Ages 8-12
Camp Dragon
Our innovative summer camp for young learners. Discover, develop, and dare while creating unforgettable memories.
Oxford Summer Camp
Our summer camp, designed by language learning experts and experienced play workers, offers a unique and engaging experience for children aged 8–12 from around the world. At Camp Dragon, we provide an immersive environment where students are encouraged to be Safe, Brave, and Curious, ensuring they make the most of their time with us.
We have built a vibrant community that celebrates the joy of learning English through fun topics, and where students are supported in using new language skills with confidence. At Camp Dragon, we don’t teach traditional English lessons and we don’t use coursebooks. Instead, every moment at Camp Dragon is seen as an opportunity to learn, fostering a spirit of exploration and helping students find the language they need in real-life situations. From the classroom to the playground to the cafeteria, our goal is to create a nurturing environment where students feel empowered and supported to try new things, make mistakes, and grow in their language journey.
Meet children around the world on our action-packed Oxford Summer Camp.
Camp Dragon
At a Glance
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Interactive Learning
Explore different subjects
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Language Immersion
Practise English every day
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Exciting Adventures
Visit top UK attractions
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Summer Fun
Awesome activities and events
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Make New Friends
Meet children from around the world
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Safety at The Heart
24-hour staff support
Discover Our Oxford Summer Camp
Located in beautiful and leafy North Oxford, the Dragon School provides a home away from home for our Young Explorers. With its modern facilities and expansive grounds, the school offers the perfect environment for exploration and learning. Enjoy a secure, supportive space where students can grow, discover new passions, and create lifelong memories.
Download our Sample Timetable
Discover more about our two-week summer camps in Oxford. Please note our sample timetable is given as an example and can be subject to change.
Immersive Learning Experience
The Young Explorers programme is designed to enhance language skills through exciting topics and play-based learning. At Camp Dragon, we don’t rely on traditional English lessons in the classroom. Instead, we focus on teaching the functional language students need to fully engage with the programme each day in fun and creative ways. Our learning programme is rooted in primary school subjects, and we spark imagination through our dynamic Discover, Develop, and Dare sessions.
We are guided by our core Camp Dragon values: Safe, Brave, and Curious. Students learn to look out for one another, promote kindness, and create a community where making mistakes in English is embraced as a key part of the learning process. We nurture a supportive environment where students feel empowered to be brave and try new things. We also encourage curiosity—whether it’s about each other’s cultures, the topics we explore, or the language they need in the moment.
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Young Explorers
Explore English language learning through a fully immersive programme of lessons, workshops, and activities.
Read more about Young Explorers- Location: Camp Dragon
- Ages: 8 - 12
- Duration: 2 Weeks
- English Level: A2+
A warm and welcoming environment for young learners
The staff are not only highly skilled but also incredibly kind and nurturing, creating a warm and welcoming environment for young learners.
Kateryna, Ukraine - Parent
Camp Dragon Daily Routine
Rise and Shine!
We start each morning with our ‘Rise and Shine’ session, setting the stage for a day full of discovery and play. Here, we bring the entire school together, providing a sneak peek into the exciting activities planned for the day ahead. It’s not just a routine; it’s a lively start that ignites the imagination for a day of adventure and learning. A key part of ‘Rise and Shine!’ is singing the Camp Dragon chant making sure that everybody is ready to be Safe, Brave and Curious!
Discover!
‘Discover!’ is an exciting introduction to the day, where we showcase the best of the chosen subject so that students can learn how fun it can be. For example, in ‘Discover Science!’, students will predict ‘what happens next?’ in a variety of science experiments. In ‘Discover Maths!’, teams will come together to crack a series of exciting puzzles in an escape room challenge, putting their problem-solving skills to the test. Every experience is designed to encourage students to ask questions, think creatively, and approach the day’s challenges with a sense of curiosity.
Develop!
In the ‘Develop!’ sessions, the focus is on academic development in an engaging and dynamic way, ensuring that every student is fully equipped to get the most out of the learning and adventure programme. For example, students might learn the parts of a castle on History Day, preparing them for a visit to Warwick Castle, or learn about innovative materials on Science Day, ahead of their adventure at Pitt Rivers Museum.
In addition to subject knowledge, ‘Develop!’ sessions focus on the essential functional language students need at Camp Dragon, such as understanding instructions, asking for help, expressing opinions, or presenting ideas. By aligning language lessons with the day’s theme, we ensure that students are not only strengthening their academic knowledge but also becoming more confident in using English in a variety of real-world contexts.
Dare!
‘Dare!’ takes students on an unexpected journey ranging from specialist workshops to surprise challenges. It’s a time for creativity, confidence-building and adventure. We don’t want to spoil the surprise, but how about a drumming experience on Music Day or coding robots on Maths Day? Students don’t know what’s coming next, making each ‘Dare!’ session a special, one-of-a-kind experience. We encourage students to be brave and step out of their comfort zone in a supportive environment.
Showtime!
In the exciting ‘Showtime!’ event, students showcase everything they’ve learned in fun, interactive challenges that blend creativity, teamwork, and personal growth. Activities include Mystery Night, where teams solve clues in a suspenseful, immersive experience; the Trashion Show, where students design outfits from recycled materials, promoting sustainability; and the Talent Show, offering a platform for performances ranging from music and dance to comedy and magic. ‘Showtime!’ allows students to apply skills from the rest of the Learning Programme in a real-world context, building confidence, leadership, and problem-solving abilities, while celebrating their achievements and fostering a sense of accomplishment.
Awesome activities!
