Exclusive ISHCMC Summer Camp Partner

Inspire Educamps – Where Children Learn to Think for Themselves

Since 2018, Inspire Educamps has been the trusted summer camp partner of International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC). Our camps help children grow in confidence, character, resilience, and curiosity — all through hands-on experiences designed to build real life skills.

Our guiding belief is simple:

“How we think is EVERYTHING.”

When children learn to think independently — to ask questions, explore ideas, and solve problems — they discover what they’re capable of and begin shaping the future they want.

Open to children from all schools. Hosted at ISHCMC Secondary Campus.

A Long-Term Partnership with ISHCMC & COGNITA

Inspire Educamps has partnered with International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) and the COGNITA Schools Group since 2018. Our programmes are aligned with their shared commitment to:

  • Whole-child development
  • High-quality teaching and care
  • Global citizenship and character building
  • Safe, structured, well-supervised environments

This long-term partnership reflects a deep level of trust in our ability to deliver safe, engaging, and professionally run holiday programmes on campus each year.

Partner since 2018 — COGNITA-aligned — Hosted annually at ISHCMC

Our Philosophy:

"How We Think Is EVERYTHING!"

Our camps are built around one powerful idea:
The way children think shapes the way they live.

We don’t simply keep children busy — we help them build the mindsets and tools they’ll use throughout their lives.

Children learn to:

  • Ask thoughtful questions and stay curious
  • Look for solutions, not problems
  • Develop a growth mindset
  • Understand their values, strengths, and passions
  • Communicate clearly and work well with others
  • Solve problems with confidence

“When children learn how to think, instead of what to think, they become unstoppable.”

Leadership Rooted in Service, Education & Innovation

Inspire Educamps was founded by Steve Lanning, an educator and entrepreneur who has been delivering international-school summer camps in Ho Chi Minh City since 2007.

Steve’s experience uniquely blends:

Military service – discipline, integrity, leadership, and resilience
Education – 18+ years working with international schools and young learners
Business & entrepreneurship – systems, structure, safety, and professional standards

This combination ensures Inspire Educamps programmes are warm and nurturing, while also highly organised, safe, and professionally delivered — the balance parents value most.

Steve’s mission is simple:
To help children become independent thinkers, confident problem-solvers, and capable creators of their own future.

Our Staff

Chosen for Character. Trained for Excellence.

At Inspire Educamps, our staff are the foundation of a safe, engaging, and high-quality camp experience.

Our team includes Group Leaders, Assistant Group Leaders, and Activity Department staff, all selected first and foremost for their character, judgement, and ability to connect with children. Qualifications matter — but who someone is matters more.

Our Expat Group Leaders all hold:

  • A minimum of a university degree, and
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching certification,

    with experience working with children in international and multicultural settings.

Our Activity Department staff and Assistant Group Leaders are predominantly full-time ISHCMC staff, bringing deep familiarity with the school environment, strong safeguarding practices, and a shared commitment to student wellbeing. They are highly trained, reliable, and understand the expectations of international-school families.

Beyond formal qualifications, every Inspire Educamps staff member is selected for:

• Genuine care for children’s wellbeing
• Calm, confident leadership and communication skills
• Professionalism, reliability, and integrity
• The ability to create positive, inclusive, and supportive group dynamics

All staff complete pre-camp training and operate within clear systems for supervision, safety, and child wellbeing, with experienced leadership present on campus at all times.

Most importantly, our staff create an environment where children feel safe, supported, and confident to try new things — while having fun, building friendships, and developing independence.

What Makes Inspire Educamps Different

We are not just another summer camp...

Weekly Themes with Purpose
Each week explores a powerful idea — such as Vision, Mindset, Creativity, Resilience, Gratitude or Teamwork — helping children build real-life tools.

Balanced, Hands-On Programme
A thoughtful mix of projects, cooking, sports, art, STEAM, drama, team-building, outdoor games, and life-skills for all age groups.

Confidence Through Independent Thinking
Children are guided to make decisions, express ideas, work through challenges, and think for themselves.

Exceptional Educators
Our warm, experienced international team brings professionalism, care, and energy to every group.

Safety & Safeguarding

Your Child’s Safety Comes First

As an official partner of ISHCMC and the COGNITA Schools Group, we operate to high standards of:

  • Safeguarding and child protection
  • Health & safety
  • Staff screening and training
  • Supervision ratios
  • Emergency and security procedures
  • Clear campus protocols
  • Professional behaviour expectations

Every child deserves a safe, structured, and supportive environment — and we take that responsibility seriously.

Our Vision for Children

Helping Children Grow Into Who They’re Meant To Be

Our goal is for children to leave camp not just with great memories — but with a stronger sense of themselves and what they can do.

We aim to help every child become:

  • Confident – willing to try, speak up, and take healthy risks
  • Curious – asking “why?”, “how?”, and “what if?”
  • Independent – able to make good decisions
  • Resilient – learning from mistakes
  • Kind & collaborative – respectful, empathetic, supportive

When children learn to think well, they thrive — in school, at home, and in life.

Why Parents Love Us

Why Parents Love Inspire Educamps

“My child came home more confident.”
Parents regularly tell us their children become more confident, independent thinkers after camp.

“It’s safe, structured, and professional.”
Families appreciate our strong communication, organisation, and adherence to ISHCMC/COGNITA safeguarding policies.

“It’s more than fun — they really learn things relevant to life!.”
Our curriculum blends fun with mindset, life-skills, and personal growth.

“My kids can’t wait to come back.”
Many families return year after year because their children love the experience and the friendships they build.