"This physical activity helps young children build strength, develop aerobic fitness, grow friendships, create a healthy appetite and learn new skills," says Azar.

Local companies offer a diverse range of summer courses for all ages, including day programmes, week-long courses and even overnight stays.

These courses are not just about keeping the children entertained, says education specialist and counsellor Kathryn Sly of Easy Peasy Services. Besides the physical benefits, she says children learn social skills and cultural understanding, develop a sense of independence and confidence, and have fun learning new things, while spending time unplugged from technology.

"Attending a camp can help with a child's persistence in trying something new, developing competence at a new skill and self-reliance," says Sly.

Carolynne Knowling, a Sai Kung-based mother of four, is well versed in the summer camp routine. Her family has been surfing the scene for five summers with Treasure Island, which offers surf camps on Lantau Island.

This year, her family will be spread across three programmes. Knowling says these camps, when done right, have the potential to be much more than just something to fill in time, with the children developing a genuine interest in the sport or activity.

"My eight-year-old just loves the Hebe Haven Yacht Club sailing camps," says Knowling. "She keeps coming back to this one holiday after holiday. She is now a cadet member of the club and often sails on a Saturday. I feel she is learning something useful; it is much more than just a time-filler."

Here's a selection of summer camps to suit virtually every taste, age and interest.