Sugar Bay is a sleepover holiday camp for children and teenagers aged 7–17 in Zinkwazi Beach, on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast, north of Ballito. Children stay in cabins with other campers, choose activities each day and join evening games and entertainment, with trained counselors looking after them throughout their stay.
Each holiday session has a theme that shapes its group projects, games and evening entertainment. These themed events run alongside Sugar Bay’s programme of more than 100 free-choice activities, so children can enjoy the theme and still spend time on their own interests. The December 2026 and January 2027 holidays offer five different themes, with activities adapted for the different age groups.
Children can attend with a friend or sibling, or come on their own. Families book directly with Sugar Bay, so there is no need to organise a school or friendship group.
What Children Can Gain From Camp
Having a say in their day is part of the appeal of camp. Sugar Bay’s programme includes more than 100 activities, with campers choosing from those available each day. There are opportunities to try surfing, kayaking, climbing and BMX, alongside arts and crafts, dance and team sports. Activities depend on the programme, conditions, age and ability.
Choosing how to spend their time gives children practice in making decisions without a parent organising every step. They can return to an activity to work on a skill or try something unfamiliar with a counselor’s encouragement. Sugar Bay’s certified activity programme offers structured progression in selected activities. Learning to balance on a board or reaching the next stage of a climbing activity can give a child a specific achievement to feel proud of.
Sharing a cabin brings everyday responsibilities, from keeping track of belongings to getting ready for the day. It also means listening to other people, taking turns and working through small disagreements. Shared games and projects give children reasons to start conversations and get to know campers outside their usual school circle.
These experiences can help children grow more confident about handling unfamiliar situations. A child may discover that they can ask for help, join a group without already knowing someone or keep practising when a skill takes time. Counselors are there to support that growing independence throughout the stay.
Five Camps Across the Summer Holidays
Families can choose a theme that interests their child and dates that fit their holiday plans. Every session includes the wider activity programme as well as its themed events.
F1 Week | 4–9 December 2026
Cabin groups will build and decorate handmade cars, earning materials through challenges before preparing for a final race. There are pit-stop relays and reaction games, with plenty for campers who enjoy designing and building as well as those keen to race. Working on one car gives cabin mates a shared problem to solve and decisions to make together. Campers can also choose from Sugar Bay’s programme of over 100 activities. This five-night session is the shortest of the five summer camps.
Roblox Week | 9–16 December 2026
Familiar game ideas become activities children do together, away from screens. Younger campers will care for a soft-toy cabin mascot, while other age groups tackle building challenges, mysteries and friendly rivalries. The theme gives children who enjoy Roblox a familiar starting point for joining in with other campers. Alongside the themed games, they can make their own choices from Sugar Bay’s programme of over 100 activities, including water sports and creative activities.
Neon Week | 16–23 December 2026
UV art, glow games and cabin preparations for the Neon Glow Show Finale will bring colour to the final camp before Christmas. Campers collect glow sticks through challenges and use them to decorate their outfits for the show. Age-group activities include blacklight puppets, a life-size arcade and an escape-room challenge. There is also time to choose from Sugar Bay’s programme of over 100 activities, so the stay includes outdoor sport and adventure as well as the glow-themed events.
Grinch Week | 27 December 2026–3 January 2027
The Grinch will be causing trouble around camp, while Cindy Lou Who looks out for acts of kindness to help grow a large felt heart. The story makes noticing and helping other people part of the week’s fun. Whoville-inspired games and festive activities lead into a New Year’s Eve carnival, fire show and countdown to 2027. Between these events, campers can choose from Sugar Bay’s programme of over 100 activities.
Afro Beats Week | 3–10 January 2027
African music, movement and creative traditions shape the January programme. Planned activities include drumming, gumboot dancing, beadwork and clay work. An art exhibition and an optional, non-competitive showcase give campers a chance to share what they have been working on. Children can also choose from Sugar Bay’s programme of over 100 activities, combining the creative theme with favourite sports or a new activity they want to try.
Explore Afro Beats Week.
Care, Cabin Life and Staying in Touch
For a first stay away, the people caring for a child matter as much as the programme. Sugar Bay’s counselors supervise campers throughout their stay and sleep in the cabins overnight. Cabin groups are arranged by grade, with children of similar ages and gender together. Wooden cabins have bunk beds and en-suite bathrooms, with bedding supplied.
Counselors help newcomers settle in, and Camp Mom offers support with homesickness, friendships and joining in. A nurse runs the Health Centre, with a doctor on call. Qualified lifeguards supervise water activities. Parents can read more about swimming assessments and water safety before booking.
Phones are handed in on arrival and returned at departure. Parents can receive daily WhatsApp updates and contact the camp office with concerns. Before booking, families should discuss any medical, dietary or additional support needs with the team.
The first-time parent guide and parent FAQs explain these arrangements in more detail.
Planning Your Child’s Stay
Camp fees include accommodation, bedding, three meals a day, the regular activity programme and supervision. Transport, optional excursions and tuckshop spending cost extra. Supervised travel from Sandton and transfers from King Shaka International Airport can be arranged; confirm availability and travel details with Sugar Bay before booking flights.
Start with the December and January camp guide to compare the five sessions, then check current prices and booking details.
When preparing for camp, use the Sugar Bay packing list to check clothing, swimwear and other essentials.
Once your family has chosen a session, book online. For help choosing a camp or discussing a first stay, WhatsApp Sugar Bay on 082 525 9503 or call 032 485 3778.
- Sugar Bay’s December and January Holiday Camps: A Summer Away for Children and Teens - November 10, 2026
- How Skills Learnt at Sugar Bay Camp Boost Academic Performance - October 6, 2026
- Why the September School Holidays Could Be the Confidence Reset Your Child Needs - September 3, 2026
