camps are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can lead to tears, tantrums, and that dreaded phone call asking you to collect them early.

Holiday camps are becoming increasingly popular with UK parents as a practical way to keep children active, social, and stimulated during the break. They can be an incredible opportunity for kids to build confidence, independence, and resilience – but only if you choose the right one.

The difference between a fantastic experience and a miserable one often comes down to simple details that parents don’t always know to look for. Here’s your guide to picking a holiday camp your child will actually enjoy.

1. Don’t Be Seduced by a Shiny Schedule

That glossy brochure promising kayaking, rock climbing, and pizza making looks impressive, but it doesn’t guarantee your child will actually experience all those activities. Sometimes, the more exciting the list, the more likely the camp is overselling what it can consistently deliver.

What really matters is how the day is structured, how group sizes are managed, and how engaged the staff are in supporting children to participate.

Action step: Ask for a sample daily timetable – not just an activity list. You want to see how the day flows, how breaks and meals are handled, and how children are grouped. A well-run camp will happily share this information.

2. Match the Camp to Your Child – Not Your Wishlist

It’s tempting to choose camps that promise a full week of sports, drama, or coding, but if your child isn’t already interested in these areas, it could become a struggle. A creative child might dread five days of competitive games, while a shy child could feel lost in a noisy, unstructured environment.

There’s a significant difference between encouraging your child out of their comfort zone and throwing them into something they’ll hate.

Action step: Involve your child in the decision-making process. Show them a few options and ask what appeals to them. If they seem unsure, look for camps offering a mix of activities, allowing them to try new things without pressure.

3. Look Beyond the Marketing – What Are the Values?

A great camp isn’t just about what children do – it’s about how they’re treated while doing it. Do staff create a culture of inclusion? Do they prioritise emotional wellbeing, not just keeping everyone busy?

Some camps focus heavily on activities but say little about behaviour management, staff training, or how they support nervous or first-time campers. These elements matter just as much, if not more.

Action step: Ask about the camp’s approach to new or anxious children. How do they handle homesickness or reluctant participants? Their response will reveal whether they genuinely care about creating positive experiences.

4. Check the Staff-to-Child Ratio – And Who’s Actually Running Sessions

Some camps boost their numbers with volunteers or teenagers, which might work for certain activities but not everything. You want experienced, trained leaders overseeing groups, not just supervising from a distance.

A low staff-to-child ratio means little if most staff are there to make sandwiches or manage logistics rather than engage with children.

Action step: Ask how many qualified activity leaders will be present and what training they receive. Camps should be transparent about this – vague answers are red flags.

5. Watch Out for “One Size Fits All”

A good camp recognises that seven-year-olds and 12-year-olds are completely different and shouldn’t be treated identically. Look for camps that split children into age-appropriate groups with tailored activities.

If everyone’s lumped together for convenience, younger children may feel overwhelmed while older ones could be bored.

Action step: Ask how children are grouped and whether activities are adjusted for different age bands. If the answer is “we mix everyone together,” probe deeper.

6. Trust Your Gut Feeling

If the website’s full of stock photos, replies to your questions feel rushed, or something doesn’t sit right – trust your instincts. A good camp should be organised, transparent, and happy to communicate with parents before day one.

Vague answers or lack of enthusiasm from camp organisers might indicate what your child will experience too.

Action step: Call rather than email when possible. Speaking directly will give you a clearer sense of the camp’s tone and whether they genuinely care about their offering.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right holiday camp takes a bit of research, but it’s worth the effort. The right camp can provide your child with unforgettable experiences, new friendships, and increased confidence that lasts long after the holidays end.

Remember, the flashiest brochure doesn’t always mean the best experience. Focus on finding a camp that matches your child’s personality, has qualified staff, clear structures, and genuine care for children’s wellbeing.