A Parent’s Guide to Our Kids Summer Camp Day Schedule
If you’re looking for the perfect summer camp for your child, it’s natural to want to know exactly what they’ll be doing each day. Parents often ask us what a typical day looks like, how activities are structured and whether children will have enough support, rest and variety throughout their time with us.
We’ve been introducing children to the excitement of watersports for many years. Our Junior Holiday Courses take place at the stunning Farmoor Reservoir, just outside Oxford, and offer children aged 8 and over the opportunity to spend their school holidays learning new skills, making friends and building confidence in a safe, supportive environment.
Every day is designed to strike the perfect balance between learning and fun. Whether your child is climbing into a sailing dinghy for the very first time, mastering their paddleboarding technique or trying windsurfing for the first time, they’ll be guided by experienced instructors who are passionate about helping young people thrive on the water.
If you’re wondering what our kids summer camp day schedule looks like, here’s what you can expect.
A Typical Kids Summer Camp Day Schedule
No two days are exactly the same, and that’s part of what makes our holiday courses so exciting. While the activities change depending on the course and weather conditions, the structure of the day remains familiar, giving children a routine they quickly settle into.
Each session has been carefully planned to keep children active, engaged and learning throughout the day while allowing plenty of opportunities to relax, socialise and enjoy everything Farmoor Reservoir has to offer.
Arrival and Registration (9:00am)
The day begins at around 9:00am as children arrive at our watersports centre overlooking Farmoor Reservoir.
Our instructors are on hand to welcome everyone, helping children settle in before introducing them to the rest of their group. For many children, especially those attending for the first time, the morning starts with a mixture of excitement and nerves. Those feelings rarely last long. Within minutes, they’re chatting with other children, exploring the site and looking forward to getting out on the water.
Registration isn’t simply about taking attendance. It’s an opportunity for instructors to check equipment, answer any questions and ensure every child is ready for the day ahead. Groups are organised according to both age and experience, meaning beginners can learn at a comfortable pace while returning participants continue developing their existing skills.
Parents often tell us they’re impressed by how welcoming and organised the mornings feel, giving them confidence that their children are in safe hands from the very beginning.
Morning Briefing and Group Activities
Before anyone heads onto the water, the whole group gathers for a morning briefing.
This short session helps everyone understand the plan for the day. Instructors explain the weather conditions, discuss wind direction and introduce the activities children will be taking part in. Safety is always covered first, but the atmosphere is relaxed, interactive and full of enthusiasm.
Children are encouraged to ask questions and get involved, helping them feel confident before the day’s adventures begin.
Depending on the group, instructors may also include ice-breaker games or simple team challenges to help children get to know one another. It’s often surprising how quickly complete strangers become teammates, encouraging one another before they’ve even stepped onto the water.
First Water Session
Once everyone is ready, it’s time for the highlight of the morning.
The first session varies depending on the course your child has booked. They might be learning the basics of sailing, paddling across the reservoir on a stand-up paddleboard, developing kayaking skills or experiencing the excitement of windsurfing or wing sports.
Whatever the activity, the emphasis is always on learning through enjoyment.
Our instructors understand that every child develops differently. Some are naturally adventurous and eager to push themselves, while others prefer to build confidence gradually. Every child is supported at a pace that’s right for them, allowing them to enjoy steady progress without feeling under pressure.
Rather than simply teaching technical skills, our sessions encourage curiosity, independence and problem-solving. Children quickly discover that every success—whether steering a boat independently for the first time or confidently balancing on a paddleboard—is something worth celebrating.
Morning Break
After an energetic start to the day, it’s time to pause for refreshments.
Children enjoy a short supervised break where they can have a drink, eat a snack and catch up with friends before returning to the water.
These quieter moments are just as important as the activities themselves. They give children time to recharge, reflect on what they’ve learned and build friendships with others attending the course.
Many lasting friendships begin over a snack between sessions.
