Introduction
School holidays are a time children look forward to all year. They offer a break from the classroom, the chance to spend more time with friends and family, and the freedom to try new activities. Yet for many parents, they also bring a familiar challenge. Without the routine of school, children often spend far more time in front of televisions, tablets, gaming consoles and smartphones than they do being active outdoors.
Technology undoubtedly has an important place in modern life. Educational apps, online learning resources and digital communication all offer real benefits. However, when screens become the main source of entertainment for weeks at a time, children can miss out on experiences that help them grow physically, emotionally and socially.
This is why so many families are now discovering the benefits of summer camps for kids. Outdoor holiday camps provide children with something that no device can replicate: genuine adventure. They encourage children to explore, solve problems, make friends and gain confidence while enjoying fresh air and exercise.
We believe the best learning happens through experience. Our Junior Holiday Courses at Farmoor Reservoir introduce children to exciting watersports including sailing, paddleboarding, windsurfing and winging, alongside fun multi-activity sessions designed to keep every day different. Whether your child is completely new to watersports or already enjoys spending time on the water, our courses offer the perfect balance of fun, challenge and personal development.
By the end of the week, children leave with far more than new skills. They return home with increased confidence, stronger friendships and memories that last long after the holidays have ended.
Why Screen Time Has Become a Growing Concern
Technology has transformed childhood in many positive ways. Children can learn new skills online, stay connected with friends and access information instantly. However, as digital devices have become increasingly accessible, many parents have begun noticing how easily screen time can dominate everyday life, especially during school holidays.
Without school timetables or extracurricular clubs providing structure, it becomes tempting for children to spend much of the day indoors. Hours that might once have been spent climbing trees, riding bikes or exploring outdoors are increasingly replaced by gaming, streaming videos or scrolling through social media.
While occasional screen time is perfectly healthy, relying on digital entertainment for long periods can have consequences that extend beyond simply sitting still.
How Much Screen Time Are Children Getting?
Studies consistently show that many children now spend several hours each day using digital devices. During school holidays, that figure often increases significantly because children have more free time and fewer daily commitments.
What makes excessive screen time particularly difficult is that it often happens gradually. One television programme becomes three. A quick game online turns into an afternoon of gaming. Before parents realise it, an entire day has passed with very little physical activity or social interaction.
Children may not complain because digital entertainment is designed to keep their attention. However, despite having unlimited access to games and videos, many children still report feeling bored during the holidays. Passive entertainment provides constant stimulation but rarely offers the sense of achievement that comes from learning something new.
Outdoor summer camps provide exactly that missing sense of purpose. Every day introduces new goals, new activities and new opportunities to accomplish something meaningful.
The Physical Effects of Too Much Screen Time
Children’s bodies are designed to move.
Running, climbing, balancing, lifting and playing all contribute to healthy physical development throughout childhood. When children spend long periods sitting indoors, they naturally miss many of these important opportunities.
Reduced physical activity can affect fitness, coordination and posture, while prolonged use of screens may also contribute to eye strain and disrupted sleep patterns.
By comparison, a day spent at an outdoor summer camp keeps children naturally active from start to finish.
At Oxford Sail Training Trust, children are constantly moving throughout the day. They help launch boats, carry equipment, paddle across the reservoir, learn new sailing techniques and participate in games that encourage teamwork and movement. Exercise happens naturally because every activity is enjoyable.
Rather than asking children to complete a workout, they become active simply by taking part in exciting adventures.
This approach helps children develop strength, coordination and endurance without feeling as though they are exercising.
The Impact on Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
Physical health is only part of the picture.
Children also benefit enormously from spending time outdoors because of the positive effects it has on emotional wellbeing.
Natural environments encourage children to slow down, focus on the present moment and engage with the world around them. Instead of rapidly switching between videos or games, they learn to observe changing weather conditions, read the wind across the reservoir or work together to overcome practical challenges.
These experiences encourage mindfulness without children even realising it.
Many parents notice that children return home from outdoor activities calmer, happier and more willing to talk about their day.
