Camp Beaumont or other Summer camps

I used to go on these sorts of holidays as a child (PGL mostly), and then I spent my university summers as an instructor (at Mill on the Brue, and then Superchoice, which was bought out by PGL).

From my experience most children love them. Depending on the age of the children there are usually a few tears when they get dropped off, but there are far more when they come to be picked up, and they don't want to go home.

It's usually fairly hard not to make friends, but the instructors will do what they can if they see anyone struggling.

I bet that's very true! ?

Some of them make really strong friendships. At MoB I remember one group of girls who had all met there a few years previously, and each year they co-ordinated their visits so they were all there at the same time again.

The more I think about this the more I think it's great for the eldest but a possible waste of money for the youngest. She's very scared / nervous about trying new things and often works herself up so much she'll cry and pretend she has a belly ache than have to do the new thing. For example if we go to a swimming pool she's never been to before she needs lots of persuading to get in the water. If we then go back the next week it'll be slightly easier but there will be a bit of a drama getting her in the pool again. I can imagine the camp having rock climbing as an activity and her just stood their crying because she wants to try it but is too scared.

It could work the other way for her. The instructors are very used to having kids who are scared, and who cry, and more often than not will get them up the wall, down the cliff, in the canoe, through the small hole etc. It's what they do.

Are there any day camps near you for the younger one maybe? They tend to be a lot cheaper, while still have access to loads of new activities with qualifies instructors.

Again, very good point there FTG. maybe a couple of day camps are the way to go for this year and then possibly do a residential next year. Just a shame as it's £45 a day and there was an offer of £249 for the residential week.

I'll have a little chat with her and MRKB and see.

I'm sure Essexmum's child(ren) go to summer camps so she probably has lots of advice on them.

Thanks MrsM, I'll keep an eye out for her.

My children have been on two residential holidays. Last year they went away for a two week break with KidsKlub which they loved, it was based in Dorset and they did so much I was actually jealous LOL They went on a Camp Beaumont holiday this Easter to the Isel of Wight and although my daughter (9) loved it, my son (11) didn't enjoy it as much. He had problems with being kept awake at night by French students raiding their room at all hours, that said the cousellors were wonderful at soring out the problem over the phone. My son also didn;t like it as much as KidsKlub because at KK they were given a choice of what activities they could during the day whereas at Camp Beaumont they had no choice, it was do whatever and get on with it which was a shame. The activites sounded great though (caving, zipwiring, quad biking, etc).

If I were to send them again I'd probably use Kids Klub.

The only advise I can offer regarding your youngest daughter is to send her, but let the leaders know your fears. You'' be surprised how much she'll actually do without you being there and will probably bow down to peer pressure rahter than stand there and cry (not such a bad thing in this instance). She'll mature so much in that week that you'll hardly recognise her when she gets back! If you have any specific questions just ask and I'll ask as best as I can

I went on a Camp Beaumont holiday when I was 14, to Euro Disney and it was fantastic! I was never a shy child but even those who were came out of their shell. I think it's a fabulous way for kids to gain a little independence in a safe and educational environment (Not that I'd call Disney particualrly educational - we did other things too).