THE STANDARD MODEL of the summer camp a bit of learning and bit of a kickabout – doesn't always wash with teenagers. Sophisticated lot that they are, over 12s are more likely to have designs on European travel or boutique music festivals, writes LOUISE HOLDEN
However, if you’d rather keep them closer to home but challenge their desire for novelty, there are plenty of interesting summer school options around this year.
Technology and science have been the big summer camp story for the last two years and this year the choice is even greater. The popular Anyone4Science camp has been a kids-only affair until now: this year teens can enjoy their own science adventure with project-based activities that will set them up for the Young Scientist Competition if they are so inclined.
Your arty offspring might enjoy the recessionista’s pastime of choice – sewing. ‘Sew Great’ runs sewing classes and workshops for children and adults this summer, offering a broad introduction to hand sewing and machine sewing.
For the active lot, there’s plenty of sport, dancing, singing, sailing, cooking, horses, watersports – they won’t notice the summer passing.
The following is a selection of what’s available for teens around the country. For more summer activities and camps for kids and teens check out primarytimes.ie
LANGUAGES
The Alliance Françaisewill be holding two five day camps throughout the summer. Two themes will run from the last week of June until mid-August. Theme one involves the four elements – issues of respect and protection of the environment. The second theme is a magical world – games, stories and disguise, the universe of wizards and fairies. All activities are led in French and include role-plays, mime, songs, arts and crafts, board games and more. Tel: 01-6381449 or email primary@alliance-francaise.ie
Coláiste Naomh Eoinoffers a comprehensive programme in speaking, writing and understanding the Irish language from any level. Through formal classes, sports, games, ceol and céilí, arts and drama, every effort is made to ensure that the students use whatever Irish they have in a relaxed atmosphere and to create a positive attitude to the Irish language and culture. Tel: 01-2985287 or see colaistenaomheoin.com
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
The Whizz Kidssummer camps' Discover IT programme centres around activities encouraging fun with technology. A mix of web design, movie-making, sports and a "spy academy" where girls and boys, from age eight-plus, get hands-on time with cool gadgets and gizmos. Whizzkids Summer Camps run in UCD, DCU, UCC, UL and NUIG. They also run residential camps for 13-17 year-olds from €425. Tel: 061-339178 or see whizzkids.ie.
The Searsolcourses offer computer-based literacy and typing for children. New summer course available for students who want to improve their spelling and learn how to touch type. One hour per day for two weeks. The computer-based course is called Touch-Type, Read and Spell (TTRS). It aims to improve reading, spelling and touch-typing skills and to build confidence and self-esteem. Along with developing literacy, TTRS also teaches typing skills. Tel: 01-6303384, or see searsol.com.
This year Anyone4Sciencehas expanded the age range catered for to include younger children (5-7 year-olds) and teenagers. Areas of investigation are botany, balance, levers and pulleys, synthesis and recycling of plastics, and a range of activities under the general heading of food science. The teen camp will also focus on project work – from researching an idea to presenting results and drawing conclusions. This camp will be especially suited to students considering entering SciFest or Young Scientist competitions. For more information contact Christine on 0404-40563, or see anyone4science.com
ARTS, CRAFT NATURE
The Pine Forest Centreoffers outdoor activities related to art and craft, weather permitting, allowing the children (5-16 years) to take advantage of the fresh air and natural environment. Two week summer course from June-August. Tel: 01-2941220 or see pineforestartcentre.com
Sew Great!runs sewing classes and workshops for children and adults. Classes are two hours long and are over five days. Children gain a broad introduction to hand sewing and machine sewing. They learn a range of sewing skills and make a selection of items. Workshops commence in July. Tel: 01-8227650.
The team of qualified art teachers at Artzonehas developed new themed portfolios for the summer – Vikings Dragons (juniors) and Music Mania (seniors) in July, and a Rumble in the Jungle for both groups in August. Each portfolio includes a wide range of art, crafts, stories and related games. New venues in Navan and Newbridge. Tel: 01-4990614 or see artzone.ie.
MUSIC AND THEATRE
The Emer Halpenny School of Dramaruns summer camps during July and August in the grounds of St Raphaela's Primary School, Stillorgan, Dublin. Activities include drama games, music, dance, arts and crafts and outdoor fun, weather permitting. Also classes (and summer camps) for children, teenagers and young adults with special needs. Tel: 01-2887887 or see emerhalpenny.com.
The Celtic Star Fame Academyruns throughout July in Cabinteely, Stepaside and Stillorgan in Dublin. For budding stars constantly singing and dancing to the latest tracks of Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift and also lovers of art, crafts and outdoor activities.