Learning new skills also contributes significantly to emotional development. Every successful sailing manoeuvre, every confident paddle across the water and every challenge overcome helps children develop genuine self-esteem based on real achievement rather than virtual rewards.
This confidence often carries over into other areas of life, including school, sports and social situations.
What Parents Commonly Notice During the Holidays
Parents often recognise the signs that screen time has become excessive.
Children become reluctant to leave the house, struggle to entertain themselves without devices or become frustrated when screen time ends. Conversations become shorter because so much of their attention is focused on a screen.
Outdoor summer camps offer an immediate change of pace.
Instead of sitting alone, children spend the day surrounded by instructors and other young people who are all learning together. They quickly become immersed in practical activities that require communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
Parents frequently comment that their children come home excited to share stories about the day’s adventures. Rather than asking for another hour on a games console, they are eager to explain how they steered a sailing boat for the first time or managed to stand confidently on a paddleboard.
That enthusiasm is one of the clearest demonstrations of the benefits of summer camps for kids. Children become engaged with the real world again, discovering that some of the most rewarding experiences happen away from a screen.
The Biggest Benefits of Summer Camps for Kids
The most valuable part of any summer camp is not simply keeping children occupied during the holidays. It is helping them develop skills, confidence and independence that continue to benefit them long after the course has finished.
Outdoor summer camps combine physical activity, practical learning and social interaction in a way that traditional entertainment simply cannot match. Every day presents fresh opportunities for children to challenge themselves while having enormous fun along the way.
For many families, these lasting life skills are the greatest benefits of summer camps for kids.
Building Confidence Through New Experiences
Confidence rarely appears overnight.
Instead, it develops gradually through repeated success, encouragement and the willingness to keep trying when something feels difficult.
Watersports provide countless opportunities for children to experience this kind of personal growth.
A child who has never stepped into a sailing boat before may initially feel nervous about balancing, steering or understanding the wind. With patient guidance from experienced instructors, those early uncertainties begin to disappear.
By the end of the course, that same child may be confidently controlling the boat, making decisions independently and looking forward to their next session.
This transformation is incredibly rewarding for both children and parents.
Unlike confidence that comes from praise alone, confidence earned through genuine achievement becomes deeply rooted and long-lasting.
At Oxford Sail Training Trust, every activity is carefully structured so children experience regular success while continuing to stretch themselves. Small victories accumulate throughout the week, creating a powerful sense of accomplishment that children take home with them.
Developing Independence Away From Home
One of the most rewarding aspects of an outdoor summer camp is watching children become more independent. During the school term, parents naturally manage much of their child’s daily routine, from organising equipment to reminding them what comes next. A summer camp provides children with the opportunity to take responsibility for themselves in a supportive and supervised environment.
Here, children are encouraged to prepare their own equipment, listen carefully to instructions and take ownership of their learning. These may seem like small tasks, but together they help children become more organised and self-reliant.
Learning independence does not mean children are left to manage on their own. Instead, our qualified instructors provide guidance while encouraging young people to think for themselves. Children learn to ask questions, make sensible decisions and solve small problems independently before seeking assistance when they need it.
These experiences help prepare children for many future challenges. Whether it is starting a new school year, joining a sports club or trying another new hobby, children who have experienced greater independence often approach unfamiliar situations with increased confidence.
Parents frequently tell us they notice positive changes after their child has attended one of our holiday courses. Children often return home more willing to take responsibility, more confident in their abilities and more eager to tackle new experiences without hesitation.
Learning Resilience by Trying Something New
Every worthwhile skill involves making mistakes.
Children do not become confident sailors within an hour, nor do they master paddleboarding the first time they stand on a board. Like any new activity, learning watersports involves patience, determination and a willingness to keep trying.
This is one of the greatest strengths of outdoor summer camps.
Rather than avoiding challenges, children learn to embrace them.
Perhaps the wind changes direction unexpectedly. Maybe they lose their balance while paddleboarding or struggle to steer their sailing boat where they intended. Instead of viewing these moments as failures, our instructors help children see them as valuable learning opportunities.
