Get Set for Summer: Happy Campers!
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
With the long school break around the corner, many parents are wondering how to keep their kids connected and entertained. Find out where summer camps come in – and check out our top picks
As the school year ends and summer begins, many families in Discovery Bay look for ways to keep children active, engaged and happy during the long break. In a community known for its close-knit, family-friendly atmosphere, summer day camps have become an important part of childhood. Unlike traditional overnight camps, local camps are usually shorter, closer to home and centred around specific activities such as watersports, outdoor adventures, language learning and creative arts. Beyond simply filling time, these camps offer lasting developmental benefits.
One of the greatest advantages of summer camps is the chance for children to try new activities in a relaxed and supportive environment. During the school year, academic schedules of ten leave little room for experimentation, but camps encourage curiosity, creativity and fun. Whether learning to swim, practising conversational Mandarin or discovering painting, children can immerse themselves in a single interest. These experiences may even inspire lifelong passions.
Camps can also support learning in enjoyable ways. Language camps encourage conversational practice without the pressure of grades, while creative and problem-solving activities build curiosity and critical thinking. Because this type of education feels more like play, children often develop a more positive attitude toward learning.
Although local camps do not usually involve overnight stays, they still help children build independence. Spending time in a new environment, meeting new people and participating in activities without parents nearby all contribute to greater self-reliance. Small successes, such as reciting the alphabet for the first time, or standing on a surfboard, can significantly boost confidence. For younger children especially, day camps provide a gentle balance between independence and the comfort of returning home each evening.
Summer camps also play an important social role in DB, where children attend many different Hong Kong-wide schools. Camps bring local children together, helping them form friendships outside their usual circles. Through teamwork and shared activities, children develop communication, cooperation and conflict-resolution skills in a relaxed setting. For shy children, shared interests often make social interaction easier and more natural.
Emotionally, camps help children develop resilience and empathy. Trying new activities an d f acing challenges teaches them that progress takes time and mistakes are part of learning. Being part of a group also encourages children to support one another and celebrate shared achievements.
At a time when screen use continues to increase, camps provide valuable opportunities for physical activity and outdoor play. Regular movement supports physical health, improves mood and boosts energy. Outdoor camps also expose children to nature, which has been linked to reduced stress and improved wellbeing – especially important for children growing up in a busy city like Hong Kong.
Ultimately, summer day camps help create a balanced childhood that includes creativity, social connection, physical activity and personal growth. They offer DB kids opportunities to discover new interests, gain confidence and build lasting friendships, making summer a season of joy, growth and discovery.
YIFAN MANDARIN
The Yifan Mandarin Summer Camp at DB North is fully immersive and activity based. The week-long camps run from July 6 to August 6, Monday to Friday, 9.15am to 12.15pm, for kids aged 3.5 to 5.5 years. Multi-week discounts are available until June 30.
一帆中文夏令營在愉景灣開展已逾十七年, 致力於為孩子們創造沉浸式語言環境，全面提升中文能力！！
WhatsApp: 9208 7611 Email: admin@yifanmandarin.com
GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI
Stories come to life in the Guidepost Montessori Storybook Adventure Camp, where each week is inspired by the imaginative worlds of well-known children’s authors. Young campers, aged 2 to 6 years, explore these stories through creative art, hands-on building, science experiments and playful problem-solving. Weekly camps are on offer from June 29 to July 31 at the school’s DB North campus.
WhatsApp: 9126 6211 Email: admissions@guidepost.hk
BAYVIEW HOUSE OF CHILDREN
Bayview’s Ultimate Summer Fun programme runs from June 29 to August 14 at DB North. The camp is open for kids aged 3 to 5 years and 6 to 8 years for morning or full-day sessions. The morning programme includes music and movement, S.T.E.M., arts and crafts, outdoor games, cookery and gardening. In the afternoons, the multi-sport programme features fun physical games and access to Bayview’s bouncy castle, trampoline and swimming pools.
Tel: 6114 2436 Email: info@bayview.hk
HK SURFING LESSON
Hong Kong Surfing Lesson’s one- or three-day, non-overnight camps run from June 18 to August 26 at Lower Cheung Sha Beach. Children, aged 5 to 14 years, get their own surfboard to maximise their surfing time. Camps are run by professional ISA-qualified instructors, who help kids progress by making surfing fun and safe. Lessons are also available daily for kids aged 3 to 17 years, families
and adults – from beginner to intermediate levels.
WhatsApp: 6199 0904 Email: info@hongkongsurfinglesson.com
HARRY WRIGHT
Harry Wright Swim School’s 2026 Summer Holiday programme runs at Club Siena from June 29 to August 15, for swimmers aged 4 months to 18 years. Choose from the Daily Programme (Monday to Saturday, 6 days), or Weekly Camps (3-day and
5-day options, June 29 to August 14). With 50+ years of excellence, low ratios and internationally accredited coaches, children
are in expert hands. Both club members and non-members are welcome – enrol at Club Siena or DBRC reception.
Tel: 2575 6279 Email: swimming@harrywright.com.hk
