An organisation running summer camps for Bristol children says it can offer them the chance to experience "real" childhood.

Superweeks – residential holiday camps for eight to 16-year-olds – are run by the Active Training and Education Trust (ATE), a not-for-profit organisation.

ATE says that with intensive schooling, commercialism and urban life, Superweeks gives youngsters a taste of something they might not otherwise have a chance to.

Children are picked up from Temple Meads or the bus station in Marlborough Street and taken to one of five countryside destinations – in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Shropshire and the Welsh Borders.

Superweeks are open to children from across the UK, and attract about 1,000 children a year.

Although many will have had their place paid for by their parents (with a stay costing between £285 and £445), children also attend who have had their place sponsored.

The weeks include a combination of indoor and outdoor games, singing, puzzles, swimming, drama, a day trip, team challenges and much more.

There are also weeks focussing on a particular interest, such as inventing, arts and crafts or survival skills.

ATE founding director Chris Green said: "Summer camps can show children enjoyment beyond television or a Nintendo DS.

"In spending a week in a shared positive, supportive and fun environment children can gain in confidence, make new friends from all over the country, become more independent, learn new skills and discover hidden talents.

"On a stand-alone experience like a Superweek, children have a 'blank slate' and get the opportunity to just 'be themselves' without having to keep up appearances or act older than they really are."