Chances are that fuzzy Christmas feeling you have will fade as fast as your child can say ‘I’m bored’ – which is why TOAD has rounded up this year’s coolest winter camps.
E-Sports Winter Camp
E-Sports Abu Dhabi will run sport camps for children aged four-14, December 15-31 at Brighton College near Khalifa Park and GEMS American Academy (GAA) in Khalifa City A, 9am-1.30pm. Ben Reynolds, the manager of E-Sports Abu Dhabi talks us through the camp.
Can you describe a typical camp day?
Campers arrive in the morning, sign in and get split into groups of 10-12. The children will move through five activities each day including sports, swimming and arts and crafts.
How much are the camps?
We charge Dhs650 for a week at GAA (Dhs150 per day) and Dhs750 at Brighton College (Dhs175 per day). There’s a 20 percent discount for siblings.
What makes your camp unique?
The coaches adjust the schedule based on campers’ feedback. If the group enjoys dodge ball one day, they’ll include it the next. Also, we award certificates each day and week for children who demonstrate the most enthusiasm and team spirit.
For details visit www.esportsholidaycamps.com (050 940 0704).
L’Atelier des Arts
Creative kids will enjoy winter classes at L’Atelier des Arts in the Fatouh Al Khair Centre, otherwise known as the Marks & Spencer Building. Classes are two hours long, four days a week, December 15-26. We chatted to Karizze Banaybanay, showroom supervisor from L’Atelier des Arts, to find out a little bit more.
Which classes are you most excited about?
Painting on T-shirts and jewellery-making. The children will make beads from clay which will then be baked to become earrings and necklaces to take home.
What ages are the classes suitable for?
Six to 12, but we also have an Intro to Art class for five and six year olds to teach them how to mix colours and hold a paintbrush.
How much are the classes?
They vary from Dhs700 to Dhs900 a week, which includes materials. And, of course, children can take home the work they create.
For details visit www.latelierarts.ae (02 639 7104).
Hiltonia Winter Camp 
The Hiltonia Resort Club and Spa’s camp is for children aged four to 14. It runs December 15-January 2, Sundays-Thursdays, 9am-3pm. It costs Dhs875 a week or Dhs200 a day, which includes food. We spoke to activities coordinator Baikuntha Chaulagain to find out more.
What activities can campers do?
All sorts – swimming, football, cricket, basketball and table tennis. There will also be cooking classes, a bouncy castle and field trips to Sparky’s Family Fun Park in Khalidiyah Mall for older ones.
How many campers do you expect?
We expect about 30 a day. Activities will be divided by age but campers will be allowed to request groups with friends or siblings if they prefer.
Are you offering any discounts for non-member campers?
Yes. Non-members who sign up two children, will get five percent off. Sign up three children to receive ten percent off.
Pre-book at Hiltonia Resort Reception (02 692 4205).
More exciting winter programmes
Name of Camp: España Sport Academy
Location: Al Jazira Club, Al Ittihad
Activities: Football, basketball, movies, Spanish language classes, competitions.
Ages: 10-14
Dates: December 15-31
Time: 9am-3pm
Price: Weeks 1 & 2: Dhs500/week
Week 3: Dhs400
Attend all three weeks for Dhs1,000 or sign up for two weeks and save Dhs100
How to register: Visit Al Jazira Club in Al Ittihad (02 644 5508) or visit www.espanasportacademy .net (02 644 5508).
Name of Camp: Abu Dhabi Country Club (ADCC)
Location: ADCC, Al Saada Street, Al Mushrif
Activities: Swimming, basketball, taekwondo, football, arts and crafts.
Ages: 4-13
Dates: December 15- January 2
Time: 9am-1.30pm
Price: Non-members: Dhs650 a week, Dhs150 a day
Members: Dhs550 a week, Dhs125 a day
How to register: Visit ADCC sports school, Al Saada Street, Al Mushrif www.adcountryclub .com (02 657 7777).
Name of Camp: Gulf Star Sports Multi-Activity Camp
Location: The American International School, 29th Street; Repton Foundation School, Reem Island
Activities: Football, karate, capoeira, swimming, sports competitions, arts, crafts and drama.
Ages: 3-13 at The American International School; 3-11 at the Repton Foundation School
Dates: Week 1: December 15-19 (full-week camp)
Week 2: December 22-24 (three-day camp)
Week 3: December 29-31
Time: 9am-2.30pm
Price: Dhs750 a week, Dhs650 for three days
How to register: Email Kate Beckley kate@gulfstarsports.com (056 114 4392).
