How to choose the best summer camp abroad for teenagers?

What is a summer camp?

A summer camp is an immersive experience that allows teenagers and young adults to participate in educational, athletic, or cultural activities during the summer break. These programmes provide a safe environment for discovering new cultures and activities, improving language skills, and meeting people from diverse backgrounds. These programmes have a significant educational component: teens will be able to learn a lot about the culture and language of the country they visit.

What is the concept behind a summer camp?

There is a wide variety of camps tailored to different ages, skill levels, and interests.

Marine life

Indonesia4.8(3)

Summer camp: sea turtle conservation in Bali

Duration

2 weeks

Age

From 15 years old

from €1,300 for 2 weeks

Animals

Thailand, Hua Hin

Summer camp: elephant conservation in Thailand

Duration

2 weeks

Age

From 15 years old

from €1,600 for 2 weeks

Animals

Kenya, Nakuru

Summer camp: educational project and giraffe conservation in Kenya

Duration

2 weeks

Age

From 15 years old

from €1,400 for 2 weeks

Marine life

Costa Rica

Sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica summer camp

Duration

2 weeks

Age

From 15 years old

from €2,210 for 2 weeks

Sport

United Kingdom

Football summer camp in London

Duration

2 weeks

Age

From 10 years old

from €3,590 for 2 weeks

Summer camps

United Kingdom, London

Language summer camp in the UK

Duration

2 to 4 weeks

Age

From 10 years old

from €2,150 for 2 weeks

Sport

Portugal, Lisbon

Surf and sports summer camp in Portugal

Duration

1 to 2 weeks

Age

From 13 years old

from €1,780 for 2 weeks

Teaching

Italy, Salerno

Youth summer camp in Italy

Duration

2 weeks

Age

From 14 years old

from €2,520 for 2 weeks

Summer camps

Canada, Toronto5(2)

Youth summer camp in Canada

Duration

2 to 4 weeks

Age

From 12 years old

from €2,390 for 2 weeks

Teaching

Ireland, Drogheda

Youth summer camp in Ireland

Duration

1 to 6 weeks

Age

From 10 years old

from €2,050 for 2 weeks

How to Choose the Best Programme?

With so many summer camps to choose from, here are a few factors to consider when finding the programme that best suits your needs:

1. Interests

Choose a camp that aligns with your passions. Some focus on language learning, exploring a country, or even learning a sport.

2. Age

Also, age requirements vary from programme to programme: some are open to children as young as 12, while others start at age 15.

3. Location

Choose a destination you’re eager to explore or one that aligns with a specific goal (e.g., learning English). If your goal is to improve your English, you can read our page on summer camps in English-speaking countries by clicking this link. This might be the perfect opportunity to learn more about a destination whose history, way of life, and language you’d like to explore further.

4. The activities offered

Make sure they are varied and appropriate. Sample schedules are often provided to give you an idea of the daily routine.

5. Feedback from past participants

Reading reviews from past participants or parents is a good way to get a sense of what to expect and ensure the programme’s quality. To read a testimonial from a former participant in a turtle conservation summer camp in Bali, click here!

Ultimately, summer camp is much more than just a summer getaway: it’s an opportunity to grow, have fun, learn, and discover yourself. Whether you’re looking for a programme focused on sports, languages, education, or adventure, there are plenty of options tailored to your needs so you can enjoy an exciting summer camp experience with Freepackers!

A Checklist for a Stress-Free Summer Camp

Here is a comprehensive checklist of things to consider to ensure you’re fully prepared for summer camp:

Accommodations

Participants must be housed in suitable environments that offer comfort and safety. At most summer camps that provide lodging, young people stay on campus, in dormitories, or even with host families.

Meals

Check to see if meals are included in the programme. Most programmes include meals, but it’s important to check the details to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Language level

Our programmes are open to all language levels. Whether participants are beginners or advanced, the summer camps offer tailored classes and activities. In addition, the staff are often multilingual.

Required equipment

Make sure you have the necessary supplies, such as sports clothing and equipment, to fully enjoy the experience. The camp often provides learning materials, but be sure to bring a few notebooks and pens.

To participate in a summer camp, you’ll need to set aside a budget to cover your expenses on-site, as well as supervision and logistical costs.

Before committing, be sure to carefully review the prerequisites (language proficiency, age, etc.) and the budget required for the specific mission.

There are many sources of funding available to support student mobility; our team will provide you with all the information you need to complete the necessary steps.

FAQ

How long is a summer camp?

Most camps run from 1-4 weeks, though some programmes may last up to 8 weeks.

Duration depends on the focus: local day camps are shorter, while international or specialized programmes may be longer.

What is included in the cost of a summer camp abroad?

Most programmes (like Freepackers camps) typically include:

• Accommodation
• Some or all meals
• Activities & excursions
• Local support and coordination

Not always included: flights, visas, insurance, and personal spending money.

What is the best age to go to summer camp?

The best age to go to summer camp is typically between 12-17 years old. At this age, teens are often more independent, open to new experiences, and ready to build friendships in a new environment. Multi-week and overseas camps are especially well suited for teens who are emotionally ready to spend time away from home while still benefiting from a structured and supervised programme.