We know, we know – your thirst for summer camps is insatiable. By now you’ve seen our first and second summer camp roundups, but you still haven’t found the perfect mix of fun and learning that will knock your children’s socks off and form the kind of long-lasting, character-building memories that they’ll retell to their own kids one day. Tall order, but luckily we’ve got tons more suggestions for you. Read on, oh demanding parent.
Aqua Warriors Summer Swim Camp
Aqua Warriors is holding its third annual summer camp designed for competitive swimmers and swimmers who wish to compete competitively in the near future. The camp will focus on developing stroke technique and stamina, as well as optimizing turns and starts using video analysis. Personalized programs will be developed for each swimmer depending on their level.
Who? Ages 5 and up
When?
- Week 1: June 17-21
- Week 2: June 24-28
- Week 3: July 1-5
- Week 4: July 8-12
- Week 5: July 15-19
- Week 6: July 22-26
What time? Mon-Fri 9.30am-noon
How much? RMB 1,000/week (every camper gets a free cap and t-shirt)
Where? Zhongjia Xinyuan Hotel swimming pool, 200m east of the Village Committee, Gucheng Village, Houshayu, Shunyi District (a map can be downloaded on Aqua Warriors’ website)
Contact: 136 8352 7243, 134 8877 8089, aquawarriorsbj@gmail.com, www.aquawarriorsbj.com
Beijing Mandarin School 2013 Chinese Language Summer Camp
Since its foundation eight years ago, Beijing Mandarin School’s summer program has sought to teach kids from various countries about Chinese language and culture. BMS teachers hold university degrees for teaching Chinese as a foreign language. Students will focus on speaking, listening, reading, writing, vocabulary, characters, and pronunciation, with the goal of developing fluency for non-native speakers.
Who? Ages 3-18
When? June 17-August 30
What time? 9am-3.30pm (full day), 9am-noon or 1-3.30pm (half day)
How much?
- Half day (morning): RMB 1,050/week
- Half day (afternoon): RMB 1,500/week
- Full day: RMB 2,500/week
- Private classes: RMB 110/hour
- Optional: Lunch (RMB 200/week), transportation (varies according to location), airport pickup (RMB 500/person)
Other notes: Application deadline is May 31, 2013. BMS students are eligible for a 10% discount. There’s a non-refundable registration fee of RMB 280 to cover orientation, books, a t-shirt, and the certificate of completion.
Where? Beijing Mandarin School
Contact: 6508 1026/1126 or beijingmandarinschool@yahoo.com.cn
The Bridge School YCT Summer Camp
This two-week summer camp is designed for kids who want to improve their Chinese while learning more about local culture. Activities include cooking classes, music, tennis, swimming, field trips, and more.
Who? Ages 5-12
When?
- Term 1: June 17-28
- Term 2: July 1-12
- Term 3: July 15-26
- Term 4: July 29-August 9
- Term 5: August 12-23
What time? 9am-3.30pm (subject to change)
How much? RMB 3,880/child + RMB 400 deposit to reserve the student’s place and cover material fees. Lunch and transportation included.
Other notes: Registration times are from 8.30am-5.30pm every day.
Where? The Bridge School (contact the school for specific locations)
Contact: info@bridgeschoolchina.com, www.bridgeschoolchina.com
The Creatica Camp
Art meets technology at this unique camp, which focuses on developing children’s creativity and innovation. Led by inventors, professors, artists and directors, participants complete their own projects using cutting-edge technology like 3D printing machines and MakeyMakey kits. Talented campers will have the opportunity to exhibit their projects in Maker Faire 2013.
Who? Ages 10+
When? August 8-17
What time? 9am-4pm, 4-5.30pm (optional after hours)
How much? RMB 8,500
Where? Zhongguancun Cloud Valley, Bldg C, Software Square, ZPark, Shangdi Xilu, Haidian District 海淀区上地西路中关村软件园软件广场C座北京中关村云基地
Contact: 5719 6164, info@thecreatica.com, thecreatica.com
Dulwich Summer Camps
Dulwich College Beijing has a number of summer programs, but two of the most interesting are the Little Ones camp for toddlers and Yoga Summer Camp for kids. See DCB’s website for a complete list.