Each attempt teaches something new.
Over time, children begin to understand that progress is rarely perfect. Improvement comes through practice, persistence and maintaining a positive attitude.
This lesson extends far beyond watersports.
Children who develop resilience at summer camp often become more willing to persevere with schoolwork, sports and other hobbies because they understand that success is built gradually rather than instantly.
In a world where digital games often provide immediate rewards, learning that genuine achievement requires effort is an incredibly valuable life lesson.
Improving Communication and Teamwork Skills
Many outdoor activities cannot be completed successfully alone.
Whether launching a sailing boat, carrying equipment or completing team challenges, children quickly discover the importance of working together.
Throughout Oxford Sail Training Trust’s Junior Holiday Courses, children are encouraged to communicate clearly, listen carefully and support one another. They learn that good teamwork relies on everyone contributing, respecting different ideas and helping others succeed.
For some children, these experiences provide an important boost in social confidence.
Children who are naturally quieter often become more comfortable speaking with others because they are working towards shared goals rather than being placed under pressure.
Meanwhile, more outgoing children develop leadership skills by encouraging teammates and helping those who may be less experienced.
Unlike online communication, which often relies on messaging or social media, outdoor activities require genuine face-to-face interaction.
Children laugh together, solve problems together and celebrate achievements together.
These are the kinds of social experiences that create meaningful friendships while developing communication skills that benefit children throughout their education and beyond.
Encouraging Healthy Risk-Taking in a Safe Environment
Growing up means gradually stepping outside familiar surroundings and trying things that feel new.
Healthy risk-taking is an important part of childhood because it teaches children to assess situations, trust themselves and develop courage.
Outdoor watersports provide the perfect balance between excitement and safety.
Trying sailing for the first time can feel like a big adventure. Standing on a paddleboard or controlling a windsurf board may initially seem challenging. However, every activity at Oxford Sail Training Trust is delivered under the supervision of qualified instructors using appropriate safety equipment and carefully managed teaching sessions.
Children learn that feeling nervous before trying something new is perfectly normal.
More importantly, they discover the satisfaction that comes from overcoming those nerves.
Every challenge completed becomes another reminder that they are capable of more than they first imagined.
These experiences build confidence that often influences every area of life.
Why Outdoor Activities Are Better Than Indoor Entertainment
Modern technology offers children endless entertainment, but entertainment and enrichment are not always the same thing. While watching videos or playing games can provide temporary enjoyment, outdoor activities engage children in ways that support their physical health, emotional wellbeing and personal development all at once.
This is why outdoor summer camps remain one of the most valuable experiences families can provide during the school holidays.
Fresh Air and Exercise Every Day
Children are naturally energetic.
When given opportunities to run, explore and move freely, they instinctively become active. Outdoor summer camps channel this energy into exciting activities that improve fitness without children even realising they are exercising.
A typical day at Oxford Sail Training Trust includes carrying sailing equipment, launching boats, balancing on paddleboards, walking around the reservoir and taking part in games designed to develop practical skills.
These varied movements help improve coordination, balance, strength and stamina while ensuring children remain engaged throughout the day.
Unlike repetitive exercise routines, every activity has a purpose. Children are not exercising because they have been told they should. They are exercising because they are completely immersed in adventure.
This makes physical activity enjoyable and helps children develop a positive relationship with being active that can continue throughout their lives.
Nature Supports Better Mental Wellbeing
Farmoor Reservoir provides a stunning natural setting that is very different from a classroom or living room.
Instead of artificial lighting and digital screens, children spend their day surrounded by open water, changing weather, wildlife and fresh air.
Natural environments have a remarkable ability to help children slow down and focus on the present moment.
Rather than constantly switching between apps or notifications, they become absorbed in reading the wind, steering a boat or working together to complete practical challenges.
Many children who arrive feeling nervous quickly become relaxed as they settle into the rhythm of outdoor learning.
Parents often notice that their children return home calmer, happier and more enthusiastic after spending a day outside.
