What to expect at Summer holiday camp

School’s almost out. And you know what that means. A long stretch of summer holiday adventures! (for your kids, of course). If you’re looking for something more adventurous than your usual routine of screens and backyard cricket, an outdoor adventure camp might be the perfect fit for your kids.

For many parents, sending a child to a summer camp is exciting but can also raise a lot of questions. What do they actually do all day? Are they safe? Will they make friends?

This guide will walk you through some summer camp expectations, covering everything from a typical day’s packed schedule to the skills they’ll bring home. Get comfortable as we go through what your kids will get up to at a summer camp.

 

Why should kids go to Summer camp? 

Summer camp offers kids a unique opportunity to break away from their daily routines and immerse themselves in a world of adventure, learning, and fun. It provides a safe, supervised environment where they can develop valuable life skills (e.g., leadership and social skills) and make lasting memories. Here are some of the biggest benefits to keep in mind:

Beating the boredom

After a long school year, kids need a change of pace. Summer camp is an opportunity to ditch the devices and get active. It replaces structured classroom time with unstructured playtime and exciting challenges, keeping the “I’m bored” cries at bay for the entire duration. They come back refreshed, energised, and ready to tackle the next school year.

Building confidence and resilience

Every camp activity, from paddling a canoe to reaching the top of a climbing wall, involves kids stepping outside their comfort zones. When a child succeeds in a task they once thought was impossible, their confidence skyrockets. They learn that failing is just a step toward success, building resilience that helps them handle challenging situations back home, at school and in their future lives. This could be rejection at a job interview one day or losing out on a promotion to a colleague. The lessons that they learn at camp can help them deal with these challenges in the future. 

Developing leadership and social skills

Summer camps put kids into new teams with new faces. They learn to make friends quickly, listen to different opinions, and communicate clearly under pressure. This is a safe space for them to practise real-world leadership and social skills, such as teamwork and negotiation, that are essential for growing into confident adults.

Spending time in nature

The Australian landscape is beautiful, and a summer camp is the perfect way to explore it. Spending time in nature, whether learning bushcraft or paddling on a lake, reduces stress and anxiety by calming the mind, stimulates creativity by freeing you from daily distractions, and improves physical well-being by encouraging movement and exercise. It also helps kids unplug and appreciate the world around them.

 

Summer camp expectations: How will your child’s day a summer holiday camp look?

So, you’re wondering, “What do the kids actually do all day?” The schedule at a quality outdoor summer holiday camp is jam-packed, ensuring every minute is spent learning, moving, and having fun.

A normal day starts early, around 7:30 AM, when campers wake up and get ready. This includes learning a little responsibility, like keeping their sleeping area tidy. Around 8:00 AM, it’s time to fuel up with a healthy breakfast. The kids can choose a nutritious meal, often including cereals, toast, and a cooked option, ensuring they have the energy they need for the fun-filled adventures ahead.

Usually, after breakfast, there will be an activity or two for the kids to take part in. These summer camp activities are often the biggest physical and mental challenges of the day, such as climbing or a course. They are designed to push the campers’ limits and build individual skills, such as teamwork or creative problem-solving.

Around 1:00 PM, it’s time for some lunch to recharge. A delicious and filling lunch allows campers to reenergise and refuel quickly. It is important for the kids to get some nutrition in ahead of a busy afternoon of more summer camp activities. The afternoon finishes with a sense of accomplishment, followed by a hearty dinner around 6:00 PM.

After dinner, the pace usually shifts for evening Fun. The children move on to relaxed activities that are perfect for socialising. This might include quizzes, talent shows, or engaging photo challenges. This is where the social fun really peaks, and those new camp friendships are solidified. 

Finally, as the day winds down, it’s time for everyone to relax, perhaps with a movie or quiet downtime, getting them ready for a well-earned good night’s sleep. They’ll need it—they’ll be ready to do it all over again in the morning!

