At the Hazelhut, we believe in providing daily activities which will stimulate the children’s intellectual and cognitive awareness, as well as giving them new skills and experiences to draw on. We are also aware that there needs to be a balance between work and play. We have therefore developed two distinct experiences: TERM TIME WEEKENDS and SUMMER CAMPS. As the names suggest, TERM TIME WEEKENDS ensure that homework is completed and 1 additional hour of child specific tutoring takes place. The rest of the time is dedicated to activities similar to those in SUMMER CAMPS. This programme is enabled by using both the Hazelhut and its grounds as well as excursions to the local town and surrounding areas to maximise on potential learning opportunities. During SUMMER CAMPS, each full day at the Hazelhut has a main focus. Each week, including the day of arrival, where routines and rules are established and the departure day, where achievements are celebrated; a balanced programme is offered.
Arts
There is one arts based day at the Hazelhut, where children can use music, dance and drama as a means of communication and where visual arts and crafts are explored using English. The children are encouraged to use natural materials in their artwork and to view nature as a potential creative resource. Past projects have included sunlight photography, bamboo puppet making, T-shirt design, glass painting, group musical improvisation, creating video material for songs, sewing and cookery.
Sports
A second day at the Hazelhut focuses on sports, particularly team skills and physical strengths in swimming, football and tennis as well as a range of potted activities. Our aim is to have fun and enjoy being physical, rather than to compete! The afternoon is usually spent orienteering. Children will engage in some physical activity on each day of the Hazelhut holiday camps.
The Town
One day is spent exploring the nearby town of Ronciglione, learning about its historical and geographical importance as well as making use of some of its many facilities. The group sets off by foot and children have the chance to look at the sights of the beautiful medieval borgo. We also hold a 15 minute drawing competition for the best pencil drawing of the fountain or an information scavenger hunt. Children can then buy a souvenir and sample some local cuisine in the village restaurant 'La Corte dei Prefetti di Vico', which provides many of the Hazelhut meals.
Link:
https://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g1077056-d3436207-Reviews-La_Corte_Dei_Prefetti_Di_Vico-Ronciglione_Province_of_Viterbo_Lazio.html#photos
Horse riding
A further half day is spent at a nearby horse riding centre, where the focus is on horse riding skills and horse care. Children have the chance to take part in a range of activities, caring for and riding ponies as well as seeing how horses have played an integral role in the development and upkeep of the countryside. The highly skilled staff, led by much loved Irma help all children to enjoy being around ponies, whatever their ability.
Tailored Day
At the Hazelhut the group dynamic is always changing - sometimes we have all girl groups, sometimes we have a particularly young group - and so one day is dedicated to the individual group's needs and interests. Past events have included going on an excursion to Lago di Vico, fishing at 'XXX Miglia' and 'La Caprolatta' lakes, walking in an ancient woodland, learning how food is made from its original ingredients through a hands-on demonstration with local experts, survival bush crafts day and an indoor all girl crafting day. We gather information on children attending prior to their arrival in order to realise the 'best' experience for each group.
Quiet time and relaxation
Children will be given ample time, particularly in the evenings, to relax, play board games, draw, write journals, chat with friends and to watch English language films. While children will be allowed to use a mobile telephone to contact family each evening, no electronic games, iPads or similar will be permitted at the Hazelhut. This is because we believe our holiday camps should be opportunities for children to reconnect with their surroundings, away from technological pressures.
Please be aware that the order in which these days occur is subject to change for meteorological reasons and that no 2 week days during the duration of the summer will be identical!
This is what some of our campers thought:
'Trascorrere un'estate a Hazelhut è stata un'esperienza unica; mi sono divertita tantissimo: mille attività divertenti, tanti pigiama party e due amministratori super e poi una settimana senza genitori…si può desiderare di meglio??
Mi piacerebbe molto tornarci per trascorrere un mese, non una settimana, in questo stupendo e stupefacente campo estivo. È stata l'esperienza più bella di tutte quelle che ho vissuto.'
Isotta Bucci 10 years old
'This summer I went to the Hazelhut. The best thing for me was the sports day. The second was the horse riding and the third was the treasure hunt in Ronciglione. The place is beautiful and James and Ottavia are so nice. For me at the Hazelhut, there isn't anything boring!' Luca Ricci 10 years old
'Trascorrere un'estate a Hazelhut è stata un'esperienza unica; mi sono divertita tantissimo: mille attività divertenti, tanti pigiama party e due amministratori super e poi una settimana senza genitori…si può desiderare di meglio??
Mi piacerebbe molto tornarci per trascorrere un mese, non una settimana, in questo stupendo e stupefacente campo estivo. È stata l'esperienza più bella di tutte quelle che ho vissuto.'
Isotta Bucci 10 years old
'This summer I went to the Hazelhut. The best thing for me was the sports day. The second was the horse riding and the third was the treasure hunt in Ronciglione. The place is beautiful and James and Ottavia are so nice. For me at the Hazelhut, there isn't anything boring!' Luca Ricci 10 years old
TERM TIME WEEKENDS
Overnight activity weekends are open to children from 8 to 13 years and include full board and lodging as well as all activity costs. The costs per child are: 200 euros, providing the booking is made 2 days before the weekend begins. The weekend begins at 10am on Saturday and ends at 5pm on Sunday. Children aged 5 to 8 years may attend during the day from 10am to 5pm. The cost for this is 50 euros per day - early bookings are always appreciated! Under 8's days are open to children aged 4 to 8 years and cost 50 euros per child, which includes lunch, snacks and all resources. We regret that discounts are NOT available for these events.
*Note: for Under 8's Days children may be left without parents provided they are fully independent, otherwise we ask that parents remain with them for the events. Parents who do so are asked to contribute an additional €15 towards lunch.
Overnight activity weekends are open to children from 8 to 13 years and include full board and lodging as well as all activity costs. The costs per child are: 200 euros, providing the booking is made 2 days before the weekend begins. The weekend begins at 10am on Saturday and ends at 5pm on Sunday. Children aged 5 to 8 years may attend during the day from 10am to 5pm. The cost for this is 50 euros per day - early bookings are always appreciated! Under 8's days are open to children aged 4 to 8 years and cost 50 euros per child, which includes lunch, snacks and all resources. We regret that discounts are NOT available for these events.
*Note: for Under 8's Days children may be left without parents provided they are fully independent, otherwise we ask that parents remain with them for the events. Parents who do so are asked to contribute an additional €15 towards lunch.
© Hazelhut 2023
