Independent: Are there summer camps specifically for teenagers? 28th April 2007

Our son and daughter are getting to an age when they no longer want to join their parents on holiday (they’re 13 and 15 respectively). With this in mind, we were thinking of sending them to a summer camp. However, they wouldn’t be keen on spending time with younger children, so it would have to be something specifically for teens where they are allowed a certain amount of freedom. Does such a thing exist?
B Taylor, via email

“I suggest a choice of three camps that suit your requirements in terms of age group, with a good geographical spread, depending on how far they – and you – want to travel. Most places can arrange pick-ups from train stations and airports.

The first is XUK (020-8922 9739; www.xkeys.co.uk) in Norfolk, near the Cambridgeshire and Suffolk borders. The camp uses the grounds of the New Eccles Hall School and is open from 8 July to 4 August – prices start at £329 per child per week.
Included in the price is an excursion to Bury St Edmunds or Cambridge. For an additional £150, there is the possibility of a two-day trip to London to see a West End show and stay a night in a hotel.

The camp takes about 100 13-to 17-year-olds at a time, so there’s no risk of hanging around with homesick eight-year-olds.”

“What’s more, teens are split into smaller groups during the day, and dorms are divided according to age too. Clay pigeon shooting, DJ workshops and ultimate Frisbee feature, along with around 40 other activities.”