Introduction
If you’re searching for the best kids camps Oxfordshire has to offer, you’re probably looking for more than somewhere to keep your child busy during the school holidays. You want an experience they’ll genuinely enjoy, one that builds confidence, encourages new friendships and gets them away from screens for a few days.
Our holiday courses at Farmoor Reservoir do exactly that. Set on one of Oxfordshire’s most scenic inland waters, our camps introduce children to exciting watersports in a safe, supportive and fun environment. Whether they’re stepping into a sailing dinghy for the first time or returning to develop new skills, every child is encouraged to learn at their own pace while making unforgettable memories.
Here are five reasons why children love returning to our Farmoor Reservoir camps year after year.
Why Parents Are Looking for Kids Camps in Oxfordshire
School holidays can be challenging for families. Parents often want activities that keep children active, engaged and learning without feeling like they’re in a classroom.
That’s why outdoor holiday camps have become increasingly popular across Oxfordshire. They provide children with opportunities to try new activities, build independence and spend time outdoors with other young people.
Oxford Sail Training Trust’s holiday programmes are designed specifically with these goals in mind. Held throughout the Easter, Summer and Half Term holidays, our courses combine professional instruction with plenty of fun. Children leave with new skills, greater confidence and stories they’ll still be talking about long after the holidays have ended.
Unlike many traditional holiday clubs, our camps make the most of Farmoor Reservoir’s fantastic waterside setting, offering children an experience that’s difficult to find anywhere else in Oxfordshire.
Reason 1: Every Day Is a New Adventure on the Water
One of the biggest reasons children love our camps is simple—every day feels like an adventure.
Rather than repeating the same activities, children spend their time learning exciting watersports, exploring new challenges and discovering what they’re capable of.
The variety keeps every session fresh, whether they’re joining us for a single course or returning throughout the holidays.
Sailing, Paddleboarding, Windsurfing and More
Oxford Sail Training Trust offers a wide range of junior holiday courses suitable for children aged eight and above.
Depending on the course they choose, children may enjoy:
- Sailing
- Paddleboarding
- Windsurfing
- Wing sports
- Multi-activity sessions
- Aquanauts
- Junior Tasters
- Advanced Catamaran Sailing
Each activity is led by qualified instructors who focus on building skills while ensuring every child enjoys themselves.
For many children, trying watersports for the first time quickly becomes the highlight of their school holidays.
Designed for Every Experience Level
One of the best things about our Farmoor Reservoir camps is that children don’t need previous experience.
Many arrive without ever stepping into a sailing boat before. Others return each holiday to continue progressing through different courses.
Our instructors adapt sessions to suit individual ability, helping beginners gain confidence while offering more experienced participants opportunities to develop advanced techniques.
Everyone feels challenged without feeling overwhelmed.
Reason 2: Kids Build Confidence Without Even Realising It
Parents often tell us they’re amazed by how much their children grow in confidence after just a few days at camp.
Watersports naturally encourage children to step outside their comfort zone. Every new skill they master becomes another achievement they can be proud of.
Confidence isn’t taught through lectures – it develops through experience.
Learning New Skills in a Safe Environment
Safety is always our highest priority.
Our experienced, RYA-qualified instructors create structured sessions where children can learn with confidence. They explain each activity clearly, demonstrate techniques and provide encouragement throughout the day.
Children are never expected to do something they aren’t ready for.
Instead, they build skills gradually, gaining confidence with every session while using professionally maintained equipment and appropriate safety gear.
This supportive approach helps even nervous beginners relax and enjoy the experience.
Celebrating Small Wins Every Day
Confidence often grows through small moments.
It might be steering a sailing dinghy for the first time.
Standing up on a paddleboard.
Successfully controlling a windsurf board.
Working with teammates to complete a challenge.
Or simply having the confidence to try again after falling into the water.
These achievements may seem small individually, but together they help children realise they’re capable of much more than they expected.
That sense of achievement stays with them long after the holiday has finished.
Reason 3: They Make New Friends and Create Lasting Memories
One of the most rewarding parts of our holiday courses isn’t just learning new sports—it’s meeting new people.
Children from across Oxfordshire and beyond come together with one thing in common: they’re ready for adventure.
Friendships often develop surprisingly quickly.
Teamwork Comes Naturally
Many watersports rely on communication and cooperation.
Children work together while rigging boats, launching equipment and supporting one another during activities.
Without even noticing, they begin developing important life skills such as:
- Communication
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Responsibility
These experiences help children become more confident both on and off the water.
A Friendly and Inclusive Atmosphere
Joining a holiday camp on your own can feel intimidating.
That’s why our instructors work hard to create a welcoming environment from the moment children arrive.
Icebreaker activities, group challenges and shared experiences help everyone settle in quickly.
By the end of the week, it’s common to see children swapping contact details, celebrating each other’s achievements and asking when they can come back again.
Many families tell us their children return each holiday because of the friends they’ve made.
Reason 4: Screen-Free Days Filled with Fresh Air
Modern childhood often involves long hours spent indoors using phones, tablets and gaming consoles.