These emotional benefits are just as important as the physical ones.
Real Adventures Create Lasting Memories
Ask an adult what they remember about childhood holidays and very few will describe a particular television programme or video game.
Instead, they remember adventures.
They remember learning something new, getting muddy, making friends or trying an activity they never imagined they could do.
Outdoor summer camps create these kinds of memories every single day.
Children remember the excitement of catching the wind in a sail for the first time.
They remember falling into the water and laughing with their friends.
They remember successfully crossing the reservoir on a paddleboard after several determined attempts.
These are the experiences that shape childhood.
Unlike digital entertainment, which is quickly forgotten as the next game or video appears, outdoor adventures stay with children for years.
Active Play Helps Children Sleep Better
One benefit that parents often mention after a week at summer camp is improved sleep.
After spending the day outdoors being physically active and mentally engaged, children naturally feel tired in a healthy way.
Many families notice that bedtime becomes easier, evening routines become calmer and children wake up refreshed and ready for another day of adventure.
Better sleep also supports concentration, mood and learning, making active holidays beneficial in ways that continue beyond the summer itself.
How Watersports Help Children Learn Without Realising It
One of the greatest strengths of watersports is that education happens naturally.
Children arrive expecting to have fun, yet throughout the day they are developing problem-solving abilities, communication skills, resilience and confidence without feeling as though they are sitting in a lesson.
Learning becomes part of the adventure.
At Oxford Sail Training Trust, every activity is carefully designed to help children progress at their own pace while ensuring they enjoy every moment on the water.
Sailing Teaches Problem Solving and Decision Making
Sailing is much more than simply moving a boat across the water. Every session encourages children to think, observe and make decisions based on changing conditions. Even beginners quickly discover that sailing requires far more than following instructions. They learn to read the direction of the wind, adjust their sails, steer accurately and work out the best route to travel.
These challenges develop problem-solving skills in a practical and enjoyable way. Instead of completing exercises in a classroom, children are constantly applying their thinking to real situations. They begin to understand that small adjustments can make a big difference, and that there is often more than one way to solve a problem.
As their confidence grows, children start making more decisions independently. They become better at assessing situations, planning ahead and adapting when conditions change. These are valuable skills that transfer into school life, helping children approach academic work and everyday challenges with greater confidence.
Perhaps most importantly, sailing teaches children that learning is an ongoing process. Every session offers something different because the weather, wind and water conditions are never exactly the same. This keeps children engaged while encouraging curiosity and a willingness to continue improving.
Paddleboarding Builds Balance and Coordination
Paddleboarding has become one of the most popular watersports for children, and it is easy to see why. It is fun, accessible and provides an excellent introduction to spending time on the water.
Although standing on a paddleboard looks simple, it requires children to develop balance, coordination and body awareness. They quickly learn how small changes in posture affect the movement of the board and how controlled movements are often more effective than rushing.
For children who may not usually enjoy traditional sports, paddleboarding offers an alternative way to become active. There is no pressure to compete with others. Instead, children focus on improving their own skills while enjoying the experience.
As confidence develops, many children are surprised by how quickly they progress. A child who begins the morning sitting on the board may finish the day paddling confidently while standing.
This visible progress gives children an enormous sense of achievement and reinforces the idea that trying something new can be incredibly rewarding.
Windsurfing Encourages Determination and Persistence
Windsurfing combines elements of sailing and balance to create a sport that is exciting, rewarding and full of opportunities for personal development.
Learning to control both the board and the sail takes patience. Children quickly realise that success rarely comes on the first attempt, but every session brings noticeable improvement.
This gradual progression makes windsurfing particularly valuable for building resilience.
Rather than becoming discouraged when something feels difficult, children learn to celebrate small improvements. Standing up more confidently, holding the sail correctly or successfully changing direction all become important milestones.
At Oxford Sail Training Trust, instructors understand that every child learns differently. Some progress quickly, while others need a little more time and encouragement. By providing individual support, we help every participant experience success regardless of their starting point.
