Tips for Parents: How to Choose the Ideal Camp for Your Child
How to Make the Best Decision for Your Child’s Growth
Choosing the right camp for your child can feel like a big decision. With so many options out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. As a parent, you want to find a camp that not only keeps your child safe and happy but also helps them grow, explore new interests, and make lasting memories.
Whether you're considering a language immersion experience, an action-packed adventure, or a mix of both, the key is finding the right fit for your child's unique personality and needs.
Start with Your Child
Every child is different, and the perfect camp should reflect that. Begin by thinking about your child’s personality, comfort level, and interests.
Ask yourself:
- Is your child outgoing or more reserved?
- Do they thrive in structured environments or enjoy more freedom to explore?
- Are they passionate about sports, art, languages, or nature?
- Have they expressed interest in meeting kids from other countries or improving their language skills?
If your child is shy, a smaller camp with personalized attention might make them feel more comfortable. If they're curious and energetic, a multi-activity camp with a variety of workshops could be ideal.
When children feel excited about the program, they're more likely to engage and get the most out of the experience.
Understand the Camp Types
Not all camps are created equal. Here’s a quick overview of the most common types of camps offered at Filolo:
Language Camps
Ideal for kids who want to learn or improve a foreign language while still enjoying fun activities. Immersion programs, where kids speak the target language throughout the day, can significantly boost confidence and fluency.
Sports Camps
Perfect for active kids who love to move, compete, or develop new skills in a team setting. These camps focus on physical development through structured training and games.
Surf or Ski Camps
Designed around adventure, these camps offer professional instruction in unique environments – from the Swiss Alps to the coast of Portugal.
Multi-Activity Camps
A balanced mix of everything including language classes, arts, sports, and excursions. Great for children who are still discovering their interests or want a bit of everything.
What Experienced Parents Recommend
After speaking with many parents whose children have joined international camps like Filolo, some common themes and insights emerge. These real-world reflections can help you feel more confident in your choice.
Start the conversation early
Many parents recommend talking to your child well in advance. Introducing the idea of camp gently helps children process the change and get excited about the opportunity.
“We talked about it over dinner for weeks - it gave my daughter time to imagine what it might be like, and by the time summer came, she couldn’t wait.”
Trust the power of small groups
Several parents noted how important it was that their child wasn’t lost in a crowd.
“My son is quiet in big groups. The small class size helped him open up, and the teachers really got to know him.”
Independence grows quickly and beautifully
From packing their own bag to trying new foods and speaking up in a different language - kids come back visibly changed.
“I couldn’t believe how much more confident my daughter was when she came home. She even insisted on speaking to her grandparents in French!”
It’s more than just language
Parents often mention how their kids gained social skills, intercultural understanding, and lifelong friendships.“
“The friends he made are from four different countries - and they still talk every week online.”
These shared experiences are a reminder: the right camp can be a truly transformative moment in a child’s life.
Why Filolo?
At Filolo, we understand that parents want more than just a summer activity. You want a meaningful, enriching experience for your child, and that’s exactly what we offer.
What makes Filolo special:
- Small learning groups that ensure individual attention
- Interactive language learning through games, activities, and real-life practice
- Creative workshops where kids can explore their talents and build self-confidence
- A diverse, international environment that encourages global friendships
- 24/7 supervision and a dedicated team focused on children's well-being
Explore More
Curious to learn more about preparing your child for camp or why small group learning really works?
Check out our other blog articles:
- How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Language Camp
A practical guide to easing your child (and yourself) into their first international camp experience. - Why Learning Languages in Small Groups Is More Effective
Discover how small group settings boost confidence, fluency, and motivation.
📍 Want to Learn More?
Explore our summer, autumn, and winter programs:
🔗 Visit our camp page filolo.ch/en/
📞 Contact us for a personal consultation +41 76 252 71 26