Gone are the days when the summer holidays left parents bereft of activities to keep their children's boredom at bay. Summer camps cater to virtually every inclination and can provide a different context for learning and an outlet to discover new interests.
Students in the Art in Practice course at the Colour My World arts school in Aberdeen, for example, learn techniques and let their imagination run free as they work to produce two final artworks.
The specialist art teachers guide participants through techniques across various mediums and teach them how to select themes and materials.
Tiffany Larkan, head teacher at Colour My World, says students learn how different applications of media can be used to convey ideas. Participants are encouraged to explore their own imaginations to develop concepts and generate the final artworks.
"The process includes exploring two different approaches, either in painting, drawing, sculpture, photography or graphic design," she says. "Students gain in-depth knowledge and confidence and then explore techniques and skills to complete a final artwork."
Skills learned in drawing, for example, would aid the development of 3-D perspective, mark making (pencil to paper) and form. "This broadens their understanding of spatial awareness, [which is] required for the sculpture aspect of the project," Larkan says.
Weekly camps for children aged 12 and above tackle themes such as fantasy, illusions and contrast.
Meanwhile, T.S. Elliot's The Song of the Jellicles sets the stage for The Kittens, a summer programme for eight to 10-year-olds at Hong Kong Art School.
Participants will use the poem to create a play and learn how to apply visual and performance art techniques without relying on textbook examples. Character development, performance, prop- and costume-making techniques will be a primary focus as the students develop the play into a final production that they will perform in front of an audience.
Law Chung Foon, the art school's assistant communications and development manager, says the poem's message made it ideal to encourage children to create an identity within a community. "At the same time, children are able to learn to appreciate their own uniqueness and respect others' differences," says Law.
Students engage in a well-rounded art learning experience and have free artistic reign. "Children create functional artworks from scratch with their own hands and minds [at a time] when it is becoming increasingly rare for children to make their own toys," Law says.
Those looking for a musical outlet can head to Kreative Studio, where children and teenagers can record a CD and even have their 15 minutes of fame at a public performance.
A Vocal and Recording Techniques course for children aged 13 and above involves intensive training before recording a song.
Children are taught voice techniques along with songwriting skills. After recording, they will even have a photo shoot for the CD cover. The finished product will be released for sale at music outlets and there will be opportunities to take part in public performances.
"The recording helps the students understand more about the production process of recording a CD and how much effort they need to produce it. They also learn to overcome the challenges of a recording studio," says studio creative director Rachel Kar.
Singing classes for younger children develop rhythm, sound and vocal techniques using nursery rhymes and songs from musicals. Kar says all the programmes encourage a passion for music and build confidence among children.
And for those with a culinary bent, summer lessons at cupcake specialist Complete Deelite provide a unique creative outlet and put students' fine motor skills to the test.
Baking and decorating workshops that encourage parent-child participation will cover cake pops, cupcakes and cookies.