A summer camp for students in HCM City in 2022. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Vũ

HÀ NỘI — Summer activities and camps are starting to boom as students prepare to end the school year and begin the summer vacation.

Nguyễn Thị Hiền, the mother of a third grader in Hà Nội's Hoàng Mai District, has been bombarded with flyers promoting summer camps for children with costs ranging from just a few million đồng to hundreds of millions.

"Every day I receive up to three flyers about courses and summer camps for children. Not just me, but my friends or other parents also receive calls, flyers," Hiền told Việt Nam News.

Classes or clubs as well as summer camps are very diverse with many different themes such as English lessons, life skills, survival experiences, careers or short-term summer camps abroad for between one week and two months.

"I know these classes are good for children, helping them learn more skills outside of books,” said Hiền

“However, with so many offers, I don't know which class I should choose for my child."

Many parents like Hiền get a headache searching for extra classes for their children.

Phan Thanh Tâm, from Thanh Xuân District, told the Voices of Việt Nam: “After three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, children's outdoor activities had been greatly affected.

“Not only have their study results declined, but the soft skills have also been greatly affected.

“My son is more afraid to communicate with people and spends his free time for watching TV and on his phone.

"I hope my child will make new friends and be more open-minded when he joins these classes."

Tâm said she has researched for more than a month about summer programmes for her son, but still feels confused and can’t find a suitable place.

Vũ Thu Hương, a former lecturer of the Faculty of Primary Education at the Hà Nội National University of Education, said participation in summer camps is good for children, but the quality of activities may not be as advertised.

Parents need to learn carefully about the centres, their activities, safety, insurance and responsibilities when something goes wrong, she said.

In particular, a contract or commitment between two parties is necessary.

According to education expert, Dr Vũ Việt Anh, activities at summer camps can help children develop social skills that are important for future development.

Summer camps provide children with a completely new environment, allowing them to discover new things and experience things that they have never before.

Summer classes also help children improve thinking by learning how to solve problems and face new challenges.

However, not all summer classes are of benefit, he said.

"Parents need to choose classes and summer camps that are appropriate to their children's ages, interests and needs,” Anh said.

“Parents also need to know about the programme, facilities, and experience of teachers, staff and safety regulations at camps.

"Choosing the good summer camps for children needs to be based on many different factors and parents need to research carefully before deciding to send their children to these camps.

“Choosing the right course will help children have great experiences and brings peace of mind to parents about the safety and quality of the summer classes.” — VNS