With summer vacation around the corner, it is a good idea to be up to date with what is being offered in the name of enrichment classes and camps in Singapore. Here are some options; you might want to book ahead of time to avail early bird discounts!
Academics
1. Math
The Learning Lab is a perfect mix of tuition centre and enrichment class. With courses for children from pre-school to junior college, The Learning Lab offers classes in various subjects. Its mathematics class is known for following an advanced curriculum, and offering the features of the Gifted Education Programme for the primary level and the Integrated Programme for the secondary level. Get ready to handle your little genius once their math skills have been honed!
Where: United Square Level 3,101 Thomson Road, Singapore 307591 and six other locations in Singapore
How much: S$360 onward for 4 lessons
When: Classes are held throughout the year
Smart spending tip: The Learning Lab offers interest-free instalment payment plans of 3 or 6 months with UOB Visa or Mastercard credit cards.
2. Coding
Any kiasu parent worth his/her salt must send the little ones to a coding class. After all, what’s better than under-tens designing their own games and apps? At First Code Academy, 6-8 year olds are introduced to Makey, Scratch and Dash; slightly older wizards learn how to custom make their apps; and at the ripe age of 12, the little geeks deal with the tougher challenges in the world of computer science. So depending on your child’s age, they emerge as explorers, creators, or entrepreneurs.
Where: #04-13, Stamford Court, 61 Stamford Road, Singapore 178892
How much: S$675 onward for one class a week for nine weeks
When: Core programmes are offered for three terms every year, in Jan-Mar, Mar-May, and Sep-Nov. Your kids can also try the immersive holiday camps held during the school holidays. The most recent one is the summer camp starting in May.
Smart spending tip: The American Express True Cashback Card comes with a welcome offer of increased cashback rates. You will get 3% on expenses made in the first 6 months and on expenses up to S$5,000.
Language
3. Mandarin
With English taking over communication at schools as well as in homes, Mandarin has taken quite a backseat in conversations among children. Enter Mandarin enrichment classes. One of the most popular Mandarin courses is at the Hua Language Centre where extra effort is made to keep classes interesting. Groups of little ones grappling with Mandarin are herded off to the Botanic Gardens and the Bird Park for inspiration, shown performances, made to participate in games, activities and shown colourful visual aids to create a learning environment that is fun.
Where: United Square #03-25/26, 101 Thomson Road, Singapore 307591 and two other locations in Singapore
How much: Individual classes start at S$60 an hour; group classes are also available.
When: The course is held over 4 terms during the year
Sports
4. Rugby
Toughen up the little brats with a round of rugby over the summer. Take the kids to Tanglin Rugby Club, a not-for-profit voluntary organisation run by parents. They will learn about teamwork, improve their hand-eye coordination, get to run around, and learn an exciting sport in a safe and fun environment. Parents could volunteer at the club for some bonding time with kids.
Where: 192 Turf Club Road, Turf City, Singapore, 287994
How much: While the one-off joining fee is optional, the playing fee starts from S$650 a year for ‘Minis’.
When: Classes are held throughout the year.
5. Fencing
Why not introduce your child to an unusual sport instead of run-of-the-mill martial art training? Modern Fencing Club offers foil, epee and saber classes for kids as young as 6 years. It is safe and secure, given that training begins with foam swords and all the safety trappings of a fencing class like plastic masks and protective gear.
Where: 131 Rifle Range Road, Unit 02-02, Temasek Club, Singapore 588406
How much: S$200 a month for a class once a week
When: Classes are held throughout the year. But if you are looking for short term courses, you can enrol your kids in camps as well. Held for 3 hours over few days in the week, these are perfect to introduce Fencing to the little ones.
Smart spending tip: The Academy offers a shuttle service; check out its website for the schedule. They also offer a 10% discount for a second child/family member.
Hobbies
6. Pottery
After all the coding, fencing and rugby, it’s time to slow down a bit. Take the kids to a pottery making class where they can get their hands dirty as they give form and expression to their creativity. Watch as their minds expand and develop when they explore texture, colours, and material. At Clay Cove, your kids get to express themselves through the art of pottery making.
Where: The Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Road #05-01, Singapore 238843
How much: Courses start from S$180 for a Foundation Pottery course
When: Summer enrichment camps are held in June. But if your kid loves pottery then enrol them on courses held through the year.
7. Music
Add joy to your little one’s life with Music for Little Mozarts. This course held by CRISTOFORI Music School, for kids between 3.5 and 5 years of age, helps develop your child’s piano playing skills allowing them to express themselves creatively. By the time Little Mozarts is done, your little one will not only be proficient in playing the keyboard, but also in music appreciation, rhythm training, listening skills, and pitch matching. That should be quite an earful!
Where: 17 Petir Road, #02-22 Hillion Mall, Singapore 678278; Other centres across Singapore
How much: S$999 for 40 lessons of the Little Mozarts package
When: Classes are held through the year
Smart spending tip: You could use a card with a 0% instalment payment plan for all big spends or one-time payments for course fee. Before you do so, make sure you are aware of the strings attached.
Holiday/summer camps
8. Multi-activity camps
Camp Asia is a multi-activity centre for kids between 3 and 16 years of age. With everything on menu from robotics, basketball, drama, math, art, Mandarin, and cooking, this is the place to send your child this summer. There is enough here to keep the whole brood occupied for a while!
Where: Stamford American International School, 1 Woodleigh Lane, Singapore 347691
How much: S$625 onwards
When: Summer camps as well as classes held throughout the year.
Smart spending tip: Book in advance to get early bird discounts.
9. Animal camp
There are summer camps and then there is the Zoo Explorer Camp. The Singapore Zoo invites 6 to 10 year olds for a 3-day camp where they get up close and personal with the zoo’s animals. This involves animal encounters, caring for animals plus wildlife arts and crafts and playtime at Rainforest Kidzworld. Quite the way to sensitise your children to the animal kingdom.
Where: Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Mandai, Singapore 729826
How much: S$331.70 for a 3-day camp
When: Summer camps in June
Smart spending tip: Members of Friends of the Zoo get a 5% off.
Also READ: Enrichment- yes or no for your kid?
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