Language Camp Safety: What You Really Need to Know

The Essentials : Sending your child to a language camp is first and foremost a matter of trust. At friLingue, safety isn't just a box to tick on a form—it's the foundation everything else is built on. Peaceful Swiss villages, 24/7 supervision, first-aid trained staff, strict standards met and exceeded. Here's how we ensure your child is in good hands while having an unforgettable experience.

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Let's be honest: when you're thinking about enrolling your child in a language camp, your first question isn't "How many hours of classes per day?" or "What activities are offered?" No, the real question keeping you up at night is: "Will my child be safe?"

And you're right to ask. Because ultimately, it doesn't matter how amazing the program is if you spend the week biting your nails imagining every possible worst-case scenario.

So today, we're opening our doors. We're explaining exactly how we keep your children safe, healthy, and secure during their stay with us. No corporate speak, no stock phrases. Just the reality of what we've put in place over 18 years.

 

Swiss Villages Where the Biggest Danger Is a Cow on the Path

 

Let's start with the setting. All our camps take place in small, peaceful Swiss villages. Places where everyone knows each other, where children can explore safely, and where the biggest "incident" of the day is usually a cow blocking the hiking trail.

Braunwald, Liddes, Schwarzsee, Estavayer-le-Lac... These names might not mean much to you, but trust us, they're havens of peace. No crime (or so little that statistics round down to zero), local communities that naturally look out for young visitors, quiet streets with minimal traffic.

A little bonus for Braunwald: there are literally no cars in the village. You can only access it by cable car. Imagine that peace of mind.

Switzerland's reputation for safety isn't just marketing hype. It's the daily reality our campers experience. And that changes everything.

 

 

 

24/7 Supervision: Never Alone

 

From the moment your child walks through our camp door until you pick them up, they're under constant, professional supervision. Not in a stifling way, but in a reassuring one.

Here's specifically how we organize things:

• Camp leaders sleep in the same building as the children and are available at all times
• Maximum supervision ratio: 1 adult for every 12 children during activities and excursions (and often much less in reality)
• Ultra-small class groups: maximum 6 students per teacher
• Buddy system: older, more experienced participants often accompany younger ones
• Dedicated night supervision: managing bedtime routines, room checks, availability for nighttime needs

 

What does this mean in practice? Children never leave camp without supervision. Every activity, every excursion, every meal has a designated adult responsible. We know where each child is at every moment of the day. Mobile phones allow instant communication between all staff members.

As one mother from Zurich told us: "I was nervous about sending my 9-year-old daughter to camp for the first time, but the constant updates and knowing there was always an adult nearby gave me such peace of mind. She was never alone, never unsure who to turn to."

 

Medical Care: Ready for Everything (Even If We Hope Never to Need It)

 

We keep our fingers crossed we'll never have to use it, but we're always prepared.

Our medical safety net includes:

Close proximity to care: Every camp location is within 30 minutes of a medical center or hospital.

On-site pharmacy at camp: Fully stocked with essential medications for common minor ailments (headaches, small injuries, allergies, etc.).

First-aid trained staff: All our camp leaders and many teachers are certified in first aid and emergency response.

Detailed medical forms: We collect comprehensive information about your child's health before camp (allergies, medications, specific needs).

Direct parent contact: If anything medical arises, we contact you immediately.

 

The situations we handle daily? Scrapes and bruises (part of outdoor adventure), headaches or stomachaches, homesickness, ensuring children take their prescribed medications on schedule, managing dietary restrictions and allergies.

 

Our promise: your child's health and wellbeing come first. If we have the slightest doubt, we contact you and consult a medical professional immediately.

 

A father from Geneva told us: "My son needed his asthma inhaler regularly. The leaders set reminders, checked in with him before activities, and even taught his roommates how to recognize if he needed help. I felt safer sending him to friLingue than to some of his friends' houses!"

 

Swiss Standards: Legendary Rigor Applies to Children Too

 

Switzerland doesn't mess around with child safety. Neither do we.

