A popular sporting holiday for children of military families could expand after proving a success in giving youngsters an energetic summer break.
The annual summer Kings Camps, is back for in Plymouth Naval Base for the 3rd year, offering children of Royal Navy families a chance to let off steam with others of similar backgrounds.
So popular are the three weeks of football, swimming, lacrosse, basketball, bench ball and art, that this year’s event was expanded by a week and 100 children.
In the future there is ambition to expand the numbers of children.
Kings Camps provide holiday sports and activity day camps for children and work closely with the many Royal Naval communities across the UK.
The costs are subsidised by the Royal Navy/Royal Marines Charity and the King’s Fund.
The camps are manned by teachers taking a ‘working’ holiday during the summer recess.
Maths Teacher and Kings Camps site manager for Devonport, Elliot Smith said: “We give the children plenty to keep them active with games and sports.
“We are teaching them new skills, but they don’t realise they are actually progressing in several activities because we make the games creative and fun.
“Swimming, for instance, is more than doing repetitive lengths. So, they learn ball control and tackling and eye/hand and feet co-ordination and team work and have enormous fun doing it.’’
He said the camps were full with 70 children per day, but the staff could take more if the health and safety criteria could be met for the extra.
Harvey, of Eggbuckland College, and his sister Sydney are on their second camp.
Harvey, whose father is in the Navy working for the Flag Officer Sea Training organisation, said: “This is my second year.
“I love it because everyone is so kind. I also learn new skills and it’s great fun and very active.
“Me and Sydney have both made new friends.’’
As a charitable organisation, Kings Camps focuses on the experience of each child attending camp.
With inspiring coaches, children experience a wide range of sports and activities whilst making new friends and developing a love for an active, healthy lifestyle.
With 25 years’ experience, more than half a million children already have happy Kings Camps memories; as well as a wide range of sports, socialising, interacting and learning new skills are all part of the experience.
With full use of our sports facilities including the swimming pool, the inspiring Kings Camps coaches ensure all children are fully involved in the activities.
The programmes are at www.kingscamps.org.
The camps are for children aged 5 -17 years they are based out of the Wyvern Centre, HMS Drake.
The summer camp is fully booked, but there will be dates available during the Easter holiday- dates yet to be confirmed.
To book your child’s place call the Kings Camp team on 0114 263 2160.
