SUMMER CAMP FAQs
Our goal is to have the children enjoy their vacation in a play-based and relaxed environment while practicing French all day long. We would like the children to be the agents of their own learning. This bolsters our goal of increasing their motivation and their connection with the French language. Moreover, our experience and research show that the longer a child is enrolled in the camp, the more frequently he or she speaks in French, both inside and outside the camp.
Yes, except for class time, where we separate them by level and age.
Yes and no. For most activities, campers will be separated into two or three age groups (“Petits” and “Grands” or “Petits, “Moyens” and “Grands”, depending on the camp’s overall capacity). However, in order to encourage interaction and cooperation among the children, some activities will involve all the campers. These include meals, musical gatherings and possibly group games.
Yes, total beginners are welcome! Since our counselors speak only French, we provide audio, visual, and other immersion aids to help Anglophone campers feel included and thrive.
In Mountain View, teens in the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program need a strong command of French (C1+) to take on leadership roles and fully engage in our Francophone environment.
Children must be at least 4 years old by their first day of camp, except in Mountain View, where the minimum age is 3. All campers must be fully potty trained.
Camp is designed for children up to age 11. However, teens aged 12-15 can join our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program. In some cases, 12-year-olds with special needs or those with younger siblings in the program who are comfortable being in a mixed-age group may enroll as campers. Please contact admissions@efba.us for approval before registering.
The ratio is one adult for approximately 7 children. This allows us to ensure the children’s safety and to maintain a French-speaking “bubble” that guarantees an immersion environment. This also allows us to maintain the best quality of activities by giving the staff more flexibility to adapt easily to the diverse groups of campers, whose composition changes every week.
Children are not allowed to trade or share food during snack and lunchtime. However, some activities may involve food use and preparation. We are aware that it is immensely satisfying for children to eat what they themselves have prepared. That is why it is absolutely necessary that you inform us of any food intolerances, allergies or possible reactions that your child may have. We do not allow nuts of any kind and we always use high-quality products, organic whenever possible.
There may be field trips to neighboring parks. However, they will be limited by the logistical means available to us. We will walk to these parks. Most activities will take place outdoors, but within the campus grounds.
Enrollment fees are based on the total number of weeks your child attends. You can also take advantage of early-bird pricing by registering before March 1st.
Each week, from Tuesday to Friday, campers participate in a 45-minute morning French session, divided into three proficiency levels. Through engaging activities and exercises, they strengthen their cultural knowledge and expand their vocabulary in a fun and interactive way.
The class groups are made up during the staff meeting Monday night. Since the staff has only had one day to determine the children’s language level, it is possible that they realize on Tuesday that one or several children are in the wrong group. In this case, we will notify the director at the end of the day and the groups will be modified the next day.
No, it is not a problem. Although the language of communication is French for all the activities (unless the physical, moral or emotional wellbeing of a child is at risk), our day camps are designed and adapted for French-speaking and non-French-speaking children of all levels. There is no need to prepare in advance. However, we do recommend that parents let their child know that they will be participating in a French-language camp.
No, for academic and logistical reasons, we cannot accept day-by-day enrollment. Only full-week enrollment is available.
Before you take your child to camp, please make sure you have his or her lunchbox. The child will not be accepted at camp if he or she does not have a lunch. Please apply sunscreen to your child before drop-off. Please bring your own sunscreen and inform our staff. We also ask parents to bring suitable extra clothing and sunglasses. In addition, we require that your child wears closed-toed shoes.
No, for logistical and liability reasons, parents are responsible for bringing their child’s lunch. A child without a lunch cannot be accepted at camp. For children staying after 3:00 pm, we shall provide a mid-afternoon snack (fruit).
Any exposure to the French language will be beneficial, but for the optimal benefit, we recommend a minimum of 4 weeks of summer camp participation. Consecutive weeks are best for the most effective learning.
Each camp is managed by a Lead Camp Counselor, a specialist in leading youth and creating engaging activities. The counselors are all from French-speaking countries or have a command of French like a native. They are certified with the French BAFA/BAFD or an equivalent from their home country. Upon their arrival, we train them with understanding the specificities of the US culture and leading youth in an immersive environment.
In our camps, the days are typically made up of:
- Arrival and greeting time
- Songs/music and storytime to stimulate the imagination and discover new horizons
- French class
- Arts and crafts
- Self-expression activities
- Quiet rest time and lunch
- Outdoor athletic games
- A food and taste awareness activity (once per week)
- Optional day care!
EFBA advocates the inclusion of all families in our part-time school. Children with special needs (learning differences or needing assistance) are welcome. In this case, please let us know about the child’s special needs during the enrollment process. Because we are a small nonprofit, we cannot come up with a plan at the last minute. Call us at least 4 weeks before start date and we will work with you to understand your child’s needs and the reasonable accommodations that can be made.
Campers who need it can have a nap or rest time after lunch in a quiet room. A nap usually lasts around 1.5 hours, but depending on your child’s needs, we will adapt the schedule. Please let our team know if your child has specific nap or rest preferences.