French Camp in Switzerland
Our French Language Camps
French Camp for Kids and Teenagers 10-17 by Filolo - The first day of classes:
The first day of class focuses on helping everyone get familiar with one another, learning names, backgrounds and ages. This is done through engaging icebreaker activities like name games or get-to-know-you bingo. Students also talk about their interests, which gives the teacher valuable insight into what excites and motivates them, allowing future lessons to be adapted to their preferences.
The rest of the session is kept relaxed and adaptable, as the teacher observes the group dynamic and gets a sense of each child’s abilities and personality. This also helps students feel at ease in their new learning environment. Based on these first impressions, the teacher will shape the upcoming lessons for the week and incorporate their own creative approach.
Learning French with Filolo
Lessons take place in small groups, with a ratio of six students to one teacher. This enables our teachers to offer a high level of individual focus, that gives everyone plenty of opportunities to speak, listen and be heard.
The language course takes place Monday - Friday from 9:15 am to 12:45 pm. This is different in our ski and surf camps, where the language lessons take place in the afternoon.
9.15 - 10.15 a.m: Alive and Kicking!
We like to use the first hour of the day to wake everyone up while learning, by getting active. If the weather permits this will take place outside and will involve repetition to create learner confidence.
10.15 - 10.30 a.m: 1st Break
With tea, water and fresh fruit provided.
10.30am - 11.30am: Listening, understanding & speaking
Listening, understanding and speaking, combined with dynamic and innovative learning strategies that promise theoretical learning without the boredom!
11.30 a.m. - 11.45 a.m: 2nd Break
With tea, water and fresh fruit provided.
11.45 a.m. - 12.45 p.m: Weekly Project
In the first lesson of the week you’ll combine your collective interests in order to come up with a weekly project. You’ll then work on the project and create it in your target language through the week in time for the presentation on Friday! The project could be anything from a short film, to a small enterprise or a play - but don’t worry, everyone’s shy at first.
A selected choice of past projects:
- Short films, a Camp News Network TV or newspaper.
- Election campaign / debate: Students are split into different groups to discuss the pros and cons of a proposed topic. It could be anything from “should energy drinks be allowed at school?” or “Is Messi still the GOAT?” to a highly controversial political debate.
- Music projects or enterprises including a billboard and advertising campaign.
- Create your own product and make a plan to bring it to market - you can even let the rest of the camp try it out!
Teaching Team
Tristan
What formal education or teaching qualifications do you have?
Certified Teacher Training (Bachelor, Master & Teacher Training Certificate)
How many years of experience do you have teaching children or teenagers?
5 years
How would you describe your teaching style in three words?
Engaging - Interactive - Real
What is especially important to you when teaching children?
To accommodate to the student needs and plan lessons, that actually make sense and concern their every day life as well.
What makes teaching at Filolo special for you?
The very diverse and small groups, the opportunity to teach outside of a classroom and practice language learning in a real environment, the personal relationship you build with the children in class.
Share a short fun fact about yourself.
I love laminating stuff :)
Personality
We rank personality very highly here at Filolo. We don’t only want our teachers to be trained and qualified - we also look for dynamic, interesting and engaging characters that the kids can really get on board with. Just like the students, our teachers are here to share in the fun and laughter that the Filolo learning experience brings!
Language levels
Language levels & classification
We create our classes at the start of the week using the Common European Framework of Reference as a rough guide:
A1 - Beginner
A2 - Basic knowledge
B1 - Intermediate
B2 - Advanced.
Oral and written skills are assessed on the day of a arrival and the groups are created taking age and interest into account, as well as the language level.
Intensive Course
17.00 p.m. – 18.30 p.m.: If you want to maximise your learning potential even more, you have the option to join the Filolo intensive courses on Tuesday & Thursday afternoons.
- 2x 90 minutes (total 3h)
- in even smaller classes
- 3h additional language course for 200 CHF extra
Structured lesson planning with a communicative goal:
Our lessons can also follow a more structured and balanced approach when learning French, always with one clear objective: meaningful communication in a fun and motivating environment.
This structure ensures that all key elements of learning French are covered without ever feeling dry or overwhelming. Within a single lesson, children actively engage with vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, comprehension and both written and spoken expression.
Vocabulary and Pronunciation
We start by introducing essential French vocabulary through playful memory games and interactive exercises. Children connect the written and spoken forms of each word while practising accurate pronunciation.
This part of the lesson is light, dynamic and enjoyable, serving as an ideal warm-up that builds confidence and prepares students for the next steps.
Comprehension
Once the vocabulary is familiar, we move on to the main learning content. We use authentic French materials such as video clips, songs, articles or advertisements, making the learning experience relevant and engaging.
To support balanced skill development, we alternate between oral and written materials throughout the week. Students then complete guided tasks to check their understanding and are encouraged to think critically and share their ideas in French.
Grammar in Action
Grammar is introduced only when it supports better understanding and expression.
After presenting the rule with clear examples, children practise it through engaging games and movement-based activities.
Whenever possible, we take grammar outside the classroom, working in teams to strengthen cooperation, team spirit and a healthy sense of competition.
Creative Production
In the final phase, children create their own version of what they have learned — a dialogue, a short text, a role play or a creative project.
We prioritise group work to foster social bonds, collaboration and creativity.
Each lesson ends with a short presentation, allowing students to share their work with classmates and the teacher — a great way to build confidence and communication skills.
French Language Camp - Project-based lessons
