CHECKLIST FOR SUMMER PROGRAMMES

Earthlab Club has researched several summer programmes held in the Dehradun region and used input from parents to understand their needs and curated a checklist of all the things one should be looking for in a well-designed summer programme. Whether you’re looking for a programme that sharpens academic skills, sparks creativity, boosts fitness, or builds confidence, Dehradun offers an exciting variety of well-designed summer programmes.

• Engagement: Whenever looking for summer programmes, parents should check if the children are actively participating or just passively watching. Summer programmes are the best place for children to be active learners instead of just being passive viewers. You shouldn’t be wasting your child’s time and creativity by sending them to a programme akin to their classroom.
• Learning & Skill-Building: When choosing summer programmes, parents should check if their child will actually learn something new — whether it’s a life skill, an academic concept, or a fun hands-on ability. A good programme doesn’t just fill time, it sparks growth. Programmes should offer structured opportunities for children to stretch their minds and try things they wouldn’t normally do during school time.
• Creativity: One of the biggest gifts summer programmes can offer is creative freedom. Look for programmes where kids aren’t just ticking boxes — they’re analysing, creating, imagining, and expressing themselves. Creativity isn’t just about art either — it’s about thinking differently, solving problems, and making something out of nothing.
• Physical Activity: Kids need to move! Whether it’s swimming, running, skating, or dancing, make sure the programme includes activities that help them stay physically active and healthy. It’s especially important in summer when kids can fall into a sedentary routine, hence looking for programmes with sports that are more encompassing. But if your child is looking to excel in a particular sport like swimming, football, skating, or martial arts then enrolling them in a dedicated sports programme with professional coaching is the preferred way to help them progress. Programmes are a perfect chance to burn energy in fun, constructive ways.
• Safety & Supervision: No matter how exciting the activities are, safety always comes first. Parents should always ask: Are there trained instructors? What are the supervision ratios? Are emergency protocols in place? A great programme balances freedom with responsibility, making sure every child is safe while having a great time.
• Age Appropriateness: Not every programme suits every child. What works for a 6-year-old won’t necessarily engage a teenager. Look for summer programmes that group kids by age or skill level, and offer tailored activities that match where your child is developmentally. The right fit makes all the difference in how much your child enjoys and learns.
• Balance: Summer programmes shouldn’t feel like school, but it also shouldn’t be just a free-for-all. The best programmes have a healthy balance of structured learning, time for play, social interaction, and even rest. Kids thrive in environments where there’s enough routine to feel safe and enough freedom to feel excited.
• Duration & Flexibility: Finally, think about how summer programmes fit into your family’s summer routine. Is the duration manageable for your child’s energy levels? Do you need a full-day programme or just a few hours? Some kids need more downtime, while others love long, immersive programmes. A flexible, well-paced programme can make summer feel like a treat rather than a task.