Learning, experiencing, growing! In our camps, learning often happens quite naturally: when arriving in the group, through shared laughter, when trying new things – and of course, through speaking. But what's the pedagogical approach behind it? How do we create an environment where children feel comfortable, become more courageous, and perceive English not as "school," but as an experience?
With this issue, we launch our interview series from camps for friends. First up is Susanne Vomwalde, who shares her perspective on how we support children with very different backgrounds: from camp first-timers to teenagers, from shy to spirited. Our guiding principle: Every child is unique!
Susanne, many parents don't really know their child's English level. They might speak well in class, struggle with writing – or simply be shy. The big question then becomes: Which course is the right one?
Susanne Vomwalde: You don't have to figure that out alone. We assess each child's skills individually and place them in the appropriate group. And even within the group, we take a close look: What are their strengths? Where do they need more time? What helps the child express themselves?
Is your concept also suitable for very young children or camp newcomers?
Susanne: Absolutely. We provide helpful bilingual support (English and German) especially for the little ones, so they feel secure and understand everything from the start. For children who don't want to stay overnight yet, we offer our City Camps : drop them off in the morning and pick them up in the evening. And for parents who need to get there quickly, we also offer a pick-up and drop-off service from major transport hubs.
And teenagers – is a camp still appropriate for a 16-year-old?
Susanne: Absolutely. Our camps in England are especially exciting for teens: there they experience the language in a real context – on excursions, during leisure activities, and through contact with English students. Interviews with locals from trade, business, and politics round it off and make it a genuine international experience.
What about shyness, homesickness – or a very lively temperament?
Susanne: We know that feeling well. With around 10.000 children a year, we see very diverse needs. For us, a trusting atmosphere, a "home away from home," is crucial. Children who feel safe and are treated with calm, patience, clear rules, and humor gradually find their way into the group. A good mix of male and female caregivers also helps ensure that every child finds "their" favorite person.
And what if the interests are very one-sided – or there's "no interest in anything at all"?
Susanne: Then a wide range of activities helps. From water sports (sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing) to football, basketball, and horse riding – plus creative activities in the afternoon and evenings, for example, movie night or disco night. This way, almost every child finds something they want to talk about – and English becomes a natural part of the experience.
Finally: What is your core educational principle in one sentence?
Every child is different – and that's a good thing. We want children to develop their strengths in a relaxed, safe atmosphere, feel understood, and make new friends. Because friendships are often the best motivation for speaking English naturally.
In the next interview, we'll be looking at your team. What exactly is it about?
Susanne: About “Heart joins Competence” – that is, how heart, attitude and professionalism come together at our company.
How does this manifest itself in everyday camp life?
Susanne: Some children are hesitant to speak at first. We don't force them into discussions – we start with simple, relaxed conversations so their self-confidence can grow. In a group of boys, asking about their favorite soccer team can work wonders. And with girls, for example, a shared "beauty night" often creates a calm atmosphere where it's easy to converse in English – without pressure.
And what if writing or presenting isn't so popular?
Susanne: No problem. Many exercises take place in a group. This takes the pressure off, strengthens the sense of community – and children experience: I'm not alone in English either.
Some children don't want to go to school during the holidays or are frustrated about grades. What do you think?
Susanne: Very important: Camps for Friends is not school. It's not about learning vocabulary and grammar, but about shared experiences. Through these experiences, your child automatically immerses themselves in English – often so much so that they don't even realize they're "learning." Some even tell us that they start dreaming in English during the camp. That's exactly the effect we want – and it's often even more pronounced during two weeks or at our England camps.
When children learn with joy, are allowed to experiment, and gain self-confidence in the process, they take home far more than just new words. Let's learn, laugh, and grow together!