Welcome to
A unique new holiday camp
where kids learn skills for life.
Skill Up
Launching exclusively at Hornsby House School
this summer w/c 8th and 15th July.
Camp runs 9-5. Drop off from 8.30. Wraparound care (8-6) available
The Skill Up Experience
We unleash kids' creativity, teach them to 'have a go', develop new interests and build their confidence.
As a parent, I've long tried to find camps that provide a breadth of skill-building activities,
create new passions and give kids alternatives to screens.
I've created the camp I wished existed for my own kids, handpicking the very best
providers, based on reputation and personal experience.
The activities have been carefully curated to provide cognitive and physical benefits
and above all be fun for kids.
The concept is that they master a single skill in the morning across a week,
and in the afternoons learn multiple, shorter skills.
At Skill Up, we are committed to a culture of safety.
Everyone who works in our camp has a responsibility to make sure
all kids are safe whilst learning new skills and enjoying themselves.
Skills
Learn to DJ
DJ-ing is a great social skill that helps develop emotional intelligence, cultivate a love of music and build confidence. DJs taking this masterclass will learn the basics of how to be a DJ including how to prepare a playlist, the functions of DJ equipment, how to mix and beat match songs as well as learning core music skills like harmonic theory, musical phrasing and timing. The classes also cover digital skills, using software and hardware to create the perfect set.
Cooking
Cooking is a vital skill that kids will use again and again through their lives. At Skill Up, they will learn how to use kitchen utensils safely, about ingredients, and have a go at making dishes from scratch which they can repeat at home (recipe cards are provided). As a bonus, they will bring food home for the family to enjoy! They will learn to make informed choices towards a healthy lifestyle, and be inspired to have fun with food.
Film-making
Film-making supercharges technical skills, inspires creativity and sparks imagination. In our film skills masterclasses, kids will learn how professional filmmakers make films. This will cover technical camera skills, visual composition skills, and softer skills like how to tell a compelling story, how to lead a team, all while having loads of fun on their own film set.
Skateboarding
Skateboarding uses almost every muscle in the body, so it's a great way to build up strength, improve co-ordination and relieve stress. Across the week, kids will learn to skate with skilled and experienced instructors. Starting with an introduction to the equipment and safety, finding their stance, pushing and learning to control direction and speed, then learning flat ground tricks and skills, riding techniques and games and an introduction to ramps.
Gardening
Gardening creates a calming environment, sparks joy and arouses curiosity. Kids will learn about the natural world, deepening their knowledge of their surroundings and environment and learn gardening basics.
First Aid
Kids will learn to deal with bumps, burns, breaks, how to carry out CPR and deal with choking.
The classes are designed to be both practical and fun and everyone will receive a booklet to refer back to.
T-shirt design
This class allows kids to express themselves and develop their creativity and imagination. Kids will unleash their inner designer, using stencils and spray paint to create their very own fashion masterpiece.
Yoga
Yoga promotes flexibility, balance, strength, coordination and posture. Additionally, it helps children to focus their attention on the present moment. In these classes kids will learn yoga poses and stretching exercises and get an introduction to mindfulness.
Dance
Mood-boosting creative dance classes will improve co-ordination, motor skills, balance and strength, building self-confidence whilst having fun. Kids will learn basic steps, techniques and routines, they'll be to express their creativity and work collaboratively.
How to book
For the ideal Skill Up Camp experience, we recommend booking a week-long course.The concept is that kids master one skill in the mornings across a week, immersing themselves and acquiring a new passion that lasts a lifetime. No previous experience is required.
(For flexibility, we have included a limited number of day places and half days).
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Step 1 - select your age group
Step 2 - select the week you want
The camp runs for 2 weeks: w/c 8th July and w/c 15th
Full days run from 9-5 (drop-off from 8.30, pick up from 4.30) and half days (mornings only) run from 9-1 with a break for lunch from 12 (drop-off from 8.30, pick up from 12.30)
Step 3- select '1 week' or '1 day' options
Step 4 - choose your masterclass (for 7-11)
4-7's will do a cooking masterclass in the morning, with a range of shorter sessions offered in the afternoon (film, gardening, yoga, dance, first-aid, t-shirt design).
7-11's can choose from learning DJing, skateboarding or film-making with a range of shorter sessions in the afternoon (first aid, yoga, gardening, dance, t-shirt design, film-making and cooking).
Tuesday
Learn to DJ (masterclass)
Cooking
First Aid
Dance
Team Games
Wednesday
Learn to DJ (masterclass)
T-Shirt design
First Aid
Gardening
Team Games
Thursday
Learn to DJ (masterclass)
Film Club
First Aid
Yoga
Team Games
Useful information
All camps take place at Hornsby House School, please drop your child off at the Ravenslea Road entrance.
Drop off is from 8.30-9, classes start at 9.
Pick-up is from 4.30-5
We also offer an 8am drop off as well as a 6pm collection charged at £10 an hour.
Please email info@skillupcamp.com
All classes are split by ages. We have intentionally kept class sizes small, and spaces are limited.
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Please get in contact if the option you want isn't available and we will try to help.
All materials, ingredients, equipment are included in the price.