Little Ones
Young children are kept busy with a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities, including art, music, storytelling, and more. The camp is led by Early Years teachers from Dulwich College Beijing.
Who? Ages 3-5
When? June 24-28 and July 1-5
What time? 9am-noon
How much? RMB 1,650/week
Where? Dulwich College Beijing, Beijing Riviera Campus
Contact: 6454 9019/9127, dcp@dulwich-beijing.cn
Yoga Summer Camp
Led by Incy Wincy Yoga, these kids’ yoga classes aim to improve concentration, build self-confidence, foster teamwork, and ease stress. Classes will focus on breathing, visualization and relaxation exercises, yoga poses and trust and cooperation games.
Who? Ages 5-8 and 9-12
When?
- Week 1: June 24-28
- Week 2: July 1-5
- Week 3: July 8-12
- Week 4: July 29-August 2
- Week 5: August 5-9
What time? 9.15-10.45am (ages 5-8), 11am-12.30pm (ages 9-12)
How much? RMB 1,650/week
Where? Dulwich College Beijing, Beijing Riviera Campus
Contact: 6454 9019/9127, dcp@dulwich-beijing.cn
Fitness Is Fun with Greg Kaler
Hailing from St. Cloud, Minnesota, Greg Kaler is a magician, juggler, and educator. He combines fast-paced and unique activities such as games, sports, and lectures in this quirky two-week summer camp hosted by Beijing Collegiate Academy.
Who? Ages 5-1s
When?
- Week 1: July 8-19
- Week 2: July 22-August 2
- Week 3: August 5-16
What time? TBD
How much? RMB 6,800/term (one person), RMB 6,650/term (two people), RMB 6,500/term (three people)
Other notes: Application deadline is June 15, 2013.
Where? Beijing Collegiate Academy
Contact: 5681 2555 (BCA office), 6544 7057/58 (Dragon Show Culture and Arts), summercamp@dragonshow.com
Frontiers Summer Programs
The Frontiers School hosts summer programs designed for kids and teens to develop their Chinese skills. Activities include games, storytelling, songs, role playing, Chinese painting and calligraphy, weiqi, tai chi, DIY, and more. Features include experienced teachers, a safe learning environment, and small groups (3-6 students).
Who? Ages 8-12 (Pupil Summer Camp) and 13-17 (Teenage Summer Camp)
When?
- Week 1: June 17-28
- Week 2: July 1-12
- Week 3: July 15-26
- Week 4: July 29-August 9
- August 12-23
What time? 9am-3.30pm
How much? RMB 4,500/person (50 hours with lunch), RMB 4,000/person (50 hours without lunch)
Other notes: Group discounts of 5-15% per person are available; ask the school for details. Western fast food is served for lunch.
Where? The Frontiers School
Contact: admin@frontiers.com.cn, www.frontiers.com.cn
Summer Cooking Camp for Teens
Starting in July, The Hutong is introducing a special cooking class series designed especially for teens. The six-week course is taught by Hutong Chef Ali Retson and covers health nutritional choices, kitchen safety, and cooking techniques. Participants will gain confidence, eat delicious dishes, and make new friends. Weekly projects include baking desserts, making bread from scratch, whipping up comfort foods, and a final cook-off.
Who? Ages 13-18
When? Every Wednesday in July and August 7
What time? 11.30am-2pm
How much? RMB 1,500 (includes one-year membership to The Hutong)
Where? The Hutong
Contact: Book online at www.thehutongkitchen.com
Want to tell us about a summer camp? Email editor@beijing-kids.com.
Opening photo by stevendepolo (Flickr). All other photos courtesy of respective schools and organizations, unless otherwise noted