Children leave with a sense of accomplishment that comes from earning their progress through persistence and determination.
Multi-Activity Courses Keep Every Day Exciting
Some children know exactly which watersport they want to try. Others simply enjoy variety and love experiencing something different each day.
Our Multi-Activity Courses are designed with these children in mind.
Rather than focusing on a single discipline, participants enjoy a wide range of exciting activities throughout the course. One day may involve learning to sail, while another introduces paddleboarding, team challenges or other exciting watersports.
This variety keeps children engaged throughout the week while helping them discover interests they may never have considered before.
Trying several activities also allows children to develop a broader range of skills. They improve communication, coordination, confidence and teamwork while continually facing fresh challenges that keep learning enjoyable.
For many children, these courses become the highlight of their summer holidays because no two days feel exactly the same.
Making Friends Beyond the Classroom
One of the most memorable parts of attending a summer camp is the friendships that develop along the way.
Children often arrive knowing nobody else on the course. By the end of the week, many have formed friendships that continue long after the holidays are over.
Outdoor activities naturally encourage children to work together. Whether launching a sailing boat, helping someone onto a paddleboard or completing a team challenge, they quickly begin supporting one another.
Unlike friendships formed through social media or online gaming, these relationships develop through shared experiences.
Children celebrate each other’s achievements, laugh together when things do not quite go to plan and encourage one another to keep trying when activities become challenging.
These shared experiences create genuine connections.
Meeting Children From Different Schools
Holiday courses bring together children from across Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.
Meeting young people from different schools helps broaden children’s social circles while introducing them to new personalities and perspectives.
Many children initially feel nervous about joining a group where they know nobody. Fortunately, outdoor activities provide an excellent way to break the ice.
Working towards shared goals gives children natural opportunities to start conversations and build friendships without feeling awkward or pressured.
By the end of the first day, those initial nerves have usually disappeared.
Building Friendships Through Shared Challenges
There is something unique about learning alongside others.
Children who tackle challenges together often develop strong friendships because they experience the same successes, frustrations and achievements.
Helping each other during practical activities creates trust and mutual respect.
Whether encouraging a friend to try paddleboarding for the first time or celebrating after successfully sailing across the reservoir, these moments become powerful bonding experiences.
Developing Social Confidence Without Digital Devices
Many children communicate confidently through messaging apps but feel less comfortable talking face to face.
Outdoor summer camps provide valuable opportunities to practise real-world communication.
Without the distractions of phones or tablets, children naturally begin talking, asking questions and working together.
Over the course of the week, quieter children often become noticeably more confident while naturally outgoing children learn valuable leadership and teamwork skills.
These improvements in communication frequently benefit children when they return to school, helping them feel more confident both inside and outside the classroom.
Why Parents Love Oxford Sail Training Trust Summer Camps
Parents are looking for more than somewhere to keep their children busy during the holidays. They want activities that are enjoyable, well organised and genuinely beneficial for their child’s development.
That is exactly what Oxford Sail Training Trust has been providing for many years.
Our Junior Holiday Courses are designed to inspire confidence while introducing children to exciting watersports in a safe and supportive environment. Every session balances structured learning with plenty of fun, ensuring children remain engaged from the moment they arrive until the end of the day.
Experienced and Qualified Instructors
The quality of any summer camp depends on the people leading it.
Our instructors are experienced, approachable and passionate about helping young people enjoy watersports. They understand that every child learns differently and adapt their teaching to suit different personalities, confidence levels and experience.
Children are encouraged to progress at their own pace while receiving positive guidance throughout every activity.
Safe, Structured Activities at Farmoor Reservoir
Parents understandably place safety at the top of their priorities.
Every Oxford Sail Training Trust activity is delivered using appropriate safety equipment and carefully planned procedures. Children are supervised throughout their sessions, allowing them to enjoy exciting adventures while parents have complete peace of mind.
Our location at Farmoor Reservoir also provides an outstanding environment for learning, combining open water with excellent facilities and experienced staff.
