Hyderabad: Summer camps across Hyderabad are drawing strong participation from children, teenagers and young adults despite peak summer conditions, with most programmes running at full capacity for nearly a month.
Introduced in the early 1980s by the YMCA in the twin cities, the camps initially focused on sports, arts, crafts, dance and music, and have since expanded into multiple disciplines. The Ramakrishna Math, Hyderabad conducts annual programmes, including the Samskaar Summer Camp for students from Classes IV to X, covering value-based learning, personality development, yoga and cultural activities, along with specialised courses such as “Steps To Build Self Confidence” for adults.
Sports activities continue to attract the highest participation. “All sports and games fill up during the summer camps. I hope this level of participation continues beyond the holidays so India can grow as a sporting nation. Parents are also keen to enrol their children in these camps,” said Arshad Ali Khan, a basketball coach.
Summer camps in the city now offer a wide range of activities, including sports, robotics and arts, largely commencing soon after school holidays begin. According to James Kenneth, secretary, YMCA Secunderabad, “Summer camps in Hyderabad originated in the twin cities in 1981, introduced by YMCA organisers. The idea was to engage youngsters during the holidays by exposing them to games and cultural activities. In those days, most participants opted for calligraphy, arts and crafts.”
He added, “These summer camps have now grown in popularity and are held across the city. Here, we offer more than 20 activities for children aged 4 to 16, catering to both boys and girls.”
Introductory training in sports such as archery is also part of these camps. K. Ganga Raju, an archery coach at Numaish Grounds, Nampally, said, “This is an ancient sport. During the summer camps, students join in and get an opportunity to be introduced to archery.”
Art-based camps are also being conducted, including programmes on natural dye painting, block printing and related crafts. Maria Clara of Qalambatik said, “These summer camps, organised by Raising Cubs Hyderabad, offer children an opportunity to explore art through play — a journey of culture and creativity. Participants get hands-on exposure to traditional techniques, with sessions in Batik, Dabu printing, eco-printing and Kalamkari, creating a creative space for all age groups.”
Music training camps have also gained traction over the years. Sudharshan Raju of CreamDoor said, “I have been in this field for 40 years, but music summer camps have gained popularity only over the past two decades. These camps help identify new talent. While many drop out once schools or colleges reopen, a few go on to become accomplished musicians.”
With students engaged in academic schedules through the year, summer camps continue to serve as a seasonal platform for skill development and extracurricular exposure across disciplines.
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