I’ve got summer camp on the brain. And like many GTA parents, I’ve also got French on the brain – rather, how to keep French in their brains over the summer holidays when the majority of camps for kids are in English. Whether your kids are in a full French program, French Immersion or you’re contemplating adding the language to your family’s life, summer is a great time to keep le français top of mind and fun!

So where to go? I’ve turned to GTA mom Julie Greenham. That’s Mlle Julie, a bilingual francophone (French speaker) who offers year-round one-on-one customized in person and online French tutoring for kids and parents out of her Uxbridge home classroom. (Psst – she just launched a new French Immersion SOS for Parents program where you can review your child’s assignments and create a plan to help them complete it.)

So merci à Mlle Julie for the low-down on these GTA offerings for camps that introduce kids to French and help them maintain it during the school break. For full details, check out the full list here.

FRENCH SUMMER CAMPS IN THE GTA

Alliance Française offers French Immersion camps for kids 5 and older that incorporate French into activities such as dance, theatre, writing, poetry and music. Media and foreign exchange camps are also offered for teenagers.

Camp Tournesol has various programs for French Immersion and francophone kids 4 and up ranging from prepping JK kids for a smooth transition into a French program to 13-day trips to Quebec for teens.

C’est pas Géni’Al ? focuses on promoting children’s cognitive ability, creativity and problem-solving skills through cooperative and educative board games and activities. Programs are for kids 4 and up waiting to learn and/or practice their French. The camps offer weekly, daytime and half-day options.

Studio Unio features French and the performing arts. Kids 5 and older can experience drama, singing and dancing of musical theatre en français.

Camp Afry offers two summer programs for kids in full French school and those in French Immersion. Excursions for the kids 6 and up include places like the Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto Zoo and Brooks Farms.

Camp Garnier et Marion provides weekly themes and fun activities for kids 6 to 15 who have a good understanding of le français.