Teenage residential summer camps abroad

[El24]

I would love to send my 13-year-old daughter off to a residential camp abroad (Europe, Canada, USA) in the summer, but have no idea where to start.

My daughter has been a bit lost for want of a better word and I feel an adventure like this would help her come out of her shell, not to mention the benefit from mixing with other kids her age outside the local area.

She's very sporty so something along those lines would be fantastic. Also she's starting her KS4 French in September so would love if I could combine the two, although not essential.

Any recommendations would be much appreciated.

[MrsFionaCharming]

If you're considering a camp in the US the best place to start is the ACA website, they only list camps which meet their quality criteria, and they have a search engine to allow you to find a camp that suits your needs.

There are millions of types of camps, and I'd recommend once you've found be you like the look of it, see if they have a Facebook page for campers / staff as this will give you an idea of the camp yo am not get from the 'official' website.

[MrsFionaCharming]

Another point about US summer camps, at 13, she's old enough to be part of the CIT program at some camps (counselor in training) which means she'd get to take part in all the activities, but also have some extra responsibilities helping out with younger campers. It's a great learning and confidence building program, and would be excellent if she wanted to go into the Camp America / Camp Leaders program when she's older.

[Lilymaid]

DS2 has worked as a camp counselor at a US summer camp for the past two summers and has loved it ... as do the kids. A couple of points - firstly, many camps are for a fixed period e.g. DS2's camp runs from 23 June to 12 August so wouldn't fit in well with UK school holidays, even for the independent schools and the cost is a fairly eyewatering $8600 (excluding air fares/transfers/pocket money).
A few years ago DS2 attended (for one week) a camp in France run by UCPA - but he wasn't a resident and went with a friend who spoke good French. He had a great time ... and learnt to swear fluently in French.

[KatieScarlett2833]

PGL are good.

[jendifa]

i worked at a summer camp last summer. There were a few girls there from England, and is ranked as one of the best in the USA. I'm happy to send you details if you like.

[GnomeDePlume]

I went on PGL holidays on my own many years ago. They were very good. I know they do a trip down to the south of France. They have been running it for over 30 years (I wanted to go on it when I was your DD's age) so they will have ironed out any problems by now!

[silentmum]

My kids went to Kandalore in Canada last summer and adored it. It's a good mix of on-site activities and canoeing in national parks (Kandalore is a wilderness training centre), with environmental awareness, no bad thing for kids.
The youngest (11) didn't know a soul when she arrived, but her counselors were brilliant at teambuilding and she quickly made friends. They have a pick up and drop off service from the airport, and do get kids from Europe every year.

[DADofTWOboys99]

My older son went on horse riding holiday in Poland last year. He was 15 and in my opinion it is the very bast age to start camping. He was mature enough to have a great time and he did not miss us at all :(. We've paid £750+flights & transfers (about £150) for 14 days.

[Blackcabmum]

if she is sporty, try the ocean youth trust, they do some great adventures, and because of the nature of the breaks the skills young people learn are just amazing. You don't need any sailing experience but there are some age restrictions, they are good value for money (not cheap but subsidised by the charity, up side is there is very little else for them to spend money on, no shops at sea.) take a look.

[flow4]

dadoftwoboys do you have a link or a company name that I could google, please? :)

[binth]

International Summer Camp Montana is excellent in Switzerland.
Camp Cody
Maine Teen Camps
Julian Krinsky Camps in Philadelphia
SO MANY GOOD ONES OUT THERE

[mumtolawyer]

Camp Suisse or Village Camps, both good. Anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks.

[SaraJane1]

I have been looking at peakhorizon.com for my two children - seems perfect as there is high staff coverage (to ease my worries about sending the kids abroad alone!) and different camps within the resort, so son can do football whilst daughter does languages.

[MsSimon]

I just started looking for summer camps for my children (i hope I am not too late). I want to send them to Europe to a camp with languages and activities. I will look through all the recommendations ? thank you.

[Takver]

Not abroad, but if she wants an adventure in a supportive environment then Forest School Camps are worth a look.

[GraceJameson]

This website might help. There's a lot of information in here that I found helpful.

Finding the right residential camp for your child is not easy, that's because there are so many to choose from. But by taking the time to find the right camp, you are giving your teen a great start in life.

[Momalicious]

We've just booked Peak Horizon Summer Camps for our boys this July. My children have stayed in their accommodation before on ski trips and they're great, the staff are fantastic. The camps are in the French mountains and there is so much for them to do. Plus we've booked a break away in Annecy at the same time :)

[OliviaBakes]

Momalicious - where abouts are the camps? DH and I are off to Provence this summer (staying just outside of Nice) and looking for somewhere to put the kids! We looked at UK residential but are not really happy being in a different country and I would like for them to do something different to the usual UK residential which they have done in the past.

[MadameChinLegs]

Another one seconding PGL. This page on their website shows the locations.

I think the french centres are quite heavy on Watersports.

I used to work at PGL (UK) but haven't for a few years. IME, the summer camps we did were great fun, and the kids just flourished from the adventure and independence.

I don't know how much I can say on here? My sister also works for a Kids Camp, in France, at Manor Adventure in Rue, here and they are smaller than the PGL centres so may appeal to those who don't want a huge group setting.

MNHQ if I have been norty by linking to companies I am close to, I am sorry, and will remove the posts if you'd like.

[OliviaBakes]

Thanks Madame! I have taken a look and PGL do look great but nothing close enough, it would be ideal if we can all fly to Nice or Geneva together and then drop kids off and enjoy our break.
Peak Horizon are in the French Alps so may work better [http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/teenagers/1418414-Teenage-residential-summer-camps-abroad]

I will show the kids and hubby this evening and see what they all think, 17 yr old wants to stay at home alone but I'm hoping that 2 weeks in the Alps appeals!

[MadameChinLegs]

No probs at all

Oh, and not to derail, but if you go to Nice, a trip into Monaco on the train is a very good day out and if you go to Geneva, theres a great public park with huge chessboards outside to play chess all the old Genevan pensioners sitting round watching me kick DHs but at chess

[OliviaBakes]

Thanks very much - not so sure about the chess but the train to Monaco sounds fantastic - we're celebrating our anniversary and I am owed a treat!

[MsSimon]

Good for you Olivia! Lovely plans for the summer! I looked at the option and the most appealing and best fit with our plans is Peak Horizon. ? Great activities and locations!

[Momalicious]

Hi OliviaBakes - They have camps in various locations Alpe dHuez, La Plagne, Tignes, I think there might be a couple of others as well. Have a look at their site peakhorizon.com/. Summer in Provence sounds divine

[S0phieC]

Hi

Try here - Mountain Adventure Camps

I know they are working with local schools and authorities in trying to get children outside and are offering some great discounts for the summer.

We are sending our boy there as part of a group of 10 (football club), they have been really helpful and offer a wide range of activities, including French lessons! So hopefully he'll brush up before going back to school.