24/7 Immersion, Groups of 6, Digital Detox: Discover the friLingue Innovation
Why friLingue Camps Are Revolutionizing Language Learning
After several years running friLingue camps across Switzerland, I often ask myself this question when I see our participants leave: what is it that makes these young people go home transformed? Why are these camps unlike any other language stay? And most importantly, how do we manage to combine language learning and personal development so naturally?
I found the answer in the hundreds of sparkling eyes I've encountered, in the "Thank you, thanks to you I finally dare to speak French!" that I hear every summer, and in those friendships that bloom despite language barriers. Let me explain what makes our camps truly unique.
24/7 Immersion: Way More Than Just a Class
Unlike traditional courses where you learn a language 2 hours a week, at friLingue, immersion starts the moment you arrive at camp and never stops. When a French-speaking participant has to explain volleyball rules in German to their teammates, or when a Brazilian teenager has to speak French to buy a bottle of water at the village supermarket, the language becomes alive, useful, essential.
I remember this girl from Geneva who was completely blocked in German at school. After three days at Schwarzsee, she was already organizing a water fight in Swiss German with her new Zurich friends! Magic happens when language stops being a school subject and becomes a tool for communication and friendship.
Groups of 6 on Average: Individual Attention That Changes Everything
In our camps, it's impossible to hide at the back of the class! With an average of 6 participants per group (actually closer to 4.8 students), each young person has space to express themselves, make mistakes, and progress at their own pace. This is what I call "the small group effect": when Léa, shy in English class at school, finds herself in a circle of 5 caring friends, she finally dares to speak up.
This approach also allows us to quickly spot difficulties and personalize our support. If we see a participant struggling with German pronunciation, we organize special mini-workshops. If another already excels, we offer them extra challenges. Every child matters, every bit of progress is celebrated.
Learning by Doing: Practice Makes Perfect
Our participants don't just learn how to conjugate the verb "kochen" (to cook) in German—they actually cook! During our regular cooking workshops, they prepare real dishes while practicing their target languages. At Braunwald, when they have to do their shopping at the village supermarket, they're forced to speak German to buy what they need.
At St-Bernard, during photography workshops, young people have to interview hikers in English for their reports. At Schwarzsee, during football camp, tactical instructions are given in the learning language. This hands-on approach turns every activity into a natural and motivating learning opportunity.
Living Multilingualism: Swiss and International Richness
What makes our camps truly unique is this extraordinary linguistic diversity. In our groups, you'll find not only French-speakers, German-speakers, and Italian-speakers, but also at least 40% international participants from around the world. This mix isn't accidental: it creates an authentically cosmopolitan learning environment.
Every summer I witness these magical moments when a participant discovers they can communicate with someone from another linguistic region or continent. These encounters create breakthroughs: "Oh, German isn't just a difficult subject, it's the language of my new friend from Berlin!" This realization transforms their relationship with languages forever.
Teacher-Animators: Educational Innovation
Our teachers aren't just professors—they're linguistic entertainers! Young, dynamic, often multilingual themselves, they shatter the dusty image of traditional classes. They master the art of teaching without it feeling like teaching: while organizing a treasure hunt in English or a cooking workshop in German, participants make tremendous progress without even realizing it.
This playful and relaxed approach helps break down barriers. How many times have I heard: "I used to hate German, but now I love it!" It's proof that when learning rhymes with fun, anything becomes possible.
Progressive Independence: Growing Up Away from Mom and Dad
Our camps are real laboratories of autonomy. Away from the family cocoon, participants learn to manage their laundry, organize their belongings, resolve small conflicts, take initiative. This newfound independence gives them confidence and helps them mature quickly.
I see this transformation every week: children who arrive clinging to their parents and leave as responsible young people, proud of their new skills. This autonomy acquired in French, German, or English reinforces their confidence in all life situations.
Cultural Opening: Citizens of the World, Rooted in Switzerland
In our camps, learning a language also means discovering a culture. Our participants don't just learn English grammar—they discover British traditions. They don't just study German vocabulary—they understand the Swiss-German mentality.
This cultural openness, combined with pride in their Swiss identity, shapes balanced young citizens: open to the world but anchored in their values. That's exactly what our society needs!
The International Group Effect: Friendships That Cross Borders
One of our greatest sources of pride is these lasting friendships born in our camps. When I receive messages from participants contacting me months later asking to come back as volunteers because they've outgrown being simple participants, I know we've succeeded in our mission.
These bonds created despite (or thanks to) linguistic diversity prove that our national languages can truly unite rather than divide. These young people become natural ambassadors of Swiss multilingualism.
Digital Detox: Reconnecting with Others
Here's one of our innovations most appreciated by parents and... initially dreaded by teens! Our participants only have access to their phones one hour a day. This limitation isn't punitive—it's liberating! Without the screen as a refuge, they're naturally pushed to interact, socialize, and discover their campmates.
The effect is spectacular: after two days, they even forget to take their phone during the allowed hour! And so parents don't miss any of this adventure, we regularly take photos of activities that we share with families. Result: authentic memories instead of selfies, and real friendships instead of virtual ones.
Project Valorization: Shining Without Pressure
Perhaps the most beautiful thing about all this is seeing these young people regain confidence in themselves. How many participants arrived saying "I'm terrible at languages" and left declaring "Actually, I'm pretty good at this!"?
This renewed confidence extends far beyond the linguistic framework. A child who dares to present their short film in German to the whole camp, or who gets on stage during our Friday night talent show to share their passion, develops confidence that will serve them in all areas of life. That's the real added value of our camps.
Constant Innovation: Always Going Further
We never rest on our laurels. Every year, we innovate: new workshops (like our TikTok Creator Workshop at St-Bernard), new destinations, new educational approaches. Our 100% English camp at Schwarzsee, our family packages, our programming workshops at Braunwald... we're constantly seeking to improve.
This ability to adapt allows us to stay in tune with today's young people's expectations while maintaining our DNA: learning through joy and kindness.
Exceptional Settings: Switzerland as a Classroom
Finally, how can I not mention our magical locations? Learning English facing Mont-Blanc at St-Bernard, perfecting German by the shores of Lac Noir at Schwarzsee, or practicing French with your feet in the water at Estavayer... These dream settings transform every lesson into a special moment.
These breathtaking landscapes aren't just scenery: they participate in learning. It's hard to forget mountain vocabulary when you learn it while hiking in Hannibal's footsteps!
Much More Than a Language Camp
In the end, what makes our friLingue camps truly innovative is this global approach: we don't just teach languages, we shape young multilingual citizens who are confident, autonomous, and open to the world.
Our participants leave with much more than linguistic skills: they take away unforgettable memories, lasting friendships, reinforced self-confidence, and above all, the desire to continue learning and discovering.
That's friLingue innovation: transforming language learning into a human adventure.
Want to offer this unique experience to your child? Discover all our camps at frilingue.ch and book now for an unforgettable summer!