Tel: 086 873 0053.
The Independent Theatre Workshopis now enrolling for a range of summer courses for boys and girls up to teens. Film school, musical theatre, acting and play production for teens. The courses run in Ranelagh and Drumcondra during June and July for all ages and abilities. Tel: 01-2600831 or see independent-theatre-workshop.com.
COOKERY
The two-week Food Activecourse is designed to maximise children's exposure to different foods and culinary techniques in a safe, fun environment with chef Garth McColgan. It gives young people the opportunity to participate in a variety of sporting and outdoor activities, as well as exciting and educational field trips. See foodactive.ie
The Junior Chef Cookery Schooloffers courses all year and during school holidays, and is now running a transition year programme. The daily price includes a cooked lunch prepared by the students themselves. Tel: 01-2780382 or see juniorchef.ie.
SPORTS - MULTI-ACTIVITY
In the heart of the city centre, the new Trinity College Sports Centre Summer Campincludes swimming in a 25 metre pool, climbing, kayaking, trampolining, basketball, football and parachute games. July and August. Tel: 01-8961812 see www.tcd.ie/sport.
This July and August Newpark School Sports Centreis running its summer programme for children up to 14 years. Indoor sports and activities, fun and games in the water, indoor and outdoor sports and activities, arts and crafts and lots more. Facilities include an indoor 25 metre swimming pool, multi-purpose sports hall, outdoor playing pitches for soccer/hockey, art room, and theatre/play area. All instructors are experienced and qualified. Tel: 01-2833037 or see newparksportscentre.ie
SPORTS - SOCCER
The An Post FAI Summer Soccer Schoolswill take place across the country in July and August, catering for boys and girls aged 6-14 years. Book before June 15th for the special offer price. FAI accredited and garda-vetted coaches in a safe and secure environment Each participant will receive the FAI summer soccer schools Umbro kit (jersey, shorts and socks), football and backpack. Over 270 camps will take place this year along with 29 Goalkeeper Camps where future Shay Givens or Emma Byrnes will gather to improve their goalkeeping technique. Tel: 1890-653653 or see fai.ie.
SPORTS - SAILING
Glenans Irish Sailing Clubis Ireland's largest sail training organisation. It operates from two centres, Baltimore in West Cork and Collanmore Island, one of the 365 islands in Clew Bay, near Westport, Co Mayo. This year it is offering residential and non residential courses in sailing.
Teens sailing courses for 14-17 years run weekly starting June 26th for 5 weeks. Last course starts July 24th. Dinghies, catamaran, keelboat and cruising. Prices include all sailing, accommodation and food. Tel: 028-20630 see gisc.ie.
SPORTS - HORSE RIDING:
T he Paddocks Riding Centreoffers five-day summer camps. Lessons are with qualified instructors for all levels. Rides and hacks through beautiful woods and mountain countryside. The school is BHS and Fáilte Ireland approved. Tel: 01-2954278.
Camps at Kellystown Riding Schoolinclude activities such as lessons, ride-outs, polocrosse, show jumping and BBQ. Tel: 01-4954004.
SPORTS - SWIMMING
The weekly camps at the National Aquatic Centrewill run from 10am until 4pm daily (July/August). The classes focus on swimming skills, diving skills, playing in the AquaZone leisure pool, organised outdoor games, learning the basics of water polo and other water games, a mystery field trip and lots of time enjoying the fun and the slides of AquaZone. Tel: 01-6464300 or see nationalaquaticcentre.ie
SPORTS - TENNIS
Westwoodin Leopardstown, Dublin has just taken on the national universities' tennis coach and long time Leinster and national squad coach, Jamie Pilkington. Jamie has also worked as a talent spotter for Tennis Ireland and Leinster. Summer Tennis Camps start in June. See westwood.ie/Tennis.
Tennis director at SPORTSCO Ringsend, Jamie Stafford has 22 years full-time tennis experience. His JSTA Summer Campruns from 8th June – 27th August. Course includes coaching for all standards, camp competitions and prizes. See esbsportso.com.
At the Dublin Parks Tennis League Shreddies Parks Tennisgirls and boys between 6-l7 years can learn to play tennis on their local public courts with tuition by experienced coaches. All children welcome, beginners and improvers. Registration at all venues: June 30th from 2- 4pm. Course starts 1st July-31st July. 60 venues in Dublin city and county. See parkstennis.com
Now in its 16th year, the Mick Smyth Tennis Campcaters for 5-18 year olds. Children are separated into groups depending on age, ability, friends, etc. Course includes tuition, balls, courts, prizes. Tel: 01-4505341 or email: mesmyth@gmail.com.
