FAQ - English Language Camps
Questions about the training program
Your child's age, grade level, and, if applicable, school type are usually quite informative. Nevertheless, we conduct an individual assessment interview with each child, starting with very easy questions and working our way up gradually. After the assessment interview with all children and young people, they are divided into groups of 8-15 students. As a rule, there is nothing wrong with friends who, for example, are also in the same class at home participating in the same group – unless this is explicitly not desired.
For beginners or “false beginners” We don't conduct placement interviews for children between the ages of 6 and 10. At most, we might ask for a word recognition (football = soccer, sun = sun) for motivational reasons.
What are “false beginners”?
False beginners are children or students who have had occasional contact with English—for example, through school, media, or travel—but have not yet developed basic language skills. They may recognize simple terms but still feel insecure when speaking freely. These children are often formally considered beginners, but already have some basic vocabulary or a feel for the language.
Our learning projects take place daily from 09:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., which corresponds to four 45-minute school lessons, including recess. However, English is spoken throughout the day at camp, including during recreational activities. Therefore, meals and afternoon recreational programs are an integral part of the overall curriculum.
This can happen from time to time. There are many reasons for this: Perhaps your child wants to be in a group with a friend. Perhaps they lack confidence because their active communicative skills (speaking) lag behind their passive language skills (reading, listening comprehension). Perhaps your child simply wants to take things a little slower during the holidays. Whatever the reason, our trainers are always on hand to identify it and work with your child to find a solution that makes them feel comfortable.
No, we don't offer German courses at our language camps. Our focus is on teaching English through specially designed programs suitable for both beginners and advanced participants. These make it easier for children to learn English in a playful atmosphere.
We do not offer special intensive courses for Abitur preparation. Our language camps are designed to improve participants' English skills in a motivating and playful atmosphere. They are ideal for general language training, but not for intensive preparation for the Abitur or other exams. fundamental intensification For language courses, we recommend our language course in England. This course is exclusively for teenagers (13-17 years old).
We always schedule enough counselors to ensure that every child is supported according to their level and has a great stay at the language camp. Each counselor is assigned to a group of 8-15 children. If the number of participants at the camp increases, we schedule additional instructors to ensure the same staff-to-counselor ratio even with larger groups. This way, we ensure that every child receives the attention and support they need for a successful language stay. And, of course, lots of fun!
Yes, in our language camps we naturally cover grammar and vocabulary. Unlike traditional classroom instruction, where grammar is often taught in isolation, we take a practical approach. We encourage speaking and active communication to introduce children to grammar and vocabulary in a natural way—in a "roundabout" way, so to speak.
Language is more than just grammar and vocabulary. In our language camps, we encourage children to speak a lot and expand their language skills through playful learning. This reinforces grammar through active use and repeated speaking. We have designed our curricula to be age-appropriate, so grammatical topics are addressed according to the language level and age of the students. This ensures that children deepen their language skills in a fun and effective way.
Questions about registration and booking
The main menu on our website offers you various options for finding the right camp for your child(ren).
Visit our “Regions page” to get a good overview of all locations: Regions of the camps for friends
If you are still unsure whether a holiday camp or a city camp is a better fit for your child, please find out more here: Type of camp
Of course, you can also search for camps based on holiday periods: Seasons of camps for friends
Some of our camps can be booked with optional supervised arrival – you will find an overview here: Camps with supervised arrival
Select your desired location on our website. At the bottom of the page for the respective location (e.g. North Sea, St. Peter-Ording) you will find a booking form. Here you can select the desired period, the duration of the camp, and the option with or without overnight accommodation. The corresponding price will be displayed directly according to your selection.
Unfortunately, we do not offer a discount for sibling registration. However, you can find current discounts and special offers under "Actions and News" on our website or via the piggy bank (top right in the menu bar). Be sure to check back regularly to take advantage of our exclusive discounts and savings opportunities.
Discounts shown on the website can be combined with a voucher code. However, only ONE voucher code can be used at a time. Voucher codes cannot be combined with each other. Current discount promotions and special offers can be found at Promotions and news on our website. Be sure to check back regularly to take advantage of the best offers.
Supervised arrival and departure is offered for many of our camps. Detailed information can be found on the website of each location. The children meet their supervisors at a designated meeting point, which will be provided to you in advance at the customer service center. The supervisors accompany the children throughout the entire journey and ensure a safe journey.
For example, the camp in St. Peter-Ording a supervised journey by train is offered.
Unfortunately, it's not possible to reserve a spot at the language camp. Registration takes place directly through our booking portal, and spots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend registering early to secure your preferred camp dates and locations, especially if your children want to attend English camp with friends.
Unfortunately, it's not possible to visit or test the language camp directly. However, parents are welcome to drive to the camp locations independently and get a feel for the accommodations and surroundings. Please note that there is no guarantee that you will have access to all areas of the camp or that you will be able to speak spontaneously with our counselors on-site. However, this will allow you to gain a first impression of the quality and environment of the camp.
Yes, early pick-up is generally possible. However, it's better for your child if they can enjoy the entire camp experience, including all activities and program items, until the end. If an early pick-up is necessary, please let us know in advance.
