Summer camps 2027 in 10+ countries, with Smapse group leaders

What age are summer camps designed for?

Most summer schools take children aged 10–12 to 17, but there are also plenty of options for younger children, from 5–6. Our advisers will help you find a camp that suits your child.

How many weeks is it best to send a child to camp for?

All programmes last at least two weeks. On average, parents send their children for four weeks.

What language level does my child need for a summer programme?

For a language camp, any level of proficiency is fine: on the first day the school runs a placement test and assigns the child to the appropriate group based on the results. For an academic camp, the minimum level of English is B2.

If my child has allergies, will the host school take their dietary needs into account?

Yes, of course. We will choose camps that meet this requirement and pass on every detail about your child's health, so that the host school can provide meals free of any foods your child is allergic to.

Who will look after my child during the camp?

Children are supervised by the school's staff 24/7.

Can you help with paying for the camp?

Yes. We can advise you on how to pay camp fees abroad quickly and securely.

Do you help with visas?

Yes, we offer a visa support service.

Is it possible to call my child while they are at camp?

Of course — every day, during designated hours, children are free to use their phones and call their parents.

Can a child fly alone?

If your child is independent and can manage a connecting flight on their own, we will arrange the transfer and a school representative will meet them at the airport on arrival. If your child cannot manage a connection alone, we recommend a group programme, with a Smapse group leader accompanying your child to and from the camp.

Which programme should I choose?

If your child is independent, an individual programme works well. For children under 13, we recommend a programme with a Smapse group leader accompanying your child to and from the camp, as our staff will be with the children during any connections.

How do I choose a camp if my child is travelling abroad for the first time?

Our specialists will help you choose a camp that suits a child travelling abroad for the first time. We know which schools make it easiest to settle in and are most welcoming to newcomers. For a first trip, we also recommend travelling with one of our group leaders: it is safer and much less stressful for both the child and the parents.

What accommodation options are there for individual participants? Can I choose a homestay?

Children on individual programmes can stay either in a student residence or with a host family.
- Residence: usually located on the school or campus grounds. Here children live together, socialize more, and take part in joint activities.
- Host family: children are usually placed in pairs, but it is not possible to choose a specific family in advance; placements are decided by the organisers. This option means deeper immersion in the language and a chance to get to know the country's culture.

How can I stay in touch with my child if they don't have an international phone plan?

We recommend getting an eSIM — a digital SIM card that can be activated directly through an app on the phone. The setup process is very simple, and our managers will help you get it configured. You can also buy a physical SIM card on arrival at the airport — the staff member meeting your child will help with this.

Can parents come to the camp for a few days and visit their child?

Yes, parents can visit their child at camp, but this needs to be arranged with the organisers in advance. Usually it is enough to send an email with the date and time of the visit and the details of the accompanying adult. In most cases, camps are happy to agree and allow the child to be taken out for a short time.

If my child travels with a group, will classes only be with children from that group?

No. At camp, all children are placed in mixed international groups by age, and into classes by language level. They also share rooms with children from other countries so that they practise their English.

Does Smapse run the group summer programmes?

All summer programmes are run by the host schools themselves. Smapse staff accompany the children to and from the camp, support them throughout their stay and keep in touch with parents. The activity schedule and the academic programme are set by the host school.

Can classes at the camp be skipped?

Classes cannot be skipped without a valid reason (a valid reason may include the child feeling unwell, etc.). Only by attending all lessons will children be guaranteed to receive a certificate of completion. Excursions are also mandatory.

What is the difference between group and individual trips?

The main difference is that a group trip is escorted by Smapse staff from start to finish. Our staff also stay at the camp for the whole programme. Parents receive daily photo updates in a group chat, and children can always turn to our group leaders. Visa support is already included in the group package.

How do group flights work?

The group flies out together with our group leaders on the same flight. At the airport we meet parents and children, give a briefing, check everyone in and accompany younger children (under 14) through passport control; older children go through on their own. On arrival, a camp representative meets the children and arranges the transfer to the school. Flights are planned in advance, and parents are told which flight to book.

Who exactly accompanies the group during the trip?

The group is accompanied by our international education specialists: energetic, experienced young professionals who have worked as group leaders and taken children to camps abroad many times. All our group leaders are fluent in English, know the camp programmes well and are ready to support the children at every stage of the trip.

What additional expenses might come up during a group trip?

Everything essential is included in the programme price, but children may need pocket money for personal expenses.
This may include:
- Buying souvenirs or items during excursions
- Additional excursions not included in the main programme (subject to agreement with parents)
- Personal spending on cafes, entertainment, or transport in free time

Can I choose a specific camp or accommodation for a group trip?

We don't run group trips to every camp, but we carefully choose countries and programmes so that families have a wide choice. Our specialists will be happy to send you a brochure with the available options, explain each programme in detail and help you find the best fit.

How is medical care provided at the camp?

Every camp has medical staff on site, usually a nurse, as well as staff trained in first aid and fully stocked first-aid kits. In case of a more serious injury or illness, our group leaders will help arrange a visit to a doctor or hospital, explain the situation to the staff there and stay with the child for as long as needed.

Can I extend my child's stay at camp after the group programme ends?

This is possible, but it's best to arrange it in advance, as camp places may run out. Keep in mind that your child will then travel home without the group leaders, since the main group leaves on the scheduled date. If you are considering this option, let us know in advance and we will help arrange a safe flight home.