HKIS Holiday & Summer Camps – What They Do and What They Offer

HKIS Holiday & Summer Camps are seasonal holiday programmes offered by the Hong Kong International School (HKIS), a private international school in Hong Kong that provides an American curriculum from early childhood through secondary school. These camps are designed to give children and teens structured, enriching, fun and educational activities during school breaks, including the summer holiday period. The programmes emphasise active participation, personal growth, creativity, physical activity and community engagement, helping learners continue to grow outside the regular academic year. HKIS positions its holiday programmes as opportunities for students to develop new skills, discover interests and build confidence in a supportive international school environment. The camps are open to both HKIS students and members of the broader Hong Kong community, making them accessible to families seeking quality holiday experiences for their children.

Purpose and Educational Focus

The primary purpose of HKIS Holiday & Summer Camps is to provide young learners with meaningful, engaging experiences during school breaks that balance learning and play. The programmes are structured to encourage children to explore new areas of interest, develop social and emotional skills, and engage in active, hands-on activities. Rather than replicating formal classroom instruction, the camps focus on exploration, creativity, teamwork and personal confidence through dynamic activities that are age-appropriate and designed to be enjoyable and stimulating.

Target Age Groups and Participation

HKIS Holiday & Summer Camps cater to a wide range of age groups, typically from Early Years through Elementary and Middle School ages. Specific camps and activities are grouped by age to ensure that each participant receives developmentally appropriate instruction and support. The programmes welcome both HKIS students and students from outside the school community, allowing children from different schools and backgrounds to take part in the activities.

Types of Holiday & Summer Programmes

HKIS offers a variety of holiday and summer programmes that cover multiple activity types and interests. While exact camp names and weekly themes vary year-to-year, the general categories include:

• Sports and Physical Activity Camps: These camps focus on promoting fitness, coordination and teamwork through sports and physical challenges. Activities may include team sports, movement games, swimming sessions and fitness-based play.
• Creative and Performing Arts Camps: These programmes invite learners to explore their artistic and expressive sides through music, visual arts, drama, dance and creative projects that promote imagination, self-expression and collaboration.
• Academic Enrichment Camps: Designed to extend learning in areas such as language, math, science and reading comprehension in interactive and engaging formats that encourage discovery and curiosity.
• Hands-On and Makerspace Camps: Programmes that involve building, experimentation, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) challenges and design tasks that help learners think creatively and solve problems through active projects.
• Mixed-Interest Holiday Programmes: Shorter holiday break camps (including winter breaks) that blend sports, arts, games and collaborative challenges to provide a broad and balanced holiday experience.

Each camp category may be offered as half-day or full-day options, allowing families to choose participation formats that best fit their schedules during the holiday season.

Daily Structure and Learning Experience

While specific schedules vary by camp theme and age group, HKIS Holiday & Summer Camps typically follow a daily structure that includes:

• Morning sessions focused on the core theme of the camp (e.g., sports skill development, creative arts projects, academic games).
• Interactive group activities that encourage cooperation, communication and peer learning.
• Breaks and physical activity to keep children energised and engaged.
• Reflection and sharing time that helps learners articulate what they have learned, build confidence and celebrate accomplishments.
• Optional themed excursions or special guest workshops (when available) to add variety and enrichment.

This balanced approach ensures that learners experience both fun and growth, with opportunities to practise new skills and make friends in a safe, supportive environment.

Skill Development and Outcomes

Participation in HKIS Holiday & Summer Camps supports a range of developmental outcomes, including:

• Confidence and self-efficacy through new challenges and skill development.
• Communication and teamwork through group activities and collaborative tasks.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving through arts, STEAM and project-based learning.
• Physical coordination and wellbeing through sports and physical play options. Social connection and peer interaction in a multi-age, inclusive setting.

These outcomes support children’s overall development and help bridge the transition between school years by keeping learners engaged and mentally active during breaks.

Conclusion

HKIS Holiday & Summer Camps are seasonal enrichment programmes for children from early years through middle school, offered by Hong Kong International School. Combining sports, creative arts, STEAM challenges, academic enrichment and collaborative group activities, these programmes provide structured, engaging and fun experiences during holiday periods. Designed to build confidence, encourage exploration, strengthen English and core skills, and foster meaningful peer interaction, the camps are accessible to both HKIS students and the wider community.