Summer Camps: Worthwhile Skill Development or Money-Making Tactic?

APP

Islamabad: As temperatures soar to unprecedented levels in the federal capital, mirroring the trend across the country, parents face a dilemma: should they send their kids to summer camps for healthy engagement or keep them indoors to stay safe from the scorching heat?

With the start of summer vacation in most educational institutions in the federal capital, various organizations have begun offering innovative summer camps to keep students engaged in learning activities.

Different schools have promoted their summer camps through social media, attracting parents with a variety of fun-filled activities and skills, including gymnastics, swimming, creative writing, phonics and comprehension, confidence-building exercises, music, sports, puppet play, baking and cooking, and water games.

These schools charge between Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000 or more for summer camps lasting 10 to 30 days.

While some parents view summer camps as a waste of time and money, others see them as highly beneficial for skill development and confidence building in children.

“Summer camps are just another tactic for private schools to extract money from parents by charging hefty amounts for ordinary activities, contrary to what they advertise,” said Nosheen Fatima, a mother of two school-going children.

Talking to APP, Nosheen Fatima stated, “These summer schools cater to a specific class that can afford to spend substantial amounts on such activities. Summer vacations should keep children indoors to protect them from the intense summer heat during peak hours.”

Kamran Ali, another parent, expressed a different perspective, saying, “For me, summer camps are highly beneficial for kids in terms of boosting their confidence outside the classroom environment. Some schools offer excellent activities that engage students in healthy pursuits instead of relying on electronic gadgets.”

He added, “Children usually finish their summer vacation work within a week or two and then have nothing constructive to do at home, as parents are often busy with work and household chores. So, it is better to send our children to such camps to gain exposure and knowledge.”

Various studies have shown that summer camps play a significant role in nurturing children’s self-confidence, independence, environmental awareness, and adaptability to different situations.

Areeba Khalid, a parent of an eight-year-old child, said, “My son is in Grade II at one of the top schools in the capital. After paying a bimonthly school fee of Rs. 42,000, the school administration is now asking for Rs. 12,000 for a 15-day summer camp, which is unaffordable given the current price hike.”

She added, “Experts advise against sending kids to school during hot weather conditions.”

Amina Farrukh, another parent, shared, “I have selected one of the best institutions in the F-10 sector for my five-year-old daughter to attend their summer camp, which offers a wide range of activities.”

She emphasized, “Summer vacations are the best time to inculcate skills in our children, such as swimming, creative writing, acting, music, and others, which ultimately help determine their interests and future pursuits.”