Northern Ireland’s Top Summer Schemes 2012

Posted on June 7, 2012 @ 9:45 AM in

It’s not long now until the summer holidays and while the kids can’t wait for school to finish, parents across the country are racking their brains trying to think of ways to keep them amused over the break. 

If you don’t want to hear the two dreaded words ‘I’m bored’ then get your kids booked onto one of these fantastic outdoor activity summer schemes.  Let them make new friends, learn new skills and most importantly have as much fun as possible in the great outdoors. All of the summer schemes are led by fully qualified and experienced instructors so your little darlings will be in safe hands as they have a blast come rain, hail or shine this summer!     

With loads of outdoor summer schemes happening across Northern Ireland during July and August finding the right activity and date shouldn’t be a problem.  You don’t even have to book a whole week with many of the schemes available to book by the day.  To make it even easier for you we’ve put together a list of some of the top summer schemes in Northern Ireland:

Fermanagh

Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea

2^nd July – 24^th August

Now in its tenth year, Share’s popular Summer Scheme returns to attract new participants to Lough Erne.  With week long skills development courses in sailing, canoeing, lifesaving, windsurfing, mountain biking and multi-activities the kids will not only have a great time but also receive a recognised qualification at the end of the week.  The courses will take place Monday to Friday and are suitable for 8-16 year olds

Corralea Activity Centre, Belcoo

23^rd-25^th July and 6^th-8^th August

With a land based and water activity every day the kids will get the best of both worlds!  From the classic favourites of climbing, mountain biking, canoeing and archery to the slightly more unique including caving and Corralea’s very own outdoor waterpark there will never be a dull moment during this summer scheme.  Suitable for 9-15 year olds.

Mournes

East Coast Adventure, Rostrevor

2^nd July – 31^st August

Let the kids experience a real adventure on a week long residential or drop them off on your way to work and hear all about their action packed day on the way home.  East Coast Adventure is running both day and residential camps throughout July and August with camps available for all skill levels and ages from little Indians (8-10 years) to youth camps for the teenagers.

Ocean Youth Trust Ireland, Castlewellan

20^th-24^th August

A great idea for the older ones (14-19 year olds) this adventure camp will take place in Castlewellan Forest Park where the Ocean Youth Trust will set up their amazing teepees for group work and cooking.   During the day participants will sail on Castlewellan Lake before returning to camp to light a fire under the stars and have a laugh with a few games before bedtime.  This is guaranteed to be one week filled with excitement and adventure.

Strangford

Action Outdoors, Delamont Country Park

16^th July – 20^th July, 6^th-10^th August, 20^th-24^th August

Run in association with Down District Council this is one Summer Scheme with plenty for the kids to get excited about.  They’ll hunt for clues on treasure trails, take to the slopes grass sledging and face their fears pier jumping and may even end up paddling to an island or learning some bush craft skills in the woods. Choose between a half day, full day or the whole week.  Suitable for 6-13 year olds.

Clearsky Activity Centre, Castle Ward

23^rd July – 27^th, 30^th July – 3^rd August

Set in the grounds of the stunning Castle Ward Estate this is one summer scheme that promises to send the kids back tired! Activities range from climbing and bouldering to canoeing and archery and are suitable for 8-15 year olds.  Don’t panic if you don’t have time to drop them off, Clearsky are running a free shuttle bus service from Newcastle, Strangford and Downpatrick each day – we have a feeling this is one bus they won’t be late for in the morning!

Belfast

Mobile Team Adventure, Shaws Bridge

23^rd-27^th July,  30^th July – 3^rd August, 6^th-10^th August, 13^th-17^th August

A great way for those in the city to enjoy the great outdoors.  Mobile Team Adventure’s summer scheme is jam packed with fun activities from canoeing and kayaking to water games and gorge walking.  As well as archery, orienteering and abseiling they’ll have the chance to take on the slippery slope, raid the island and find their way along the blind trail.  The kids will be divided into two age groups; 8-11 years and 12-15 years to make sure they get the most out of these fantastic activities.

Mini Kidz, Mobile Team Adventure, Ardnavalley Scout Centre

23rd – 27th July, 30th – 3rd August, 6th – 10th August, 13th –17th August 2012

To make sure the little ones don’t miss out on the fun Mobile Team Adventure have created a separate summer scheme especially for 5-7 year olds.  Led by experienced and qualified instructors the young ones will have no need to be jealous of their big brother or sister as they too can get a taster of activities on both land and water.  

Armagh

Craigavon Watersports Centre

16^th July, 23^rd july, 6^th august, 13^th august, 20^th august

This is perfect for all the water babies out there with plenty of fun to be had on land as well!  Each session will last half a day during which the kids will learn the basic skills in sailing, water skiing, kayaking, archery, snow skiing, orienteering and climbing. Add into the mix snow tubing on the dry ski slope, golf, team games and banana boating and you’ve got an unforgettable week of action packed fun ready for the kids to enjoy.  Suitable for 10 - 16 year olds.

North Coast

Alive Surf School, Portrush

July & August

Alive Surf School’s Kids Camp runs Monday – Thursday every week during the summer holidays. Children from 5-18 will have the opportunity to take to the water under the watchful eyes of experienced instructors as they learn to ride the waves. Parents can join in on the fun too, watch from the beach or go for a well-deserved coffee.

Long Line Surf School, Benone Beach

July & August

Especially designed for 6-12 year olds the kids will learn everything from surf history and beach environment to how to ride the waves into the shore.  The camp runs everyday from 10am to 12noon and is the perfect opportunity for kids to enjoy the sport of surfing with beach games, paddle races and in house surf contests.

If these summer schemes in Northern Ireland don’t cure your kid’s boredom, we don’t know what will!

Sarah Nelson  Marketing Executive

Sarah joined the marketing team in the Summer of 2011. Despite having studied in St Andrews, Scotland for the past four years she still can't hit a golf ball however enjoys walks in the Mournes and adventures on the water.

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