What should children learn during the summer? 5 most popular Summer Camp trends in 2026

Every summer, many parents wonder, “What should children learn during the summer break to make the most of their time?” In the article below, TIS Summer Camp will introduce some of the most popular summer programs available today that parents can confidently choose for their children.

Should Children Attend Summer Programs?

Summer is a time for children to rest and recharge after a long academic year, but it is also a valuable opportunity for them to explore their interests and develop essential life skills. More than simply a recreational activity, summer programs provide many meaningful benefits that contribute to children’s holistic development.

In addition to creating an enjoyable environment for children, summer camps offer a dynamic and engaging setting that helps students build confidence and independence. They are also a safe and effective option for parents who are considering meaningful summer learning opportunities for their children.

By participating in summer programs, children can discover new interests, broaden their knowledge, and develop physically, emotionally, and socially through a variety of enriching activities. Before enrolling their children in a summer camp, parents should carefully consider several factors in order to choose a program that best suits their child’s needs, interests, and developmental goals!

TIS Summer Camp 2026

TIS Summer Camp – An Adventure Into My Body is an enriching summer program designed for children aged 5 to 10, supporting their development in knowledge, skills, and language proficiency. Throughout the program, students participate in a wide range of engaging activities to explore the “human body machine,” learn how to take care of themselves, and build healthy lifestyle habits.

In addition, with 50% of the program conducted in English, children are exposed to topic-based vocabulary, native-like pronunciation, and opportunities to communicate confidently with native English speaking teachers. Every Friday, TIS International School organizes weekly showcase activities, project presentations, and exciting outdoor field trips, allowing students to connect classroom knowledge with real-world experiences.

TIS Summer Camp is not only a solution that helps parents answer the question “What should children learn during the summer?” but also helps students become mentally prepared before entering the new academic year. Parents are encouraged to contact TIS International School for detailed consultation and attractive summer offers!

English Summer Camp

Summer is the perfect time for children to “improve” their English skills. An English summer camp is an ideal choice for parents who want their children to learn English through experiential and practical activities. Throughout the summer program, children are encouraged to use English in most activities, helping them develop natural communication reflexes and build confidence in speaking English.

In particular, students can expand their vocabulary through songs, storytelling, drama performances, and interactive activities while connecting with new friends from different backgrounds. Beyond academic learning, children also have opportunities to build lasting social relationshis.

To choose a suitable English summer camp and effectively answer the question “What should children learn during the summer?”, parents should carefully consider factors such as the program.

Talent Development Summer Camp

If parents are looking for a summer program that allows children to enjoy their break without academic pressure, a talent development summer camp is a worthwhile option to consider. This type of program is especially suitable for children who are passionate about the arts, music, and other talent-based activities. Depending on the program, students will have opportunities to learn from experts, develop their talents, and explore their personal potential.

For parents who are considering “What children should learn during the summer” based on their interests and abilities, some popular options include acting classes, scriptwriting experiences, MC training camps, catwalk skills training, and other creative programs. These activities not only expose children to new fields of knowledge and experience but also help parents identify their children’s strengths and support their long-term personal and career development.

Leadership Summer Camp

Leadership summer camps have become increasingly popular in recent years. Beyond helping students improve their language proficiency and critical thinking skills, these programs also focus on developing core competencies such as strategic thinking, persuasive communication, and self-management.

For parents of Middle and High school students who are wondering “What should children learn during the summer?“, a leadership summer camp is a valuable option to consider. It provides an open and supportive environment where students can confidently share their ideas with peers and teachers, while further developing their personal capabilities and sense of social responsibility.

Leadership summer camps are especially suitable for students who wish to build a strong personal portfolio in preparation for future international study opportunities.

Technology Summer Camp

Enrolling children in a technology summer camp has become a growing trend in 2026. As artificial intelligence continues to transform the world every day, those who can understand and master technology will have a significant advantage in the future. Therefore, if parents are still wondering “What should children learn during the summer?”, technology summer camps in Ho Chi Minh City are worth considering.

