"No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers' dirty looks!"

 

While this rhyme may be a bit outdated now, the enthusiasm for summer break it implies is still very much alive. Weeks or months of "freedom" from the classroom is many children's dream and eagerly anticipated during the school year.

 

But though it may be a fun time for school children, parents are now left to figure out what to do with the kids all day while they're at work. Not to mention the "Summer Slide" - the loss of academic skills over long breaks - is a very real thing. So how can parents keep their kids occupied, engaged and educated over summer break?

 

Camps!

 

There are many different varieties to choose from, depending on your child's needs and hobbies, as well as the schedules that work best for your family. Many camps in and around Tokyo book up well in advance, but we've rounded up several that are still open for registration. Whether your kid needs an all-day, weeks-long option, or would benefit from a few days of intensive activity, see below for some ideas!

 

 

For kids with active imaginations and storytelling skills, this camp provides a great platform to nurture their hobby. Held for two, one-week sessions in July and August, this camp in Minami Azabu runs from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

 

For children ages 7-14, this sleepaway camp has it all: swimming, hiking, sports, arts and crafts. Set along the coast in Chikura, Chiba prefecture, this is the go-to camp for the young adventurer in your life.

 

This camp is organized around an annual theme (2019 is "Sustainable Development Goals") and is a unique way for campers ages 12-16 to learn and grow in small group settings, while still having fun in the countryside.

 

 

Modeled after the stereotypical American summer camp, English Adventure doubles as an immersive English language experience. It's a great low-stakes environment for learning, especially for those children who've returned to Japan and lost their English skills in the process.

 

From 14 months to 8 years-old, K Space has an array of options for your kids in the summer. Their six-week-long camps have weekly themes and they even offer extended after-school classes.

 

For the young football fans in your life, these five-day camp sessions are sure to not only make them happy, but tire them out as well!

 

 

Children as young as seven can become tech whizzes at Coding Lamp. The camps run weekly over the course of the summer in Shirokanedai.

 

Held weekly from July through early September, this camp explores different artistic themes - from Georgia O'Keefe and flowers to Paul Klee and puppets. Perfect for the budding artiste in your house, Tokyo Creators is in Uguisudani.

 

Held during the month of July, kids up to grade 6 can spend the week on STEM activities, cooking projects, crafts and more at TCG Summer Fun! Plus, every Friday, the camp's counselors will grill up an American-style BBQ of hot dogs and hamburgers.

 

Summer camps are an excellent way to get your children out of the house and engaged over their break from school. CareFinder's sitters are also an excellent resource for after- or before-camp care, as well as dropping kids off and picking them up. Get in touch today if we can help!