Courses Designed for Different Ages and Ability Levels
Every child is different, which is why we offer a wide range of holiday courses.
Whether your child is completely new to watersports or looking to develop existing skills, there is a course to suit their interests and experience.
Children can choose from:
- Junior Sailing Courses
- Multi-Activity Courses
- Paddleboarding
- Windsurfing
- Wing Courses
- Aquanauts
- Junior Taster Sessions
This variety means many families return year after year as their children continue progressing through different activities.
Skills Children Take Home After Summer Camp
One of the greatest strengths of an outdoor summer camp is that the experience does not end when children go home. The memories they make may last a lifetime, but so do many of the skills they develop along the way.
Unlike many holiday activities that provide only short-term entertainment, watersports encourage children to grow in ways that benefit them at school, at home and throughout their future lives. Every challenge they overcome helps build confidence, resilience and independence, while every new friendship develops valuable social skills.
For parents considering the benefits of summer camps for kids, these lasting outcomes are often the most important reason to choose an outdoor holiday course.
Greater Self-Confidence
Confidence is built through achievement.
When children learn a completely new skill, they begin to realise that they are capable of far more than they first believed. Steering a sailing boat independently, successfully paddling across the reservoir or mastering the basics of windsurfing gives children a genuine sense of accomplishment.
This confidence is based on real experiences rather than praise alone.
At Oxford Sail Training Trust, instructors celebrate every milestone, whether it is a child’s first successful turn in a sailing boat or simply having the courage to try something that initially felt intimidating.
Children who leave with greater confidence often become more willing to volunteer answers in class, participate in sports and approach new opportunities with enthusiasm rather than hesitation.
Improved Leadership and Teamwork
Outdoor activities teach children that success often depends on working together.
Throughout the week, participants learn how to communicate effectively, support one another and contribute positively to a group. They discover that listening carefully is just as important as speaking confidently and that encouraging others benefits everyone.
As confidence grows, many children naturally begin taking on leadership roles. They may help organise equipment, encourage teammates or demonstrate skills they have already learnt.
These experiences develop qualities that continue to benefit children throughout school, university and later working life.
Better Communication Skills
In today’s digital world, many conversations happen through text messages, online games or social media.
Summer camps provide something increasingly valuable: genuine face-to-face communication.
Children spend the day asking questions, solving problems together and working alongside instructors and fellow participants.
This constant interaction helps improve confidence when speaking with others and encourages children to express themselves clearly and respectfully.
Many parents notice that their children become more comfortable talking about their experiences after attending an outdoor holiday course because they have spent the week engaging with people rather than screens.
A More Positive Attitude Towards Being Active
Not every child enjoys traditional team sports.
One of the advantages of watersports is that they offer an exciting alternative. Children quickly discover that being active does not have to mean running laps or competing in matches.
Instead, exercise becomes part of the adventure.
Many young people who attend Oxford Sail Training Trust holiday courses discover a lifelong interest in sailing, paddleboarding or windsurfing. Others simply gain a greater appreciation for spending time outdoors and being physically active.
Either way, these experiences encourage healthier habits that can continue long after the summer holidays have ended.
Increased Independence
Perhaps the biggest change many parents notice is a new sense of independence.
Children return home more willing to organise themselves, solve small problems and approach unfamiliar situations with confidence.
Having successfully learnt new watersports, worked with different people and overcome challenges, they begin to trust their own abilities more than before.
This independence helps prepare them for future milestones, whether that is moving into a new school year, joining new clubs or tackling new experiences throughout life.
Choosing the Right Summer Camp for Your Child
With so many holiday activities available, choosing the right summer camp can sometimes feel overwhelming. Every child has different interests, personalities and confidence levels, so it is worth taking the time to find a course that offers the right balance of fun, learning and support.
The best outdoor camps provide much more than entertainment. They create an environment where children feel safe to challenge themselves while enjoying every moment of the experience.
Consider Your Child’s Interests
Some children are naturally adventurous and cannot wait to try something completely new.
Others may be more cautious and benefit from activities that gradually build confidence.
