There is no shortage of summer camps for children in Abu Dhabi providing a wide range of activities for all ages and budgets across the city.
But, if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, a little less run-of-the-mill and a lot more interesting, we’ve rounded up a few option that, at the very least, will teach your child an impressive new skill this summer.
Yoga, mindfulness and meditation
A junior wellness camp is run by lifestyle consultancy Inner Seed and held at The Studio on the Corniche, a ladies-only Pilates and yoga studio that holds wellness classes.
For two weeks, from July 2 to July 13, children can enrol on a daily or weekly basis and take part in activities including yoga, fitness and dance, mindful colouring, a happiness programme, meditation, and arts and crafts activities.
Expect children to leave the camp having learnt about self-help, relaxation and inner calmness, armed with mindfulness tools to prepare them for the coming school year.
It is geared towards children between the ages of 5 and 8, and runs from 9am to 1pm each day. A healthy lunch box from Third Place Cafe will be provided for each child.
• Dh185 a day or Dh875 a week. Email laura@innerseeduae.com
Art
The Kids’ Summer Art Camp at the Art Central boutique in Boutik Mall, Reem Island, is a five-week creative camp hosted a different art instructor each week. Youngsters will be immersed in different art techniques from 10am to 1pm each day. The first week, starting on Sunday, will cover a bit of everything, including papier mache, making masks, creating toys out of felt and more. Week two focuses on pottery, while week three is a mix of storytelling followed by the creation of arts and crafts based on the story. Week four is a multicultural week, when kids will examine a variety of international art forms, from Islamic art to French decoupage. Week five will introduce children to the work of great artists including Van Gogh, Monet, Matisse, Picasso and Klimt.
• Dh200 a day or Dh900 a week. Email info@artcentral.ae
Football
The City Football Schools Summer Camp at the Ipic Arena in Zayed Sports City will help boys and girls improve their skills, stay healthy and make friends under the supervision and guidance of fully qualified coaches. The camp, for children between the ages of 5 and 12, starts on Saturday and runs until July 13 from 8.30am to 2.30pm.
• Dh950 a week. Email cfs.abudhabi@cityfootball.com
Ice skating
The ice rink at Zayed Sports City will host a skating camp for of all ability levels, from beginnersto Delta. Each programme runs for a week, from 9am to 1pm or 1pm to 5pm each day. Sign up for as many weeks as you like.
• Dh650 a week. Email steven.paler@zsc.ae
Trampolining
Bounce trampoline park at Abu Dhabi’s Marina Mall will run a Tramp Camp where kids between the ages of 5 and 14 can kick-start their day with a mini-Olympics session. They will develop aerial skills, throw dodgeballs, pop balloons and shoot hoops, always while bouncing.
The chance to flip into the airbag and freestyle on the huge free-jump area are guaranteed. The camp starts on July 2 and runs until September 7, from 8.15am to 1pm each day.
• Dh180 a day or Dh725 a week. www.bounce.ae
Creativity
The Summer Camp at Warehouse421 combines a bit of everything. The four-week programme will include art and design workshops, music and dance classes, board games, film days and lifestyle activities. Suitable for children of all ages, it starts on July 16 and will run every day except Mondays and Fridays until August 10.
There is an admin fee for some activities. Children ages 6 to 12 years can attend from 10am to 1pm, and those ages 13 and over from 3pm to 6pm.
• Register at www.warehouse421.ae
Maths
The Mathnasium Summer Camp will help ensure children, between the ages of 6 and 17, do not forget their mathematical computational skills during the summer holidays. A range of options are available, including specialist topics, enhancing skills, robotics and engineering, algebra and fractions, and preparation for SAT exams. The camp begins on July 2 and continues until August 24. It operates from 9am to 2pm in various locations across Abu Dhabi.
• Dh600 a day or Dh1,690 a week Call 055 980 8112
artslife@thenational.ae