The price includes morning lessons including materials, all meals (full board), all leisure activities included in the program (except for the additional modules), and water, tea, and juices according to house rules. For more information, please visit our website under the "Meals" info box for each location.
Yes, our travel cancellation insurance package is available online. You can select the insurance package directly when booking, and it will be displayed on the second page of the booking. Alternatively, you can also purchase travel cancellation insurance after completing your booking within the next 14 working days. Further details can be found in our Information PDF.
Yes, please give your child a copy of their health insurance card to bring to camp – please not the originalIf your child is privately insured through you, please also enclose a short letter or confirmation from the insurance company stating that your child is also insured.
These documents help us to act quickly and easily in an emergency, even if you are unavailable at short notice.
After your booking, you will immediately receive a confirmation of receipt for the camp you have booked. Your details will be checked for completeness within 48 hours at the latest. You will then receive a booking confirmation via email. This booking confirmation contains your personalized link to our customer center. After you have registered with your child's date of birth (note: if you have multiple children, always use the personalized link for each child), you will be in the camps for friends Customer Center. Here you'll find all the important information and documents you'll need for the future: the parental consent form to fill out, your booking details, your account balance, the packing list, your check-in button, and much more.
You can find your travel documents in your personalized access to our customer center. You will receive the link in your booking confirmation email. See also the question: "What information will I receive after booking?"
You will find personalized access to our customer center in the booking confirmation you received by email. Please note that you will receive a separate link for each child. You will then log in using the respective child's date of birth. See also the question "What information will I receive after my booking?"
We are happy to accept bookings for additional modules at any time, even after the camp has already started. However, we can only guarantee module availability if these are booked at the time of booking or well in advance. We therefore recommend booking additional modules directly when booking via our booking portal.
Unfortunately, we are currently unable to accept credit card payments.
If this happens, don't worry. It can take up to 14 days for your payment to appear in the Customer Center due to our weekly payment import cycle.
The customer is entitled to withdraw free of charge within 14 days of the invoice date or the date of the booking confirmation. This does not apply if the contract is concluded 6 weeks or more before the start of the tripIn this case, cancellation is no longer possible.
The grading is then as follows:
- For cancellation up to 45 days before the start of the trip, 20% of the travel price
- For cancellation up to 30 days before the start of the trip, 40% of the travel price
- For cancellation up to 14 days before the start of the trip, 70% of the travel price
- For cancellation up to 6 days before the start of the trip, 80% of the travel price
- For cancellation up to 0 days before the start of the trip, 90% of the travel price
General Questions
Our English camps are aimed at children and teenagers between 8 and 17 years old. In Germany, the age range is usually 8 to 16. Our language trip to England, on the other hand, is designed exclusively for teens aged 13 to 17. The age information is intended as a guideline, as every child is different – with their own interests, experiences, and learning paths.
For younger participants from 8 years onwards we offer our City Camps These usually take place near town without overnight accommodation and are ideal for getting started in English camp.
If you are a bit older or looking for more adventure, you will find in our Holiday Camps in Germany is exactly the right thing.
For those who not only want to learn English, but also want to experience the language directly in everyday English life, our Language trips to England The perfect choice. Here, participants experience an authentic language environment where they interact not only with other camp participants from Germany, but also with English college students – who serve as perfect language role models. This makes learning English an unforgettable experience.
You can find your travel documents in your personalized access to our customer center. You will receive the link in your booking confirmation email. See also the question: "What information will I receive after booking?"
You will find personalized access to our customer center in the booking confirmation you received by email. Please note that you will receive a separate link for each child. You will then log in using the respective child's date of birth. See also the question "What information will I receive after my booking?"
The children are allowed to bring their cell phones to camp. However, we accept them upon check-in, as digital detox is an important part of our philosophy. Every day, the children are given their cell phones for one hour, usually after dinner, to make calls or send messages. The children are not allowed to use their cell phones on excursions, but they can bring a camera. Our counselors also regularly take photos at camp.
At our England Camp Cell phone use during excursions is regulated differently. Children are also allowed to use their cell phones during the excursions to take photos.
Im City Camp The concept is a bit different: Since this camp only takes place during the day, there's no daily cell phone break. Cell phones are collected by the counselors, but for safety reasons, we have a rule that children can use their phones to contact their parents in an emergency. This ensures that they can be reached in case of an urgent call.
We'd be happy to advise you over the phone and help you find the right camp near you. Alternatively, you can also find information on our website – under the "Seasons" or "Regions" sections, you'll find an overview of all our English camp locations and dates.
QUESTIONS ABOUT SAFETY & COMFORT
Children sometimes get homesick. Our pedagogically trained caregivers are highly experienced in dealing with such situations. They lovingly care for the children, take their time, listen, and provide distraction and renewed motivation with little tricks and varied activities.
From experience, we advise against making daily phone calls during this phase – this often increases homesickness more than it helps. Please understand that early departure for this reason will not result in a refund of camp fees.