Our Farmoor Reservoir camps offer something refreshingly different.
Children spend the day outdoors, learning practical skills, staying active and enjoying nature.
Most don’t even think about their screens.
Time Outdoors Supports Healthy Development
Outdoor activity benefits children in countless ways.
Fresh air, exercise and time in natural surroundings can improve mood, concentration and wellbeing.
Our holiday courses encourage children to:
- Stay physically active
- Build resilience
- Improve coordination
- Develop independence
- Enjoy healthy outdoor play
Parents often notice their children returning home happily tired after a full day on the water.
Farmoor Reservoir Makes the Perfect Classroom
Farmoor Reservoir provides an exceptional setting for outdoor learning.
The large inland reservoir offers excellent conditions for beginner and intermediate watersports while remaining close to Oxford.
The peaceful surroundings create an ideal environment where children can focus, learn and enjoy every activity safely.
Instead of four classroom walls, they learn surrounded by open water, wildlife and fresh Oxfordshire air.
It’s an experience many children remember for years.
Reason 5: There’s a Course for Every Child
No two children are the same.
Some love sailing.
Others prefer paddleboarding.
Some enjoy trying lots of different activities before choosing a favourite.
That’s why Oxford Sail Training Trust offers such a wide variety of holiday courses.
Holiday Courses for Ages 8+
Our junior programmes include options for different interests and abilities, including:
- Junior Holiday Sailing Courses
- Junior Paddle Sport
- Junior Windsurfing
- Junior Wing Courses
- Junior Aquanauts
- Multi-Activity Courses
- Junior Tasters
- Young Leader’s Programme
- Advanced Catamaran Sailing Week
Whether your child enjoys individual challenges or team activities, there’s a course they’ll look forward to attending.
Helping Children Progress Year After Year
Many children begin with a taster course before returning to develop their skills.
Over time they progress through more advanced sailing and watersports programmes, gaining recognised experience and growing in confidence.
Some even continue into leadership opportunities through our Young Leader’s Programme.
Watching children develop over several years is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
What Makes Oxford Sail Training Trust Different?
There are plenty of holiday clubs available, but our camps offer something genuinely unique.
Our focus isn’t simply on filling school holiday days.
It’s about helping young people discover new passions, develop life skills and enjoy unforgettable experiences on the water.
Experienced RYA Instructors
Every course is led by knowledgeable instructors who understand how to make learning enjoyable.
They balance professional coaching with patience, encouragement and plenty of fun.
Children receive expert guidance while always feeling supported.
Charity Values That Put Young People First
Oxford Sail Training Trust is a registered charity with a mission to make watersports accessible to more young people.
Everything we do is centred around encouraging participation, developing confidence and helping children enjoy the outdoors.
Rather than focusing purely on competition, we prioritise personal development, teamwork and enjoyment.
That philosophy shapes every holiday course we run.
A Trusted Choice for Oxfordshire Families
Families continue choosing Oxford Sail Training Trust because they know their children will be welcomed into a safe, friendly and professionally run environment.
Many of our holiday courses welcome returning participants every year.
Parents value our experienced instructors, excellent facilities and varied activities, while children simply can’t wait to come back.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Kids Camps
What age can children attend?
Most of our Junior Holiday Courses are designed for children aged 8 years and above, with individual courses listing any specific age requirements.
Does my child need previous sailing experience?
No. Many of our courses are specifically designed for complete beginners, while others provide progression opportunities for returning participants.
What should children bring?
We provide the specialist watersports equipment needed for each course. Parents will receive guidance before the course outlining suitable clothing, footwear, lunch and other essentials to bring.
Are buoyancy aids and equipment provided?
Yes. Safety equipment and activity-specific gear are provided as part of the course.
What happens if the weather changes?
Our instructors continually assess conditions and adapt activities where necessary to ensure children remain safe while making the most of their time on the water.
How long are the holiday courses?
We offer a range of holiday programmes throughout the year, including multi-day courses during the Easter, Summer and Half Term holidays. Individual course lengths are shown when booking.
Can siblings attend together?
Absolutely. Many families book siblings onto the same course or different age-appropriate activities running during the same holiday period.
Book Your Child’s Next Adventure at Farmoor Reservoir
If you’re looking for kids camps Oxfordshire families recommend year after year, Oxford Sail Training Trust offers an experience that’s about much more than keeping children occupied during the holidays.
Our Farmoor Reservoir camps combine exciting watersports, expert instruction, fresh air and lasting friendships in one unforgettable experience. Whether your child dreams of learning to sail, wants to try paddleboarding for the first time or simply loves being outdoors, there’s a holiday course designed to inspire them.
Places on our Easter, Summer and Half Term courses are popular and can fill quickly, especially during peak school holiday weeks. Booking early gives you the widest choice of courses and dates.
Explore our Junior Holiday Courses today and give your child the opportunity to build confidence, discover new skills and create memories they’ll treasure for years to come with Oxford Sail Training Trust.
