Every parent is curious about their child’s activities during school breaks. Instead of being glued to screens all day, why not make this vacation one that stands out? 

Summer camps offer an exhilarating chance for kids to learn essential skills and life lessons and create lasting memories. For some, it’s a period of pure enjoyment and playfulness. For others, it’s an opportunity for children to refine their knowledge or develop new skills. 

Benefits of summer camps: 

• Building friendships 

Almost everyone who’s been to summer camps has a tale of creating new friendships there. These camps play a crucial role in fostering social skills, nurturing independence, and boosting self-confidence in children. Kids make friendships that go beyond just their school buddies, and these friendships often become really important to them. They look forward to seeing these friends again at the next summer camp.

 

• Screentime 

Camp offers children a chance to rediscover the pleasures of life away from screens. Excessive screen time can numb their senses and deprive them of the little joys life has to offer. Being glued to screens for long periods can lead to addiction and have negative effects on their health and well-being. However, summer camps provide an opportunity for children to break free from screen addiction and spend their time in more fun and productive ways.

 

• Connection with Nature 

Many kids today are missing out on the deep connection with nature that previous generations enjoyed. When children are outside, they experience the sights, sounds, textures, and scents of nature. They can enjoy activities like running, skipping, jumping, and climbing while laughing and breathing in the fresh air. Additionally, soaking up sunlight provides them with a healthy dose of vitamin D. Some summer camps teach them the value of nature and its conservation. They teach children traditional games passed down through generations, aiming to reconnect them with their roots.

 

• Physical activities 

At summer camp, physical activity comes packaged as fun and games, effortlessly encouraging kids to embrace a healthy lifestyle without them even noticing. Whether it’s playing sports, swimming races, or obstacle courses, summer camps offer exciting ways for children to stay active and energized. These activities not only keep them moving but also teach teamwork and coordination skills, making exercise feel like a fun adventure.

• Independence and confidence 

It’s time to encourage the generation often ‘bubble wrapped’ to break free. It’s crucial to grant them the freedom to venture beyond the confines of home and school, allowing them to network and explore at their own pace. This way, they can excel in their unique ways, fostering confidence in their abilities and independence to face new challenges. According to 70 percent of parents, summer camp experiences have boosted their child’s self-confidence. 

• Develops lifelong skills

At summer camps, kids have the freedom to pick activities they enjoy, like sports, arts, dance, or adventure. They get to dedicate their time to these interests, honing their skills and having a blast. Discovering their talents and passions at camp can inspire them to pursue those interests further in the future, helping them find hobbies they truly love. Whatever they learn at camp sticks with them for life and holds a special place in their hearts.

Realizing the significance of this period for a child, a lot of summer camps have sprung up in Kochi. To all the parents searching for the best summer camp activities near them, here is a list of carefully curated summer camps: 

Art camps

The Art Planet Cochin

When: April 8 to 19

Where: Kalamassery

Contact: 8921411584

• Imutsa

Where: Edachira, Kakkanad

When: April 1-12

Contact: 9946190902

 

Physical/adventure activities: 

• Secret Routes Kayaking 

When: Every day; 5.30 to 8 a.m. and 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Where: Kadamakudy

Contact: 7736608451

 

• Loop Skatepark 

Where: Loop Skatepark, Kakkanad

When: April 1 to 30

Contact: 977852326

 

• One-Step Sports and Fitness

Where: Kakkanad

When: April 3–30, May 2–29

Contact: 9656164000

 

• Lubaina Kalari

Where: Palakkaparambil Road

When: April

Contact: 8590087661

 

• Kalypso Adventures 

When: May 7 to 10 Where: From Kochi to Suryanelli, Munnar

Contact: 9446005067

 

Sports

• RBS Corporation’s European Football Camp

When: April 30 to May 4 Cost: Rs. 25000

Contact: 7510103033

 

• Regional Sports Center 

When: April 1–30 for the first batch; May 2–31 for the second

Where: RSC, Kadavanthra Contact: 2205071, 2206504

 

Learn new languages: 

• WELI 

Where: Ravipuram

When:  From April 12

Contact: 7902288077

Dance classes

• Mamangam Dance Company 

Where: Mamangam Dance Company, Panampilly Nagar

When: April 5 to 18

Contact: 9744210101

 

• Mudra Dance Studio 

Where: Tripunithura

When: April–May 

Contact: 9947676366