With the UAE school year drawing to a close, parents across Sharjah are starting to think about what their children will do during the long summer break. Summer camps have grown enormously in popularity across the UAE over recent years, offering children a structured, social, and stimulating alternative to spending the holidays at home. But not all summer programmes are equal. Here is what to look for when choosing the right one for your child in 2026.
Why Summer Camps Matter for Young Children
Extended school breaks can interrupt the routines and social connections that young children rely on. Research in early childhood development consistently shows that children who maintain some level of structured activity and peer interaction during long holidays retain skills and social confidence more effectively than those who have an unstructured break of several weeks.
A good summer programme does not need to feel like school. It should be fun, exploratory, and memorable. The best ones achieve learning outcomes while children are genuinely excited to turn up each morning.
What to Look For in a Summer Camp in Sharjah
When evaluating options for your child, consider these factors:
Qualified, Experienced Staff
The UAE Ministry of Education and relevant regulatory bodies require nurseries and early years settings to employ trained educators. Ensure that any summer programme your child attends is led by staff with recognised early childhood qualifications, not just supervisors. Young children need more than supervision; they need responsive adults who understand child development.
A Structured Programme with Flexibility
The best summer camps for young children have a clear daily structure, including morning circle, themed activities, outdoor play, creative sessions, and rest time. At the same time, the best programmes leave room for children to choose and explore within that structure. Rigid hour-by-hour scheduling can make the experience feel more stressful than enjoyable.
Small Group Sizes
In a nursery or summer camp setting, smaller groups mean more personalised attention and a calmer environment. For children under five, groups larger than ten to twelve per teacher can lead to overstimulation and anxiety. Ask about the adult-to-child ratio before enrolling.
A Theme That Excites Your Child
From arts and crafts to science exploration, cooking, storytelling, and outdoor discovery, the best camps give each week a theme that ties activities together. This keeps children curious and gives them something to look forward to and talk about at home.
A Safe, Licensed Venue
Ensure the venue is licensed by the relevant authority in Sharjah (the SEDD or SPEA, depending on the setting). Licensed venues have passed safety inspections and meet minimum standards for indoor and outdoor spaces.
Balloon Nursery Summer Programme 2026
At Balloon Nursery, our annual Fun, Faith and Friendship summer programme runs during the school holidays and is designed specifically for children aged six months to six years. Activities are themed each week, led by our qualified EYFS educators, and take place in the familiar, safe environment of our Al Ghafia campus.
Children enjoy creative arts, sensory play, language activities in Arabic and English, movement sessions, and themed discovery days. Mornings are active and exploratory; the programme is designed to keep children engaged without overstimulating them in the summer heat.
Places fill quickly. To find out more about our 2026 summer programme and to register your child, contact the Balloon Nursery team.