ESF Explore, and sports and theatre camps, help students make the most of holidays

South China Morning Post

15-07-2025

The school holidays are a time of rest from school, where children can sleep past their alarm, indulge in more screen time than usual, and spend more time on their hobbies. However, much like a muscle, the brain needs exercise as well and too much down time will make it harder for children to bounce back to regular programming once school starts. On top of that, the two-month summer holidays are also a chance for children to gain experiences outside the classroom environment that can be fun and enriching.
Summer – and winter – camps offer a mix of activities that are educational, provide children with opportunities to socialise and make new friends, and get them involved in outdoor activities.
Frances Deram, head of business development and operations at ESF Explore. Photo: Handout
'Participating in summer camps helps children build essential life skills like teamwork, leadership and resilience. They learn to navigate diverse social settings, fostering cultural awareness and empathy,' says Frances Deram, head of business development and operations at ESF Explore, which offers year-round extracurricular programmes for ESF schools across Hong Kong. ESF Explore programmes are open to all children, with options that range from playgroups for infants, to language classes and STEM activities for teenagers.
With careful consideration, the right camp programme can provide refreshing ways to learn and prepare for the new school year as well as being an enjoyable experience that allows children to relax.
'The 'summer slide' is the sneaky brain drain that children face when they ditch learning over the summer. Lounging with phones or TV numbs minds and bodies, stalling growth,' says Ruth Benny, the founder of Top Schools, a consultancy firm based in Hong Kong. 'Active camps – whether sports or STEM or something else – help keep kids sharp, curious and energised.'
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