As the summer holidays approach, most parents face the same question: where to send their child for a break that is both restful and rewarding? Summer camps offer the perfect solution. Edinburgh is an ideal location for a children’s summer holiday, with its beautiful scenery and exciting programmes providing a fantastic opportunity to recharge after the school year. It’s also a chance to brush up on existing skills or develop new ones. More at iedinburgh.
When choosing a summer camp, it’s worth considering the following aspects:
- Location
- Accommodation
- Food
- Entertainment Programme
- Educational Programme
- Cost
- Positive Reviews
Here, we take a look at four of the most popular summer camps in Edinburgh.
Herriot-Watt University Summer Camp
This is the most popular children’s summer camp in Edinburgh, boasting a large number of positive reviews and welcoming over a thousand children each summer.
The summer camp is based at the famous Heriot-Watt University, located in a picturesque setting near Edinburgh. Children and teenagers are housed in the university’s halls of residence, in specially prepared accommodation. These are comfortable single rooms with private en-suite bathrooms and a well-equipped study space. Wi-Fi is readily available. All residents have access to laundry facilities and other communal areas. When allocating rooms, students from the same group are placed near one another, which helps the young residents to make friends quickly and makes it easier for group leaders to look after them.
A huge variety of activities is organised for students at Herriot-Watt University Summer Camp, catering to a wide range of interests. These include:
- Camp-wide events for everyone, such as discos and karaoke.
- Sports competitions for those who love being active.
- Various contests and games.
- Quiet activities for downtime after trips and excursions.
- Specialised clubs and practical workshops for students.
The camp also includes several interesting excursions to Edinburgh’s famous landmarks. It’s safe to say that during a two-week stay at Herriot-Watt University Summer Camp, your child will have no time to be bored.
Newbattle Abbey Summer Camp
This wonderful summer camp is located on the outskirts of Edinburgh, just a 30-minute drive from the city centre. It is surrounded by 125 acres of beautiful parkland along the River Esk. The camp welcomes children aged 8 to 17. The three-week programme includes language tuition, a cultural programme, and excursions to Edinburgh, Loch Lomond, and other destinations.
Summer camp students live on the university grounds in residential blocks offering various types of bedrooms. These range from single rooms with private bathrooms to twin, triple, and quadruple rooms with shared facilities. The choice of room is up to the parents, depending on their budget. All rooms are furnished to a high standard and have Wi-Fi access. For sports enthusiasts, the camp has all the necessary pitches, courts, and equipment. Private lessons with an instructor are also available upon request.
A major advantage of Newbattle Abbey Summer Camp is its focus on security. The buildings are equipped with a CCTV system, and staff can be contacted 24/7. The programme is packed and engaging, ensuring that children can fully enjoy their holiday and make new friends.
Mary Erskine Summer School
Mary Erskine School is a prestigious independent school in the heart of Edinburgh. During the holidays, it opens its doors as a summer school. It invites children from other countries, making it a truly international camp. This feature makes for an exciting stay, as it provides an opportunity to meet children from around the world. The school caters for ages 7 to 17. The programmes are meticulously planned to provide children with an unforgettable holiday combined with an effective educational component.
There are several accommodation options at the summer camp. Children can live in the school’s summer residence, stay with host families, or attend as a day camper. For those in residence, everything – the dining hall, classrooms, and sports grounds – is within walking distance. For those living with a host family, a transfer from their accommodation to the summer camp is organised. During their two-week stay at Mary Erskine Summer School, students can look forward to a rich programme of excursions. Some of these include:
- A visit to Glasgow.
- Sightseeing tours of Edinburgh’s landmarks.
- The Royal Botanic Garden.
- A visit to Edinburgh Castle.
The variety of events and sports activities at the summer school is impressive. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. Children have options such as:
- Discos and karaoke.
- Quizzes and various games.
- Competitions.
- Scottish song and dance evenings.
- Fitness.
- Swimming.
- Table tennis and lawn tennis.
- Cricket and football.
- Volleyball and basketball.
- Badminton.
Mary Erskine Summer School offers an excellent programme that harmoniously blends educational and sporting activities for children. The camp is so engaging that your child will definitely want to come back.
Napier University Summer Camp
Napier University is one of Edinburgh’s largest universities. It offers a unique summer programme with several options, each designed for different ages and interests.
Youth Summer School: For ages 12 to 18. This programme is aimed at developing English language skills and includes both general and academic English courses. Students attend 27 hours of classes per week, consisting of 12 hours of general English and 15 hours of academic English. Outside of lessons, students can take part in numerous events, sports clubs, and excursions. Accommodation is provided in comfortable halls of residence, in single rooms with shared facilities. This summer programme lasts from 2 to 4 weeks.
Edinburgh Napier University Jazz Summer School: For musicians aged 14 and over. This unique, intensive programme focuses on jazz ensemble playing, improvisation, and performance skills. The tutors at this camp are renowned Scottish jazz musicians. Students have access to concerts at the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival. The Jazz Summer School runs for 5 days.
English Language & Culture Summer School: Minimum age of 18. This programme aims to improve English skills while exploring British culture. The comfortable environment of the summer school makes deepening one’s language knowledge particularly enjoyable. Over a two-week stay, students have a wonderful opportunity to focus on grammar and vocabulary, as well as enjoy intercultural communication.
The Napier University Summer Camp programmes are all interesting in their own right. Whichever you choose, you are sure to get the maximum benefit and enjoyment from it.
Each of the Edinburgh summer camps featured here is unique and appealing in its own way. The nature and cultural flair of Edinburgh, combined with the professionalism and warmth of the teaching staff, makes for a vibrant and unforgettable stay. A visit to any of these camps is sure to provide a child with wonderful memories that will last a lifetime!