After dinner, students have the opportunity to choose their evening activity. Each night, they can select from a diverse range of options, including sports, arts and crafts, STEM challenges, performances, or more relaxed activities like board games or nature walks. Whether it’s creating a masterpiece, tackling a hands-on challenge, or unwinding with friends, there’s something for everyone. From Art to Zorbing, these exciting activities offer a chance to discover new interests or practise a hobby with new friends, making each evening a fun and enriching experience.
Camp Dragon Adventures
Adventure awaits our young explorers, aged 8-12! Our excursions are more than just trips; they’re a gateway to new experiences, learning, and fun. Our adventures are integrated into the Learning Programme, allowing campers to explore topics in the classroom and then experience them firsthand on the adventure.
From award-winning museums, theme parks, and castles to the bustling streets of the historic city of Oxford, each journey is designed to ignite curiosity and create unforgettable memories. Join us as we embark on these extraordinary adventures, tailor-made for our vibrant and inquisitive campers. Get ready for a summer filled with discovery, excitement, and the joy of exploration!
LegoLand
On Tech Day, learn all about the science of rollercoasters and experiment with lego in the classroom. The following day, explore Legoland and dive into a world of creativity. Our campers will explore this vibrant theme park, filled with interactive rides and Lego-building fun. It’s a day of imagination and excitement.
Warwick Castle
Camp Dragon goes back in time on History Day: learn all about Medieval England and its castles, including building and defending your own castle. Then visit Warwick Castle and see the castle, jousting, knights and birds of prey. It’s a perfect blend of history and adventure.
Oxford Adventure
All aboard! Join us on an Open Top Bus Tour of Oxford, where you’ll be guided through historic streets, visit iconic landmarks, and soak in the city’s rich history as part of Geography Day. Next, explore the fascinating collections at the award-winning Pitt Rivers Museum, home to unique artifacts from around the world. Campers can also enjoy some well-deserved playtime in the beautiful University Parks, where you can unwind and let your imagination run wild.
Optional Extras
Enhance your experience by choosing an optional adventure of visiting Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios. Campers will experience the magic of film-making, see spellbinding sets, and uncover the secrets behind beloved characters.
Full for first two weeks. Final spaces remaining for last two weeks!
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Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios
Enter the enchanting world of Harry Potter Studios! A must-visit for every young wizard and witch.
Read more about Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios- Price: £210
Accommodation
At Camp Dragon, all students live in purpose-built accommodation with shared dormitories and shared bathroom facilities. Dormitories have from four to nine beds which gives students lots of opportunities to practise speaking English all day. Everyone has their own area for storing their belongings.
Staff are available in the accommodation throughout the day and night to provide pastoral support. Boys and girls live in separate houses. Each house hosts a large communal area and garden where students can play and unwind together during MeTime.
Dragon School
Camp Dragon is located at The Dragon School in North Oxford. Established in 1877, it began as a small school for Oxford University lecturers’ children but has since evolved into the esteemed school it is today. It is now a preparatory school for day and boarding students aged 4-13. The Dragon School boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, art studios, a theatre, and extensive sports fields. Notable alumni, affectionately known as “Old Dragons,” include Emma Watson, Jack Whitehall, Bear Grylls, and Tom Hiddleston. With its combination of rich history, modern facilities, and an ideal location close to Oxford’s city centre, Camp Dragon offers an inspiring environment for students and staff alike. With the aim to “inspire, encourage and develop free-thinking, confident young people who reach for the sun”, the Dragon School’s ethos is central to Camp Dragon.
Camp Dragon
Pricing
Camp Dragon FAQs
How do you keep students safe at Camp Dragon?
At Camp Dragon staff are available 24/7 to support students with anything they might need because student safety is our highest priority. We have a high ratio of staff to students throughout the summer. At Camp Dragon our Houseparents are responsible for the day-to-day care of students and are a first point of contact if any student feels upset in anyway. They are always a familiar and friendly face whose priority is to make sure students feel settled and safe during their time at Camp. They are supported by an experienced team of managers and Camp Dragon will have a dedicated Admissions Manager who will be the main point of contact for families with any issues or concerns.
All SBC staff are trained in Safeguarding and many are trained in giving First Aid. We pride ourselves on offering the best possible care to students and achieved British Council area of strength in ‘care of students’ and ‘safeguarding under 18s’.
How can we keep in contact with students at Camp Dragon?
We recognise that it’s important for students to be able to contact home during their time at Camp. Before summer, your dedicated Admissions Manager will share our Parent Welcome Pack. This includes a document called ‘Keeping in Contact,’ which will let you know the best time of day to contact your child and provide a contact number for the Camp Dragon team if further support is required.
Where is Camp Dragon?
Camp Dragon is located at The Dragon School in leafy North Oxford. The Dragon School enjoys the best of both worlds – there are expansive playing fields alongside the banks of the River Cherwell but you are also a short walk into the inspiring City Centre of Oxford.
Are you able to visit students at Camp Dragon?
We know that sometimes parents/guardians will want to visit their child while they are at Camp Dragon, so we ask that you arrange this via your dedicated Admissions Manager with at least 24 hours’ notice. Where possible we want to make sure that students don’t miss too much of their exciting Summer School day so your Admissions Manager will be able to advise you on the best time to visit.
What level of English do I need to study at Camp Dragon?
At Camp Dragon, our classes are designed for students at A2 (Pre-intermediate) level and above. Before the summer, we send an online test for students to complete, and we will use the results to confirm their suitability for the course. If a student does not meet the required level on the test, we will arrange an academic consultation to assess the next best step.
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