If you are unsure whether an overnight camp is right for you, our City Camps without overnight stay a good alternative – with just as much adventure, but back home in the evening.
Your child will be given a cell phone for one hour each day at camp—usually in the evening—to contact family or friends. The camp team is available outside of these hours. We will provide you with the phone number of the on-site counselor at the customer service center before camp begins. This way, you can stay connected to the camp at any time if needed.
We are of course also happy to welcome parents to visit from time to time, but please note that our days and programs are very well planned, including excursions, activities, and lessons. If you have concerns that your child is not ready for an overnight camp, for example, due to their age, please speak to us. We also offer all camps (except the language trips to England) as day camps. Upon request – in individual cases and subject to availability – an overnight stay can be added on at short notice.
Generally, all activities are included in the price of the trip. However, we recommend a small amount of pocket money for personal purchases or even an occasional ice cream. Pocket money will be collected at check-in and kept by the camp director. Your child can pick it up there at any time.
In order to be able to identify the children to the authorities upon request, we require an official document. Please include a copy of your identity card or passport with your documents. Please also see all the information in the personalized login to our customer center.
Depending on the camp location, children are accommodated in shared rooms. The exact room size depends on the specific accommodation. Typically, children sleep in 4- to 6-bed rooms. We do not offer single rooms. Twin rooms may occasionally be available, but they are the exception. Room allocation is always age-appropriate and considerate – we make sure everyone feels comfortable.
Should your child become ill or injured during camp, our counselors will, of course, take care of everything immediately. Depending on the situation, the child will receive medical care on-site or be taken to the doctor with a counselor.
Whether and how your child can continue participating in camp afterward will be decided on an individual basis – in close consultation with you and your child. If the illness is minor, continued participation is often possible. If the symptoms are more severe, we will work with you to determine the next steps. Your child's health and well-being are always our top priority.
Questions about travel, accommodation and meals
At our Holiday camps with overnight stay Check-in is usually at 14:00 PM on Sundays. Departure is between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on Saturdays.
Was that Holiday camp without overnight stay Check-in is also on Sundays at 14:00 PM. During camp week, parents drop their children off at camp every day at 8:30 AM and pick them up again at 21:00 PM.
Our City Camps, which always take place without an overnight stay, the children are brought daily at 8:30 a.m. and picked up at 17:30 p.m.
For supervised arrivals, special times apply, which may vary depending on the camp location.
It is therefore best to keep an eye on the information in the customer center, as this is where you will find all the important times and information regarding (assisted) arrival and departure based on your location.
You are welcome to let us know your room preferences when booking. There is a dedicated field for this in the booking form. Your room preferences, whether for friends or siblings, will be fully accommodated. If your child is traveling alone, we will ensure that they are assigned a room with children of the same age group to facilitate friendships. Girls and boys are, of course, accommodated separately (different rooms, different hallways, different buildings depending on the location). These are typically 4- to 6-bed rooms.
Yes, you can find the packing list in our customer center with the personalized login for each child.
Generally, it's not necessary to bring bed linen. Should there be any exceptions, this will be specifically noted in the packing list at the customer service center. Bringing a bath towel is recommended; shower towels are provided by all hotels.
The camp director provides a separate envelope or box for each child. This is where cell phones, documents (a copy of the vaccination record, insurance card, and ID), and pocket money are kept. We generally recommend leaving valuables at home if possible.
In general, it's no problem to accommodate food intolerances or special dietary requirements at our camps. Ideally, you should provide initial information in the appropriate message box when booking. You'll also find the parental declaration form in the customer service center, where you can further address medication, food intolerances, illnesses, and allergies. Camp leaders handle these topics with the utmost care.
Yes, if you book for two weeks, the overnight stay on the weekend in between is included.
Since most children and young people only book one week, the group size is usually smaller on the intervening weekend. Participants who stay for two weeks experience special activities with our supervisors—for example, a movie night or other exciting leisure activities. Thanks to the smaller group size, individual requests can be accommodated and activities can be implemented that would otherwise not be possible in a larger setting.
Questions about the leisure program
In the camps for friends The group activities are a large part of the program's success. The children learn to work in teams, to approach other children, and to discover their joy in new activities. There is something for everyone: for boys and girls, for the athletic and the creative, for younger and older children. So, your child has the choice. "No desire" is not an option at the camps for friends Not to mention that our coaches always encourage all children to participate and ensure the fun factor is endless. Of course, your child doesn't have to participate if they're not feeling well or are under the weather. In this case, our supervisors will take care of any minor ailments or problems.
We are happy to accept bookings for additional modules at any time, even after the camp has already started. However, we can only guarantee module availability if these are booked at the time of booking or well in advance. We therefore recommend booking additional modules directly when booking via our booking portal.
Questions about the language trip to England
No, children do not need to bring their own sports equipment such as rackets, balls or other training equipment. After booking, you will receive a booking confirmation with a link to your personal customer area. There you will find a detailed packing list, a welcome package, and all important information about your stay.
Yes! We continuously build on the learning content – your children will deepen their knowledge step by step. This guarantees sustainable learning success and motivating language training with increasing demands.
