As the school year winds down, what better way to spend the holidays than at summer camp, where kids can explore their potential with a variety of English-language activities?
For young adventurers
The mission is: Inspire – Engage – Learn at Camp School Next Door, which organizes immersive experiences totally in English, for a wholly experientIal Learning summer camp for children aged 4 to 12. Divided into three different age groups, children can explore their potential with labs and activities suited to their age, like playtime English and storytime for the youngest kids, 3D printing and nature excursions for kids aged 6 and 7, and robotics, nature labs and drone building for the oldest campers. The staff boasts native-speakers, as well as engineers, biologists and certified sport coaches, offering children the opportunity to improve their language skills and explore their passions in a constructive way.
WHERE? Podere dell’Anselmo in Montespertoli (5 mins from exit Ginestra f.na / Florence).
WHEN? Weekdays in June and July, with an overnight option the 3rd and 4th week of June.
HOW MUCH? Day camp: starting at 235 euro per week; includes daily lunch and snacks; overnight: starting at 875 euro for a week. Shuttle bus from Florence to the camp available
For sporty students
For a summer away from the screen, Bimbi in Movimento offers a variety of sport camps for kids to explore the outdoors and all the fun that comes with it. At La Vacanza Dietro Casa, kids aged 3 to 14 will spend their days on the go with sports like archery, basketball, swimming, skateboarding, bike riding and rugby, all under the attentive care of trained physical education specialists. Each camp also offers activities conducted fully in English, in collaboration with My English School, allowing children to improve their language skills doing what they love. In addition to outdoor activities, children can also participate in entertaining sessions like music, DJ, games, cabaret and theatre.
WHERE? Palacoverciano, via de Robertis 21, Florence
WHEN? June 11-August 3 and August 20-Sep.14
HOW MUCH? 160 euro per week for La Vacanza Dietro Casa; discounts for multiple weeks. Meals and shuttle bus from Florence to the camp are available.
For future polymaths
Long-time proponent of student-centered learning, The International School of Florence continues its mission even into the summer months, with a fully English-language camp for children aged 5 to 11. This year’s camp is dedicated to the worlds of art and science, with themes changing weekly. Week 1 is dedicated to Nature Explorers, with hikes and geological digs, while week 2 is titled Moving through Art – Part 1, offering campers the chance to examine some of history’s most creative minds. Week 3 focuses on Robotics and our World, dedicated to man-made modern robotics and the natural wonders of distant lands. The final week is dedicated to part 2 of Moving through Art, with a hands-on approach so kids can create their own masterpieces.
WHERE? Via del Carota, 23, Bagno a Ripoli (Florence)
WHEN? June 25-29, July 2-6, July 9-13, July 16-20
HOW MUCH? 390 euro per week, includes daily snack & lunch and a t-shirt
For budding Botticellis
Boasting culturally enriching tours and workshops in some of Italy’s most picturesque cities, Arte al Sole is perfect for families traveling in Italy, offering camps in Umbria, Rome, Sicily, Lucca and, of course, Florence. Those with young art enthusiasts will enjoy the Florence summer camp, which is dedicated to the city’s wonders of art and architecture, with visits to museums, piazzas and palazzi, where campers can get inspired to create something great. The program echoes the traditional apprenticeships that made Florence the capital of the Renaissance, so even kids who are not innate artists will shine. Parents are invited to participate in private tours, cooking classes and wine tastings while their children learn about Italy’s rich history.
WHERE? Palazzo San Niccolò, Oltrarno
WHEN? July 2-6 / 9:30am-3pm
HOW MUCH? 525 euro/child
For language learners
For a unique twist to your child’s summer plans, Primavera Viaggi offers a magical experience for kids 8-13 years old. This year’s English Magic Experience is where kids can discover their magical side and improve their English surrounded by the beautiful Tuscan landscape. Native speakers lead morning language lessons, before kids head off for pre-lunch sports and an afternoon of magical labs and games, where campers can create wands, mix mysterious potions and compete in the final Wizarding Tournament, all in English.
WHERE? Campastrello Sport Residence in Castagneto Carducci (Livorno)
WHEN? June 24-30, July 1-7, July 15-21
HOW MUCH? One week: 791 euro / Two weeks: 1,522 euro.
