What Makes a Great Junior Summer School?
Junior summer schools are not just miniature versions of teen or adult programmes — they are purpose-built environments where younger students (ages 6–13) can explore, learn, and grow safely. These are places where adventure and curiosity go hand in hand, and where pastoral care is as important as the curriculum. The best providers deliver a balance of stimulating lessons, cultural or natural immersion, and activities that stretch both body and mind.
A Global Standard of Excellence for Younger Learners
- Brilliance of Location: Each camp is set in a safe, inspiring environment — whether that’s the grounds of a historic boarding school, the heart of a vibrant city, or the breathtaking scenery of the mountains or sea.
- Excellence of Amenities: Purpose-designed residential facilities or carefully vetted homestays provide safety, comfort, and community, with round-the-clock supervision.
- Expert Tuition: Teachers, coaches, and activity leaders experienced in working with younger age groups ensure every child is engaged, encouraged, and supported.
Brilliance of Location
Examples of 2 summer schools in excellent locations
Les Elfes (Verbier, Switzerland): High-Alpine setting with mountains and lakes—perfect for 40+ outdoor activities.
Imagine Summer Adventure Camp (Hokkaido, Japan): Rivers, forests, Lake Toya and coastline for real wilderness adventures.
Excellence of Amenities
Here are 2 camps showcasing the excellence of amenities
Les Elfes: Privately owned Swiss-style chalets; ensuite rooms (2–4 beds), sunny dining areas, terraces and onsite sports facilities.
Gordonstoun: Historic Scottish boarding-school campus with supervised residential accommodation, extensive sports and outdoor-adventure facilities, and dedicated spaces for creative arts and team activities.
Expert Tuition
Below you can see the high level of tuition that the best camps always have
Space Camp (USA): NASA-adapted training and team mission simulations led by specialist STEM instructors.
Bromsgrove International School Thailand: Experienced, British-trained teachers delivering STEM, sports, arts, and optional English enrichment.
Health and safety
Health and Safety sit at the heart of every great summer experience for young learners. For students aged 6 to 13—often away from home for the first time—a secure, well-structured environment is essential to help them thrive. From 24/7 supervision and expert instructors to rigorous safeguarding and medical care, the best summer schools and camps ensure that every moment of exploration, study, and adventure happens within a framework of trust, professionalism, and care.
Gordonstoun International Summer School — At a Glance: Health & Safety
- Established UK boarding-school setting with structured supervision.
- Trained outdoor instructors for sailing, climbing and water-based activities.
- Emphasis on teamwork, leadership, and safe challenges within clear risk controls.
Les Elfes International (Verbier) — At a Glance: Health & Safety
- Separate boys’ and girls’ Swiss-style chalets; ensuite rooms; supervised residential life.
- Staffed activities (mountain/water) with appropriate equipment and oversight.
- Community-style dining and common areas with clear routines and rules.
Space Camp (U.S. Space & Rocket Center) — At a Glance: Health & Safety
- Secure on-site dorms with round-the-clock staff supervision; age/gender grouped rooms.
- Structured schedules, team-based activities and NASA-adapted equipment protocols.
- All meals provided on campus; clear safety briefings for simulators and labs.
Bromsgrove International School Thailand — At a Glance: Health & Safety
- Safe, modern boarding on a top British-curriculum campus.
- Experienced, British-trained teachers; structured timetable and supervision.
- Balanced sport/STEM/arts with clear behaviour and safeguarding standards.
Imagine Summer Adventure Camp (Hokkaido) — At a Glance: Health & Safety
- Non-residential week with a fully supervised overnight camping component.
- Experienced bilingual coaches; safety briefings for rafting, cycling, and outdoor skills.
- Families choose nearby lodging for non-camp nights; clear pick-up/drop-off procedures.
PGL Kindilan (Queensland) — At a Glance: Health & Safety
- 220-acre conservation-area site with purpose-built cabins and 24-hour care.
- Trained instructors for high-energy activities (abseiling, canoeing, flying fox) with risk assessments.
- Age-grouped supervision, structured mealtimes, and medical/welfare support.
Here is a sample of a few of the excellent summer schools for the very young.
UK
Gordonstoun International Summer School – Scotland
Location: Situated on Scotland’s rugged Moray coast, the Gordonstoun campus blends historic stone buildings with access to beaches, forests, and purpose-built activity spaces.
Amenities: Full-board boarding school accommodation, small dormitories, and constant pastoral care designed for younger boarders.