If you’re looking for information on a PGL summer camp specifically, see our blog for more information on what a typical day at PGL looks like.

 

How to prepare your child for a summer holiday camp

Now that you know what your child might be getting up to at a summer camp, let’s go over some ways to get them ready for it. Giving your child the right mindset and packing list can make a huge difference to their experience. 

Give them some independence and responsibility from the start

A summer holiday camp is often the first time kids manage their own belongings and schedule. Before camp, help them practice a few key skills. Let your child pack their own suitcase (with supervision). This helps them know where everything is when they need it.

It is also a good idea to label everything. Lost property is common, so permanent markers or labels on clothing, towels, and gear are a lifesaver. So, help your little one get all their belongings marked up 

Mastering the packing list

Adventure summer camps often require specific gear due to the types of activities they offer. We have a dedicated blog on school trip packing lists, but here is a quick summary of what is covered:

• Consider weather conditions: will it be hot? Maybe cold? Is there any rain forecast? Make sure you help them pack appropriate clothes for the expected conditions, such as a rain jacket if it looks like it might rain. A cap is always required. 
• Think about what activities they will be doing: Make sure that your child has any special gear requirements. Maybe they will need to bring their own helmet for white water rafting, or they might need a pair of hiking boots for some trails. 
• Keep in mind the length of camp: If the summer camp is over 2 nights, you might need to pack less than you would for a 4-night camp. Keep that in mind.
• Make sure you consider any medical requirements: Packing items such as asthma pumps, EPIPENS and personal medications is essential. It is equally important to make sure that the camp supervisor is aware of any conditions, too, and you fill in the required paperwork

The above-mentioned blogs go into much more detail about a packing list, so be sure to give that a read through when you’re done here. 

Emotional preparation

Talking about the camp beforehand is the best way to reduce anxiety and build excitement. Explain that they will be sharing a cabin with new kids. Reassure them that everyone is there to make friends.

Tell them it’s okay to miss you. Most camps have a system (like writing letters or talking to a group leader) to manage this. Knowing that the feeling is normal helps them deal with it, because they will feel more confident, relaxed, and ready to enjoy their time at camp, knowing that what they are feeling is what many of the other kids are feeling too.

 

Summer Holiday camp activities 

At PGL, our summer camp activities are a wonderful mix of excitement, exploration and education. We’re all about providing your kids with an incredible Summer holiday camp experience! Here is a taster of what you can expect at a PGL summer camp.

Bushcraft

Kids can channel their inner survival instincts in this fun and creative Bushcraft activity. They’ll be challenged to build a shelter in teams and learn the basics of water filtration, knot craft and signalling. It’s a great challenge for kids who love to be in nature!

Centipede

One tower standing tall and just one challenge; get to the top. But it’s not that simple. Kids must take on obstacles during their ascent and overcome them to come out victorious. Centipede is one of our most unique Summer camp activities, and kids love it!

Canoeing

Get ready to make a splash and paddle in your very own canoe! As they learn to navigate the water, kids will develop their paddling techniques, teamwork and communication skills through a series of games. It’s challenging, but so much fun! 

Possum Glider

This is an exhilarating activity for the thrillseekers in the group. A team will pull a rope sending one person up almost 15 metres into the tree canopy and swinging right to the very top! It’s a brilliant activity that encourages communication and teamwork.

 

Book your kids’ adventure-filled Summer holiday camp today

So, now you know exactly what your child will be up to and what kinds of summer camp activities they’ll be enjoying, maybe you’d like to take a look at our Holiday camps, including Summer camps and Winter camps for all-year-round fun!

No matter your child’s age, there are always other children of similar ages for them to make new friends and connections. Life at PGL is about fun and adventure, but it’s also about building relationships and developing your child’s communication skills, so they can grow into confident individuals ready to take on the world.

We are running holiday camps in Queensland at (PGL Kindilan) this Summer! So, register your interest today and book the adventure of a lifetime for your child!