How to convince your child to go to language camp (without losing your mind)

The essentials: A language or holiday camp represents a tremendous opportunity for your child: new friends from all over Switzerland and beyond, language progress in a setting that's nothing like school, outdoor adventures and memories for life. But here's the thing, between what you know and what your child feels, there's sometimes a world of difference. Worries are normal, even predictable, and they deserve to be heard rather than brushed aside. The good news is that most kids who left "reluctantly" come back with just one thing to say: "When can we go back?" This guide is here to help you support your child toward this first experience, with patience and confidence.

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Why your child hesitates (and why it's normal)

Let's be honest: leaving for an unknown place, with people you've never met, to learn a language you don't yet master perfectly, can be scary. And not just for kids, by the way. If you've heard phrases like "I don't want to go alone!", "I don't know anyone there" or "What if I don't make friends?", know that you're not the only parents in this situation.

These worries aren't tantrums. They simply show that your child is grasping what this experience represents. It's actually a form of maturity. The problem is that this same fear can prevent them from living something extraordinary. And that's where your role as a parent takes on its full meaning: not forcing, but supporting, listening and reassuring with concrete arguments.

The most common worries in children (and how to address them)

"I won't know anyone and I won't be able to make friends"

This fear is probably the most widespread, and it's perfectly understandable. Yet, there's something your child may not realize yet: the vast majority of participants arrive alone. No one shows up with a gang of friends already formed. Everyone's in the same boat, and that's precisely what creates such a special atmosphere from the first hours of camp.

At friLingue, we organize icebreaker games and activities from day one. The idea is simple: allow everyone to introduce themselves, laugh together and discover others in a relaxed setting. Our camps welcome young people from all over Switzerland and even from abroad, which makes the exchanges even more enriching. And above all, bullying is absolutely not tolerated. Our team is trained to intervene immediately if a child feels uncomfortable or excluded. In the end, many participants leave with friendships that last well beyond the camp.

 

 

"It's the first time I'm leaving alone, it stresses me out"

Totally normal! The first departure is always a big moment, and it makes sense that it generates stress. What can reassure your child is knowing they'll never really be "alone." Our team is present 24/7, and we pay special attention to children experiencing their first camp. Our activity leaders know how to spot those little moments of blues and respond with kindness.

And then, your child will quickly realize they're not the only one feeling that little knot in their stomach on the first day. This shared experience is often what creates the first strong bonds between participants.

"My language level isn't good enough"

Ah, we hear that one a lot! And that's exactly why the camp exists. No one comes to friLingue because they already speak perfect German or English. You come to learn, progress and above all gain confidence in your abilities. Classes take place in small groups of six students maximum, which allows everyone to participate without feeling lost in the crowd.

With us, mistakes are welcome. It's even by making mistakes that you learn best! And if your child really needs help, our team can communicate in German, French or English as needed. The important thing is to take the leap.

 

 

"I'm shy, I have trouble participating"

Shy children have their full place in our camps. We never force anyone to step forward if they're not ready. Your child can integrate gradually, at their own pace, and our staff is specially trained to support more reserved young people. Besides, a camp like friLingue is a bit like a micro-society where everyone finds their place: the thinkers, the dreamers, the creatives, the athletes... There's room for all profiles.

Often, it's precisely the shyest children who surprise us most. Freed from the gaze of their usual classmates, they dare to reveal themselves differently.

"What if I get homesick?"

Homesickness is something we know well, and we're prepared for it. It mainly affects younger children and those leaving for the first time, which is perfectly normal. Our team creates a warm and secure environment, and each camp has a contact number that parents can use if needed.

Sometimes, a short call with parents helps a lot. But in most cases, homesickness disappears after a day or two, when the child realizes they're not alone, they're having fun, and they're quite capable of handling this new adventure. It's even a huge source of pride for them.

"What if I don't like my room or my class?"

We're not inflexible. If your child encounters a problem with their room or class group, they can always talk to a team member or their teacher. We'll find a solution together: discussion, room change or new group if necessary. The goal is for each child to feel comfortable and fully enjoy their stay.

 

 

"I don't want to be the youngest or the oldest"

 

We understand this worry! That's why rooms and classes are organized by age and comfort level. Your child will be surrounded by young people roughly the same age. That said, mixed activities also allow bonds to form between age groups, and it's often very enriching: older kids help younger ones, and everyone brings something special to the group.

What you can do as a parent

Children need one thing above all: to feel understood and supported, without pressure. If you impose camp on them like a punishment or a school obligation, chances are the resistance will be strong. On the other hand, if you take the time to listen to their fears and address them calmly, you show them that you have confidence in them, and it's this confidence that will help them take the first step.

 

• Talk openly about their fears. Don't minimize what they feel. Tell them it's normal to be a little scared of the unknown, and that you too, at their age, would probably have felt the same way. This validation is important.
• Highlight the positive aspects. New friends, outdoor adventures, excursions to beautiful places, disco or karaoke evenings, campfires under the stars... There's so much to experience! Show them photos and videos of our camps so they can picture themselves there.
• Involve them in the choice. Choose the camp together, look at different options, discuss what they'd enjoy most. A child who participated in the decision will be much more motivated than a child who has a choice imposed on them.
• Start small if needed. If your child is really anxious, why not try a one-week camp instead of two? It's a good way to test the experience without too much commitment. And often, one week is enough for the child to ask to come back longer the next time.

 

What parents who've been there say

Parent testimonials are often the most telling. Here's what some have shared with us:

M.O : "Our son spent two weeks at the camp in Liddes last fall and still talks about it every day with so much enthusiasm. He'd go back in a heartbeat! Curiously, when we first signed him up, he was ready to curse us... and now, he can't wait to go back. That says a lot!"

P.O : "Our son attended the language camp this fall. When I first suggested it, he nearly lost his cool and was completely against the idea of going! But after two weeks, he came home happy and filled with good memories. Sometimes, teens just need a little push in the right direction to discover what makes them happy!"

M.H : "Very good organization. Helpful assistance during the booking process and very personalized lessons. Very small classes and experienced teachers. Although it was my son's first language camp and he was younger, I always felt he was in good hands and well taken care of. My son loved it!"

 

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At friLingue, we create a safe and inspiring space where your child can grow linguistically, socially and personally. Since 2007, we've been supporting hundreds of young people each year in this adventure, and we know the first step is often the hardest.
Trust us, and above all: trust your child. They're going to impress you.