We believe that summer camps are a healthy way for children to take part in activities and meet friends from all sorts of different cultures around the world. XUK is proud to promote summer activity camps and suggest it is a great experience for every child to do at least once!
The following article by Sarah Holder at Camp Motorsport is a great and interesting read.
For many children, attending some type of camp every summer is as natural as going to the pool or 
eating an ice cream on a hot day. Camp offers kids a lot of opportunities for growth. Socially, they learn how to work as part of a group, communal living skills (at resident/overnight camps), how to make new friends, conflict resolution, and many other invaluable skills. Personally, there’s a unique element of “structured independence”, where they can feel free to make certain decisions and choices, in a safe and supportive environment, allowing for personal growth. The benefits of camp are many, and we hope that you are considering sending your child to summer camp this year if you haven’t already.
For the first-timers, parents of those children and teens who are going to have their first away from home experience this summer (or even the first time at a new camp), there are some things that you can do prior to packing up the car and heading to camp that will help guarantee a smooth, rewarding experience for both you and your camper.
First, from the very beginning, involve your children and teens as much as possible in the process. They should be an integral part of the decision to go to camp in the first place. Every child develops at a different rate– some will be ready to head off to camp almost as soon as they’ve mastered the art of walking, and others will be reluctant to leave home until their teenage years. Forcing a child to attend a sleep-away camp who is just not ready yet might lead to an unpleasant first experience that they will be reluctant to repeat. If your child is anxious about being away from you, perhaps start small, with overnight stays with friends, day camps with a one-night stay-over, or half-week overnight camps with a buddy or two.
It’s very important to not let any anxiety you may have pass to your camper prior to attending camp. 
Remind yourself that you have chosen a quality camp with a good reputation, caring and supportive staff, and that camp is an invaluable learning experience that your child deserves to take part in. Avoid saying things before camp such as “if you aren’t having a good time, we will come and get you,” as this will allow your child to feel as though they don’t have to actually try to adjust to the camp experience. Also, saying things that indicate that parents, siblings, or pets will have a hard time adjusting to your camper being away from home may lead to your child feeling guilty for being away, which certainly won’t allow them to become fully involved while at camp.
While the first significant amount of time away from home and away from loved ones can sometimes be challenging for children, it is an important step in their growth and development, and can and should be very positive. If you prepare both yourself and your camper for their first camp experience, you are both much more likely to have a smooth adjustment, and your camper is likely to have a wonderful and unforgettable time away from home…one that they will hopefully want to repeat again every summer!
Please note the pictures on this article are not from XUK. This article was originally posted on http://campfriendship.wordpress.com/2009/03/16/preparing-for-camp-part-1/
I think it is essential to ease your son or daughter into either going to an overnight camp or even having them embark on a global adventure through a travel camp. By having them learn early on how to live in communal settings and experiencing new friends and new experiences unlike where they are used to at home, it shows them that there is definitely more to life than being at home with mom, dad, and one’s collection of toys and video games.
Hi Cynthia,
Thanks for your message. The residential camps have many 15 year olds. The biggest group is our teen option!
I’d be delighted to help in any other way.
Best regards,
Richard
Hi, i have a question for you: is the camp suitable for a boy fifteen?
thanks
Hi Yolanda,
Thanks for your mesage. We do have a camping option this summer and next year we have big plans for some exciting camping with themes!! I will email you and give you the details..
Best regards,
Richard
Hi Hugo,
Thanks for your message. This summer we do not offer a language course but we are going to ofer this option next summer. I’ll send you an email and we can talk about the details.
Best regards,
Richard
I have been contacted by some Spanish friends. Does your holiday camp include language classes? Let me know if you do have a language group at your residential holiday camp and I will forward their details onto you.
Thanks – great site
Hugo
My kids would also be very interested in camping holidays – is this something you do?
Dear Tom,
Thanks for your email. Your nights under the canvas sound splendid! At XUK in the summer we do have an option for camping but this is for a night or two over the course of the whole camp. In 2010 we will be offering a great option that I feel will be perfect for what you want Sam to experience. I’d be delighted to talk about this over the phone or email so please don’t hesitate to contact me (02089229739 or richard@xkeys.co.uk) and we can chat over all the options.
Best regards,
Richard
Hi Jen,
Thanks for your email. There will always be homesick children at any camp but the busier and happier they are the less chance of this happening. When a child is missing home (usually in the evening) usually some encouragment, a caring dorm leader and allowing them to call home and touch base is usually enough to make them feel better.
This is something that would be good to discuss with you as every child is different and we would want to see if there is a particular way you would prefer us to handle it. If you’d like to chat I’d be delighted to. I am available on 020 8922 9739 or richard@xkeys.co.uk
Hi,
I was wondering whether you did any outdoor camping at your residential camp. I was telling my son the other day about the wonderful nights under canvas I spent as a boy scout. They were great fun at the time, and I’d love Sam to experience it for himself, but now I’m in my forties my passion for holidays without all mod cons seems to have dwindled, so wondered if you offered anything?
Tom
Hi,
Do you find many of the children who go to your residential camp get homesick? What happens if they do? Are they allowed to call home?
Thanks,
Jen