We meet and exceed all official requirements:

• Youth+Sport (J+S) certification: Our camps follow Swiss federal youth program standards
• Accommodation inspections: All our lodging meets Swiss safety and hygiene standards
• Fire safety protocols: Regular drills, clearly marked exits, staff trained in evacuation procedures
• Food safety: All meals prepared in certified kitchens following Swiss food hygiene standards
• Insurance coverage: Comprehensive liability and accident insurance for all participants

 

Our regular safety checks include building safety inspections, equipment maintenance (especially for sports activities like skiing or water skiing), background checks for all staff members, and ongoing staff training in child protection and emergency procedures.

Switzerland's legendary standards aren't just for watches and trains. They extend to every aspect of child safety, and we're proud to uphold them.

 

 

Communication: You're Never Out of Touch

 

Modern parents want to know their children are okay, and we completely understand.

Here's how we keep you connected:

• Regular updates: Photos and videos posted during the week so you can see your child having fun
• Emergency contact: 24/7 phone line for urgent parent questions
• Direct communication: Camp leaders respond to parent messages

 

Parents regularly tell us they appreciate seeing their child's genuine smile in camp photos. It's the best reassurance.

 

Our Commitment to You

 

Safety at friLingue isn't about wrapping children in bubble wrap. It's about creating an environment where they can explore, take healthy risks, make friends, and grow... all while being carefully watched over by trained, caring adults.

We've welcomed thousands of children under 18. Parents trust us because:

• We take safety seriously without being paranoid
• We communicate openly and honestly
• We treat every child as if they were our own
• We've built systems that work, refined over 18 years of experience

 

FAQ: Your Questions, Our Answers

 

What happens if my child gets sick during camp?

It depends on the severity. For minor ailments (colds, headaches, small injuries), our on-site pharmacy and trained staff can handle it. For anything more serious, we contact you immediately and take your child to see a doctor. You're always kept informed about your child's health status.

My child takes daily medication. How do you ensure they take it?

We collect all medical information before camp. Leaders set up reminders and supervise medication administration. If your child has specific treatment needs, we discuss this with you before arrival to establish a clear protocol. If your child requires specific treatment or daily medication, it's essential to inform us in advance!

What do you do in case of a serious medical emergency?

We immediately call Swiss emergency services (which arrive very quickly, even in mountain villages), contact you without delay, and a staff member accompanies your child to the hospital. We stay in constant contact with you until you can reach your child.

How do you manage food allergies?

We take allergies very seriously. You inform us of all allergies during registration, we communicate this information to our kitchen team, and we ensure your child always has safe options at every meal. For certain complex allergies, there's a 100 CHF supplement to guarantee preparation of adapted meals (example: gluten intolerance).

Can my child bring their mobile phone?

Yes, but usage is limited to about one hour per day (usually 7:15-8:15 PM). We encourage disconnection to maximize social interactions and fully enjoy the camp experience. Phones are collected outside these hours to avoid distractions.

What happens if my child is homesick?

It's normal, especially for younger ones or those going to camp for the first time. Our team is trained to handle homesickness with empathy and patience. We distract children with activities, encourage them to make friends, and allow them to call home if necessary. If homesickness persists, we contact you to discuss options.

Can I visit my child during the week?

To preserve the camp atmosphere and your child's independence, we keep camps closed to visitors. We share regular photo and video updates so you can see them thriving. If a special circumstance arises, contact the camp leader directly. We also offer family camp options at some locations—call us to learn more.

How do you ensure safety during excursions?

Each excursion is planned in advance with safe routes. The supervision ratio is maintained (1 adult for max 12 children), and often reinforced. We do regular head counts, use the buddy system, and all children have staff phone numbers (and your children of course have their phones with them during excursions). We choose destinations appropriate for the group's age.

Do you check your staff's backgrounds?

Absolutely. All staff members undergo background checks in accordance with Swiss legislation, and we also request a criminal record check from each of our camp leaders. We ensure that every person working with children is trustworthy and qualified.

What happens in case of bad weather or dangerous conditions?

We adapt the program. If weather conditions make an outdoor activity dangerous, we always have an indoor plan B. Safety always takes priority over strictly following the program.

Have other questions about safety?

We encourage you to ask them. Every child is different, every family has unique concerns, and we're here to address them.

Contact us at info@frilingue.com

Over 5,500 reviews from children and parents mention feeling "safe," "well cared for," and "in good hands." Read them yourself at frilingue.ch/en/assessments—because nothing speaks louder than the experiences of families who've trusted us with their children.