At a technology summer camp, students have opportunities to learn how to use technology and equipment creatively while applying their knowledge to real-life situations. Some programs also introduce children to artificial intelligence (AI), basic programming, competition-based activities, and problem-solving skills, helping them develop the mindset of future technology engineers.

What should children learn during the Summer? 7+ Important criteria to consider before enrolling in a Summer Camp

Safety and comprehensive care

Parents should choose a program with strict safety procedures in place to ensure timely support in all situations. In addition, the camp should provide 24/7 medical support and maintain an appropriate teacher-to-student supervision ratio, ensuring that students receive proper care and attention throughout the program. At TIS Summer Camp, the supervision ratio is 2.5 students per teacher/staff member allowing close support for students in both learning activities and daily routines.

Educational program

A high-quality summer camp should provide a balanced combination of physical activities, life skills development, and cognitive learning, rather than focusing solely on entertainment. The program should be age – appropriate and suitable for children’s physical and developmental needs. TIS Summer Camp is specially designed for students aged 5 to 10, with the following program structure:

50% Applied english program.
25% Life skills, physical development, and arts activities.
20% Review of the MOET curriculum through project-based learning.
5% Field trips and summer excursions.

Teaching and support staff

The quality of teachers and support staff directly affects children’s learning outcomes and overall experience during the summer camp. Camp instructors and facilitators should be professionally trained and have experience working with the appropriate age groups. In addition, parents should carefully inquire about the qualifications and certifications of the teaching and support staff, particularly in areas such as education, first aid, and emergency response skills.

Facilities

Parents should take time to visit the summer camp facilities before deciding what children should learn during the summer. During the visit, they should carefully evaluate the classrooms, activity areas, dining spaces, resting areas, and safety measures in place.

In addition, the environment should be clean, well maintained, and fully equipped with the necessary facilities to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for children.

Reputation of the organizing institution

Another important factor to consider is the reputation and experience of the summer camp organizer. Parents should prioritize schools, educational centers or organizations with extensive experience in organizing summer programs, positive feedback from other parents, and clear commitments to students’ learning, care, and safety throughout the program.

TIS Summer Camp 2026 is organized by TIS International School one of the first bilingual schools in Ho Chi Minh City. With 27 years of educational experience and a comprehensive academic pathway from Primary to High School, TIS is a trusted and reputable choice for parents.

Parents are encouraged to contact TIS for detailed consultation about the summer program!

Cost and Suitable Program Duration

The cost of a summer camp depends on factors such as the scale, quality, and duration of the program. Before deciding what children should learn during the summer, parents should carefully review the total expenses, including tuition fees, meals, transportation services, and any available promotional offers.

In addition to considering the family budget, parents should also pay attention to pick-up and drop-off schedules as well as the program duration (such as 4-week, 6-week, or 8-week programs). Choosing a suitable schedule and program length will help parents manage daily routines more conveniently while ensuring that children enjoy a positive and fulfilling summer experience.

Children’s interests and abilities

To determine what children should learn during the summer, parents should pay close attention to their interests and abilities. Parents can ask open-ended questions such as, “What do you enjoy doing most in your free time?” or “If you could choose one subject or topic to explore, what would it be?”,…. In addition, parents should spend time observing their children during learning activities and weekend experiential programs to better understand which areas they genuinely enjoy and show potential in.

Conclusion

Parents should not let concerns about “what children should learn during the summer” cause their children to miss out on a meaningful summer experience. This Summer 2026, instead of letting children stay at home and spend excessive time on mobile devices, parents can encourage them to join a summer camp where they can freely explore, develop essential skills, and improve their English proficiency.

With its bilingual learning program and a combination of hands-on activities, teamwork projects, field trips, and summer travel experiences, TIS Summer Camp promises to help students achieve significant growth and development throughout the 5-week program.