Skills Development Session
The second morning session builds on everything children have learned so far.
Rather than repeating the same activities, instructors introduce new challenges that encourage children to improve their confidence and technique. Beginners might practise steering a sailing dinghy more independently, while returning participants could work on more advanced manoeuvres or refine existing skills.
Children attending sailing courses may also begin working towards recognised Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training milestones, giving them a clear sense of achievement as they progress.
What parents often notice is that confidence grows remarkably quickly. Children who were hesitant at the start of the morning are frequently smiling, laughing and taking on new challenges by lunchtime.
Lunchtime at Summer Camp
Time to Recharge
By midday, everyone is ready for a well-earned break.
Children enjoy lunch together in our supervised outdoor spaces overlooking the reservoir. Parents provide a packed lunch, along with plenty of drinks to keep children hydrated throughout the day.
Lunchtime is one of the most social parts of the day. Conversations quickly move from favourite activities to stories about near-perfect sailing manoeuvres or particularly entertaining paddleboarding falls. The shared experiences of the morning help friendships develop naturally, creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Free Time Between Activities
After lunch, children have a little time to relax before the afternoon sessions begin.
Some enjoy chatting with instructors about boats and watersports, while others simply take in the views across Farmoor Reservoir or spend time with their new friends.
These quieter periods create a healthy balance between physical activity and relaxation, ensuring children return to the water refreshed and ready for another exciting afternoon.
Afternoon Adventures on the Water
The afternoon often introduces something completely new, particularly for children attending our popular Multi-Activity Holiday Courses.
Multi-Activity Experiences
One of the things that makes Oxford Sail Training Trust different from many traditional summer camps is the variety of activities available.
Rather than spending an entire week doing the same thing, many children have the opportunity to experience multiple watersports. They might go from paddleboarding one day to kayaking the next before trying sailing or windsurfing later in the week.
This variety keeps every day exciting while helping children discover activities they may never have considered before.
For many families, that’s one of the biggest highlights of our holiday programmes.
Teamwork and Confidence Building
Watersports naturally encourage teamwork.
Children quickly learn that communicating clearly, supporting one another and working together often leads to better results than trying to do everything alone.
These experiences build confidence in a very natural way. Children become more willing to step outside their comfort zones, try something unfamiliar and encourage others to do the same.
Parents regularly tell us they notice lasting improvements in confidence, resilience and independence after attending one of our holiday courses.
Learning Through Adventure
While children see our courses as enormous fun, every activity is carefully designed to support learning.
Problem-solving, resilience and decision-making are developed through real experiences on the water rather than classroom exercises. Children learn to assess changing conditions, listen carefully to instructions and think independently while enjoying every minute.
For those attending sailing programmes, there may also be opportunities to work towards recognised RYA qualifications, giving children an excellent foundation should they wish to continue sailing in the future.
End of the Day
Equipment Care and Debrief
As the day comes to an end, children help tidy away equipment before gathering for a final group discussion.
This debrief gives everyone the chance to celebrate achievements, reflect on the day’s adventures and recognise the progress they’ve made.
For some children, that achievement may simply be overcoming first-day nerves. For others, it could be mastering a new sailing technique or completing a challenge they didn’t think they could do only a few hours earlier.
Every success is celebrated.
Collection Time (Around 4:30pm)
Parents collect children at approximately 4:30pm.
Our instructors are always happy to share updates about the day’s activities and the progress each child has made. It’s often lovely to hear children enthusiastically describing everything they’ve done before parents even have a chance to ask.
Many leave already looking forward to tomorrow.
What Should Children Bring to Summer Camp?
Preparing for camp is straightforward, and we’ll send you everything you need to know before your child’s course begins.
As a general guide, children should arrive with:
- A packed lunch and refillable water bottle
- Swimwear and a towel
- Suitable footwear that can get wet
- A waterproof jacket
- Warm layers for cooler weather
- Sun cream and a hat during sunny conditions
- A full change of clothes for the journey home
Oxford Sail Training Trust provides all of the specialist watersports equipment required for each activity, including buoyancy aids and any additional safety equipment needed during sessions.
