These courses are a chance for your child to learn while socialising and having fun - things which most kids love to do in the summer months.

While this is happening, parents get to take their own time out from the everyday work of looking after their young ones. It is a great chance for parents to reconnect with each other and relax.

Irish colleges are one of the most popular summer courses around. These colleges benefit students because everything is spoken in Irish and the students are taught traditional Irish ways. One of the most popular ways being Ceili dancing. In no time the students will be dancing the jigs and reels at the Ceili!

Sports activities are also a big part in the curriculum of these colleges, especially GAA sports. Their Gaeltacht experience will be something that they will look back on and remember fondly.

For an extra hand up in future exams, some parent's consider sending the kids abroad to help with their languages for the Leaving Certificate. These camps again are a great cultural affair, while learning the native language of the country. After all, it is said that the best way to learn a language is to go to the country and speak it. The most popular countries for these courses are France, Germany, Italy or Spain.

Remember; even if the teen gets lonely over there, or parents miss them, there are always plenty of cheap flights to visit them.

Learning is only one part of these courses; the other side is about having fun, socialising and building up friendships. What the student will learn is that much of the value of a summer camp or college will be the experience that they will actually get by being a part of a group that is not made up of his or her school friends.

There are alternative camps, such as sporting colleges, where kids will have an opportunity to play their favourite sports and learn some new activities. These camps can be adventurous since some will provide water sports like canoeing and outdoor sports such as rock climbing. But don't worry; the children will be in the care of experienced and trained staff who will supervise them through every step.

This is the most important aspect; to make sure the kids are safe, while making sure they have maximum enjoyment.

There is, however, another type of summer school that is not as easily earmarked with terms such as "academic", "language" or "sport". These are the unusual schools and workshops that exist to fill needs and niches in teenager's lives . . . whether these same teenagers realise that they have such needs and niches.

For instance, film summer schools are becoming increasingly popular.

Teens can act for film or participate in a digital filmmaking course where they can learn how to create their own masterpiece. A lot of the time, these classes will be taught by professionals who actively work in their chosen field. Other activities such as voice production are included in these specialised courses.

Wherever they are sent, students will find their summer camp experience educational, enjoyable and it will be an excellent opportunity for them to meet and communicate with new people.

Also, colleges both at home and abroad will give your child the experience of living outside of the home situation which is equally beneficial no matter what academic course is followed.