This year's initiatives extend beyond music and group games by incorporating training in fire safety, drowning prevention, legal awareness and personal safety, with activities tailored to different age groups.
In Quy Nhon Ward, the local Youth Union has partnered with organisations to run campaigns on drowning prevention and the "Say No to Drugs – Be Proactive in Fire Prevention and Fighting" initiative. During hands-on sessions, children learned how to use fire extinguishers under the guidance of instructors.
"This is my first time holding a fire extinguisher, so at first it felt quite heavy and I was a bit nervous. But after being shown how to use it, I really enjoyed it," said Phạm Huỳnh Bảo Anh, a resident of Quarter 38. "I also remember the advice: if there's a fire, stay calm, find a safe way out, and alert adults and emergency services".
First Lieutenant Trần Xuân Thắng, from the provincial Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Police Department, said the training was designed to match children's ages and focused on essential fire safety knowledge in an accessible format.
"The main emphasis is on escape techniques and how to seek help from adults in emergencies", he said.
Parents have welcomed the programmes. Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Hương, whose child regularly attends the summer sessions, said each activity helps children acquire practical skills while providing a meaningful environment during the school break.
In Bien Ho Commune, all 23 hamlets and villages are organising summer activities that combine quizzes on history, culture, life skills and social issues with lessons delivered by local police on traffic safety, drug prevention and school violence. Interactive question-and-answer sessions and practical exercises are designed to strengthen children's awareness of self-protection and legal compliance.
Children in Pleiku Ward are taking part in traditional games, including tug-of-war and sack races, alongside team-building activities that encourage physical exercise, cooperation and social interaction.
Võ Hoàng Minh, Secretary of the Pleiku Ward Youth Union, said the ward plans to organise water safety training in mid-July, a swimming competition and a legal education team festival in early August.
"We hope each activity not only brings joy but also helps children naturally acquire knowledge and skills", he said.
Summer programmes are also introducing children to Vietnam's traditional performing arts. In Quy Nhon Nam Ward, the local Youth Union and youth groups from neighbourhoods 23, 24, 25 and 28 organised "Traditional Colors - The Art of Hát Bội", where children painted traditional theatre masks while learning the meaning behind different colours and facial designs.
The Summer Activities Subcommittee of the Hoi Thuong Residential Cluster (Pleiku Ward) organizes summer sessions featuring traditional games for children. Photo: ĐVCC
Curiosity quickly turned into enthusiasm as participants decorated masks in bright shades of red, black, yellow and blue.
"This is the first time I've seen a hát bội mask", said Nguyễn Thùy Anh from Quarter 25. "I was surprised that each mask, though brightly coloured, has its own meaning. When I got to paint one myself, I was both happy and careful to make it look beautiful".
People's Artist Xuân Hợi, a veteran tuồng (hát bội) performer, guided the children throughout the activity and said practical experiences such as mask painting could help younger generations develop an appreciation for the traditional art form.
"I am always willing to participate in programmes organised by local authorities, schools or the Youth Union to introduce the art of mask painting and hát bội," he said. "If we want this art form to be preserved and developed, we must start by nurturing a love for hát bội in children from an early age, because they will be the next generation of audiences".