How Our Instructors Keep Children Safe
For parents, safety is understandably the biggest priority. It is ours too.
Every activity delivered by Oxford Sail Training Trust is led by experienced, qualified instructors who understand how to create enjoyable learning experiences while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Before every session, instructors assess the weather conditions and adapt activities where necessary. Children receive clear safety briefings, wear appropriate buoyancy equipment and remain supervised throughout every activity.
Small group sizes also allow instructors to give each child plenty of individual attention. This not only supports faster learning but also helps children feel comfortable asking questions whenever they need reassurance.
Our aim is simple: every child should leave with wonderful memories, greater confidence and a smile on their face.
More Than Just Watersports
Although children come to us to learn exciting new activities, they often leave with much more than improved sailing or paddleboarding skills.
Throughout the week they develop confidence by trying new things, independence by taking responsibility for themselves and resilience by overcoming challenges. They also learn how to communicate effectively, work as part of a team and encourage others.
Perhaps most importantly, they build friendships.
Many children return year after year because they’ve formed lasting connections with others who share their enthusiasm for being outdoors and active.
For parents, seeing those friendships develop is often just as rewarding as watching their child learn a new sport.
Which Summer Camp Course Is Right for Your Child?
Oxford Sail Training Trust offers a range of Junior Holiday Courses to suit different ages, interests and experience levels.
Children who enjoy variety often love our Junior Multi-Activity Courses, where they can experience several different watersports across the week.
Those keen to learn sailing in greater depth can choose our Junior Sailing Courses, while adventurous youngsters may prefer Junior PaddleSport, Junior Windsurfing or our increasingly popular Junior Wing Courses.
For younger participants looking for an exciting introduction to watersports, Aquanauts offers a fantastic first experience. Meanwhile, Junior Tasters allow children to sample different activities before committing to a longer course.
Older teenagers looking to develop responsibility and coaching skills can progress onto our Young Leader Programme, which provides valuable leadership experience in an active outdoor environment.
Whatever your child’s interests, there’s a course designed to help them enjoy the water safely while developing confidence and new skills.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Kids Summer Camp Day Schedule
What time does camp start and finish?
Our Junior Holiday Courses generally run from around 9:00am until 4:30pm, providing a full day of exciting outdoor activities.
Does my child need previous experience?
Not at all. Many children arrive having never sailed or tried watersports before. Our instructors adapt every session to suit individual experience levels.
What happens if the weather changes?
British weather can be unpredictable, but our experienced team continuously monitors conditions and adjusts activities to ensure children remain safe while still enjoying their day wherever possible.
Is lunch provided?
Children should bring their own packed lunch, drinks and any snacks they’d like for breaks throughout the day.
What age are the camps suitable for?
Our Junior Holiday Courses are designed primarily for children aged 8 and over, with a variety of programmes available depending on age and experience.
Book Your Child’s Oxfordshire Summer Camp Today
If you’re searching for a kids summer camp day schedule that combines adventure, learning and unforgettable experiences, Oxford Sail Training Trust offers everything you’re looking for.
Every day at our Oxfordshire summer camp is carefully planned to help children grow in confidence while enjoying a wide range of exciting watersports in a safe, supportive environment. From the moment they arrive at Farmoor Reservoir until they head home at the end of the day, they’ll be encouraged to try new things, make lasting friendships and discover just how much they’re capable of achieving.
Whether your child dreams of learning to sail, wants to explore paddle sports or simply loves spending time outdoors, our Junior Holiday Courses offer an exciting way to make the most of the school holidays.
Ready to make this summer one they’ll never forget? Browse our Junior Holiday Courses today and book your child’s place at Oxford Sail Training Trust. If you have any questions, our friendly team will be happy to help you choose the course that’s right for them.
