The long summer holidays can be a time of excitement and family fun—but for many working parents, they can also pose a real childcare challenge. With schools closed for six weeks or more, parents are left to juggle annual leave, grandparents, and childcare costs while trying to keep kids entertained, active, and safe.
Fortunately, holiday camps have become a lifeline for many families. From sports to drama, forest school to coding, the variety of camps across Surrey means there’s something for every child—and every schedule. Here’s why they’re more than just a childcare solution.
The Summer Childcare Puzzle
Parents often face a complex summer puzzle:
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Limited annual leave: Most working parents don’t have enough leave to cover six+ weeks off.
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Childcare costs: Hiring nannies or using private nurseries full-time in the summer can be prohibitively expensive.
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Activity gap: Even if childcare is covered, keeping kids mentally and physically stimulated for weeks at a time is another matter.
That’s where structured, supervised holiday camps offer real value.
The Benefits of Holiday Camps for Children
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Social Skills & New Friendships
Camps give children the opportunity to mix with others outside of their school or usual circle. They learn teamwork, cooperation, and how to adapt to new environments. -
Building Confidence & Independence
Trying new activities, meeting new leaders, and navigating new routines helps kids build confidence and resilience. -
Physical Activity & Mental Stimulation
Many camps combine sports, arts, and outdoor play, helping to combat the dreaded “summer slump” where kids become sedentary or screen-bound. -
Exploring Interests
Whether it’s a musical theatre camp, a nature-based forest school, or a coding workshop, camps let children explore passions they may not experience during term time. -
Fun, Fun, Fun
Most importantly, camps are designed to be enjoyable. They’re a break from the classroom, filled with creativity, games, and positive reinforcement.
The Benefits for Parents
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Peace of Mind
Reputable holiday clubs and camps are registered, insured, and staffed by trained professionals. Parents can head to work knowing their child is safe, active, and well cared for. -
Flexible Options
Many camps offer full-day and half-day schedules, early drop-off, and late pick-up. Some even allow booking by the day, helping families tailor childcare to their needs. -
Routine and Structure
Camps help maintain a routine over the summer, making the return to school in September smoother for both kids and parents. -
Affordable Childcare
Compared to one-to-one care, holiday camps often provide better value, especially when siblings attend together or when childcare vouchers or tax-free childcare are accepted.
What to Look for in a Holiday Camp
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Ofsted Registration (for childcare over 2 hours/day)
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Engaging Programmes suited to your child’s interests and abilities
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Qualified Staff with DBS checks and first aid training
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Clear Communication around pick-up, safety procedures, and what to bring
Final Thoughts
Managing childcare during the summer holidays doesn’t have to be a headache. With a growing range of camps across Surrey—from creative drama sessions at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre to swimming intensives and outdoor adventures—parents can find trusted, enriching experiences that make summer exciting for children and manageable for the grown-ups.
By planning ahead and exploring your local options, you can create a summer filled with fun, growth, and just the right amount of downtime.
We’ve pulled together 35 options for you to explore.
| 1 | Surrey Cricket Foundation | Guildford | Y2–Y8 | Cricket & multi‑sport |
| 2 | Outdoor Owls | Guildford, Shamley Green, Cobham | 3–7 yrs | Forest school |
| 3 | Hidden Valley | Grayshott | 5–10 yrs | Woodland adventure |
| 4 | Code Kids Robotics – Cobham | Cobham | 6+ | Coding & robotics |
| 5 | Code Kids Robotics – Reigate | Reigate | 6+ | Tech & game design |
| 6 | FunTech Coding Camp | Richmond area | 7–16 yrs | Games, Python, robotics |
| 7 | Wildcats Summer Camps | Various Surrey towns | 3–16 yrs | Sports, crafts, tech |
| 8 | NSS Sports Camps | Ewell | Y1–Y6 | Multi‑sport childcare |
| 9 | Sparks Filmmaking Camp | Dorking, Leatherhead | 7–14 yrs | Film & media |
| 10 | Kingswood Music Camps | Reigate & Banstead | 4–12 yrs | Music & performing arts |
| 11 | LADA Summer School | Leatherhead | ~8–12 yrs | Musical theatre |
| 12 | Flipper Club Swimming Camps | RAA School | varied | Swim crash‑courses |
| 13 | Gayle Vickers Triathlon Camp | Effingham | 5+ | Triathlon skills |
| 14 | Rock Project Camp | Croydon/per Surrey | ~7–14 yrs | Music & songwriting |
| 15 | Surrey Swim School Crash Course | Banstead Prep | all levels | Swimming |
| 16 | Stagecoach Performing Arts | Shirley area | 4–18 yrs | Theatre, dance, singing |
| 17 | St John’s Summer Sports | Leatherhead | 8–11 yrs | Multi‑sports |
| 18 | Koosa Kids | Guildford | 4–13 yrs | Crafts, sports, go‑karting |
| 19 | Activate Sports Camps | Guildford Sports Ctr | 5–16 yrs | Sports coaching |
| 20 | High Ashurst ‘Adventure Zone’ | Mickleham, Dorking | 8+ | Outdoor education |
| 21 | Sayers Croft Outdoor Learning | Ewhurst | school‑age | Nature day/residential |
| 22 | Forest School Camps | across Surrey | 6–17 yrs | Forest camping |
| 23 | Camp Quest UK | Surrey (various) | 7–17 yrs | Secular educational |
| 24 | Titus Trust Christian Camps | Surrey independent schools | children/teens | Faith + adventure |
| 25 | Yvonne Arnaud: Shakespeare Combat | Guildford | 12–16 yrs | Stage combat & drama |
| 26 | Yvonne Arnaud: Magical Tales | Guildford | 5–7 yrs | Story, craft & drama |
| 27 | Yvonne Arnaud: Big Ideas Drama | Guildford | 13–18 yrs | Devising & performance |
| 28 | PGL Marchants Hill | Hindhead | 8–16 yrs | Residential adventure |
| 29 | Ultimate Activity Camps | multiple Surrey | 4–14 yrs | Sports & crafts |
| 30 | Surrey Sports Park Camps | Guildford | 3–16 yrs | Multi‑sport & swim |
| 31 | Little Sparrows Early Years Camp| Esher High School | 3–5 yrs | Creative & social play
| 32 | Box Hill Swim Academy / Swim Kids| Guildford, West Horsley, Effingham, Ripley | 3–14 yrs (learn), 9–16 yrs (team) | Intensive swim lessons & squads |
| 33 | AM Sports Academy | SW London (e.g. Wimbledon) | 4–12 yrs | Multi-sports holiday camps |
| 34 | B.O.S.S (Be On Stage & Screen) | Surrey Wide | Performance & stagecraft camps |
| 35 | Ollie Lloyd Tennis Camps | Kingston upon Thames/near Surrey | juniors | Tennis development camps |