Think about what motivates your child. Do they enjoy being outdoors? Do they love working as part of a team? Are they fascinated by water or eager to learn practical skills?
Oxford Sail Training Trust offers a wide variety of Junior Holiday Courses, allowing children to choose activities that suit their interests while still encouraging them to step outside their comfort zone.
Look for Qualified Instructors and High Safety Standards
Parents should always feel confident that their child is learning in a safe and professional environment.
When researching holiday camps, look for experienced instructors, recognised qualifications and clear safety procedures.
At Oxford Sail Training Trust, safety is at the heart of everything we do. Our qualified instructors provide expert tuition while ensuring every child enjoys their experience in a supportive setting.
This allows children to focus on learning, having fun and building confidence while parents have complete peace of mind.
Choose Activities That Encourage Progression
The best summer camps help children build skills throughout the course rather than simply filling time with unrelated activities.
Each session at Oxford Sail Training Trust is designed to develop previous learning, allowing children to experience steady progress throughout the week.
As children see themselves improving, their motivation grows. This sense of achievement often inspires them to return for future courses and continue developing their skills year after year.
Find a Camp That Balances Fun and Learning
Children learn best when they are enjoying themselves.
The ideal summer camp combines structured instruction with plenty of opportunities to laugh, explore and make friends.
Our Junior Holiday Courses are carefully designed to achieve this balance. Every day introduces new challenges while ensuring children remain engaged, active and excited about what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Camps
What age can children attend Oxford Sail Training Trust holiday courses?
Oxford Sail Training Trust offers a range of Junior Holiday Courses suitable for children of different ages and experience levels. Many activities are designed for children aged eight and above, while courses such as Aquanauts provide exciting opportunities for younger adventurers to begin enjoying watersports in a safe and supportive environment.
Does my child need previous sailing or watersports experience?
Not at all.
Many children who attend our holiday courses are complete beginners. Our experienced instructors introduce every activity step by step, allowing children to learn at a pace that suits them.
The focus is always on building confidence while ensuring every participant enjoys the experience.
What should my child bring?
Children should arrive wearing comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities and bring swimwear, a towel, a packed lunch, drinks and any additional items recommended before the course begins.
Safety equipment required for activities is provided by Oxford Sail Training Trust.
Are the courses suitable for nervous beginners?
Absolutely.
Feeling nervous before trying something new is completely normal.
Our instructors are experienced in helping children overcome those initial worries through encouragement, patience and carefully structured teaching.
Many children who begin the week feeling unsure finish it asking when they can come back.
What happens if the weather changes?
Watersports are designed to be enjoyed in a variety of weather conditions.
Our instructors continually assess conditions throughout the day and adapt activities where necessary to ensure children remain safe while still enjoying an exciting experience.
Give Your Child a Summer They’ll Never Forget
When considering the benefits of summer camps for kids, the difference between spending another week indoors and experiencing an outdoor adventure becomes clear.
While screens can provide entertainment for a few hours, they cannot teach resilience, develop confidence or create genuine friendships. They cannot replace the excitement of steering a sailing boat for the first time, standing confidently on a paddleboard or celebrating with new friends after overcoming a challenge together.
Outdoor summer camps provide children with opportunities to grow in ways that stay with them for years. They build independence, improve communication, encourage teamwork and inspire a lifelong appreciation for being active outdoors. Every day introduces new experiences that help children discover what they are capable of achieving.
Our Junior Holiday Courses at Farmoor Reservoir are designed to give every child the opportunity to enjoy these experiences in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment. Whether they choose sailing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, winging, Aquanauts or one of our popular multi-activity courses, they will spend their holiday learning new skills, making lasting friendships and creating memories that far outlast any time spent in front of a screen.
If you are looking for an exciting and rewarding way to keep your child active this summer, explore our Junior Holiday Courses today. Give them the opportunity to swap screen time for adventure, discover new passions and experience all the lasting benefits of summer camps for kids with Oxford Sail Training Trust. Book now!
