PANAJI
The question that plagues most parents as summer arrives is: how can we keep children meaningfully engaged? Summer vacation once meant free play with no timetable whatsoever. Today, it has largely evolved into a structured period for learning new skills, crafts, and following daily schedules.
But the question remains: what problem are increasing summer camps truly solving? Is it a genuine hunger for learning, or a struggle for parents to balance engagement and rest? For many, there is a growing reliance on these camps due to screen dependency, demanding work schedules, and a lack of safe outdoor spaces, intensifying the pressure to plan the perfect break.
The gradual increase in specialised summer camps over the past few years reflects an urgency to keep children occupied, often translating into highly curated options. Today’s camps are a major trend, organised by various institutions, community groups, schools, and academies.
These programmes are typically divided by age group, allowing for tailored activities. Age-specific planning helps organisers provide a guided experience that ensures children learn something developmentally appropriate. Dance, sports, art, craft, and cooking have become the most common offerings, providing parents with safe and reliable learning alternatives.
Prajakta Kavlekar, co-founder of the Kalasaad Theatre Group, has been organising summer camps for two years. She explains that the goal of their week-long camp is to foster fun and introduce students to the world of theatre. “Nothing is compulsory; children can choose from the different options offered. We work with small batches of 20 students to ensure everyone receives attention,” she says.
Last year, they hosted two separate batches due to an overwhelming response. Prajakta adds that the initiative grew from an introductory class into a series of workshops. “Our students also display the lessons they learn through our casting venture, which gives them real-world exposure,” she says.
While theatre camps focus on self-expression, others aim to build specialised physical skills. Siddesh Gadekar, a professional dancer, has been organising dance camps for 13 years across Aquem-Margao, Varca, and Cortalim. He explains, “During the summer camp, we teach the basics to those who want to learn or just have fun. After the camp, we begin advanced training for those who want to join a regular batch.”
The response has been significant, with 550–600 children enrolling annually. Siddesh recalls, “I selected and trained a few children with high potential from my camp 13 years ago. We represented Goa in Indian Hip-Hop in Mumbai and won a gold medal. We then represented India at the World Hip-Hop Championships in San Diego, California. Today, those same children are part of my faculty.”
Camps are also organised on a smaller scale in villages by local parishes and independent artists. However, formalised, large-scale camps are mostly concentrated in cities or large villages where facilities are more accessible.
Pricing varies significantly based on rent and material costs. Prajakta notes that fees depend on the venue: “In Margao, we do not have to spend much on rent, so our fees are minimal, ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500.” Fees are generally lower for organisers who utilise their own spaces.
Despite the benefits, the rising cost is a barrier for some. Khushi Mandrekar, a parent, says her daughter loves cooking and gardening, but now spends most summers at home. “I enrolled her in a camp a few years ago where she learned to make pizza. However, the costs have since increased; I can’t afford to pay Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 for just three or four days,” she explains.
For the children involved, the draw is the chance to master something new. Abraham Fernandes, an eighth-grade student from Moira, says he and his friends spend their holidays practising crafts and playing at TLC Moira. Another student, Ankit Naik, recalls travelling from Revora to Mapusa for a summer workshop where he improved his technical skills in Microsoft Office.
Maria Mascarenhas, a high school teacher, believes these programmes are a vital step forward. “Students attending a summer camp are far better off than spending time on a screen while their parents work. They learn skills that help in their future careers and make new friends,” she says.
While the positive effects of summer camps are numerous, the dual hurdles of fees and travel costs dictate who can participate. While many areas offer these spaces to play and grow away from digital devices, the poor condition of public parks in many villages highlights a lack of maintenance and a dwindling number of free, safe spaces. It leaves us with a final reflection: are summer camps replacing childhood, or are they simply restructuring it for a new era?
