What began as a six-week holiday learning and creative exploration, ended over the weekend in a colourful celebration. The event, ParentalPal’s Summer Camp 2026, brought together children, parents, facilitators and staff for a Showcase and Children’s Trade Fair in Lagos.

The programme, which hosted 54 children from 47 families, was designed to move beyond conventional holiday activities by creating opportunities for children to learn, experiment and discover their individual strengths.

Throughout the six-week camp, participants engaged in activities ranging from wool, string and paper art to carpentry, sewing, knitting, music, drama, dance, Scratch programming, phonics, baking, cooking and drinks-making.

The grand finale offered parents and guests an opportunity to see the results of the children’s work. Campers performed drama and dance, demonstrated Taekwondo skills, participated in musical games and displayed artworks and other creations produced during the programme.

Parents were also drawn into the activities, with a self-defence workshop forming part of the day’s programme.

A major attraction was the Children’s Trade Fair, which transformed the young participants from learners into budding entrepreneurs. The children created and sold products including jollof rice, watermelon juice, snacks, artworks, hair accessories and jewellery.

Together, the young entrepreneurs recorded approximately ₦120,000 in sales, gaining practical lessons in pricing, presentation, customer service, communication and money management.

For ParentalPal, however, the value of the exercise extended beyond the proceeds.

Nine-year-old Kai, who had initially struggled with shyness and remembering her lines during rehearsals, delivered her final performance confidently and led a heartfelt closing prayer. Siblings Ben and Joan, aged six and seven, also channelled their energy into carpentry and string art, producing some of the pieces displayed at the event.

Parents said the programme had also produced noticeable changes at home. Mrs Wole reported a 95 per cent reduction in her child’s screen time, while Mrs Daodu said the weekly boarding programme helped her child, who is on the spectrum, develop greater independence.

For working parents, the extended hours offered by ParentalPal provided an additional benefit. Mrs Sodi said the arrangement enabled her to remain productive while knowing her children were in a safe and engaging environment.

Founder of ParentalPal, Idara Uwatt, said the camp was created to give children the freedom to explore, make mistakes and try again.
The programme ended with certificates presented to participating children and volunteers.

She also acknowledged Domino’s Pizza, Nestlé Milo and Golden Morn for supporting aspects of the camp experience. With the summer programme concluded, ParentalPal’s Kiddies Learning Hub is now open for crèche, preschool and homeschooling services for neurodivergent children.