School is out, events are cancelled, vacation has been called off, team sports are a no-go, and now the pandemic has claimed that holy grail of the aestival holidays: summer camp. But don’t despair. If kids can’t go to camp this year, then camp can come to them. Offering entertaining and educational activities to foster kids’ physical, intellectual and social development – not to mention keep them away from TV and video games – these virtual summer camps provide an oasis of fun right at home.
National Academy of Athletics – The US National Academy of Athletics hosts a five-day virtual camp for little athletes via their video series spanning multiple sports, from baseball to American football, martial arts and volleyball. Campers will even learn new drills and techniques directly from real athletes like professional baseball player J.J. Newman and NFL defensive back Ken Taylor. After spending much of spring and summer on the couch, this is a great way to get kids moving.
Camp Wonderopolis – Camp Wonderopolis is designed to promote the development of STEM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) as well as art and creativity. Offering five different camps, each focused on one area of learning – from music composition to virtual construction engineering, lab experiments, nutrition and more – it’s an ideal programme for curious kids who want to learn a bit of everything.
Camp Supernow – Another good option to promote motor development and physical activity while practicing safe social distancing, Camp Supernow’s virtual camp consists of two-week sessions and includes traditional camp activities like dance classes, magic shows, guided meditations, talent shows and much more. Children ages five to ten can spend an hour a day immersed in all kinds of virtual events that are as entertaining as they are educational – and are certainly not passive screen time.
MarcoPolo World School – MarcoPolo Learning offers a variety of virtual study plans, and their summer camp is a good choice for these months at home. Another version of a STEM-based curriculum, this camp is suited to children ages three to seven, and covers basic topics like maths, geography and biology with a fun approach that includes games, puzzles and guided activities. Good news: They’re currently offering 50% off their annual membership, with a seven-day free trial included.
Art Camp In A Box – For children starting from five years old, Art Camp in a Box offers virtual art classes along with the necessary materials. Campers will receive a kit with all the supplies they need to create 10 different art projects, and together with their classmates (virtually, of course), they’ll learn DIY techniques and explore their artistic creativity. This is the ideal camp for developing age-appropriate fine motor skills – and perhaps discovering hidden talents.
Young Film Academy – This summer programme offered by the Young Film Academy is a prime choice for aspiring actors and film directors. Choose a one- or two-week camp, both of which are designed to help teens aged 12 to 17 develop the skills needed to create their own movie at home. This real filmmaking experience delves into script writing and film editing (for aspiring directors), and character development and improvisation (for aspiring actors), making it a great first step for those who want to build their careers in this exciting industry.
Wildlife Camp Online – The Bronx Zoo offers Wildlife Camp Online for children from preschool through 8th grade, to explore and learn about animals and nature right from home. The 1-week camp provides age-appropriate learning tools, using stories, games, activities and virtual zoo visits to engage little campers, while older kids are provided the materials for an in-depth look at the Natural Sciences. This is a truly innovative way to discover the wonders of nature.
Geek Squad Academy – The Geek Squad Academy summer programme, developed by tech retailer Best Buy, is another alternative to help kids emerge from the social distancing era a little smarter. Designed for children nine and up, the ‘academy’ offers four specific courses: binary number systems, video game coding, mobile photography and website creation. Participants will learn the basics of these useful and highly relevant topics, and – who knows – maybe even develop an interest that could launch a future career.
Bake-A-Camp – Designed for budding foodies, Bake-A-Camp turns your kitchen into summer camp. This four-week virtual course offers kids all the necessary tools to prepare a range of dishes, from the simple to the intricate. At the beginning of the course, each camper will receive a box with all the materials for each individual project, and they will have access to instructional videos where a professional chef breaks down the recipes into easy-to-follow steps. Best of all, the whole family can enjoy the campers’ delicious creations. It’s a win-win for all!
ActivityHero – A real all-rounder, the ActivityHero website offers thousands of courses and classes for all ages and interests. Their online summer sessions cover topics ranging from music to maths, sports, art, science and even virtual parties with live hosts! Regardless of your child’s interest areas, they will surely find something fun to learn and get involved with this summer.
#staysafe #stayathome #selfisolation #selfisolationactivities #quarantine #lockdown #homesanctuary
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.