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6 Aug 2026

Less Screen Time. More Confidence.

Why Active Holiday Camps Matter for Children Aged 6–12

Every summer holiday starts with good intentions.

Parents imagine days spent outdoors, trying new activities, making friends and enjoying a well-earned break from the school routine. Yet for many families, reality soon looks rather different.

Hours that begin as “just one game” can quickly turn into an afternoon on a tablet, games console or phone. Without the natural movement that comes from walking to school, PE lessons, playground games and after-school clubs, many children become far less active during the holidays.

While downtime is an important part of childhood, weeks of reduced movement and increased screen time can affect children’s physical health, confidence, emotional wellbeing and social development.

At The Little Gym, we believe school holidays should be an opportunity for children to move, explore, build confidence and discover what they’re capable of.

That’s why our Holiday Camps for children aged 6–12 are designed to replace screen time with adventure, achievement and serious fun.

Why Physical Activity Matters During the School Holidays

Movement does far more than keep children fit.

Regular physical activity supports healthy growth while strengthening the connection between body and brain. Children who stay active throughout the holidays continue developing the physical, emotional and cognitive skills that help them thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Being active helps children to:

  • Build strength, balance, coordination and agility.
  • Develop physical literacy and body awareness.
  • Improve concentration and problem-solving skills.
  • Support emotional wellbeing and reduce stress.
  • Build resilience through challenge.
  • Develop confidence and independence.
  • Sleep more soundly.
  • Return to school feeling energised and ready to learn.

These are lifelong skills that extend far beyond sport.

What Is Physical Literacy — And Why Is It Important?

Physical literacy is the confidence, competence and motivation to be active throughout life.

Rather than simply learning sporting skills, children develop the ability to move confidently in different ways, solve movement challenges and enjoy being active.

Children who feel capable are far more likely to stay active as teenagers and adults.

Every obstacle course, gymnastics challenge and team activity at The Little Gym helps children build these foundations while having enormous fun along the way.

Why Simply Limiting Screen Time Isn’t Enough

Every parent has experienced it.

“Time to put the tablet away.”

It’s rarely a popular conversation.

The answer isn’t simply removing screens.

It’s offering children something even more exciting.

Our Holiday Camps are packed with activities children genuinely look forward to, including:

  • Gymnastics challenges
  • Ninja-style obstacle courses
  • Team games
  • Physical problem-solving challenges
  • Cooperative competitions
  • Confidence-building skill stations
  • Creative movement adventures

Children become completely immersed in the experience, often forgetting they’ve been active for hours.

Confidence Grows One Challenge at a Time

One of the biggest changes parents notice after camp isn’t just improved fitness.

It’s increased confidence.

Every child defines success differently.

For one child, it’s mastering a cartwheel.

For another, it’s climbing to the top of an obstacle they never thought they could complete.

For someone else, it’s introducing themselves to a new friend.

At The Little Gym, every achievement is celebrated.

We don’t compare children with one another.

We help every child become more confident than they were yesterday.

That confidence often carries into school, sport and everyday life long after the holidays have ended.

Real Friendships Beyond the Screen

During the summer, children can easily become isolated.

Friends are away on holiday.

Regular clubs pause.

Many children spend more time communicating through games than face-to-face.

Holiday Camps provide something technology simply can’t replace.

Shared experiences.

Children work together.

Encourage one another.

Solve challenges together.

Celebrate each other’s successes.

Along the way they develop communication, teamwork, empathy and social confidence—skills that are every bit as valuable as physical ones.

Building Resilience Through Play

Many children arrive saying:

“I can’t.”

“I’m not sporty.”

“I’ve never done gymnastics before.”

By the end of camp, those same children are often saying:

“I did it!”

Our instructors use carefully planned progressions that allow every child to experience success at their own pace.

Children learn that mistakes aren’t failures—they’re simply part of learning.

Those moments help develop resilience, perseverance and a willingness to keep trying when things feel difficult.

Expert Coaches Who Help Every Child Belong

No two children are the same.

Some arrive bursting with confidence.

Others need a little encouragement.

Some already love sport.

Others are still searching for an activity where they truly feel they belong.

Our highly trained instructors create an inclusive, supportive environment where every child feels welcomed, challenged and celebrated.

No child is left behind.

Every child leaves knowing they’ve achieved something meaningful.

Giving Parents More Than Childcare

Parents aren’t simply looking for somewhere safe for their child during the holidays.

They’re looking for somewhere positive.

Somewhere active.

Somewhere inspiring.

At The Little Gym, our purpose-built gyms provide structured, engaging Holiday Camps led by experienced instructors who genuinely care about every child’s development and enjoyment.

Families across Chiswick, Wandsworth and Wimbledon have trusted us for years to provide holiday experiences that are safe, active and filled with memorable moments.

The Best Kind of Tired

Parents often tell us exactly the same thing after camp.

“They were asleep before bedtime.”

It’s the satisfying kind of tired that comes from climbing, laughing, learning, moving, making friends and achieving something new.

Children leave camp feeling proud.

They’ve challenged themselves.

Built confidence.

Discovered new abilities.

Made new friends.

And they’re already asking when they can come back.

Give Your Child a Summer They’ll Remember

Childhood is meant to be active.

It should be filled with movement, laughter, imagination and adventure—not endless hours in front of a screen.

If you’re looking for a holiday camp where your child can stay active, build confidence, develop new friendships and return to school stronger, happier and more resilient, we’d love to welcome them to The Little Gym.

This summer, swap more screen time for more confidence.

Because childhood is at its very best when it’s lived in motion.

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