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We offer a 10% sibling discount - please email info@skillupcamp.com
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Please provide a nut-free packed lunch, a bottle of water and snacks (we have a mid-morning and mid-afternoon break for a snack). We would like to encourage a healthy lunch that will give them the fuel for an active day.
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Kids should wear comfortable clothes suitable for a range of activities including dance and yoga.
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On Friday afternoon, we will invite parents and carers for a showcase of what the
kids have learnt across the week. We will share timings on email.
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W/C 8th JULY
Book by week
Age 4-7 . Learn to be a chef in the morning, and skills for life in the afternoon.
Ended
360 British pounds
Age 4-7. Learn the basics of cooking in 5 morning sessions.
Ended
200 British pounds
Book by day
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80 British pounds
W/C 15th JULY
Book by week
Age 4-7. Learn to be a chef in the morning, and skills for life in the afternoon.
Ended
360 British poundsAge 4-7. Learn the basics of cooking in 5 morning sessions.
Ended
200 British pounds
Book by day
W/C 8th JULY
Book by week
Age 7-11, Full Day. Learn to be a film-maker in the morning and fun skills for life in the afternoon
Ended
360 British pounds
Age 7-11. Learn to skateboard in the morning and other skills for life in the afternoon.
Ended
360 British pounds
Ages 7-11 In this morning masterclass, kids learn the basics of how to skateboard.
Ended
200 British pounds
Age 7-11. Learn to be a DJ in the morning and a breadth of fun skills in the afternoon.
Ended
360 British poundsAge 7-11. Learn to DJ across 5 mornings from 9am-1pm (including lunch).
Ended
200 British pounds
Book by day
W/C 15th JULY
Book by week
Age 7-11, Full Day. Learn to be a film-maker in the morning and fun skills for life in the afternoon
Ended
360 British poundsAge 7-11. Learn to skateboard in the morning and other skills for life in the afternoon.
Ended
360 British poundsAge 7-11. Learn to be a DJ in the morning and a breadth of fun skills in the afternoon.
Ended
360 British poundsAges 7-11 In this morning masterclass, kids learn the basics of how to skateboard.
Ended
200 British poundsAge 7-11. Learn to DJ across 5 mornings from 9am-1pm (including lunch).
Ended
200 British pounds
Book by day
Our Partners
Our partners have been carefully curated - they share our philosophy and are providing tried and tested high-quality activities that kids come back to long after the camp has ended.
All providers are DBS checked.
About LSA
London Sound Academy is the UK's most reputable DJ academy and official Pioneer DJ Education Partner. Since its launch in 2009, LSA has taught some of the dance music industry's biggest acts including BBC Radio One's Sarah Story, Skepta, Aluna George, Tough Love, Alex Mills and more. LSA has been at the forefront of the digital DJ revolution and offers a cutting-edge DJ curriculum taught by expert tutors and guest lecturers.
About Sparks
Sparks Film School is the UK’s leading film school for children and young people. We inspire and encourage young filmmakers to reach their potential. We teach them to develop their skills and knowledge to advance their filmmaking, help to nurture their interests and provide opportunities to progress, whatever their ambitions for the future. We help them to develop as individuals, with the confidence and soft-skills to thrive.
About Skates and Ladders
We are Skates & Ladders - one of Londons longest running skate schools. We have a a real passion for teaching skateboarding and we are excited to be bringing our Summer club to you! Our mission is to teach skateboarding to children, showing them how to skate safely, build their confidence and most of all have fun!
About Mini Cooks Kitchen
Mini Cooks Kitchen was founded by Laura. I previously worked as a nanny for 16 years and have always loved cooking and baking.
I baked regularly when I was at work with my charges and loved seeing how much they loved it. I am first aid trained, hold a DBS and Food Hygiene certificate.
About Mini First Aid
Mum of six, Kate Ball started Mini First Aid in 2014, offering high quality baby & child first aid classes to parents and carers. Demand grew, and Kate started franchising the business. In 2021, BBC Dragon’s Den Sara Davies, also saw the potential in Mini First Aid and came on board as an investor and adviser. Mini First Aid is now a multi-award-winning organisation.
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Are kids allowed mobile phones in camp?We are a screen-free environment, please do not bring mobile phones into camp. We really want to encourage alternative hobbies to screens
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Do you have a sibling discount?We offer a sibling discount of 10%. Please note this can't be used in conjunction with the early bird discount.
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What should I wear & bring to camp?We recommend that all children wear named practical, comfy clothing suitable for a range of activities including dance and yoga, comfortable footwear such as trainers. We recommend not wearing flip flips, sandals or heels as they can create health and safety issues. Please bring with you: - Water bottle - Nut Free Packed Lunch and snacks - Hat and Suncream (according to weather)
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Do you provide wraparound care?We can provide wraparound care (8-9am and 5-6pm) , charged at £10 an hour. Please enquire at info@skillupcamp.com
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Do you accept childcare vouchers?Unfortunately, at this stage, we can't accept childcare vouchers but will be able to in the future.
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What if my child needs medication whilst at Camp?If your child(ren) require any medication to be administered whilst they are with us at camp, including use of inhalers and epipens as and when required, please get in contact and we will provide you with a medication form to fill in. Our team will receive the medication as you check your child in to camp. We have the facilities on camp to refrigerate medication if required.