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 the counselors use French exclusively, audio and visual aids as well as other immersion assistance techniques are prepared in advance so that Anglophone campers feel included and thrive at camp. In 2019, in our San Francisco location, we offer an elective of coding in French for which we can only accommodate children who already understand French. 

We do accept children entering Kindergarten in the fall. In general, any child turning 5 before December 31st of the camp year can participate in our summer camp. For special cases, please contact admissions@efba.us. In order to maintain the homogeneity of the group, we prefer not to broaden the age range. Moreover, the activities we offer may not be adapted to older or younger children. For the sake of each child’s wellbeing and the quality of our program, we have set these age limits.

–

–

–

Yes, your child may participate in our summer camp.

–

–

–

The ratio is one adult for approximately 5 or 6 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 calculated based on the total number of weeks your child enrolls in. After the 4th week, the price of each additional week is very low. To receive the discounted prices, we recommend that you become a member of EFBA. Additionally, you can enjoy early-bird prices if you sign up before March 1st.

–

Each week, from Tuesdays to Fridays, we offer 45 minutes of French class in the morning. Francophone and Anglophone students are separated by level of proficiency. Using specially made vacation workbooks for the Francophone students, the teacher makes sure that they don’t forget their French during the summer and even make strides. For the non-native speakers, the Teacher will use a French as a Foreign Language workbook. The total Beginners will learn the tools to get by and interact with the rest of the children.

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.