Holiday camps can seem like a godsend. They solve the dilemma of how to occupy the little tykes, and ensure you don’t give in to the temptation of letting them sit in front of the TV all day.
Until a few years ago, camps were little more than glorified babysitting services, somewhere safe you could leave the kids for a couple of hours each day, but which didn’t exactly contribute to their development.
Thankfully, that’s all in the past. UAE camps have upped the ante. So which one do you pick? We went right to the source and asked kids what they’d like to do.
ROCK ‘N’ ROLL
“I want to go to a rock band spring camp! I want to be a singer when I grow up like Adam Levine from Maroon 5.”
We suggest: Rock Academy Worldwide at English College, Dubai, is a fun and creative outlet for all your future stars — provided they have a basic knowledge of music. It lets children aged ten and above develop their music skills and specialise in guitar, bass, drums, vocals, keyboards or even DJing.
A show at Hard Rock Café at the end of the camp gives your little rocker the chance to strut his stuff
in public.
Details: 9am-3pm, March 31-April 4, Dh1,500 per week. Call 056 788 2326, or visit www.rockacademyworldwide.com
WATER SPORTS
“I very much would enjoy outdoor activities in the summer such as swimming and diving as it is hot in the UAE. I prefer small focused classes gathering similar abilities, rather than people with all levels of talents and capabilities.
We suggest: Padi Dive Camp. Established for children above the age of 12, this camp promises “A week without walls”.
They can spend their time enjoying the outdoors while the weather’s still decent. The week of diving and beach activities at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel includes getting a Padi diving qualification, paddle boarding, beach volleyball and visiting a turtle sanctuary.
Details: 9am-5pm, April 6-10 and 13-17, Dh2,500 a week. Call 056 244 7039, or log on to www.gulfstarsports.com
DANCE & DRAMA
“I am passionate about music and dance. I’d like to share my passion and socialise with others who share the same interests as me, which is why I think a performing arts camp would be amazing.”
We suggest: Performing Arts Spring Camp. If you’re fed up of living with a diva and every day feels like a performance, this drama camp is the place to be.
Run by British Overseas Dramatic Arts at The Ballet Centre in Jumeirah, it’s a fun and diverse camp where children aged four to 14 can enjoy activities such as acting, dancing, singing and the crafts.
Details: 10am-2pm, March 30-April 3 and April 6-10, Dh450 a week. Call 04 344 9776, or visit Boda.ae
HORSE RIDING
“I want to join a horse riding or skiing club, because I have never done such things and they sound fun and cool!”
We suggest: HoofbeatZ Spring Camp. As we count down to the Dubai World Cup, this camp promises to turn your child into a natural equestrian, teaching him or her that there is more to horse riding than just jumping on to the animal and galloping away.
Details: 10am-1pm, April 7-10 and 14-17, Dh300 per day. Call 056 942 4551, or log on to Hoofbeatz.com
SPORT & GAMES
“I want to go to a sports camp where I can play all the sports and go horse riding. If they have video games that would [be] amazing too!”
We suggest: Kartdrome Camp. For those children who love tearing about and seem to have more energy than they know what to do with, this camp provides non-stop adrenaline-pumping activities to satisfy the little daredevils.
Kids can use up all their energy by go-karting, using race simulators, playing games such as laser tag and, for the more laidback, an Xbox Zone.
Details: 9am-1pm, from April 7-10 and 14-17, Dh995 per week. Call 050 429 4860, or log on to www.gulfstarsports.com
VARIETY
“I like camps that have a lot of activities, teach sport and don’t start early in the morning.”
We suggest: M&S Sports Spring Holiday Camp. For children who like doing different things each day, this camp might be just the ticket.
For those aged four to 14, it features a different theme each day, including football, swimming, team games, mini Olympics, arts and crafts and more, so your child can be both physically and mentally active — and hopefully return home exhausted but happy.
Details: 9am-2pm, March 29-April 2 and April 5-9, Dh750 per week. Call 04 445 72933, or visit www.mandssports.com n