Expert Tuition: A balanced mix of academic enrichment, creative workshops, and outdoor adventure — all adapted to nurture resilience, independence, and teamwork in children aged 8–13.
Parent Review: Our son came home more confident, more independent, and full of incredible stories about sailing and camping. The staff were attentive and caring from day one.
Europe
Les Elfes International – Verbier, Switzerland
Location: Perched in the Swiss Alps, Verbier offers a spectacular backdrop for over 40 activities from hiking and mountain biking to lake kayaking.
Amenities: Comfortable chalet accommodation, shared rooms, and 24-hour supervision from multilingual staff.
Expert Tuition: Language learning in French, English, Spanish, or German is combined with sports, arts, and adventure — perfect for international children aged 6–14.
What parents say: We were very proud of him as he did it so spontaneous all on his own. He will definitely be back and he is already looking forward to it.
USA & Canada
Space Camp – US Space & Rocket Center, Alabama
Location: At the training grounds of real NASA astronauts, Space Camp immerses children in the wonder of space exploration.
Amenities: Purpose-built dormitories, flight simulators, and interactive museum spaces.
Expert Tuition: Led by NASA educators and experienced STEM instructors, children tackle hands-on projects in robotics, rocketry, and astronaut training missions.
What parents say: Our daughter now wants to be an astronaut. The camp’s ability to inspire young kids about science is unmatched.
Asia
Bromsgrove International School – Bangkok, Thailand
Location: Set in a prestigious British international school campus with sports fields, swimming pools, and science labs.
Amenities: Modern boarding houses with dedicated house parents and full-time medical staff.
Expert Tuition: English language immersion is blended with STEM workshops and a wide range of sports, tailored to younger learners.
What parents say: The variety of activities and the kindness of the staff made our son’s first time abroad an unforgettable experience.
Imagine Summer Adventure Camp – Hokkaido, Japan
Location: Surrounded by rivers, forests, and lakes in Japan’s northernmost island, this is nature’s playground.
Amenities: Safe and well-supervised residential facilities in a bilingual environment.
Expert Tuition: Outdoor educators lead survival skills, environmental awareness, and team-building activities in English and Japanese.
Australia
PGL Kindilan – Queensland
Location: Nestled in bushland near Brisbane, the camp features climbing towers, lakes, and hiking trails.
Amenities: Cabin-style accommodation with shared dining halls and recreational spaces.
Expert Tuition: Outdoor adventure leaders run activities that build resilience, teamwork, and confidence in a fun, supportive atmosphere.
This table gives you a chance to see what kids will take away after completing their course.
| Camp Name | Location | Key Focus Areas | Kids’ Outcomes (Skills & Development) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gordonstoun International Summer School | Elgin, Scotland | Leadership, Adventure, Academics, Creative Arts | Builds confidence, teamwork, and independence through sailing, climbing, and outdoor challenge. Encourages leadership and resilience in a supportive boarding community. |
| Les Elfes International Summer Camp | Verbier, Switzerland | Outdoor Adventure, Languages, Sports, Culture | Fosters independence, global awareness, and confidence through 40+ mountain and lake activities. Improves communication and adaptability via multilingual learning. |
| Space Camp – U.S. Space & Rocket Center | Huntsville, Alabama, USA | STEM, Space Science, Problem Solving | Builds teamwork, critical thinking, and innovation through hands-on astronaut training. Inspires curiosity and a lifelong love of science. |
| Bromsgrove International School Thailand | Bangkok, Thailand | STEM, Sports, English, Creativity | Enhances communication, leadership, and teamwork. Encourages innovation and confidence in a multicultural, English-speaking environment. |
| Imagine Summer Adventure Camp | Hokkaido, Japan | Outdoor Adventure, Bilingual Learning, Survival Skills | Develops resilience, creativity, and cross-language communication. Builds confidence and environmental awareness through fun outdoor exploration. |
| PGL Kindilan Adventure Camp | Queensland, Australia | Outdoor Education, Team Challenges, Confidence Building | Boosts confidence, teamwork, and decision-making through adventure-based learning. Encourages independence and a love for nature. |
Conclusion — Growing Braver, Smarter, and More Independent
From the snowy peaks of Switzerland to the sunlit forests of Australia, these world-class junior summer schools share a single purpose: helping young learners grow through adventure, learning, and care. Each camp offers more than just fun — it builds the confidence, curiosity, and character that shape a child’s future. Whether mastering new skills, making friends from around the world, or simply learning to thrive away from home, these programmes set the global standard for safe, inspiring, and transformative summer experiences.