The Benefits of Holiday Camps

For many parents, the school holidays can be a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it’s a break from the relentless morning school run, and you also get more time with your children; on the other, it’s a logistical puzzle of balancing work and keeping children occupied. But beyond the need for “childcare,” there is a much bigger opportunity at play.

At Gymfinity Kids, we’ve always believed that school holidays shouldn’t just be a “pause” in a child’s education; they should be a pivot toward a different kind of learning. While schools handle the academic side, our holiday camps are where the “human” skills take centre stage. From physical literacy to social resilience, the benefits of an immersive camp experience are long-lasting.

1. Combatting the “Sedentary Slide”

It’s no secret that without the structure of the school day, physical activity levels for children in the UK can plummet. Between the unpredictable weather and the magnetic pull of digital screens, the holidays often lead to what we call the “sedentary slide.”

Providing a dedicated environment for movement ensures that children maintain their physical momentum. At Gymfinity Kids, our school holiday camps are designed around the concept of “active play”: where the focus is on fun, but the result is an energy-burning and stimulating day.

Consistent movement is vital for cardiovascular health, and it also does wonders for a child’s sleep and mood. Understanding the benefits of children being active is the first step in seeing a holiday camp as an investment in your child’s overall wellbeing rather than just a way to fill the day.

2. Social Reset and “Social Plasticity”

School social circles are often very fixed. Children are often “typecast” by their peers, i.e. the quiet one, the sporty one, the joker. This can sometimes limit a child’s willingness to try new things or act differently.

Holiday camps provide a “social reset.” By bringing together children from different schools and backgrounds, we create a space where they can redefine themselves. This forces them to exercise “social plasticity”, the ability to adapt and form new bonds quickly. 

We often observe children who are initially shy in their local school environment suddenly thriving as leaders in a team ninja challenge or a group gymnastics routine. These interactions build a level of empathy and social confidence that is difficult to replicate in a standard classroom setting.

3. Resilience through “Managed Risk”

To grow, children need to be challenged, and they need to feel the unknown of attempting something new and difficult. In a world that is increasingly “bubble-wrapped,” holiday camps that focus on activities like gymnastics and ninja training offer a rare opportunity for managed risk.

Under the guidance of our expert coaches, children learn that failing a move isn’t a setback, it’s a data point. Trying a vault for the first time or attempting a new balance beam routine requires courage. When a child misses a landing and immediately gets back up to try again, they are building a “resilience muscle” that will serve them well in every other area of their life. 

This is one of the key life skills your child will learn in gymnastics, which they carry with them long after the holiday ends.

4. The “Immersion Effect” and Rapid Progress

While weekly classes are excellent for steady improvement, there is a unique psychological boost that comes from the “immersion effect” of a holiday camp. Spending several hours a day for a full week on a specific set of skills allows for rapid progress.

This is often when “lightbulb moments” happen, that second when a handstand finally clicks or a ninja wall is conquered. For a child, this tangible evidence of their own progress is incredibly empowering. It teaches them that dedicated focus leads to results. 

If you aren’t sure where to start, many parents find that the holidays are the best time to decide: gymnastics or ninja, which class should my child do? A camp allows them to sample both* and find their true passion.

5. Emotional Regulation and Independence

The school holidays can sometimes be overwhelming for children; the lack of a familiar routine can lead to restlessness or anxiety. Holiday camps provide a “rhythm” to the week that helps children regulate their emotions. The release of endorphins through high-energy activity naturally lowers stress, while the structure of the day provides a sense of security.

Furthermore, camps encourage a healthy level of independence. From managing their own kit to making choices about which challenges to tackle, children find their own voice away from the immediate shadow of a parent. 

When parents are looking for things to do in the school holidays, the best options are those that leave the child feeling more capable and self-reliant than when they arrived.

Give your child the best learning and growing experience

At Gymfinity Kids, we don’t just “watch” your children: we move with them, coach them, and help them discover what they are truly capable of. Our camps across the UK are designed to be the highlight of their school break, blending expert-led gymnastics and ninja skills with the sheer joy of active play.

Don’t let the next school holiday be spent on the sofa. 

Give your child the chance to build new friendships, master new skills, and return to school with a renewed sense of confidence. Spaces for our upcoming holiday camps are limited and tend to book up weeks in advance.

We currently run holiday camps across 11 locations. Select your nearest club below:

• Bracknell
• Cambridge
• Chatham
• Farnborough
• Maidstone
• Milton Keynes
• Reading
• Walton-on-Thames
• Wandsworth
• Bolton
• Widnes

*Ninja is not offered at our Widnes club.