Summer camps guide 2025
With the new year now in full swing, thoughts inevitably turn to the long summer holidays and keeping students entertained throughout.
That’s why we have curated a shortlist of the most exciting summer experiences across the UK, US, and Switzerland for children aged 8–17. From multiactivity camps in the Alps to expeditions in the Rocky Mountains, these summer camps will inspire a wide range of students – regardless of their age or aspirations.
For more information or help with bookings, contact Quintessentially Education. If you have younger or older children, recommendations are available on request.
8–13 years old
UK
Discovery Summer
Harrow School
Nike Sports Camps UK
Camp Wilderness
Mill on the Brue
US
EXPLO
Raquette Lake Camps
Timber Lake Camp
Overland
iD Tech
Switzerland
Les Elfes
Aiglon Summer School
Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz Summer Camp
Altitude Camps
International Summer Camp Montana
14–17 years old
UK
SBC at Eton College
Immerse Education
Exsportise
Hurtwood House
The Leap
US
The Road Less Traveled
ActionQuest
French Woods Sports and Arts Center
Immerse Education
Andover Summer at Phillips Academy
Switzerland
Collège Champittet
Regent Camps
Village Camps
The Rosenberg Camps
Surval Summer Camp
8–13 years old
Multi-activity camps
Summer camps for school-aged children are a fantastic opportunity for parents and students looking to fill the summer holidays with fun activities. They allow children’s minds to stay active in preparation for the upcoming school year, whilst ensuring they enjoy themselves at the same time.
These camps can also help children build confidence, gain independence, and learn new skills. Many camps focus on outdoor pursuits, offering a great way for children to reconnect with nature after a year spent in the classroom.
UNITED KINGDOM
Discovery Summer
Best for: English language
Location: London
Ages: 8–17
Website
Harrow School
Best for: traditional British experience
Location: Harrow
Ages: 9–17
Website
Nike Sports Camps
UK
Best for: specialist sports camps
Location: various Ages: 10–17
Website
Camp Wilderness
Best for: a digital detox
Location: various Ages: 8–16
Website
Mill on the Brue
Best for: a British multi-activity camp
Location: Somerset Ages: 8–15
Website
UNITED STATES
EXPLO
Best for: study camp
Location: Boston
Ages: 12–14
Website
Raquette Lake Camps
Best for: single sex camps
Location: New York
Ages: 6–15
Website
Timber Lake Camp
Best for: a traditional American experience
Location: New York
Ages: 8–15
Website
Overland
Best for: outdoor adventures
Location: various
Ages: 9–17
Website
iD Tech
Best for: tech and coding
Location: various
Ages: 7–19
Website
SWITZERLAND
Les Elfes
Best for: a traditional Swiss experience
Location: Verbier Ages: 6–17
Website
Aiglon Summer School
Best for: variety
Location: Ollon Ages: 8–16
Website
Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz Summer Camp
Best for: enhancing passions
Location: Zuoz
Ages: 6–16
Website
Altitude Camps
Best for: flexibility
Location: Verbier Ages: 3–14
Website
International Summer Camp Montana
Best for: international diversity
Location: Crans-Montana
Ages: 8–17
Website
Organising a Swiss summer adventure
A family from the US wanted to book a summer camp in Switzerland for their two children, aged 10 and 12, that would allow them to attend together.
So, we found a two-week camp where they improved their French and enjoyed activities such as acting and cooking for the youngest, and sports for the eldest.
The children returned with new skills, lasting memories, and international friendships.
“Wow! What an amazing couple of weeks!”
14–17 years old
Multi-activity camps
Summer camps tailored for teenagers are the perfect avenue for parents and students looking to fill the summer holidays with transformative opportunities.
With many camps focusing on equipping students with the tools for both immediate and future success, they provide meaningful programmes that keep teenagers’ minds active.
These camps specialise in helping teenagers to develop leadership, confidence, and independence skills, all whilst being set in some of the world’s most beautiful locations.
UNITED KINGDOM
SBC at Eton College
Best for: English language
Location: Windsor
Ages: 12–16
Website
Immerse Education
Best for: career insights
Location: London
Ages: 14–17
Website
Exsportise
Best for: specialist sports camps
Location: various
Ages: 9–17
Website
Hurtwood House
Best for: performing arts
Location: Surrey
Ages: 14–17
Website
The Leap
Best for: volunteering
Location: Kenya
Ages: 15–18
Website
The Road Less Traveled
Best for: outdoor adventures
Location: various
Ages: 12–18
Website
Best for: sailing and watersports
Location: various
Ages: 14–19
Website
French Woods Sports and Arts Center
Best for: teenagers only
Location: New York
Ages: 12–17
Website
Immerse Education
Best for: career insights
Location: San Franscico
Ages: 13–18
Website
Andover Summer at Phillips Academy
Best for: study camp
Location: Massachusetts
Ages: 12–17
Website
SWITZERLAND
Collège Champittet
Best for: leadership
Location: Lausanne
Ages: 11–17
Website
Régent Camps
Best for: enhancing passions
Location: Crans-Montana
Ages: 8–17
Website
Village Camps
Best for: variety
Location: Leysin
Ages: 7–17
Website
The Rosenberg Camps
Best for: focus courses
Location: St Gallen
Ages: 6–18
Website
Surval Summer Camp
Best for: girls only
Location: Montreux
Ages: 9–18
Website
Curating a bespoke London experience
A client from India asked us to organise a memorable trip to the UK capital for her child and a group of 10 friends, combining learning with visits to London’s iconic landmarks.
So, we arranged a dedicated tutor to design a weeklong programme. The group enjoyed tailored history and culture workshops, complemented by visits to spots such as the Tower of London, The Natural History Museum, and a West End show.
The children left with unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding for London’s heritage.
“The kids loved it, thanks for all your help!”
How to decide
With so many options available, it can often be difficult to choose a summer programme that suits your child.
So, here are some of the factors we recommend considering during the selection process.
To secure your child’s place at a camp this summer, or to explore further options, get in touch with Quintessentially Education today.
Contact us
Thank you
Our international education consultancy covers everything from home schooling and residential placements to private tutoring and more.
Contact Quintessentially Education education@quintessentially.com or phone +44 (0)20 3073 6839, and a member of our team will be delighted to assist you.