The year is flying by and we’re already slap bang in the middle of the June Bank Holiday weekend.
The school holidays will be upon us in the blink of an eye, but don’t panic HerFamily are already one step ahead with your summer camp options. We have taken a voyage of discovery into summer camp options across the nation, and found that (regionally speaking) Ireland has nailed it in terms of variety…
Galway:
Atlantaquaria ‘Science 4 Summer’ Camp
Where: Salthill, Galway
When: July and August (exact dates to be confirmed)
Age group: 8 – 12 years, in various classes and a junior camp for children aged 5-7 years for 3 days in August
Why go: This is a three-day workshop with a focus on science and living things, materials and technology, engineering, energy and cool water experiments. Wow. There will be classes, games, arts and crafts and an explorer’s seashore laboratory (weather permitting). Whether they fancy feeding the aquarium fish or doing a fish dissection, this is the camp for your budding marine biologists and scientists.
How much: €99 for the week, including drinks and snacks.
Call: 091 585100
Where: Delphi Adventure Resort, Galway
When: July and August (exact dates to be confirmed)
Age group: 8 – 17 yrs, in various classes
Why go: In just four days, the great outdoors becomes home to your children. Campers can explore everything from archery to zip-lining, surfing to mountain biking, all the while making lifetime memories and forging new friendships. This 300-acre scenic hideaway is Ireland’s leading adventure resort, and the instructors are capable supervisors and teachers on land and at sea. Kayaking and rock-climbing will be a thrill for the older kids.
How much: €70 per night including three meals and drinks.
Call: 095 42208
Dublin:
Where: The Gaiety School of Acting, Essex Street West, Temple Bar
When: July
Age group: 7 – 13 years, in various classes
Why go: Encouraged by the experts, your kids will help write, act and perform in their very own stage piece. The children use their ideas to form the basis of a performance, then they gain confidence in putting together simple scripts and movements with the help of the talented educators. The scenes are professionally choreographed, and the entire family can attend the finished stage show.
How much: €160 – €200 per week
Call: 01 679 9277
Cork:
Alliance Francaise Cork French Summer School
Where: Alliance Francaise, Enterprise House 2nd floor, 36 Mary Street, Cork
When: 31st July – 4th August
Age group: 7 – 11 yrs, in various classes
Why go: Held over five days, this course aims to be a fun pathway to Inter-railing (retro joke). On a serious note, this is the perfect way to immerse the young ‘uns in a new language. Through art, craft, design, games and drama they’ll learn a whole lot about the culture. They may master how to order food, ask for directions to the Louvre and find the best shopping centre. What better way to get you thinking about a holiday to France next year. C’est super, oui?
How much: €120 per week
Call: 021 431 0677
Mayo:
Star Camp Performing Arts Summer Camp
Where: Swinford, Ballina, Castlebar, Claremorris and Westport, Mayo (also nationwide)
When: Mid July – end of August
Age group: 4 -13 yrs, in various classes
Why go: Kids sing Disney songs, dance to chart-topping tunes, enjoy interactive games and are introduced to music theory including rhythm and pitch. The little ones receive a Starcamp t-shirt, wristband and a special star award for their dance routines on the final day. No interest in acquiring moves like Jagger? The older age-group engage in script-writing and record scenes to camera #slick.
How much: €90 per child or €280 for four kids. There are various other family deals.
Call: 021 4377900
Where: Kiltimagh School of Music, Sculpture Park, Castlebar School of Music, Lough Lannagh Village, Mayo
When: July
Age group: 4 – 12 yrs, in various classes
Why go: This is a must for those with a musical ear or parents who want to immerse their little one in Irish traditions and classic ensembles. They will be exposed to instrument demonstrations, song writing and music composition, with drumming and percussion and instrument introduction also available. For children who want to find the perfect instrument, this is the perfect summer camp. Indoor and outdoor musical games are enough to make you well-jel of these lucky kids.
How much: €90 per child or €200 for four kids.
Call: 094 93 74600
Sligo:
Where: Fitness 4 All Kids Camp, Airport Road, Strandhill, Sligo
When: June, July and August
Age group: 6 – 16 yrs, in various classes
Why go: This is a super spot for kids of any age. Multi-activity outdoor and indoor games are guaranteed to create lasting memories. Scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, baking, mini-trampolining and boxing are all part of the fun. Farmyard visits and pony rides will be a real novelty for children who attend from a town or city. Keep your kids away from the Xbox with awesome fitness routines and enthusiastic fitness trainers. Sligo is a pretty cool beach location, too.
How much: €65 per child
Call: 087 823 99 66 or 087 910 47 23
Donegal:
Pinehill Studios Ballet and Hip Hop Summer School
Where: Pinehill Studios, Unit 26 A, Pinehill Industria Estate, Moutain Top, Letterkenny, Donegal
When: July
Age group: 3 – 12 yrs, in various classes
Why go: The ‘Wake Up’ team building each morning sounds like serious fun. Ballet and Hip Hop fitness instructors and dance teachers teach your child how to co-ordinate themselves and learn the principles of dance genres. The great thing is that childcare professionals are always in attendance. Challenging dance movements will prompt the kids to make new friends and gain confidence. The camp leaders are kind and act as role models for the children. A big emphasis is placed on enjoyment, inclusion and personal development which mans no one ever feels left out.
How much: €120 per week
Call: 086 79 00 554
Louth:
Where: Carlingford Adventure Centre, Tholsel Street, Carlingford, Louth
When: June, July and August
Age group: 6 – 17 yrs, in various classes
Why go: This camp is five days of sheer outdoor exhilaration. Younger kids will learn and have fun via land, sea and sky activities. Older kids will experience a little more. Zorbing and zip-line adventure are a big attraction and the basics of camping, orienteering and canoeing are taught on-site. If you fancy them sharing stories on how to build a raft Bear Grylls style they will gain the necessary skills here. There is a Skypark for fun of the high ropes variety and a laser combat session for one and all.
How much: There are various individual and family packages available
Call: 042 93 73 100
Waterford:
Where: Newtown School, Waterford
When: July
Age group: 4 – 19 years, in various classes.
Why go: The outstanding facilities are reason enough to book this camp. They have Cub Camps and a Sports Academy, depending on the age of your child. This camp has an indoor pool and tennis courts available. The kids can try a broad range of sports and learn the principles of hockey, tag rugby, volleyball, basketball and athletics too. There are prizes for sportsmanship, artistic flair and helpfulness, which is dead cute. Art, drama and treasure hunting is the game at Camp Waterford, which seems like a good way for kids to run wild and burn some pent-up kiddie energy.
How much: € 150 per child for 1 week, € 270 per child for 2 weeks, or € 375 per child for 3 weeks. There are various other deals available.
Call: 051 873 752
