Oxford's Camp Dragon: Young Explorers Summer Camp 2026

Course Description: Oxford's Camp Dragon: Young Explorers Summer Camp 2026

⭐ Young Explorers at Camp Dragon

An imaginative, confidence-building Oxford summer experience where children learn, play, and discover together.

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📍 Location: Dragon School, Oxford

Camp Dragon takes place at the historic Dragon School in North Oxford, founded in 1877. Originally created for Oxford University lecturers’ children, it has grown into one of the UK’s most respected preparatory schools for day and boarding students aged 4–13. The school offers an inspiring environment with science labs, art studios, a theatre, sports fields, and beautiful outdoor spaces near Oxford’s city centre.

Dragon School’s ethos—to “inspire, encourage and develop free-thinking, confident young people who reach for the sun”—sits at the heart of Camp Dragon. The campus has produced many notable alumni known as Old Dragons, including Emma Watson, Bear Grylls, Jack Whitehall, and Tom Hiddleston.

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🎓 Course Description

The Young Explorers programme is a joyful, engaging residential camp designed for children aged 8–12 from around the world. The programme combines fun, adventure, and academic enrichment in a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to be Safe, Brave, and Curious.

Camp Dragon does not use coursebooks or traditional English lessons. Instead, children learn functional English naturally through themed activities, hands-on projects, games, performances, and real-life situations throughout the day. Every interaction—from the classroom to the playground to mealtimes—is a chance to build confidence, curiosity, and independence.

The programme is developed by language specialists and experienced play workers, creating a vibrant community where learners practise English through exciting topics and play-based learning.

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🌍 Immersive Learning Experience

Young Explorers follows a dynamic academic structure rooted in primary school subjects such as science, maths, history, art, and design. Children learn through imagination, teamwork, and problem-solving across four key stages:

🔍 1. Discover

Introduces the daily theme through fun, hands-on activities that build curiosity and understanding.

🧠 2. Develop

Children expand their knowledge through collaborative tasks that strengthen communication and teamwork.

🚀 3. Dare

A surprise challenge encourages bravery, experimentation, and stepping outside comfort zones.

🎉 4. Showtime

Students showcase what they’ve learned through performances, presentations, or creative challenges.

This structure ensures that each day is fresh, exciting, and filled with meaningful English practice.

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🏠 Accommodation

Students live in comfortable, purpose-built boarding houses on the Dragon School campus. Dormitories accommodate 4–9 students, with shared bathroom facilities and communal areas for relaxing during MeTime.

• Boys and girls stay in separate houses

• Staff offer 24/7 pastoral support

• Common rooms and gardens allow safe supervised play

• Ideal for children away from home for the first time

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🍽️ Meal Times

• Breakfast: 07:00 – 09:00

• Lunch: 12:30 – 13:30

• Dinner: 18:15 – 19:00

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📅 Sample Weekly Timetable (Week One)

Daily Structure

• Wake-up & Breakfast: 07:00 – 09:00

• Rise & Shine: 09:00 – 09:30

• Lessons & Activities: 09:30 – 12:30

• Lunch: 12:30 – 13:30

• Afternoon Sessions: 13:30 – 17:00

• MeTime: 17:00 – 18:15

• Dinner: 18:15 – 19:00

• Evening Activities: 19:00 – 20:00

• House Time: 20:00 – 20:30

• Bedtime: 20:30 – 21:00

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MONDAY — Arrival Day

• 09:30–10:30 — Camp Values & Dragon Team Sorting Hat

• 11:00–12:30 — Dragon Points Site Treasure Hunt

• 13:30–15:00 — Dragon Mascots & Story Writing

• 15:00–15:30 — Play

• 15:30–17:00 — ShowTime: Welcome Wonderland

• Evening: MeTime → Dinner → Awesome Activities → House Time

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TUESDAY — Geography Day

• 09:30–10:30 — Discover Geography: Where Are We From?

• 10:30–11:00 — Play

• 11:00–12:30 — Develop Geography: Exploring Cities

• Afternoon — Oxford Treasure Adventure: Bus Tour & Sculpture Challenge

• Evening: MeTime → Dinner → House Time

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WEDNESDAY — History Day

• 09:30–10:30 — Discover History: Shield Making

• 10:30–11:00 — Play

• 11:00–12:30 — Develop History: Castle Defence Workshop

• 13:30–15:00 — Dare History: Medieval Games

• 15:00–15:30 — Play

• 15:30–17:00 — ShowTime: Castle Conquests

• Evening: MeTime → Dinner → Awesome Activities

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THURSDAY — Adventure Day

• Full-day Excursion: Warwick Castle Adventure

• Evening: MeTime → Dinner → House Time

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FRIDAY — Art & Space Day

• 09:30–10:30 — Discover Art: Art Taster Session

• 10:30–11:00 — Play

• 11:00–12:30 — Develop Art: Space Art

• 13:30–15:00 — Dare Art: Planetarium Experience

• 15:00–15:30 — Play

• 15:30–17:00 — ShowTime: Alien Rainbow Tag

• Evening: MeTime → Dinner → Awesome Activities

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SATURDAY — Hero Day

• 09:30–10:30 — Hero Activities: Karting

• 10:30–11:00 — Play

• 11:00–12:30 — Hero Activities: Zorbing

• 13:30–17:00 — Dragon Silly Olympics

• Evening: MeTime → Pizza & Film Night

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SUNDAY — Weekend Options

• Sunday Funday

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• Optional Excursion: Harry Potter Studio Tour (comes at an additional cost)

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❤️ Safety & Welfare

Children’s wellbeing is at the core of Camp Dragon. Staff live alongside students and provide round-the-clock care, helping with routines, activities, and emotional support.

With specialist safeguarding training, the team ensures every child feels safe, valued, and supported—especially those away from home for the first time.