It’s school holiday season, and you may have noticed some parents talking about sending their kids to holiday camps. Perhaps you’ve wondered what these camps actually offer, or why someone might choose a camp instead of a regular workshop.

Camps aren’t mainstream, and they’re certainly not essential. Most children can learn new skills through short workshops or one-off activities. But what camps do differently is provide a longer, more structured stretch of time for kids to settle into an activity and interact with others who share similar interests. Whether it’s a multi-day STEM camp in Singapore or a week-long overseas programme that adds a bit of travel and independence, the appeal often lies in the immersion rather than the curriculum itself.

This guide offers a look at the types of holiday camps available both in Singapore and abroad, so you can get a clearer sense of what’s out there, and whether any of these formats might suit your child.

Holiday Camps that Singapore Parents Search For

Below are the main types of holiday camps that tend to attract interest from parents in Singapore:

Chinese Holiday Camps

Mandarin immersion camps range from light-touch language exposure to activity-based programmes meant to make the language feel more approachable.

Most camps mix practical language use with hands-on activities such as storytelling, drama, and craft sessions. Others take a more academic route, focusing on reading, writing, or reinforcing foundational skills. 

When browsing options, parents typically look at the level of Mandarin exposure, age suitability, group size, and whether the camp’s approach fits their child’s comfort level with the language. 

Below are some Chinese holiday camps to consider:

• LingoAce is offering 3- and 5-day camps to strengthen key Chinese skills: oral, writing, and comprehension. (Ages 6 to 12.)
• HAHA Chinese runs theme-based holiday camps, with the promise that Mandarin will be the main/only spoken language during their camps. (Ages 6 to 12.)
• Overseas camps, where students travel to China for a short stay. For a start, you can look at programmes by Omeida Chinese and LTL Language School.

Holiday Art Camps

Art camps allow children to experiment with different mediums and express themselves in ways that school art lessons may not allow.

Programmes vary widely, ranging from drawing and painting to pottery, digital art, and mixed-media projects. Some camps focus on techniques and fundamentals, while others emphasise creativity and exploration. There are also themed camps, such as nature art, cartooning, or craft-focused sessions.

Parents usually consider factors like the medium taught, instructor experience, class size, and whether the camp is more process-focused or technique-focused. 

These are some art camps to explore:

• For kids aged 4 to 16, Little Artists Art Studio runs artist-themed camps (e.g. Dali, Van Gogh) where participants can explore different mediums. They also run camps for portfolio preparation. (Ages 10 to 20.)
• Visual Arts Centre offers art camps for drawing and sketching, manga, digital art, and more. (Ages 5 to 18.)
• The Drawing Mint has architecture and fashion camps for ages 7 and up.

Sports Camps

Sports camps are especially appreciated by parents who don’t want to turn every holiday activity into extra academic work.

Some camps specialise in a single sport, while others follow a multi-sport format to expose children to a range of activities. A typical camp includes drills, friendly games, teamwork exercises, and basic technique-building. Many camps cater to varying ability levels, from beginners to more competitive players.

Parents often look at coach qualifications, safety practices, facility quality, and whether the programme suits their child’s fitness level and temperament. 

Here are some sports camps to check out:

• Sportybots has a sports discovery camp to expose kids to a variety of sports — including soccer, basketball, and athletics. They’ll also help to identify sports that your child may be most suited to. (Ages 5 to 10.)
• Scholar Basketball Academy offers holiday camps to build ball familiarity and control, as well as ball handling and dribbling skills. They will also introduce play strategies and more. (Ages 5 to 14.)
• AZE Badminton Academy offers holiday camps where beginner players can improve their serving technique, as well as boost their speed and agility. (Ages 5 to 16.)

Academic Holiday Camps

Academic camps appeal to parents who want their children to keep their minds sharp during school breaks. Formats can range from short, topic-based sessions to multi-day programmes that build progressively on certain concepts.

Parents often consider the teaching approach, difficulty level, and whether the camp’s content aligns with their child’s current needs and learning style. 

Here are some academic holiday camps to check out:

• The British Council runs holiday camps to help primary schoolers develop their vocabulary and improve their communication skills.
• Genius Plus Academy offers 2-day bootcamps to help kids and teens plug their gaps in maths. Available for Primary 3 to 5, as well as Secondary 2.
• The National University of Singapore (NUS) regularly organises STEM camps and events for teens. If you are keen, it’s a good time to begin enquiries for 2026.

Want to chat with other parents about holiday camps? Start a conversation on the KiasuParents forum!